M.A. International Sport Development and Politics

Broken down into 13 modules, the curriculum features basic, advanced and specialized courses that enable a progressive learning process. Module 1 is primarily aimed at acquiring a general expertise in the field. Since the students have different qualifications and study backgrounds from their Bachelor’s degree programmes, Module 1 primarily aims to bring everyone to the same knowledge level.

Module 2 presents methodological skills and thus marks an intersection between disciplinary background and expertise on content.

With strong integration of the humanities and social sciences approaches with elements from the fields of sport management and sport economy, the degree programme supports both broad and specialized academic development. Modules 3 and 4 focus on national and European perspectives on sports and on Olympic policy, both of which are key topics in international sports development. The teaching of core knowledge is deepened in the second half of the programme. Module 5 focuses on sociological and legal aspects as well as on sport business. Module 6 delves into sport economics. Module 7 challenges students to develop and conduct an individual research project.

The third semester then bundles the previously acquired qualifications in light of the methodological skills and specific knowledge. Modules 8 to 11 are focus on sport for development, sport policy and sport systems and focus on both current research questions and professional examples. Individual profiles can be developed through elective classes. DEV 12 provides the opportunity for students to deepen their professional and academic practice through selecting specific career-related classes.

Finally, in the fourth semester, students conduct their own research in the form of a Master’s Thesis, which represents Module 13.

Teaching is carried out by the Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies as well as the Institute of Sport History, other institutes at the German Sport University Cologne and external teaching staff from Europe and overseas strengthening the international perspective of the degree programme.

Amongst others the following researchers and practitioners have given a guest lecture or a complete seminar:

• Tamara Awartani  (Palestine Sports for Life)
• Ursula Bitzegeio (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung)
• Alexander Cardenas (Platform on Sport for Development and Peace)
• Andrea Cattaneo (Edge Hill University)
• Johannes Curtius (German Olympic Sport Confederation)
• Cristo de Coning (University of the Western Cape)
• Michel d’Hooghe (FIFA/UEFA)
• Paul Downward (Loughborough University)
• Daniel Duben (University Mainz)
• Fadi El Yamani (Right To Play)
• Katrin Grafarend (German Olympic Sport Confederation)
• Olaf Handloegten (GIZ)
• Tim Jacobs (Mainz/Wiesbaden)
• Marion Keim (University of the Western Cape)
• Jacob Kornbeck (EU)
• Jung Woo Lee (University of Edinburgh)
• Roger Levermore (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
• Beatrix Meija (Grupo Internacional de Paz)
• Clemens Mulokozi (Jambo Bukoba)
• Oscar Mwaanga (Southampton Solent University, UK & EduMove)
• Leanne O’Leary (Edge Hill University)
• Richard Parrish (Edge Hill University)
• Richard Pound (Mc Gill University, International Olympic Committee)
• Jane Ruseski (West Virginia University)
• Axel Schäfer (MP, SPD)
• Jeroen Scheerder (KU Leuven)
• Stefan Scholl (University Siegen)
• Sven Schröder (Right to Play Germany)
• Christian Tams (University of Glasgow)
• Philippe Vonnard (University Lausanne)