The study programme is interdisciplinary and vocational.

Theory and practice are equally emphasized in the first year. After completing the first year, students will specialize in one of the following courses:

• Administration and Management
• The Role of the Coach
• Physical Activity and Health

Specialization in Administration and Management:
Focuses on key administrative challenges and tasks related to the field. The last year of the study programme focuses particularly on sports policy, leadership roles and working methods, providing students with experience in working independently, individually and in teams.

Specialization in Training and Movement:
This specialization focuses on the relationship between the athlete and the coach; learning and leadership in sports and sports psychology; and the importance of the social role of sports. Themes such as physical training theory and sports physiology are also important. Students will choose to specialize in a particular sport, such as football, volleyball or cross country skiing. In all sports, the college works closely with local sports clubs and sports studies at Bø Upper Secondary School, making it possible for students to combine a focus on one particular sport with coaching training.

Specialization in Physical Activity and Health
The Physical Activity and Health course emphasizes physical training with a focus on particular groups such as inactive children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, as well as clinical populations where physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in prevention and treatment. Instruction and training will be given in the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities, which are all fields relevant to the role of instructor and tutor in physical activity and health.

 

Career opportunities/Further studies

Successful candidates will be qualified for jobs as coaches in the sports and fitness industry, rehabilitation institutions, municipal physical training centres and as public health coordinators. There are also employment opportunities in the public sector as sports consultants at the local and regional levels, and jobs in sports clubs and organizations, NGOs and the tourism industry. Students with this qualification may also establish their own businesses or initiate project-related activities.

Combined with teacher training qualifications, the course qualifies successful candidates to work in schools teaching sports studies. The study programme fulfils the necessary admission requirements for the Master’s degree study programme in Physical Education, Sports and Outdoor Life Studies.

Examples of relevant positions:
Gro Margit Torstveit: Project leader in Telemark idrettskrets (Telemark Sports Association).
Jon Steinar Tufte: Manager of the Sports Complex in Framparken.
Daniel Sand Westvang: Physical education instructor and football coach for Lillestrøm Boys 14.