Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure in a Nutshell | Profile of the Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure | Key learning outcomes of the Degree Programme | Professional growth

Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure in a Nutshell

DP in Sports and Leisure video >>

Are you interested in ice hockey coaching? >>

Testimonials >>

Profile of the Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure

Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure Management prepares students with the knowledge and skills that are needed in today’s sports and leisure industry. With a comprehensive approach to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of sports, students are able to face challenges as coaches and instructors. Communication and management studies develop the students’ knowhow particularly in different administrative positions of sports and leisure organizations. The teaching is organized in English enabling the graduates to work in an international environment.

For students specializing in ice hockey coaching, the programme offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the development of the sport on a local, national and global perspective. Through the close co-operation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and International Ice Hockey Centre of Excellence (IIHCE) the Degree Programme is actively involved in the constant  development of ice-hockey world wide, using the latest results from research, new ideas, actual experiences and student initiatives.  In addition to coaching, active participation in different projects during the studies prepares the students to undertake challenging developmental positions  in national and international hockey-related organizations. In the new innovative educational concept of process-oriented working methods (work-shop projects) the students are directly working in close co-operation with companies on solving real life problems with means of innovative and creative solutions. The process-oriented working methods will lead to professional growth and promote independent thinking and acting. Currently these projects include coaching the newly established Vierumäki A team, working on solving problems with synthetic ice for hockey or to psychologically supervise football players, to name but a few.

Key learning outcomes of the Degree Programme

With comprehensive approach to technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of sports, students are able to face challenges as coaches and instructors whereas communication and management studies develop students’ knowhow particularly in different administrative positions of sports and leisure organizations.
For students specializing in ice hockey coaching, the programme offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the development of the sport on a local, national and global perspective. Through the close co-operation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and International Ice Hockey Centre of Excellence (IIHCE) the student is actively involved in the world-wide development of the sport constantly seeking to incorporate research and actual experience ideas and initiatives generated directly from within the sport as part of the program curriculum. In addition to coaching, active participation to various projects during the studies prepares students to undertake challenging developmental roles in national and international hockey-related organizations.

Professional growth

In order to succeed in the international and global sport instruction and coaching environment, it is vital for the students to acquire versatile skills in all fields of sport. The aim is to take the students from the orientation stage step by step towards their individually chosen specialization area. With the newly developed innovative educational concept of process oriented working-methods the students are even more required to work independently on real-life projects for clients. This approach requires that the students already posses a working attitude towards solving case studies independently. They should also already exhibit sound skills in acquiring the knowledge and expertise needed for working and solving different projects in co-operation with companies.

The DP imparts knowledge on organization and promotion of sport event management as well as on coaching sports on all levels and to special target groups. Upon finishing the course the graduate has the opportunities to work in the following areas:

•    Sports coaching (with emphasize on ice-hockey)
•    Managing and organizing sports events and activities
•    Teaching of sport to special target groups
•    Instructing and coaching in sports associations and federations, as well as in clubs and gyms
•    Work in the administration and management of sports clubs, gyms, associations and federations

Structure, Content and Extent of the DP >>

Courses >>