The web portal Study in Greece is campaigning for the promotion and international visibility of Greek Universities and the comparative educational advantages of our country. In particular, the campaign focuses on the foreign language study programs that Greek Universities offer to Greek and international students. The initiative is supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools etc, to inform international students about the many foreign language options offered by Greek Universities.
Konstantinos Alexandris is a Professor and Dean of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He also serves as Director of the newly established Bachelor’s program, “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance,” which is designed for students interested in the scientific principles of human movement, athletic performance, and health. He leads several European Union and nationally funded research projects (including Erasmus+, Interreg, and Innovation programs), focusing on sport tourism, sustainability, and the promotion of active living.
Study in Greece interviewed Professor Konstantinos Alexandris on the Bachelor program “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance,” its features and what it has to offer to international students.
Professor Alexandris, please provide us with a brief overview of the brand new Bachelor in “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance”, its structure and main research areas.
The Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance is a newly established, fully English‑taught undergraduate program designed to offer an international, modern, and scientifically grounded education in the fields of sport, health, and human performance. Delivered jointly by the Schools of Physical Education and Sport Science of Thessaloniki and Serres at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the program spans 4 years (240 ECTS) and integrates academic study with hands‑on professional training.
Program Focus
Students follow a structured curriculum that blends:
- Scientific coursework in sport and exercise sciences
- Laboratory‑based training using state‑of‑the‑art facilities
- Applied practice and fieldwork in real‑world sport and health environments
- Research activities that develop analytical and critical thinking skills
This combination ensures graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies relevant to contemporary professional settings.
Specialization Pathways
Students choose one of two focused pathways:
- Sport Performance Emphasizes coaching science, athletic performance optimization, training methodologies, and applied sport analysis.
- Exercise for Health and Rehabilitation Focuses on exercise prescription, health promotion, chronic disease prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.
Graduate Outcomes
The program prepares students for diverse careers in:
- Sport Sciences and Performance analysis
- Exercise, Fitness, and Wellness professions
- Health promotion and rehabilitation settings
- Sport development officers
- Research and postgraduate academic pathways
Graduates are equipped with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and international perspective required to work in multidisciplinary environments across the global sport, health, and exercise sectors.
What would you say are the qualities that help your Bachelor’s program stand out, compared to others of its kind?
- A World‑Class University
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is one of the largest Europe’s leading universities, internationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and innovation. Its long academic tradition and global reputation provide students with a strong and respected academic foundation.
- A Top‑Tier School of Physical Education and Sport Science
The School of Physical Education and Sport Science is consistently ranked among the top institutions worldwide in sport science research, education, and professional training. The school has more than 3,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students, taught and supported by over 100 faculty members who are actively engaged in international collaborations and cutting‑edge research. Several world‑leading researchers teach within the school. Numerous EU‑funded projects are coordinated by faculty, offering students opportunities for international exposure, networking, and hands‑on research experience.
- Strong Integration of Science, Practice, and International Orientation
The program uniquely blends academic knowledge with applied training and real‑world experience. It is designed specifically for international students and to be delivered in a multicultural academic environment. It emphasizes laboratory work, field practice, and evidence‑based approaches. This combination ensures graduates are prepared for global careers in sport, health, and human performance.
- Thessaloniki: A Student‑Friendly European City
Thessaloniki is known for being:
Affordable, compared to other major European cities
Multicultural and vibrant
Safe and welcoming for international students
Its lively student community and rich cultural life make it an ideal place to study and live.
- Greece: The Birthplace of Sport and the Olympic Ideals
Studying sport science in Greece adds a unique cultural and historical dimension. Students experience the origins of sport, physical culture, and the Olympic spirit — an inspiring backdrop for academic and professional development.
- Competitive Tuition and Cost of Living
The program offers excellent value with its competitive tuition fees. The cost of living in Thessaloniki is also significantly lower than many European university cities. This makes high‑quality international education more accessible.
What kind of facilities and labs does the program include and what are the practical applications for them?
Exceptional Facilities and State‑of‑the‑Art Laboratories
The school is located within a dedicated sport campus of more than 200 acres, offering one of the most comprehensive sport and exercise environments in the region. The campus includes:
- Two fully equipped indoor sport courts
- Four football pitches
- Multiple tennis courts
- A full track and field stadium
- Modern fitness and strength‑training facilities
These facilities support both academic learning and high‑level athletic development.
The School also hosts state‑of‑the‑art laboratories specializing in:
- Sport medicine
- Biomechanics
- Coaching science
- Motor learning and control
- Exercise physiology
- Sport psychology
- Sport and tourism management
These labs are used extensively for research, teaching, and professional consultation, giving students direct access to advanced scientific tools and real‑world applications.
What are the academic or professional prospects that students are expected to have upon graduation?
Career and Academic Prospects
Graduates of the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance complete the program with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and a comprehensive set of practical skills. This combination enables them to pursue a wide range of professional and academic pathways in the sport, health, and human performance sectors.
Professional Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers across multiple fields, including:
- Sport science and performance analysis
- Health and fitness industries
- Clinical exercise and rehabilitation settings
- Coaching and athletic development
- Sport management and administration
Indicative professional roles include:
- Sport scientist
- Clinical exercise specialist
- Coach or performance trainer
- Fitness instructor
- Health and wellness advisor
- Educator for individuals with disabilities
- Sport development officer
- Sport manager
Academic Pathways
The program also provides a strong platform for further study. Graduates are well‑prepared to pursue postgraduate degrees (MSc and PhD) in areas in sport related areas.
In what way does your program align with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s broader strategy for internationalization?
A Strong Commitment to Internationalisation
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki maintains an extensive global network, with more than 600 Erasmus partnerships and over 4.000 international students enrolled across its programs. As a university that actively promotes internationalisation, it fosters a vibrant, multicultural academic environment where students from diverse backgrounds learn and collaborate.
The BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance is fully aligned with the University’s mission to expand international education. By offering high‑quality English‑taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the University strengthens its global presence and provides international students with accessible pathways to study in Greece.
If you could send a message to a student who is considering studying in your program, what would it that message be?
This program offers a unique opportunity to study sport and exercise sciences within a truly international, research‑driven, and multicultural environment. By choosing this degree, you will gain not only strong theoretical foundations and advanced practical skills, but also the experience of becoming part of a dynamic academic community in Greece — the birthplace of sport and the Olympic ideals.
You will be encouraged to challenge yourself, think critically, and engage with real‑world applications across sport performance, health, and rehabilitation. Throughout your studies, you will develop competencies that are highly valued in scientific, clinical, and professional environments around the world.
If you are passionate about sport, health, and human performance, this program offers a powerful foundation for a meaningful and globally relevant career. It provides not only knowledge and practical skills, but also the opportunity to grow within an international academic community shaped by the rich cultural heritage of Greece — the birthplace of sport and the Olympic ideals.
Applications are now open! For more, follow the link:
TAGS: HIGHER EDUCATION | SPORTS | STUDY IN GREECE | UNIVERSITIES
