Overview of the Sport and Olympic Degree Program beginning in 2020

The Tsukuba International Academy for Sport Studies (TIAS) established, at University of Tsukuba, a Sport Olympic degree program under the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences since 2015. Resulting in the development of human resources that can provide leadership in the world of sport, many TIAS graduates are active in diverse fields of the global sporting fraternity. Through various activities, TIAS has expanded and strengthened the network with international sports organizations such as IOC and IPC and sports-related organizations and associations in each country.

With the reorganization of the graduate school at University of Tsukuba from 2020, the one and only Sport Olympic degree program in Japan was reborn as the Master’s Program in Sport and Olympic Studies, Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences.

TIAS, the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will continue its dynamic activities as a base for international sports human resource development. Let us learn together with this new degree program and be active in the sporting world globally. The endeavor will lead to a further enhancement and expansion of the global TIAS network.

 

University of Tsukuba and Sports Development

Jigoro Kano, the Principal of Tokyo Higher Normal School, the predecessor of University of Tsukuba, was also the first member of the International Olympic Committee in Asia. He was instrumental in spreading school physical education and worked for the development of the Olympic Movement in Japan. The achievements are even more brilliant in the 21st century, such as the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the high reputation of overseas school physical education.

Inheriting this philosophy, University of Tsukuba, established in 1973, has many current students, graduates, and teachers active as athletes and staff on the international stage such as the Olympics. As a world-leading education and research center for physical education, sports and health, it is a leader who plays an active role in cutting-edge fields of competitive sports, school physical education, public sports, and sports-related industries. In addition, as a world-class education and research center for physical education, sports and health, we are developing leaders who are active in the cutting-edge fields of competitive sports, school physical education, public sports, and sports-related industries.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Talented people with the following enthusiasm and qualifications:

  1. Persons with basic knowledge of the Olympics and Paralympics and a willingness and a sense of mission to advance the integrity of Sports.
  2. Persons who have basic knowledge of studies related to sports, physical education, science and health and have practical experience related to sports (Experience in sports practice, coaching, event management, etc.)
  3. People interested in Olympic and Paralympic education and sport management
  4. Those who have the ability to communicate in English and understand the importance and fairness of collaborating to achieve

Purpose of Human Resource Development

The objective of this course is to develop human resources capable of pursuing high management skills and the integrity of sports (nobleness) that will be required in the international sports field in the future. In cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and the International Sports Federations, we will work to develop the necessary human resources for sports.

Educational Goals

We will target the development of human resources with the following five abilities and qualities.

  1. Understanding of international affairs and global issues, and sport mission.
  2. Practical skills of leadership with knowledge of advanced sport sciences.
  3. The Olympism and sport values embodying the “Integrity of Sport”, and the ability to practice sport.
  4. Understanding Japanese culture and acquiring English proficiency, and improving communication skills.
  5. Global perspectives and practical skills useful within the community (“Glocal”)

Degree

Master of Arts in Sport and Olympic Studies