Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte

Program Overview

The Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (CAFYD) at Universidad Europea de Madrid is a comprehensive 4-year program that equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to excel in the sports industry. Recognized as Spain's top private university for this degree, CAFYD offers a strong industry connection through expert faculty, internships, certifications, and a state-of-the-art facility. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in fitness, sports management, education, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (CAFYD) is a 4-year, 240 ECTS degree program designed to train future leaders in the sports industry. It aims to develop the skills necessary for success in various areas, including fitness, sports management, research, teaching, and sports technology. The program offers a strong connection to the industry through:

• Top-tier faculty: Professors who are actively working in their areas of specialization.
• Practical experience: Opportunities for internships at leading sports companies in Spain and internationally.
The program is recognized as:
• The leading university in research on physical activity and sports applied to health: According to the I-URG Ranking of Spanish Universities.
• The only degree in Spain accredited internationally by the European Health & Fitness Association.

Outline:

The program is structured into four years, with a total of 240 ECTS credits. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, with a focus on both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Year 1:

• Core Subjects: Anatomy, Movement Systematics, The Game: Theory and Practice, Body Expression, Psychopedagogy of Physical Activity and Sport, Theory and History of Physical Activity and Sport, Sociology and Deontology of Physical Activity and Sport, Data Analysis.

Year 2:

• Core Subjects: Human Motor Skills, Human Physiology, Didactics, Sports Law, Biomechanics of Physical Activity and Sport, Sports Psychology, English, Ecuador Project.

Year 3:

• Core Subjects: School Physical Education, Physical Activity for Health, Exercise Physiology, Sports Training, Sports Facilities and Spaces, Outdoor Activities, Sports Management, Leisure, Recreation and Active Tourism, Didactic Design and Intervention in the Natural Environment.
• Electives: Football II, Athletics II, Basketball II, Judo II, Artistic Gymnastics II, Cycling II, Golf II, Tennis II, Swimming II, Handball II, Volleyball II, Winter Sports II.

Year 4:

• Core Subjects: Internship, Final Degree Project.
• Electives: Strategic Management, Financial Management, Physical Education for People with Disabilities, Exercise Techniques, Planning, Monitoring and Control of Training, Exercise Physiology II and Nutrition, Physical Activity for People with Special Needs, Sports Injuries: Prevention and Functional Recovery, Biomechanics, Football III, Athletics III, Basketball III, Judo III, Artistic Gymnastics III, Cycling III, Golf III, Tennis III, Swimming III, Handball III, Volleyball III, Winter Sports III, People Management, Commercialization and Marketing of Sport and Leisure, Design and Planning of Sports Facilities, Technical Management of Sports Entities, New Technologies Applied to High Performance Sport, Training of Coaches for High Performance Sport, Specific Training Methods and Control Tests in High Performance Sport.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams: Written and oral exams to evaluate theoretical knowledge.
• Practical assessments: Demonstrations, presentations, and projects to assess practical skills.
• Internship: A mandatory internship to gain real-world experience.
• Final Degree Project: A research-based project to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: To deliver theoretical content.
• Practical sessions: To develop practical skills.
• Group work: To foster collaboration and teamwork.
• Case studies: To apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Guest lectures: To provide insights from industry professionals.
The faculty is comprised of experienced professionals and researchers who are actively involved in the field. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.

Careers:

Graduates of the CAFYD program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the sports industry, including:

• Fitness and health: Personal trainer, group fitness instructor, fitness manager, health and wellness coach.
• Sports management: Sports administrator, event manager, marketing and sponsorship manager, facility manager.
• Sports performance: Strength and conditioning coach, sports scientist, performance analyst.
• Education: Physical education teacher, sports coach, youth development specialist.
• Technology: Sports technology specialist, data analyst, biomechanics specialist.

Other:

• Facilities: The program is taught at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including:
• 30,000 square meters of sports facilities
• Fields, courts, tracks, and a climbing wall
• A sports center with advanced technology
• Human Performance Research Lab (HPRLAB)
• Certifications: Students can obtain certifications such as:
• Certified Personal Trainer (CTP) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the NSCA
• Technical Sports Titles from UFEDEMA
• European Health and Fitness Association certification
• Bootcamp: The "Los 10 de CAFYD" Bootcamp offers students the opportunity to:
• Interact with professional athletes, professors, and researchers
• Earn a scholarship of up to 50%
• Accreditations and Recognition: The program is recognized by various organizations, including:
• SISCAL and Institutional Accreditation
• European Standards EuropeActive
• NSCA Spain
• Exercise Is Medicine on Campus
• Shanghai Ranking
• El Mundo Ranking
• Student Testimonials: The program receives positive feedback from students who appreciate the facilities, faculty, and practical experience.
• Plan de Estudios (New Plan 2024): The program has a new curriculum for the 2024 academic year, which includes:
• Three specializations: Health-Oriented Physical Activity, Sports Management, and Sports Performance.
• Innovative subjects not found in other institutions, such as Climbing, Golf, Winter Sports, and Activities in the Natural Environment.
• Internships: The program has partnerships with various organizations for internship opportunities.
• Employability: The Universidad Europea has a high employability rate, with 91% of students finding employment within 15 months of graduation.
• Admission Requirements: Students must meet the legal requirements for university access in Spain, including:
• Passing the Prueba para el Acceso a la Universidad (PAU)
• Passing the Access Tests for those over 25 or 40 years old
• Holding a Technical Superior or Sports Technician Diploma
• Holding a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree
• Students from other countries must have their studies homologated and may need to take entrance exams.