Introduction

The Master’s degree programme unites two approaches to Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Life Studies: the critical and the quality-seeking.

Approaches from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences will be adopted in order to describe, illuminate and explain topics within the fields of sports, physical education and outdoor life. Although the study programme focuses on issues within the field of the natural sciences and physiology, it is the social-scientific and cultural-scientific perspectives that will be particularly emphasized in the compulsory components of the programme. Sports, physical education and outdoor life are understood as social and cultural phenomena whose expression, content and meaning will vary depending on the temporal, spatial and social contexts. Research in the field is also carried out within historical and cultural contexts.

The university college reserves the right to make changes to the study programme. A detailed curriculum providing supplementary information about the content and practical implementation of the programme will be presented at the start of studies.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The study programme provides a solid educational background from which to pursue positions in physical education, sports and outdoor life in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

For admission to the study programme, applicants must possess:

• A three year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in specialised courses in the subject areas of sports, outdoor life or physical education. In addition, the student must possess at least 20 ECTS credits of social sciences or pedagogical courses; grade C or above is required. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.

Students should possess prior knowledge equivalent to the level of Telemark University College’s Bachelor’s degree study programmes in Sports Science; and Outdoors, Culture and Nature Guiding. Students with other qualifications are encouraged to refresh their knowledge in the area of study if necessary.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme provides insight into scientific and methodological questions related to research in physical education, sports and outdoor life, as well as insight into the current state of research in the relevant fields. Students will acquire knowledge of the subject areas, which will allow them to carry out research, evaluate their own and others’ projects, and gain experience of working critically and independently with research problems.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has gained:

• Further insight into problem areas, paradigms, theories, research methodology and results in the fields of sports, physical education and outdoor life.
• Knowledge of general aspects of research within particular areas, and in-depth knowledge in the research area he/she has chosen to relate his/her own research to.

Skills

The candidate:

• Has the ability to use research in order to shed light on current issues and generate new knowledge.
• Can argue a position and critically assess their own and others’ research.
• Masters the theoretical foundation and methodology chosen for their own research.

General competence

The candidate:

• Is qualified to conduct research and development at a high level.

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is divided into three main parts: 1) Joint course in Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation, 2) Specialisation courses/seminars, and 3) The final thesis. The course in Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation is intended to support the student’s writing of his/her thesis.

The specialisation seminars will, among other things, provide students with deeper knowledge of research in specific areas. The study programme is structured so that the thesis is begun early and is written in parallel to the joint course and specialized seminars.

Each student chooses two specialization courses (15 ECTS). At least one of these must be from the Department's portfolio. Whether or not all the specialization courses will be on offer will depend on the number of enrolled students and the availability of resources. Students may apply to take the course 1318 Special Syllabus, but only if the available elective courses do not provide adequate subject coverage.

On the basis of requests from students in previous years, obligatory attendance (min. 75%) is now required. In the case of absence of more than 25%, the student will be required to complete additional assignments related to those parts of the curriculum from which he/she has been absent.

There are up to four places held for distance-learning students. These students may not apply for specially adapted instruction, but are exempt from the attendance requirement. Applications for distance learning must be submitted by 1 March. Exemption from compulsory attendance does not apply in the workshop-based course 1319 Learning and Movement Environments in Physical Education.

Internationalization

Students may apply for a period of study abroad in the third semester.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, group-based projects, seminars and thesis writing. Emphasis will be placed on dialogue with the students both in lectures and seminars. Researchers from various academic traditions will give instruction for the study programme.

Each student is entitled to a total of 40 hours of supervision over 2 years. The supervisor will primarily provide advice on methods and practical aspects of the work. The student is responsible for planning and the choice of topic, the project draft and the collection of material, as well as the writing and completion of their work.

The various teaching and learning methods have been selected to enhance the study programme’s learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

The student’s knowledge of the course Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation will be assessed by means of a home examination (which will be assigned a letter grade).

The specialisation seminars will be assessed with trial lectures in each course, which will provide the required training in oral presentation of scientific material (and also will be assigned letter grades).

The study programme culminates in the approval of the student’s Master’s thesis and oral examination.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean