The Bachelor of Technology in Social Careers (BUT CS) prepares students for careers that are developing in line with societal changes and the problems they face. These careers are currently in high demand in a challenging economic and social climate, marked by widening inequalities (in employment, housing, education, culture, health, the environment, etc.). They focus on personal and collective development, as well as reducing cultural, social, environmental, and territorial vulnerabilities.

The Special Education program covers areas of intervention with children, adults, families, and groups in vulnerable situations or with disabilities, aiming to adapt conditions that promote their daily autonomy. This Bachelor of Technology (BUT) program trains professionals who work within the framework of social policies for prevention, protection, and integration.

Educational goals :

The three-year program comprises 1800 hours of instruction, organized into lectures, tutorials, and practical work, in addition to 600 hours of supervised projects and internships: a 4-week introductory internship during the first year, an 8-week practical internship during the second year, and a 14-week professionalization internship in the third year.^rd year. Internships allow students to gain an introduction to activities related to helping people or actions of collective interest.

Training opportunities:

At the end of 2023, the unemployment rate in Réunion, as in other overseas regions and departments, exceeded 20%, highlighting a persistent problem.

At the end of 2023, approximately 67,000 people in Réunion were recognized as having a disability by the Departmental House for Disabled Persons (MDPH), an increase of 8% compared to 2021.

As of December 31, 2022, 381,000 child welfare measures were in place in Réunion, including placements under the Child Welfare Services (ASE) and educational interventions. The majority of these measures are based on court orders.

This is a territory which therefore needs social workers, especially since, as throughout France, the retirement of many of them guarantees easier access to employment for young graduates.

Since the agreement signed in February 2024 between the University – the University Institute of Technology (IUT) of Reunion Island, the Reunion Island Region and the Association for Research and Training in Social Intervention – Indian Ocean Regional Institute of Social Work (ARFIS-OI IRTS), 10 students per year can prepare in addition to their Bachelor The University Technology Diploma in Social Careers, Special Education Track (BUT CS ES), leads to the State Diploma in Special Education (DE ES), which allows entry into the job market with an additional qualification. This adds further appeal to this program for Parcoursup applicants.

The BUT is the benchmark diploma for University Institutes of Technology (IUTs). By enrolling in a BUT program, students benefit from an integrated three-year curriculum, without further selection to obtain a bachelor's degree. The diploma is aligned with international standards and facilitates exchanges with foreign universities. Bachelor The University of Technology's Special Education program fully participates in the development of undergraduate professional training programs throughout the country. It is recognized as a Bachelor's degree under the decree on Professional Bachelor's degrees, comprising 180 ECTS credits.

A dual degree program is also offered, in partnership with the Réunion Region and the IRTS (Regional Institute of Social Work of Réunion), to students selected for this program of excellence. Upon completion of their three years of training, they will be able to obtain:

The BUT Social Careers specializing in Special Education + the State Diploma of Specialised Educator (DEES).

Possible certifications: VOLTAIRE – PIX

Total hours worked: 2028 hours

• Year 1: 794 hours
• 2rd year: 740 hours
• 3rd year: 504 hours

The training is based on a competency-based approach (CBA):

Competency block 1: Design interventions adapted to society’s challenges

This module develops the ability to analyze social transformations and to design appropriate intervention projects. Examples of resources include: Contemporary Issues, Social Analysis, and Developing Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Competency block 2: Build partnership dynamics

This module provides training in cooperation with various stakeholders in the social sector to enhance the effectiveness of actions. Examples of resources include: labor law and ethics, social policy, etc.

Competency block 3: Establish a relationship conducive to educational work

This module focuses on developing skills to establish strong professional and educational relationships with social service recipients. Examples of resources include: professional conduct, the educational relationship in social and educational support…

Competency block 4: Adapt support to the problems and specificities of the public

Students are trained to recognize and respond to the specific needs of different audiences (children, adolescents, families, people with disabilities, etc.). Examples of resources include: theoretical approaches to target audiences, institutional issues, etc.

Competency block 5: Lead an educational project This module teaches students the skills needed to plan, implement, and evaluate educational projects in the social field.  Examples of resources: educational intervention tools, project methodology…

Competency block 6: Team working

Emphasis is placed on effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Examples of resources include: teamwork dynamics, professional communication, etc.

These resources are reinforced by theoretical teaching and practical situations: internships, Learning and Evaluation Situation (LES), case studies, action project.

The skills acquired during this training are in line with those of the RNCP record

The National Programme (PN) for the BUT Social Careers Special Education track defines six essential skill blocks for social intervention professionals (the first two being common to all BUT Social Careers):

Competency block 1 - Designing interventions tailored to the challenges facing society: incorporating the humanities, the diversity of audiences and research techniques.

Competency block 2 - Build partnership dynamics : emphasizes building effective partnerships, respecting professional ethics and using appropriate communication tools.

Competency block 3 - Establish a relationship conducive to educational work : emphasizes the importance of establishing respectful and educational relationships, valuing individual expression and potential.

Competency block 4 - Adapt support to the problems and specificities of the public : emphasizes adapting support to the specific needs of the public, by analyzing expectations and supporting the exercise of rights.

Competency block 5 - Lead an educational project : deals with the management of collective educational projects, based on observation, analysis and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Competency block 6 - Team working : emphasizes teamwork, situated within the institutional framework, promoting cooperation and the collective development of appropriate solutions.

Mandatory internship periods:

• In 1,^st year: 4 weeks
• In 2,^rd year: 8 weeks
• In 3,^rd year: 14 weeks

Additional internship periods for the dual degree program:

• In 1,^st year: 6 weeks
• In 2,^rd year: 5 weeks
• In 3,^rd year: 7 weeks

Over the three years of training, tutored projects are carried out with students within the framework of Learning and Evaluation Situations (LES).

Registration fees are set annually by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and are available on our institution's website: Register at the University of Reunion

• All grades with particular attention to literary disciplines and humanities (history, geography, economic and social sciences, law, philosophy, English).
• French grades (in the final year of high school or in the early baccalaureate exam).
• The candidate's level or progress, with attention to the ability to exert effort.
• The grades for specialized subjects in the baccalaureate, according to the academic tracks.
• Having the ability to translate theoretically discussed concepts into practical terms.
• Ability to work in project mode, in a group, in conjunction with external partners.
• Having a mastery of written and spoken French allows one to acquire new skills.
• Having a team spirit and knowing how to integrate into group work through projects and practical exercises.
• Knowing how to get involved in one's studies and putting in the work necessary for success.
• The candidate's satisfactory attendance or punctuality.
• To be motivated and curious about actions in the social, humanitarian and societal fields.
• Motivation to join the training (participation in open house days/immersion days, professional project, knowledge of the chosen course).
• Motivation for the specialty: commitment, desire to learn, involvement.
• To be able to commit.
• Interest, knowledge and involvement in actions in the social and humanitarian field.

• Report cards.
• Averages or grades obtained in the early French exams.
• Average grades and teacher comments on report cards.
• Averages or grades obtained in the BAC and/or early exams (specialties 1st and final year – exams and continuous assessment – ​​option).
• Future Profile.
• Training project.
• Activities and interests.

• General Baccalaureate degrees.
• Technological Baccalaureate: Health and Social Sciences and Technologies (ST2S).
• Technological Baccalaureate: Science and Technology of Management and Business (STMG).

Depending on the student's situation, applications to enter the first year of BUT take place according to two specific procedures (the national platform Parcoursup, Études en France).

Admission to the second and third years takes place on the platform Admission and on Studies in France for foreign students.

For more information, you can consult the university's student services page: https://www.univ-reunion.fr/choisir-sa-formation/inscriptions/etudiants-en-reinscription/

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Baccalaureate + 2 or equivalent

• New high school graduates from general or technological baccalaureate programs (ST2S, STMG)
• Students changing their academic path who come from the same high school diplomas

27 seats.

The admission dates for the first year of the BUT diploma are set nationally each year and are available on the platform. Parcoursup .

For admission to the second and third years of the BUT program, the schedule is determined by the institution. It is available on the student services page of the university website: Students re-registering

2021-2024 Cohort: 

• Success rate 1^st year: 81%
• Success rate 2^rd year: 84%
• Goal success rate: 92%

2022-2025 Cohort:

• Success rate 1^st year: 81%
• Success rate 2^rd year: 100%
• Goal success rate: 100%

Some examples of further studies:

• State diploma in social work, special education or early childhood education (bridging course to 2nd year)^rd year).
• 3rd year of Bachelor's degree (L3) in social sciences, psychology, sociology, anthropology, education sciences.
• Master's degree in Management of Health and Social Organizations.
• Master's degree in Teaching, Education and Training Professions – 1st level, educational supervision (Senior Education Advisor – CPE).
• Master's degree in Social Intervention and Development.
• Master's degree in social and solidarity economy.
• Master's degree in Social Work, etc.

The sectors of activity and types of employment targeted by this training correspond to those listed in the RNCP record

The main sectors of professional integration – main career opportunities:

• Specialised Educator (if the diploma is obtained through the excellence scheme).
• Social worker in the areas of delinquency, unemployment, precariousness and dependency of the elderly or people with disabilities.
• Social development and/or integration agent.
• Local social technician or coordinator.
• Court-appointed guardian for the protection of adults.