CommunicationPublished on 10 July 2023

Bastian Wyss: Master’s student, curling coach and language fan

For Bastian Wyss, versatility is the name of the game. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Eastern European Studies from Basel and is enrolled at the University of Magglingen in the Master of Science in Sports with Specialization in Elite Sports. What prompted this change of course, and how is he enjoying his studies in Magglingen?

Bastian Wyss, 30 years old, BA holder in Eastern European Studies (Basel), currently a full-time student in Magglingen’s Master’s in Elite Sports, specialising in Exercise Science, living in a shared flat in Biel.

Sport is a matter of the heart for Bastian Wyss. The former elite curling player now coaches young players in Arlesheim. Previously he coached the national deaf curling team. He is also a commentator at top curling events in Switzerland and abroad.

Taking sport from hobby to career

Bastian first came into contact with Magglingen during his Youth+Sports training and his time curling as a junior. Ever since, he has been fascinated with Magglingen as a hub for elite sports. He also appreciates the school’s proximity to Sports Coach Education Switzerland. Bastian benefited from the admission requirements to the Master’s in Elite Sports, which does not require applicants to have a sports-related Bachelor’s degree.

But Bastian was not off to an easy start: not having an academic background in sport, much of the course content was completely new to him. The new environment, new courses, new classmates – it was a lot for Bastian to take in, and that was quite stressful for him. But not for a second did he regret his decision to turn his hobby, sport, into a career. It had been during lockdown that he realised that what he really wanted to do was to work ‘more with people – and less with books.’ No sooner said than done! Settling in was quick, and by week two he had already moved into a flat with two of his classmates.

Practice-oriented classes

Bastian likes that the lessons at Magglingen are practice-oriented, because it allows him to apply what he has learned in training and competitions. He appreciates the lecturers’ high level of skill and the school spirit. As far as the course content is concerned, even Bastian’s sport – which is quite niche and not as professionalised as other sports – is well represented. Overall, he likes going to class. What more could a student ask for? The first two semesters are intense, and every now and then Bastian would not mind having a little more time to study a subject in depth.

Curling for a living – that’s the dream

Bastian hopes to make a living from curling one day, either as a sports scientist or a coach. As part of the Master’s programme, he will do an internship at Swisscurling. Asked whether he would change anything in Magglingen, he says, “I would like everyone in Magglingen to be more aware of students’ needs. We don’t always feel welcome everywhere on campus”. Noted!

MSc EHSM Elite Sports (DE)