International Master's Programme in Sports Technology, 120 Higher Education Credits

Aim

The purpose of the programme is to provide in-depth knowlege in the design and product development of equipment and auxiliary aids for sports and experiences. This means being able to assess the utilisation, effectiveness and quality of sporting equipment and auxiliary aids. It also entails being able to improve existing equipment or developing new. As well as designing sports-related equipment for both novices and elite athletes, it also includes developing protective and safety equipment associated with sporting activity. Special emphasis is placed on methodology that focuses on applications where people and technology interact. The programme is run in close cooperation with research groups in the field at Mid Sweden University, which have good contacts with trade and industry and international research projects. The Master’s programme is valid as preparation for the research area of Sports and Quality Technology.

Programme objectives

OUTCOMES ACCORDING TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION ORDINANCE

Knowledge and understanding
For a Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
- demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
- demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
- demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
- demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
- demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
- demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
- demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
- demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
- demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.


LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MASTER'S PROGRAMME IN SPORTS TECHNOLOGY

Knowledge and understanding
Students must
- be able to explain basic concepts, and to motivate and prove solutions to problems in advanced biomechanics, technical mathematics, advanced quality engineering and mechanical engineering methods and aids for product development.
- be able to identify, interpret and explain issues within product development, including design methodology, construction och manufacturing, with a special focus on applications where the interaction between people and technology is given special emphasis.

Competence and skills
Students must
- demonstrate the ability to develop the methods and strategies that are required to be able to carry out advanced product and process development in the field of “human– technology” interaction, with a special focus on sport.
- demonstrate the ability to design sports and experience-related equipment for novices and elite athletes, as well as designing auxiliary aids for people with disabilities and protective and safety equipment for sporting activities. This includes concepts such as anatomy, materials selection, construction, manufacturing and testing.
- demonstrate the ability to make independent and critical assessments, the ability to independently identify, formulate and solve problems and, through this, be prepared to manage change in their professional lives.
- demonstrate the ability to independently see connections and to classify methods and approaches, in order to indentify suitable solutions for technically advanced needs in sport and experience-related equipment.
- be able to organise and lead project groups where multidisciplinary knowledge is required to be able to carry out effective product development
- be able to contribute to and actively participate in research and development work.

Judgement and approach
Students must
- within the field of the programme, demonstrate the ability to search for and evaluate knowledge at an academic level, as well as to follow the development of knowledge and to exchange expertise, including with people without specialist skills in the field.
- be able to provide independent critical assessments of results that are produced by individual activities during product development, as well as those from the process as a whole.

Content

Mechanical Engineering BA (C), Advanced Materials Technology, 7.5 Credits
Mathematics BA (A), Technical Mathematics, 7.5 Credits
Quality Technology and Management BA (A), Creating Experiences, 7.5 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Product Development I, 15 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Product Development II, 15 Credits
Quality Technology and Management MA, Customer-Oriented Product Development, Specialisation, 7.5 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Sport and Leisure Equipment, 7.5 Credits
Business Administration BA (A), Entrepreneurship, 7.5 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Project, 7,5 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Advanced Biomechanics, 7.5 Credits
Mechanical Engineering MA, Degree Project, 30 Credits

Credits are equivalent to European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Credits.

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering or Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering of at least 180 Credits or equivalent.

English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium). This can be proven by for example the following international English tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 575 on a paper based test and not below 4.5 on the TWE
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 90 on internet based test and not below 20 on the TWE
- IELTS Academic Training with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.5.

Description of programme

The programme covers 2 years of full-time studies and includes courses and elements that aim to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the field of product development.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Programme with restricted admissions

Specific prerequisites for courses on the programme are stated in each syllabus.
Requirements that must be fulfilled in order to progress onto the various courses on the programme are stated on each syllabus.

Teaching and examination

Teaching is carried out through full-time study comprising lectures, lessons, seminars, laboratory work and project work. There may also be off-site, flexible forms of teaching. Seminars, laboratory work and project work may be compulsory. Assessment of the programme’s courses may be carried out through written examinations, obligatory theoretical assignments, projects, laboratory work and through a final degree project worth 30 credits. Grades are awarded for each course on the programme; please refer to the syllabi for grading scales.

The forms of teaching and assessment are stated in each syllabus.

Title of qualification

Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits)

Masterexamen med huvudområdet maskinteknik, translated into Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Mechanical Engineering.