In the second academic year students work on a thesis in exercise physiology. The master's thesis should have a scientific composition and be founded on applicable theory and literature within the chosen topic.

A primary supervisor is chosen among the scientific staff at NTNU. The standard of research and thesis projects is very high, and articles based on master’s theses are often published in international peer-reviewed journals. Topics in master’s theses in this area have included mechanisms behind exercise-induced improvement in central and peripheral circulation in individuals, ranging from top athletes to different patient groups (e.g. COPD, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication).