The Bachelor of Science and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities (STAPS) degree with a specialization in Adapted Physical Activity and Health (AP)AS) is a level 6 (Bachelor's) course focused on the analysis, planning and supervision of physical activity adapted to audiences with specific needs (people with disabilities, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses).

It combines in-depth scientific knowledge (biology, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, sociology), practical skills (conducting sessions, diagnoses, programming of adapted interventions), as well as rigorous training in the ethical and institutional issues inherent in these practices.

This training prepares both for further studies in a master's program and for direct professional integration in various environments (medical-social structures, hospitals, rehabilitation centers or educational establishments).

The diploma also attests to essential transferable skills, such as written and oral expression, mastery of digital tools, teamwork and critical thinking, which are essential for working in complex professional environments.

Educational objectives:

The training aims to enable students to:

• to diagnose the physical abilities and needs of people with special needs (people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, elderly people);
• design and implement individualized or group Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs;
• to supervise sessions while ensuring the safety, motivation and progress of the participants;
• develop and coordinate health and well-being projects based on Physical, Sporting and Artistic Activities (APSA);
• adapting to various institutional contexts (hospitals, retirement homes, associations, communities) while respecting the principles of ethics, responsibility and interdisciplinary work.

Training opportunities:

The STAPS degree with a specialization in Adapted Physical Activity and Health (APAS) fully aligns with the objectives of the New Training Offer (NOF) framework regarding professionalization and access to further studies. It is particularly relevant to the context of Réunion Island, marked by an aging population, a high prevalence of chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases), and the challenges of including people with disabilities.

Adapted Physical Activity (APA) is central to local and national policies on health and sport, therapeutic education, and prevention, and addresses a growing demand for qualified professionals capable of working in healthcare, social care, sports, and educational settings. This need is particularly pronounced in Réunion and the Indian Ocean region, where the skills developed are directly transferable.

Graduates find employment easily thanks to the consistent demand from public and private organizations (sports and health centers, associations, local authorities, and healthcare facilities), confirming the relevance and necessity of maintaining this training program in the region. Furthermore, this program helps strengthen the University of Reunion Island's position as a key player in sports and health within the Indian Ocean region.

This license is distinguished by:

• strong employability, directly linked to the growing need for qualified professionals in the area in the fields of prevention, sports and health and rehabilitation;
• a solid and multidisciplinary scientific foundation, guaranteeing a complete and rigorous training;
• a professionalizing pedagogy integrating internships, tutored projects and fieldwork promoting the acquisition of experience;
• an opening towards research and further studies at the Master's level, allowing for the consolidation or expansion of skills;
• a close link with public health and inclusion policies, particularly through sport on prescription and the Sport-Health Hubs;
• national and European recognition, thanks to registration in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP) and integration into Europass;
• the possibility of specializing, particularly in Therapeutic Education, to meet specific needs of the sector.

Total hours:

• Level 1 License: 575 hours
• Level 2 License: 536 hours
• Level 3 license: 541 hours

The STAPS course, specializing in APAS, combines theoretical instruction, practical work, and professional experience.

Year 1 Bachelor's Degree – Common Core

The first year lays the scientific and methodological foundations of the STAPS curriculum. It includes:

• Teaching Units (UE) in physical activity and sports sciences, integrating life sciences and human and social sciences.
• Specialized sports and physical, sporting and artistic activity modules aimed at acquiring practical and intervention skills.
• Cross-disciplinary modules, promoting the development of methodological, digital and written and oral communication skills.

Second year of Bachelor's degree – Specialization in Adapted Physical Activity

Specialization in APAS begins in the second year and allows students to deepen their knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, neurophysiology and health psychology, which are essential for understanding the mechanisms related to adapted physical activity.

Students analyze common pathologies and specific situations, such as sedentary lifestyles, cardiovascular diseases or motor disorders, through a multidisciplinary approach integrating various forms of adapted physical activity: dance therapy, aerobic activities, wheelchair sports or outdoor activities.

They learn to design and implement tailored programs, supported by an initial professional internship. Simultaneously, an introduction to the scientific method develops critical thinking and research skills.

Bachelor's Degree 3 – Advanced and Professional Training

The third year focuses on specific populations: the elderly, pregnant women, cancer patients, and those with sensory and intellectual disabilities. Students delve deeper into program personalization by integrating nutrition, exercise rehabilitation, and patient education. Extended professional immersion, through a long-term internship accompanied by ethics training, consolidates practical experience. Tutored projects and research work further develop methodological skills and critical analysis.

The teaching methodology is based on a balance between lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, internships, and tutored projects. It promotes an interdisciplinary approach that draws on diverse expertise to ensure the solid acquisition of knowledge, practical skills (professional know-how), and the capacity for innovation in the field of Adapted Physical Activity (APA).

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

Specific skills :

• diagnosis of the capabilities of a specific audience via multidisciplinary scientific tools;
• construction of adapted programs and planning of targeted interventions;
• supervision and safety of adapted physical activity sessions;
• design and implementation of teaching and health education projects;
• development of the autonomy of the people being supported;
• proficiency in digital tools, professional communication and ethical principles;
• critical analysis skills, networking skills, project management skills and self-assessment skills.

During the STAPS degree program specializing in Adapted Physical Activity and Health (APAS), students complete several internships, allowing them to put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice:

• Second year of Bachelor's degree: observation and supervised participation internship (70 hours), carried out in the first semester, in health, social or medico-social type structures.
• Third year of Bachelor's degree: intervention internship (250 hours), carried out in the second semester, with the support of vulnerable populations under professional supervision.

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

• Scientific skills
• Literary skills
• Sports Skills
• Method of working
• Oral and written communication skills
• Knowing How to Swim
• Organizational ability
• Team spirit
• Ability to commit
• Knowledge of the sector and its career opportunities
• Project suitability to the requested sector
• Community involvement

• Results in scientific subjects (Mathematics, Life and Earth Sciences and Physics-Chemistry) in 11th and 12th grade
• Results of the early French baccalaureate exams
• Physical Education grades in 11th and 12th grade
• Future Profile
• Teacher evaluations on 11th and 12th grade report cards
• "Know How to Swim" Certificate
• Motivated Training Project
• Proof of a sports license

To join the STAPS degree program specializing in APAS, it is advisable to have obtained the baccalaureate with a distinction that demonstrates a good general and scientific level.

Recommended information:

• General Baccalaureate, with scientific specializations (mathematics, Life and Earth Sciences, physics-chemistry) and/or the specialization "Physical Education, Practices and Sports Culture".
• Technological Baccalaureate ST2S (Health and Social Sciences and Technologies)

Depending on the student's situation, applications for entry into the first year of a Bachelor's degree (L1) follow two specific procedures (the national platform PARCOURSUP, Etudes en France). Admission to the second and third years takes place on the platform admission.univ-reunion.fr and on studies in France for international 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

The program is primarily aimed at students with a high school diploma or equivalent who wish to pursue careers in adapted physical activity and healthcare. It is also suitable for students changing their field of study or returning to their studies, particularly those from other STAPS (Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities) or paramedical programs, who wish to specialize in the field of Adapted Physical Activity.

540 seats

The admission dates for the first year of the Bachelor's degree (L1) are set nationally each year and are available on the platform. Parcoursup

For admission to the second and third years of the Bachelor's degree (L2 and L3), the schedule is determined by the institution. It is available on the student services page of the university website: Students re-registering

Success rate of the STAPS degree with a specialization in APAS (year 2024-2025):

• Year 1 (common cycle for all tracks): 40%
• 2rd year APAS license: 80%
• 3rd year APAS license: 94%

• After obtaining the APAS license, students can continue their academic journey mainly by entering a master's degree in Adapted Physical Activity and Health, in order to deepen their knowledge and skills in supporting pathological or disabled populations.
• In parallel, the APAS license also offers the possibility of accessing paramedical training via competitions or pathways, particularly in physiotherapy or occupational therapy, broadening the range of skills and professional opportunities.

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

• Upon completion of the Adapted Physical Activity and Health (APAS) degree, graduates can enter various sectors, primarily the health, social, and medico-social fields. The most common career paths include:
• Coordinator of integration programs through Adapted Physical Activity (APA), prevention, health education, rehabilitation and retraining
• Adapted Physical Activity (APA) teacher in a specialized setting
• Adapted Physical Activity and Sports Coach
• Specialist in prevention through Physical Activity (PA)
• Training manager in Adapted Physical Activity and Health
• Specialized educator in Adapted Physical Activity
• Professional working independently in the field of Adapted Physical Activity (APA)