KU Leuven

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity (MAiSI) is a prestigious program designed to equip students with the skills to analyze and address ethical challenges within the sports sector. This interdisciplinary course focuses on integrity-focused reasoning, governance, policy, and compliance decisions. Offered through a consortium of renowned European universities, the program addresses critical issues such as anti-doping, safeguarding, fair play, gambling-related corruption, and sport manipulation.

What you'll study

MAiSI is structured as a two-year, full-time program, merging core modules with specialized topics in integrity and research training, culminating in a thesis. Students will experience a diverse learning environment across multiple countries as they engage with faculty from various partner universities.

Year 1

• Semester 1 (KU Leuven): Core courses on sports ethics and integrity, focusing on ethical frameworks and the impact of governance and stakeholder interests on integrity debates.
• Semester 2 (Charles University, Prague): Continued core modules that apply integrity concepts to governance responses, featuring consortium-led teaching, including “flying faculty” sessions.

Year 2

• Semester 1 (partner university): Advanced modules that delve into integrity challenges and governance tools, covering topics like anti-doping, safeguarding, and the promotion of sport values.
• Semester 2 (final semester at a consortium partner): Dedicated thesis period with guidance from consortium faculty, allowing for research that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Core module themes (examples)

• Sports Ethics and Integrity Discourses
• Integrity, Dis/abilities and Welfare in Sport: Multi-disciplinary Perspectives
• Ethical Theory, Sports Ethics and Integrity
• Anti-Doping and Sport Integrity: Ethics, Policy and Practice
• Sport Values, Fair Play and Integrity
• Olympism and the Olympic Movement

Summer school

A summer school, typically held after Year 1 and/or Year 2, will focus on research methods and Olympic Studies, conducted by the University of Peloponnese as part of the consortium's collaborative efforts.

Assessment and thesis

Assessment methods may include a mix of written assignments, presentations, and examinations, alongside the thesis component. The final thesis is designed to showcase your research capabilities and your application of ethical reasoning to integrity-related issues.

Entry requirements

There are no GRE or GMAT requirements specified for this program. Admission is competitive and contingent on the specific Erasmus Mundus call for the relevant intake.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MAiSI program are well-prepared for careers in various sectors related to sports ethics and integrity, including roles in sports governance, policy development, compliance, and research. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips students with the analytical skills necessary to navigate complex ethical challenges in the sports industry.