The "Sports Training" specialization trains professionals in sports coaching for performance and health purposes. Graduates are able to design, lead, and evaluate training projects in a variety of contexts: clubs, federations, associations, local authorities, or as entrepreneurs. It is based on a solid scientific foundation (sports science, physiology, biomechanics, psychology) and strong professional development through internships, supervised projects, and partnerships with local stakeholders (Regional Centers for Resources, Expertise, and Sports Performance (CREPS), sports associations, gyms).

Recently reopened at the University of Reunion Island, the program addresses a growing local demand for qualified sports coaches. It also offers innovative options, such as diploma supplements in weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding, enabling graduates to work as physical trainers for elite athletes and enhancing their employability.

The main career paths are as a coach, physical trainer, mental coach, personal trainer, or technical director. The degree also allows for further studies at the master's level, particularly in the field of Training and Optimization of Sports Performance (EOPS), although this program is not currently available in Réunion.

With a high success rate (around 90% in L3), stable numbers and strong integration into the local socio-sporting fabric, this training fully contributes to the professionalization, territorial network and attractiveness objectives of the University of Reunion.

Educational goals

The STAPS degree with a specialization in "Sports Training" aims to train professionals capable of supervising, designing, leading, and evaluating physical, technical, tactical, and mental training programs for diverse populations, from beginners to elite athletes. It follows a progressive professionalization approach while grounding students in a solid multidisciplinary scientific foundation.

Upon completion of the training, students should be able to:

• to mobilize scientific knowledge (physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, in particular) to analyze and optimize athletic performance;
• develop performance diagnoses, design individualized or group training plans, taking into account the level, objectives and constraints of the practitioners;
• to implement training sessions and cycles in compliance with safety rules and professional ethics;
• evaluate the effects of training interventions using performance analysis and monitoring tools;
• working in a team, communicating effectively and interacting with the various stakeholders in the sports field (athletes, coaches, partner organizations);
• mastering project management processes, the management of sports structures or events, as well as the principles of conducting applied research in sports science.

The program is structured around the skills blocks defined by the RNCP sheet, guaranteeing the acquisition of the knowledge, know-how and transversal skills necessary for the exercise of the targeted professions, as well as for the pursuit of studies in master's degree.

Training opportunities

The STAPS degree, specializing in "Sports Training," is fully aligned with the training program's requirements, meeting the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) specifications for the specialization. It guarantees the acquisition of the expected skills (both general and specific) within the training modules, particularly in the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs, performance analysis, and sports coaching. Furthermore, the program addresses a growing demand in the region for qualified professionals in training, physical preparation, and mental conditioning. It is designed to meet the needs of the local socio-economic fabric, directly reflecting the expectations of the Réunion Island sports community, characterized by a high density of associations, well-structured clubs, and the presence of elite athletes.

The program benefits from active partnerships with key local stakeholders, such as the CREPS (Regional Center for Sports and Physical Education) of Réunion Island through a formal agreement, and with national federations, leagues, and local sports associations. This allows students to integrate into a professional environment from the outset of their studies, thanks to internships, supervised projects, and on-the-job training. These connections enhance the employability of graduates in targeted professions (trainer, physical/mental coach, coach, technical director) and enable them to pursue further studies, particularly a Master's degree in Sports and Physical Education (EOPS) in mainland France.

Furthermore, this degree program offers innovative features such as diploma supplements, which are not widely available nationally but allow students to coach athletes up to the highest level in a specific sport or across all sports through physical preparation, thus enhancing their professional development. It also benefits from high-quality resources and teaching methods adapted to our island context.

Finally, the training meets the institution's strategic priorities in terms of professional integration, territorial networking and international openness through the prospects of mobility in master's programs outside the territory.

The STAPS degree with a specialization in "Sports Training" at the University of Reunion Island stands out for its strong local ties and its ability to meet the specific needs of the local sports community. It trains qualified professionals, ready to work in a dynamic environment that blends elite sports, recreational sports, health-related sports, and associations.

One of its main strengths is the possibility of obtaining a diploma supplement, unique to this program, which certifies advanced skills in physical preparation for elite athletes. This program significantly enhances students' qualifications and strengthens their employability in a competitive market. Obtaining a second diploma supplement, specific to a particular sport, also further boosts students' employability.

The program relies on a teaching team composed of experts in sports science, particularly in training (physiology, biomechanics, psychology, sociology, etc.), guaranteeing a high level of academic rigor. The teaching team includes professors, research professors, and field professionals to facilitate practical application through internships and projects, ensuring effective professional development. This integration of scientific rigor and professional practice allows students to acquire theoretical, methodological, and applied skills.

With a success rate in L3 of around 90%, the course also offers solid preparation for further studies, particularly in EOPS master's programs in France.

Total hours worked: 1614 hours

• Level 1 License: 575 hours
• Level 2 License: 533 hours
• Level 3 License: 506 hours

Year 1 Bachelor's Degree – Common Core

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

• Course units 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.

The teaching units (UE) of the second and third year Bachelor's degree program are directly derived from the skills outlined in the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) sheet and will be spread over two semesters:

• Evaluating the athlete: an introduction to scientific research (levels 1 to 4)
• Planning the training (levels 1 to 4)
• Intervening, supervising, training: applications of scientific, professional and cultural knowledge (levels 1 to 4)
• Managing the performance environment: application of scientific knowledge (levels 1 to 4)
• Regulating training (levels 1 to 3)
• Performance management: athletes, staff, associations and businesses (levels 1 to 3)
• English: public speaking (levels 1 and 2)
• English: Training Sciences (Levels 1 and 2)
• UEO (only in semesters 3 and 5)
• Professional development: internship (levels 1 to 4)

The skills acquired during this training are in line with those of the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) sheet.RNCP35946 – BACHELOR'S DEGREE – Science and techniques of physical and sports activities: sports training (national record))

The STAPS degree with a specialization in "sports training" requires a minimum of 200 hours of internship, distributed as follows: 50 hours in the second year (L2) and 150 hours in the third year (L3). This number of hours can be completed in several different host organizations. Given the specific nature of the sports training profession (primarily evening work), the teaching staff has chosen not to designate a specific internship period within the academic year. Therefore, it will be possible to distribute these internship hours throughout the current academic year.

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 Island (link: https://www.univ-reunion.fr/choisir-sa-formation/inscriptions/)

• 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 sports training degree, 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.

Category 1 license: 540 places

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 specializing in sports training (academic year 2024-2025)

• Year 1 (common cycle for all tracks): 40%
• Bachelor's degree (2rd year) in Economics and Social Sciences: 83%
• Bachelor's degree (3rd year) in Economics and Social Sciences: 85%

It is possible to continue with a Master's degree in STAPS (Science and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities) specializing in "Training and Optimization of Sports Performance" (EOPS), a program not currently offered at the University of Reunion Island. Following the Master's degree, students can pursue a doctorate.^rd cycle is possible.

Students can also apply for a Master STAPS with a specialization in "adapted physical activities and health", "ergonomics", "sports management" or a Master MEEF if the student passes the CAPEPS exam.

• Sports trainer
• Coach within a private or non-profit organization, or as an independent coach
• Personal trainer in a gym or as a freelancer
• Physical trainer within a private or non-profit organization, or as a freelancer
• Mental coach within a private or non-profit organization, or as a freelancer
• Technical preparer within a private or non-profit organization, or as a freelancer