Lithuanian Sports University

Joint Graduate (Master’s Degree) Studies: International Basketball Coaching and Management

Introduction

Based on the achievements of international-level fundamental and applied interdisciplinary science and technology, the sports master's program is designed to prepare graduates capable of evaluating various basketball coaching and management systems and programs, their structures applied in different European countries, systematically using advanced basketball training technologies, creatively solving complex problems, making sound conclusions, and linking practical professional experience with recognized models of learning and professional competence development.

Individuals who have earned a master's degree in sports will be able to work as researchers and analysts in athlete training technologies, as highly qualified coaches in public or private sector institutions in Lithuania or abroad, and as player selection managers. The content of the program will provide the opportunity to gain practical experience in training, and the graduate will possess professional knowledge and skills that will enable them to critically evaluate basketball training processes and pursue a career as a basketball coach. The master's degree in sports will provide students with opportunities to pursue careers in various areas of sports, useful not only in the field of sports training but also in other business activities. The acquired knowledge will also be applicable in areas such as basketball coaching, youth development, basketball analytics, or scientific research activities, working as a health or fitness specialist.

Content:

1st year of studies:

• The Sports Scientist in Basketball
• Basketball Clinics – Basic Technical and Tactical Performance
• Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Neurobiology to Basketball Training
• Skill Acquisition and Applied Psychology in Basketball
• Performance Analysis and Technological Support in Basketball
• Basketball Clinics 2 – Advanced Technical and Tactical

2nd year of studies:

• Professional Basketball Placement
• Elective Course
• Master Graduation Thesis

Objectives

1. Understand and analyze the theory of basketball and contemporary coaching science issues.
2. Know and critically assess the trends in modern basketball changes from social, economic, and theoretical perspectives.
3. Understand the significance of applying quantitative and qualitative research methods in basketball training activities.
4. Understand European sports strategic goals, development priorities, and analyze and assess the changes in world and European basketball, preparing for challenges and leadership.
5. Apply appropriate research methods in basketball.
6. Model and implement a research project in contemporary basketball coaching, use relevant research methods, and critically analyze them.
7. Be able to interpret and evaluate research data and data dissemination.
8. Analyze the importance of basketball coaching science, various strategies, and perspectives, conduct the synthesis of science and theory, systematically and creatively solving complex educational problems, and providing conclusions to sports specialists and society.
9. Demonstrate focus and originality in identifying and analyzing needs, formulating solutions, and evaluating strategies in the context of basketball coaching.
10. Present clear, reasoned organizational and scientific decisions based on research and provide strategic recommendations for basketball and sports activities to coaches, education specialists, and society.
11. Critically analyze, identify values, and form strategies, developing basketball coaching skills in the workplace.
12. Develop professional practice's critical self-awareness and self-esteem, analyze basketball training content, and practically justify the methods required for teaching.
13. Strive for continuous learning necessary for a researcher, basketball coach, and sports specialist’s analytical and applied activities.
14. Model basketball player and sports development programs for different age groups, conduct scientific research, and implement innovations.
15. Take responsibility for the quality and evaluation of the work of subordinate employees (players), guided by professional ethics.
16. Take responsibility for improving one’s own and subordinates' work.
17. Show initiative and personal responsibility when working independently or with others to solve problems.
18. Be able to make decisions in complex work situations using systematic and creative methods and clearly convey conclusions.
19. Develop independent thinking and a self-reliant approach to learning, which is essential for a thoughtful practitioner progressing as an individual and a professional in their field.
20. Develop critical self-reflection and an independent approach to learning in basketball coaching.
21. Evaluate foreign cultures and integrate into different cultural and ethnic spaces while studying and/or working abroad.

The joint second-cycle study program in Basketball Coaching and Management focuses on developing the individual's general skills and value-based attitudes, aiming not just at knowledge transfer and acquisition, but also at the analysis, critical evaluation, and practical application of knowledge, its realization, problem identification, and solution.

Overview

• Language: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 5.50 or an equivalent foreign language test, level B2
• Credits: Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert.) = passed a minimum of 60 credits at Level 7; MSc degree (Master’s degree) = passed a minimum of 120 credits at Level 7
• Study type: Full-time
• Duration: 2 years
• Prerequisites: Graduates from university program – holding a Bachelor’s degree in Sport
• Diploma: Master of Sports