Professional graduate study

Applicants who have completed an appropriate professional undergraduate study program in kinesiology or trainer education, or a university undergraduate study program in kinesiology, with at least 180 ECTS credits, have the right to enroll in the professional graduate study program in Kinesiology.

It is not possible to enroll in a different study program than the one completed at the previous level of study, unless they submit proof of completing the appropriate differential program at the Department of Lifelong Learning of the Faculty of Kinesiology in Split.

The right to enroll in the study, in addition to the Kinesitherapy major, is also open to applicants who have completed a university or professional undergraduate study, or a professional graduate, university graduate or undergraduate study in other fields outside of kinesiology, provided that they have completed an appropriate distinctive program at the Department of Lifelong Learning at the Faculty of Kinesiology in Split.

Applicants who have completed study programs in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or other related fields are also eligible to enroll in the Kinesitherapy major, also subject to the condition of having completed an appropriate distinction program.

Upon completion of the study, the professional title is acquired:

Master of Kinesiology (with specialization indicated–Sports Coaching in Selected Sport; Strength and Conditioning Coach; Recreation and Fitness Coach; Kinesitherapist), mag.cin.

Upon completion of the graduate professional study program in Kinesiology, students are trained to independently and responsibly perform more complex professional tasks in the fields of kinesiology, sports, recreation, fitness, conditioning, and kinesitherapy.

Students acquire competencies for:

Strength and Conditioning

After completing their studies, masters in kinesiology can be employed in the field of athletic conditioning:

• planning, programming and control of athletes’ fitness preparation
• work in sports clubs and sports schools
• conducting diagnostic procedures and applying test results
• working with athletes and sports groups
• jobs in sports administrations (cities, counties, sports systems)

Kinesitherapy 

Masters in Kinesiology – Kinesitherapists can be employed in the field of Kinesitherapy:

• planning, programming and control of kinesitherapy programs
• working with people with musculoskeletal injuries and special needs
• conducting diagnostic procedures and applying test results
• participation in development and prevention programs
• jobs in sports and public systems (program and facility management)

Recreation and Fitness

After completing their studies, experts can be employed in the field of recreation and fitness:

• planning, programming and implementation of recreational and fitness programs
• conducting individual and group exercise programs
• conducting diagnostics and monitoring the effects of exercise
• work in fitness centers and recreational systems
• development and implementation of sports and recreation programs
• jobs in sports administrations and organizations

Sports Coaching (selected sport)

Masters in Kinesiology can be employed as sports coaches in their chosen sport:

• planning, programming and control of the sports training process
• managing training, competitions and the recovery process of athletes
• conducting diagnostic procedures and applying test results
• work in sports clubs, associations and sports schools
• participation in sports development programs (HOO and sports systems)
• jobs in sports administrations (cities, counties)

• Critically apply theoretical models of kinesiology and related disciplines in planning and improving kinesiology programs, in accordance with ethical and legal norms.
• Analyze the influence of growth, development, maturation and genetic factors on motor performance, health and quality of life, and apply appropriate assessment and selection models in the field of kinesiology.
• Critically evaluate scientific sources and applied research in the field of kinesiology, in accordance with ethical and methodological standards, in order to improve professional and scientific practice.
• Implement and interpret complex kinesiology diagnostic procedures and apply and adjust measuring instruments to collect feedback and make professional decisions in different application contexts.
• Plan, program and evaluate complex kinesiological processes in the field of kinesiology, applying the principles of periodization, transformational processes and modern training technology, and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and apply innovative methodological procedures for motor learning and digital tools for error analysis and feedback monitoring to optimize physical activities in the field of kinesiology.
• Apply advanced digital and analytical methods for data interpretation and making professional decisions in the optimization of kinesiology processes.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate and present the results of professional and research work in Croatian and English, both orally and in writing.
• Create business models, financial plans and projects, and effectively manage resources in the field of kinesiology, in accordance with professional ethics and legal regulations.
• Continuously improve knowledge, monitor innovations and technologies, and initiate and implement programs and strategies for professional development in accordance with the principles of lifelong learning and ethical norms of the kinesiology profession.

Study program outline

Implementation plan for the academic year 2021/2022.

Implementation plan for the academic year 2022/2023.

Implementation plan for the academic year 2023/2024.

Implementation plan for the academic year 2024/2025.

Implementation plan for the academic year 2025/2026.

Dear students,

The professional study program stipulates that students in the 3rd year of professional undergraduate studies (or the 2nd year of professional undergraduate studies in kinesiology – Kinesitherapy major ) must pass the subjects Professional Coaching Practice 1 and 2 , while students in the 1st year of graduate studies must pass the subject Professional Practice 2 .

Students who enrolled in the aforementioned courses for the first time in the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 will see them in Studomat and will not be recorded as passed until all course requirements are met.

Students who enrolled in courses in previous academic years and did not pass them in one of the ways described below will no longer have their courses visible in Studomat . However, the student services department keeps manual records of professional practice , and students who have not passed their practice will not be allowed to defend their final/diploma thesis .

In the following, we present an overview of the possibility of taking a professional internship and the associated documentation:

1. METHOD – if you have completed a professional internship for the needs of your studies:

1.1. Certificate of completed professional practice
– 120 hours (for both internships) or 60 hours (for one internship)
– with a date of performance no later than 18. 9. 2026.
– signed and stamped by the mentor

1.2. Professional practice diary
– signed and stamped
– up to approximately 1500 words
– with a date of performance no later than 18. 9. 2026.

1.3. Professional practice mentor diploma
– at least a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or physiotherapy (undergraduate study)
– at least a graduate or undergraduate degree (graduate degree)

Students who plan to complete their professional internship in the manner described in point 1, before starting their professional internship , are required to obtain:

1.4. approval of the business entity’s application form , which will be requested from the orientation coordinator.

Subsequently fill in 1.5 and 1.6:

1.5. Professional Practice Questionnaire (Form No. 4)

1.6. Survey questionnaire on mentor satisfaction with student (Form No. 5)

2. WAY – if you are employed / were employed / volunteered at jobs in accordance with the study profile:

2.1. Application for recognition of professional practice
– deliver no later than 18. 9. 2026.

2.2. Employer confirmation
– that you work, have worked or volunteer in jobs in line with your study profile
– minimum of about 3 months
– (sample certificate available to students)

For any additional information, students should contact the coordinator of their major only.

Course/study coordinators:

• KPS – Mate Kuko: mate.kuko@kifst.eu
• Recreation and Fitness – Barbara Gilić Škugor barbara.gilic@kifst.hr
• Kinesiotherapy – Petra Rajković Vuletić: petra.rajkovic@kifst.eu
• Sports coach – Vladimir Pavlinović: vladimir.pavlinovic@kifst.eu