RSU brings sports sector together for dialogue on future of sports education and new master’s programme

Writer: Ilze Āķe-Vīksne (Public Relations Unit)
Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 2 December, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) organised the third meeting of sports-sector professionals, policymakers, and municipal and higher education partners to discuss current developments in the sports study field. The central event of the meeting was the presentation of the new Sports Science master’s study programme. The aim of the event was to continue dialogue with the sector, strengthen collaboration, and jointly define the future development direction of sports studies.

The discussion was opened by RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, who emphasised that sports education and research is becoming increasingly important for strengthening public health, training high-level athletes, and fostering innovation. He pointed out that RSU aims to strengthen its position as a modern European-level research university:

‘Our goal is to serve as a place where talents meet and new knowledge emerges. The development of sports science and the training of professionals are an important part of this vision,’ said Pētersons.

Changes following the consolidation

Inese Ļubinska, Head of the Sports study field, gave an overview of changes that have taken place at RSU LASE following the consolidation of universities on 1 July 2024. She highlighted several significant developments in academy governance, study modernisation, digitalisation, and research integration.

‘Consolidation has given us a fresh start – we have become more united, more efficient, and even more open to collaboration with sector and international partners,’ stated Ļubinska.

At the same time, Diāna Laipniece, Director of RSU LASE, underscored the recommendations by international experts to strengthen collaboration between public health and sports science, as well as the need to integrate research activities even more deeply into the study process.

‘Today, studies cannot be purely theoretical; they must be grounded in evidence, data analysis, and applied research,’ Laipniece added.

New Sports Science master’s programme

Laipniece presented the upcoming Sports Science academic master’s programme together with the programme development team, including Programme Director Asst. Prof. Katrīna Volgemute. It has been developed using a contemporary approach, closely considering sector needs, and offers courses on athletes’ health, functional preparedness and performance analysis, research and data utilisation, psychological preparedness, the development of coaches’ professional skills, as well as sports policy and management principles.

‘Our goal is to train specialists who can understand athletes from their physiology to psychology, whose thinking is data-driven, who are able to lead processes and propose solutions,’ emphasised Volgemute.

The structure of the programme is based on four interrelated areas: athletes’ health and performance analysis, sports science research, sports psychology, and sports management and policy. Study courses are designed by RSU researchers, teaching staff with international experience, and sector professionals, ensuring a strong synergy between theory and practice.

‘The sports sector requires specialists who can analyse, research, and manage processes. Therefore, the programme is highly future-oriented,’ said members of the team, emphasising the programme’s practical focus, integration of research, and its international perspective, as well as involvement of internationally renowned teaching staff.

Students’ opinion on the upcoming Sports Science master’s programme

The importance of cooperating with the sector

The discussion saw active participation from sports policymakers and implementers, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Olympic Committee, the Latvian Sports Federation Council, and municipal experts.

Edgars Pukinsks, Deputy State Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Science, highlighted the central role of sports education in the national system:

‘Sports education is not an isolated process – it sits at the intersection of health, education, and the economy. That is why it is important for universities to develop programmes in cooperation with the sector.’

Municipal experts, in turn, stressed that collaboration among municipalities, universities, and sports organisations is crucial for the development of coaches and the support of new sports specialists. ‘If we wish to achieve good results, we must start with high-quality education and a smart approach to the training process,’ said Jānis Džeriņš, Deputy Chair of Liepāja City Council, and Dina Vīksna, Deputy Director of Education, Culture, and Sports Department of Riga City Council, Chair of the Sports and Youth Board.

Multidisciplinary education and international environment

The event underscored that the Sports study field at RSU provides a full cycle of education for sports specialists, ranging from short-cycle programmes to professional bachelor’s, academic master’s, and doctoral degrees in sports science. At the same time, continuing education opportunities are being expanded in collaboration with the RSU Lifelong Learning Centre, while international cooperation and Erasmus+ mobility are also being further developed.

Knowledge, dialogue, and professionalism

At the end of the discussion, the RSU management emphasised that RSU LASE will continue to develop international partnerships and a modern study environment, as the progress of sports science requires a continuous dialogue and innovation.

‘Results in sports are not achieved by accident – they are created through knowledge, dialogue, and professionalism. We are building an environment where these components come together,’ concluded Ļubinska.

The event demonstrated a shared understanding that the future of Latvian sports depends on academic and practice-based education, professional development, and close collaboration with the sports sector and universities. This is precisely the environment RSU LASE is fostering through the upcoming Sports Science academic master’s programme, strengthening its position as a modern and growth-oriented sports education centre, not only in Latvia but across Europe.

Continuing dialogue on the development of the Sports study field

This was the third discussion involving sports sector professionals on the development of the Sports study field. The first discussion took place on 8 October 2024 at RSU, where the conversation on sports specialist training and future trends in Latvia was initiated. The second discussion, held on 29 May, focused on changes in the Sports study field, emphasising collaboration with the sector and the creation of new solutions in sports education content. The third discussion continued this dialogue, strengthening the partnership between the university and the sector with the aim of jointly shaping a contemporary and efficient sports education system.