The Undergraduate Study Program (USP) “Physical Education and Sports Science” of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (DPESS) was updated in 2025 to align with recent changes in the legislative framework, the operational regulations of Democritus University of Thrace, and society’s demands for experts in Physical Education and Sports. The USP “Physical Education and Sports Science” ensures the comprehensive education of students by securing learning outcomes and the professional rights derived from the applicable legislation, as in force (Law 4957/2022, Law 4809/2021, Operational Regulations of DUTH, Issue B, No. 4751, 20/08/2024, paragraph 5 of Article 3 of PD 219/2006, Government Gazette A’176, Article 20, Law 3599/2007, PD 77/1.3.1985, Ministerial Decision oik/27902/2007, Ministerial Decision 130/2007, Ministerial Decision 689/2007, Ministerial Decision P1b/2007, B’ 798 & Ministerial Decision 2/2/2006, B’ 918, Ministerial Decision from the Ministry of Health 203/1998, Ministry of Agriculture Ministerial Decision 203/1993, Ministerial Decision 120/2007 B’1393, Law 2725/1999, Ministerial Decision 147/2003 B’ 7163194/2003, Ministerial Decision P1g/2007 B’ 1136, etc.). This guide for the USP of “Physical Education and Sports Science” serves to inform students about the key aspects of their studies and the principles governing the USP. The operation of DPESS is detailed in the DPESS regulations and the operational regulations of DUTH, which are available on the DPESS website, as well as in the applicable legislation. The concise guide applies to students admitted for the academic year 2025-2026.
Objectives of the USP “Physical Education and Sports Science”
According to the Government Gazette establishing the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Democritus University of Thrace (PD 465/29/30.11.83), the mission of the Undergraduate Program is:
- To cultivate and advance the Science of Physical Education and Sports through academic and applied teaching and research.
- To provide its graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure their comprehensive education for their scientific and professional careers.
- To contribute to the progress of Greek sports while also promoting and disseminating sports culture and values in society.
- To raise awareness in society about the importance of Physical Education as a fundamental factor in improving quality of life.
Learning Outcomes – Graduate Qualifications
The DPESS – DUTH has been issuing a Diploma Supplement as a complement to the USP degree in both Greek and English since 2014. Upon completing their studies, graduates acquire the necessary scientific knowledge, competencies, and skills in the Physical Education and Sports Science, enabling them to pursue a diverse professional career, as described in the Diploma Supplement.
Graduates of the DPESS USP “Physical Education and Sports Science” acquire knowledge and skills essential for:
- Teaching (planning-implementation-evaluation) the Science of Physical Education, Sports, Exercise, and Health at all educational levels (Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Special Education Units, and Higher Education), in sports clubs, dance associations, dance schools, and in workplaces and social activity spaces in general.
- Teaching subjects related to the Science of Physical Education, Sports, Exercise, and Physical Activity in General, Special, Vocational, and Adult Education, as well as conducting health education, Olympic, and sports education initiatives.
- Managing and staffing Sports Federations, Gyms, Physical Activity, Exercise, and Recreation Centers, sports companies, clubs, and dance schools providing products and services, as well as sports facilities in general.
- Serving as technical advisors and scientific collaborators in Sports Federations, sports organizations, Diagnostic, Assessment, and Support Centers, health institutions, recreational and dance organizations, sports tourism entities, local government bodies, and other institutions related to Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise.
- Designing and implementing exercise interventions to prevent health problems in the general population and special populations within organizations providing exercise services.
- Designing and implementing, based on relevant medical diagnoses, physical education, exercise, physical activity, and recreation programs to address and rehabilitate health issues in both the general and special populations, in Schools and Institutions for individuals with special needs, Hospitals, Health Centers, Rehabilitation Centers, Centers for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities, and other Health Organizations, as well as in Ergometric Centers.
- Designing and implementing exercise, sports, physical activity, dance, and recreation programs in Local Government Organizations, Municipal Enterprises, Elderly Open Care Centers, exercise centers, gyms, and related institutions, as well as in recreation, outdoor activity, and camp organizations.
- Designing and implementing training programs for athletes, with and without disabilities, across all sports and levels, as well as guiding athletes and teams in competitions (coaching).
- Taking on leadership roles in their field of expertise.
- Engaging in technological and entrepreneurial processes to develop and provide new products and services in areas related to Physical Education, Sports, Dance, and Exercise for Health.
The USP “Physical Education and Sports Science” of the DPESS at DUTH provides students with the necessary resources to ensure their comprehensive training for their scientific and professional career and development. Specifically, the USP contributes to the well-rounded education of its graduates, who, by definition, engage in Physical Education and Sports across all educational levels and throughout the entire age spectrum.
This knowledge and these skills enable graduate students to pursue specialized postgraduate programs in the field of Physical Education and Sports Science, as well as professional education programs focusing on the specialized approach to exercise as a means to enhance quality of life, performance, and health.