Sport Studies

Since the age of 4, sport has been part of Oli’s life. Football took most of his time. Later, he joined fewer teams, but his passion stayed. When thinking about the future, he knew he wanted a career in sport.

Right mix of theory and practice

‘Sport Studies is a hands-on programme. I don’t enjoy long lectures, so this mix of theory and practice fits me well. The internships and personal support also stood out.

I also wanted to live in Amsterdam. My mum’s family lives close by, so I visited often and knew the city. I’m from the UK, and thanks to my Dutch dual nationality, I could study in Europe after Brexit without extra steps.’

Meeting your classmates

‘The introduction week is something every future student should join. You take part in activities, explore Amsterdam and get to know your classmates. You sleep in a tent and you may not get much sleep, but I had a great time. It helped me settle into the city.’

A modern and vibrant campus

‘My first impression was very positive. The campus felt modern and lively. There are spaces to study, learn, relax and meet others. The international atmosphere and mix of backgrounds were new to me and made the campus feel dynamic. Sport facilities are easy to reach and sport participation is high, which I enjoyed.’

Learning through the sport industry

‘In the first year I enjoyed Marketing. It shows how sport brands build their identity, reach audiences and position themselves in a global market. Sport Psychology was also interesting, as it looks at motivation, teamwork and the mental side of performance. We learned to offer practical support through case studies and text analysis.

I had studied Economics before, but this time we focused on the sport industry. We explored how financial choices and market trends shape the sector, from revenue to the economic impact of events.’

Living the student life

‘I moved to Amsterdam 2 years ago and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. The culture is vibrant and open. The city feels like a large town, with beautiful buildings and an international outlook. Its strong sport culture also helps me link my studies to daily life.

Amsterdam is very student-friendly. You get many chances to enjoy the city. The balance in the programme gives enough time for studying and exploring.’

Working as a team

‘Group projects were new for me, but I enjoy them. Teamwork is central in the programme. You work with others, combine ideas and learn from different skills. I’ve worked with people I get along with, which makes it fun and helps me meet more classmates.

The projects also vary. Right now, my Personal Professional Development group is organising an event for 60 participants. In the first quarter we created and performed a dance piece for 300 people. This teamwork builds a strong sense of community.’

Oli’s tip for new students

‘Work hard, but also take time to explore the city and meet new people. This really helps you settle in, especially when you move from abroad.’

Excited?

Curious if Sport Studies is the right fit for you? Come and experience it for yourself! Get a feel for the programme, ask all your questions and see if this is the study for you.