How does the nervous system control voluntary movement? What are the benefits of exercise? And are these things the same for all people? Find out in this programme.
The two-year selective Master's programme is meant for students
who are fascinated by the complexity of human movement. You will
study human movement from multiple perspectives, using theories
from Medicine, Biology, Mathematics and Behavioural Sciences.
In this programme, you will acquire an advanced theoretical
understanding of human movement. You will also gain research skills
and professional skills, learning to apply your knowledge in a
practical setting.
The programme has two central themes. In 'motor function and
cognition in healthy ageing' you will explore how physical activity
and innovative solutions can prevent chronic diseases, and preserve
cognitive function. You will also study slow ageing. In
'rehabilitation and functional recovery' you will improve your
understanding of impaired movement and the restoration of
functioning in rehabilitation practices.
• Two-year selective programme in English (120 ECTS) • Building bridges between fundamental lab research and applied societal practice • Room for personal tracks with academic assignments and hands-on experience to match your interests, under expert supervision • Collaborate with staff and (PhD) students on your own research project • Develop scientific and professional skills in an ambitious environment • Direct link to the clinical environment of the University Medical Center Groningen (
An overview of the MSc programme Human Movement Sciences can be found here: https://www.rug.nl/umcg/education/human-movement-sciences/pdfs/documenten-20232024/2024-2025-master-hms-versie-0-1.pdf
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| 3D-Movement analysis (5 EC) BWM176 | ||||
| Introduction to teaching (mentor system) (5 EC, optional) BWM440 | ||||
| Motor Control (5 EC, optional) BWM137 | ||||
| Human Movement Sciences in Rehabilitation and Healthy Ageing (10 EC) BWM190 | ||||
| Academic Assignment(s) (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Master monitor (5 EC) BWMMO | ||||
| Advanced Statistics (5 EC) BWM136 | ||||
| Introduction to Dynamical Systems (5 EC, optional) BWM142 | ||||
| Physiology of Training and Exercise (5 EC, optional) BWM134 | ||||
| Clinical Mobility Lab (5 EC, optional) BWM148 | ||||
| Musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanics (5 EC, optional) BWM177 | ||||
| Perception and Action (5 EC, optional) BWM135 | ||||
| Sport and Talent (5 EC, optional) BWM139 | ||||
| Review article
BWM152 or BWM162 | ||||
| Big data in Sport Sciences & Human Movement Sciences (5 EC, optional) BWM146 | ||||
| Philosophy of Science and Ethics (5 EC) BWM143 | ||||
| Signal Acquisition and Analysis (5 EC, optional) BWM145 | ||||
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Master Graduation Project (40 EC) | ||||
In the Master's programme in HMS, you choose one of two specializations: Rehabilitation or Healthy Ageing. In the first year you follow course units in your chosen specialization or combine them. Within Healthy Ageing you explore how physical activity and innovative solutions can prevent chronic disease and preserve cognitive function. In Rehabilitation you improve your understanding of impaired movement and the restoration of function in rehabilitation practices.
The specialization further involves writing a review article on a topic that applies to your chosen specialization. By conducting literature research and writing this article you acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific field in HMS. Alongside the specialization, the first year includes two compulsory course units (Advanced Statistics and Philosophy of Science and Ethics) and a profiling part. In this part you can select course units that are offered by the department of Human Movement Sciences. Alternatively, you can select external course units or carry out an academic assignment, which could involve gaining teaching or applied research experience, doing consultancy work or writing a scientific article for publication. During your studies you are expected to work intensively with students and lecturers in various different ways. The main focus of the second year of the Master's programme is the master graduation project. You can do this internally, externally or abroad. In your research project you demonstrate that you are able to conduct scientific research in a specific field and that you are able to present your findings in a scientific article.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery (specialization) To further ones understanding and knowledge of impaired movement and the mechanisms of restoration of mobility and functioning in rehabilitation practice.
|
| Motor Function and Cognition in Healthy Ageing (specialization) One explores how physical activity can prevent chronic diseases, slow ageing, preserve cognitive function, and how solutions can promote mobility and independence in old age.
|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Human Movement Sciences | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Follow selection procedure. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Human Movement Sciences | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Follow selection procedure |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
|
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | |
| entry test |
video-assignment |
| (motivation-) letter | |
| other admission requirements |
Questions about the application procedure? Please contact the academic advisor, Ms. C.H. Plaggenmarsch, via studieadviseur-bw umcg.nl |
From 2024/2025, this Master's programme has a selection procedure.
Information for students with a Dutch diploma Human Movement Sciences (RUG or VU)
1.
Apply via
Studielink
for the master Human Movement Sciences
before March 1st, 2025
2. Upload the documents for
selection (information available after January 6
) before March 1st, 2025 in the
Brightspace course: Selection HMS and SpSc
3. No later than May 1st 2025 you
will receive information about your ranking
4. Accept your place before June 1st
2025. After this date the waiting list will be
updated.
5. Start with the master in
September 2025
Information for students with a Dutch relevant WO- bachelor degree
1.
Apply via
Studielink
for the master Human Movement Sciences
before March 1, 2025
2. Upload documents for admission
(
admission
form
) AND selection
(available after January 6
) before March 1, 2025 in the Brightspace
course: Selection HMS and SpSc
3. No later than May 1st you will
receive information about whether or not you are directly eligible
for the master and your eventual ranking number
4. Accept your place before June
1st. After this date the waiting list will be updated.
5. Start with the master in
September 2025.
The application consists of two procedures: admission and selection. The admission-procedure is to determine whether or not you are eligible for the master. The outcome can either be: not eligible or directly eligible. All students who are eligible and want to start the master have to join the second step, the selection procedure.
Once it is determined that you are directly eligible, the selection procedure provides a ranking. For 2025/2026 the 40 students with the highest ranking will be selected.
Students with a bachelor Human Movement Sciences from the University of Groningen or the VU Amsterdam are directly eligible for the selection procedure.
For interested students with a HBO background, please contact the academic advisor for the latest update regarding admission. Probably there will not start a premaster program for the masters Human Movement Sciences and Sport Sciences in September 2025.| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Bachelor degree (Bachelor of Science) in Human Movement Sciences or a strongly related field (e.g. kinesiology, sport and exercise sciences, etc.). Or education and experience on a comparable level. |
| language test |
see language requirements |
| Exam | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) | C1 |
| C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) | C2 |
| IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
| IELTS listening | 6 |
| IELTS reading | 6 |
| IELTS writing | 6 |
| IELTS speaking | 6 |
| TOEFL internet based | 90 |
The master Human Movement Sciences is a selective master program. As a student with an international bachelor degree you have to follow the admission procedure AND the selection procedure. The documents for the admission procedure (qualification, academic transcripts, admission form and proof of English proficiency) needs to be uploaded in the Progress Portal. Documents for the selection procedure needs to be uploaded in the Brightspace course for the selection procedure.
Information for students with an international diploma
1. Apply via Studielink for the master Human Movement Sciences between October 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025
2. Upload the required documents for admission via the Progress Portal as soon as possible (and before March 1).
a document indicating the name of your qualification in the original language (for example Laurea, Ptychio, Sarjana, Bachelor, Licenciado, 学士 etc.), academic transcripts (if you have not graduated yet, please also provide us with all list of courses that are not yet on your transcript), admission form and proof of English proficiency
3. Provide the documents for the selection procedure (available after January 6, 2025 ) before March 1 via the Brightspace course for selection: Selection HMS and SpSc.
4. When admitted AND selected, no later than May 1st you will receive information about your ranking
5. Accept your place before June 1st. After this date the waiting list will be updated.
6. Once selected: You can start with the master in September 2025.
Questions: contact the study advisor via email
Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page.
The application consists of two procedures: admission and selection. The admission-procedure is to determine whether or not you are eligible for the master. The outcome can either be: not eligible or directly eligible. All students who are eligible and want to start the master have to join the second step, the selection procedure.
Once it is determined that you are directly eligible, the selection procedure provides a ranking. For 2025/2026 the 40 students with the highest ranking will be selected.
Students with a bachelor Human Movement Sciences from the University of Groningen or the VU Amsterdam are directly eligible for the selection procedure.
For interested students with a HBO background, please contact the academic advisor for the latest update regarding admission. Probably there will not start a premaster program for the masters Human Movement Sciences and Sport Sciences in September 2025.| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 24200 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 24900 | full-time |
Practical information for:
In a survey we held under graduates we see that 69% had applied for a job, and found one. 16% has chosen to do another master, 13% started with another programme and 3% made some other choise.
After graduation, you can continue your academic career in a PhD trajectory or perform research at health care research institutes. In addition, you can consult at rehabilitation centres, hospitals and specialized care facilities. It is also possible to evaluate and develop ergonomic or orthopaedic products or to develop health and welfare policies for government agencies. With a teacher's certificate you can work as a lecturer in education.
Evaluate and develop ergonomic or orthopedic products in/or outside industry
Study for a PhD or perform research at health care research centers
Consult at rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or specialized care facilities
Teacher/Lecturer of health and exercise science in Higher Education
Develop health and welfare policies for government agencies
Education and research are intensely connected in the department of Human Movement Sciences. PhD's, master and bachelor students work together in an academic learning community and inspiring environment, playing a pivotal role in our research success.
There are 2 research domains within the master Human Movement
Sciences shown with some examples of research questions:
• Falling in the elderly: predicting individual fall risks
and developing preventive exercise programmes
• The relationship between movement and diseases such as
dementia, stroke and Parkinson’s disease
• Effects of physical activity and inactivity on cognitive
and mental processes (e.g. attention, memory)
• Recovery of normal skills levels after a stroke or paraplegia
• Sensorimotor adaptation processes during the rehabilitation of people with an artificial arm or leg or when learning to operate an arm-drive wheelchair
• Children with DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) and adults who need to relearn motor skills after a stroke or other impairment of the cognitive/sensorimotor system
• Physical fitness, physical activity, fatigue and health related quality of life after burn injury
Where?
Student research projects within this domain are usually conducted
on-site in nursing homes and/or geriatric wards of hospitals,
residential facilities for the elderly or individual homes. The
department of Human Movement Sciences also has great lab facilities
to conduct research. There is a large number of lab facilities
consisting of laboratories, equipment and software. In 2020, the
construction of a completely new Virtual Reality Lab has started.
In the coming years, this will be further developed into three
different Virtual Reality Laboratories, each with its own specific
character.
More information about our research can be found on the UMCG research website!
