Semmelweis University Faculty of PE and Sport Sciences is the largest, the most comprehensive and the oldest centre for education and training is sport and physical activity in Hungary with 86 years of history, originally established as the Royal College of Physical Education in 1925. The University has 5 other faculties in the field of Medicine and Health Sciences, with a total of 11.000 students, located in downtown the capital city of Budapest.
There are 6 levels of sport education (from certificate level to PhD, EQF levels 3-8) offered in all possible fields: PE teacher, adapted PE teacher, health teacher, health promoter, coaching, sport management, recreation, as well as human kinesiology. All summer Olympic sports and several other, all together 47 are listed in the educational programme. A fully enclosed, self-sufficient campus with 16 sports facilities and two other estates (for water-based sports and track&field, tennis, soccer), 8 high-tech research laboratories serving teaching, research and the preparation of athletes.
On a national level the University Faculty has a sports policy forming role in close cooperation with all stakeholders of sport/physical activity. Additionally, when national level scheme and documents on education in sports/physical activity are developed, the university experts are the key contributors, just like during the readjustment of the Hungarian higher education system (Bologna Process).
Most key areas of the European dimensions of sport, identified in the EU sport documents (White Paper, Communication and the recently issued Resolution on a 3-year EU Work Plan on Sport) are studied and are subjects of cooperation with major stakeholders of Hungarian and European partner organisations. The university-business relations are strong, serving the socially needed as well.
Research activities cover the entire human life-span. Main areas: Ageing and well being through exercise, Muscular mechanisms and adaptation in physical exercise, Health sciences, especially physical activity and health, health promotion, sport performance, Neurodegenerative illnesses.
International activities: since 1925 the importance of sending and receiving students to/from abroad, gain work experience and participate in international projects was stressed. Since 1993, when Hungarian institutions became eligible for European Commission funds through the Tempus program, is active in European projects (LLP, Preparatory Actions in Sport). Institutional and individual memberships in most European and international sport and sport science organizations are evaluated as important sources of the development.
Besides the international co-operations with 39 partner institutions worldwide, the Faculty has launched the major study programmes in English as well in 1993. Coaching profile is strong and several bi-lateral projects are in operation in the Asian continent. With the support of the IOC Olympic Solidarity the 3-month non-degree International Intensive Coaching Course in English is organized in 16 different Olympic sports since 1971.
