- The program offers a unique dual academic perspective combining Chinese and European insights backed by two internationally recognized institutions to bridge sports education across continents
Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and Henan University have received official approval from China's Ministry of Education to launch a joint master’s degree in Sports Training and Nutrition. This agreement reinforces both institutions' shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and international education within the sports industry.
Under the agreement, students enrolled at Henan University will complete their first year at their home institution, their second year at Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea in Madrid, and their final year back at Henan University. The curriculum combines academic rigor with practical, real-world experience at one of the world's most influential sports organizations. Enrollment is expected to begin before the end of 2026.
The practical component is one of the program's defining features. Students will gain direct exposure to elite professional sports environments, working alongside industry leaders to develop the international perspective, technical expertise, and professional networks required to excel in the global sports sector. To further strengthen this collaboration, Real Madrid Graduate School will also send faculty members to teach at Henan University, fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge between both institutions.
According to Emilio Butragueño, Executive Director of Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid C. F.:
"At Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea, our mission is to train the next generation of global sports industry leaders by combining academic excellence with hands-on industry experience. This agreement with Henan University reflects that mission and represents a historic step forward in bringing it to an international scale."
This collaboration provides students with a unique dual academic vision, blending Chinese and European perspectives in sports education and management, supported by the prestige, expertise, and global reach of both institutions. The program is designed to equip future sports leaders with the strategic, practical, and cross-cultural skills required to thrive in an increasingly global sports ecosystem.
Dr. Bai Ying, Vice President of Henan University, stated:
"The approval of this joint program marks a landmark achievement in international postgraduate education for China. Through the '2+1' training model and elite sports modules, students will develop professional competence, innovative thinking, and leadership skills needed in the global sports industry. We view this as a new starting point for deepening the strategic partnership between our two universities together cultivating international talent to drive the sports industries of both nations forward."
With this agreement, Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and Henan University reaffirm their commitment to developing innovative educational models that connect academia with industry, providing students with transformative international learning experiences that will define the next generation of sports professionals.