The certificate program is open to students in all degree programs at the University of Siegen. Admission to in-person classes in the sports hall is subject to three conditions: (1) successful completion of the introductory course in sports science, (2) a declaration of physical fitness for sports, and (3) student status (Note: It is not possible to enroll in the certificate program on its own). Among others, the following are not permitted to attend sessions in the sports hall: auditors, pre-university students (Bridge to University program), university staff, alumni, and students on leave of absence. The certificate program always begins with the introductory course in sports science. A prerequisite for participating in the introductory course is personal access to the Moodle learning platform. Clickhere for the introductory course in sports science.

There is no athletic aptitude test. In courses with a high proportion of practical work, the primary focus is on assessing students’ ability to design sports programs, rather than their own athletic performance. However, you should enjoy being active, as both required and elective courses take place in the gym to directly link theory and practice. Sometimes the instructors and sometimes your fellow students will take on the role of exercise leaders. If you’re interested, you can take elective courses specializing in specific areas of physical activity and sports. In these courses, one goal may be to further develop your own motor skills. This includes, for example, the German Lifesaving Badge (DRSA). To participate in courses in both the required and elective tracks, you must submit a declaration of fitness for sports. You can upload this to the appropriate database after successfully completing the introductory course in sports science.

The Certificate in Sports is a certificate program taught in German. For degree programs taught in German, proof of German language proficiency is required: DSH exams at level 2 or higher. You can find more information here.

You can begin the certificate program at any time. The program always begins with the introductory course in sports science. It is free of charge and non-binding. The introductory course is a fully digital program with online lessons that can be started at any time and concludes with a test. Passing this test is a prerequisite for enrolling in the certificate program and registering for in-person courses during the next registration period. Clickhere for the introductory course in sports science.

The first step is to register for the introductory course in sports science on the Moodle learning platform. You can registerhere. Once you have passed the digital exam for the introductory course in sports science, access to a database will be granted. There, you must upload your statement of fitness for sports. In the next step, an email template will be made available. Send this email to your designated contact person at the Student Affairs Office to enroll in the certificate program. Note: The verification link in the email template is intended exclusively for the Student Affairs Office. If you click on the link, you will be redirected back to the page where the link originated. There is no application process or physical fitness test.

The introductory course in sports science is free of charge. Therefore, there are no costs associated with enrolling in the certificate program. Each course in the elective and required categories carries a fee of 15.00 euros, which must be paid via direct debit. For field trips or special activities, additional costs may apply on top of the course fee, such as admission fees and travel expenses. The total cost of the certificate program depends on how many courses you take. The minimum cost for the courses is 105.00 euros. In addition, there is the cost of the first-aid course (you can find information about the first-aid course under the question: “What do I need to know about the first-aid course?”). Information regarding the payment process will always be sent to you via email at the beginning of each semester. If you also apply for the ÜL-C license, a fee of 25.00 euros must be paid to the Landessportbund NRW.

You can only register for courses after the Student Affairs Office has processed your enrollment and your preparatory program has been officially recorded. We will record your successful completion of the preparatory program in unisono in plenty of time before the next registration phase. You can then register for courses during the registration period for the certificate program via unisono (Additional Offerings -> Courses Offered by the Central Sports and Physical Activity Unit -> Certificate in Sports—Education and Training). Registration follows a first-come, first-served basis: Places are allocated in the order in which registrations are received. The course fee becomes due upon registration (see Question:How much does the certificate program cost?). You can find information about the registration period under Dates and Deadlines.

The Sports – Education and Training certificate attests that the holder has acquired the skills necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate sports programs in educational and training contexts. Sports programs in an educational context are particularly relevant in schools. These include, for example, substitute teaching in physical education, interdisciplinary instruction involving physical education, sports as part of the full-day program, the “Active School” initiative, as well as sports-related field trips and sports festivals. Furthermore, the educational context is found in sports clubs—for example, in children’s sports schools or in adult education—as well as in sports programs offered through open child and youth services (social work). Sports programs in the context of training can be found in sports clubs, as well as in corporate sports, at commercial sports organizations (e.g., fitness centers, ball sports schools, sports tourism), and in school sports (compensatory sports, talent development, sports competitions). The training context focuses primarily on (mass) athletic performance and fitness in recreational and health-oriented sports. In addition to training sessions, such sports programs also include athletic competitions and sporting events.

The courses in the certificate program combine theory and practice. They focus on the design of sports programs across various areas of physical activity within the contexts of education and training. You can find detailed information about the individual courses in the course descriptions onunisono.

The certificate program qualifies students for careers in the field of sports; however, it does not grant teaching certification in physical education. It is not an equivalent substitute for a teaching degree in physical education. The Certificate Program in Sports—Education and Training is an additional qualification that serves as a valuable supplement to the skills needed for a successful start to a career. For prospective teachers, the certificate opens up opportunities in particular for extracurricular sports and physical activity programs at schools (for example, in all-day programs or “active schools”) as well as for substitute teaching and interdisciplinary instruction. Whether it is possible to work as a physical education teacher without a teaching certification is determined by school administrations and district authorities based on ministerial decrees (see, for example, here for North Rhine-Westphalia). The University of Siegen offers a teacher education program in physical education in cooperation with the German Sport University Cologne. If you’re interested, you can contact the Central Student Advising Office.

The certificate program consists of a total of at least eight courses, each comprising 2 SWS, as well as proof of completion of a first-aid course and observation of two sessions in different sports programs. Students typically complete the program in three to four semesters. The courses in the certificate program are generally held in person during the lecture period between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The certificate program is generally open-ended. As long as you are enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at the University of Siegen, you may attend courses in the certificate program.

A maximum of two absences is permitted for each course in the certificate program. For intensive courses, no absences are permitted under any circumstances.

We want to make the organization of the certificate program as convenient as possible. Accordingly, we want to avoid having people without a confirmed spot attend events in the hope of possibly taking a spot that becomes available. That is why we notify those on the waiting list by email as soon as a spot becomes available. We generally do not assign seats on-site, not even for block sessions. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from attending in-person sessions without a confirmed spot.

No, fees are generally non-refundable. The only exception is if you were injured after making your reservation and are therefore unable to successfully complete the event. In that case, please send an email to Dr. Christopher Meier.

The events will take place on the AR Campus. The gyms are located in Buildings E and S. You can find more information here.

To receive the certificate, you must generally pass two exams. The first exam concludes the preparatory course. It is an open-book multiple-choice test that is administered entirely online (duration: approx. 60 min). Passing this test is a prerequisite for access to all subsequent courses in the certificate program. You may retake the test as many times as necessary until you pass. The second exam is a teaching demonstration, which must be completed during the final course, “Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating Sports Programs.” The teaching demonstration consists of the written planning, the practical implementation, a peer review, and an oral reflection on a physical education program. A failed teaching demonstration may be retaken twice. In all other courses, students must complete a course assignment in addition to active participation. The format and scope of the assignment will be announced at the beginning of each course. Failed course assignments may be retaken an unlimited number of times.

The general rules regarding failure to complete coursework are outlined in Section 6 of the Academic Regulations. If you are unable to complete a course assignment, you must immediately notify the instructor and provide a written explanation for your failure to complete the assignment (e.g., by submitting a doctor’s note). If the reason is accepted, the exam will not count as a failed attempt. Please note that, as a rule, you cannot retake the exam in the same semester.

No, if you successfully complete a course, the credit will be automatically posted to your record after the end of the semester.

Only courses that correspond to Level 6 of the German Qualifications Framework can be recognized for the certificate program. This corresponds to the level of a university degree program. Recognition is only possible for elective courses. Regardless of any academic credits already earned elsewhere, the courses in the required track as well as the preparatory program must be completed in full as part of the certificate program. Recognition is generally not possible here, as these courses are not only integral to the certificate program but also required for further recognition toward the C-License for Sports Instructors. Qualifications from organized sports and private continuing education institutions are generally not recognized. Recognition of a university (sports) degree program is possible. For courses at universities of applied sciences (FH), the academic level must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

You have two different options for completing the internship:

Option 1
The observation takes place in two different sports activities of your choice (e.g., physical education classes, club sports, college sports, or a gym class), each lasting at least 45 minutes. The two sports activities must differ significantly from one another, either in the sport being observed or in the group participating in the sport. You may not regularly lead or participate in the sports activity yourself.
Option 1 can be completed at any time. However, it is recommended that you do not begin the observation until you have already attended several sessions in the certificate program. The purpose of the observation is to observe how other instructors conduct their sessions outside the protected framework of the certificate program and to reflect on these observations in relation to the course material.
Proof of the observation must be submitted in the form of an observation report during the final session “Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Sports Programs ” (at the end of the lecture period for the respective semester).

Option 2
In Option 2, the observation serves to prepare you for your teaching demonstration in the final course “Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Sports Programs.” To do this, you will observe a sports program related to the topic of your teaching demonstration and then have a discussion with the instructor who led the program. You will receive further information about this option during the final course session.

You can complete your internship at any organization that offers sports activities (e.g., physical education classes, club sports, college sports, gym classes). These organizations would be happy to hear from you:

The first aid course (basic course) must consist of nine instructional units (one day) and be conducted in accordance with the “Joint Principles for First Aid Training and Continuing Education” of the Federal First Aid Working Group. Therefore, courses offered by the following aid organizations are particularly suitable: Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB), Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft e.V. (DLRG), Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. (DRK), Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. (JUH), Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V. (MHD). In addition to the organizations listed above, the first aid course may be conducted by a training provider authorized by a workers’ compensation association. You can find a list of authorized providers here.

You are responsible for covering the costs of the first aid course yourself. The certificate of completion for the first aid course must be submitted in digital form via email when applying for the certificate (see the following question). The proof of completion must not be more than two years old at the time of applying for the certificate.

In general, you can only apply once you have successfully completed the Certificate Program in Sports—Education and Training in accordance with § 5 of the Study Regulations. It is also essential that you observe the deadlines: March 31 for the winter semester and September 30 for the summer semester. 
To apply for the certificate, simply send an informal email to Dr. Christopher Meier with the following information:
1) Request for issuance of the certificate
2) First aid certificate as a PDF file (no older than 2 years and issued only by one of the recognized aid organizations)
3) Current mailing address to which the certificate should be sent.

If you would also like to apply for the ÜL-C license at the same time, you must include the following information/documents additionally : 
4) Completed confirmation letter as a PDF file

5) A signed and scanned Code of Ethics as a PDF file

6) Consent allowing the data provided in the confirmation letter to be forwarded to the Landessportbund NRW for the issuance of the ÜL-C license.
7) Indicate whether you are a member of a sports club. If so, please name the club. 

To apply for the ÜL-C license, you must also complete the following steps:
Step 1: Create a personal account at www.meinsportnetz.nrw
Step 2: Book and pay for the license course via this link (Note: To obtain the ÜL-C license, a fee of 25.00 euros must be paid to the Landessportbund NRW. The date entered during registration is required by the system and does not need to be attended. The “Club Recommendation” document does not need to be filled out.) 

Applications for the certificate and the ÜL-C license are collected until the end of the respective application deadline (March 31 for the winter semester and September 30 for the summer semester).

Once the certificates have been issued, they are forwarded for signature. You will typically receive your certificate by mail four to six weeks after the end of the respective application deadline.

Information regarding applications for the ÜL-C license is also collected and forwarded to the Landessportbund NRW after the respective application deadline. The license will be available in your sports account once it has been activated by the LSB.

Yes, as soon as you apply for your certificate, you will automatically be removed from the certificate program at the end of the semester in which you applied for the certificate.

Yes, after receiving your certificate, you can enroll in additional courses as long as you remain enrolled at the University of Siegen. However, you can only enroll in additional courses if there are still spots available in those courses after the enrollment period has ended. The allocation of remaining spots is not handled through unisono. If you are interested in any remaining spots, you must send an email with your course preferences to Dr. Christopher Meier. If spots are still available, you will be admitted after the registration period ends. Once your grades have been posted, you can generate a new transcript yourself via unisono. However, a new certificate will not be issued.

As many students as possible should benefit from the certificate program. It is therefore easily accessible, offers many options, and can be flexibly adapted to the individual course of study in the undergraduate program and the goals pursued therein. Courses can be taken and paid for on a semester-by-semester basis. There is no time limit for completing the program during your studies. The Central Unit for Sports and Physical Activity aims to make the certificate program as accessible as possible. Should any barriers nevertheless arise, we will immediately work to find suitable solutions. The courses address the topic of diversity. Diversity is a relevant issue in sports that is not merely discussed in abstract terms but can be directly experienced in the courses. There is no athletic aptitude test. Students who wish to participate in the certificate program need only declare their fitness to participate in sports. The certificate program does not include any exams that require exceptional athletic performance. The courses are explicitly not intended primarily to improve students’ own athletic abilities, but rather to help them acquire the skills needed to design sports programs.

The portal of the Federal Institute for Sports Science is a good resource for researching sports science literature. The University of Siegen’s current collection of sports science literature is located on Level 2 of the Main Library on the AR Campus.                             

In the event of an accident, the responsible instructor must be notified immediately. Together, you must fill out thisonline form to document the first aid provided. This is required by law (§ 24 (6) DVUG).
Furthermore, to claim insurance benefits, it is recommended that you report the accident to the Student Affairs Office. To do so, please complete these two documents and submit them in digital form via email to the appropriate department in the Student Affairs Office:
1.Confirmation from the instructor
2.Accident report
If you have any questions, please contact the university’sStudent Affairs Office. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the Certificate Program in Sports—Education and Training, please feel free to contact Dr. Christopher Meier: christopher.meier@uni-siegen.de, Phone: 0271/740-4554, Office: AR-E 9.2.31

Candidates may file an appeal with the Central Unit for Sports and Physical Activity within one month regarding decisions related to course performance in the certificate program (see § 5(8) and § 6(2) of the Study Regulations). For complaints, please contact the director of the certificate program, Dr. Christopher Meier: christopher.meier@uni-siegen.de, Tel.: 0271/740-4554, Room: AR-E 9.2.31

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