In 1996 at Brest, the sports department, which became the Faculty of Sports Science and Education (FSSE) in 2017, welcomed 12,214 students, including 1,500 this year. How has the structure evolved?
Julie Grall, dean of the FSSE since September 2024: “Thirty years ago, the sports department was created in a context of high demand for Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities (Staps). Rennes could not accommodate enough students. There were only 134 in the first year, then 356 in the second. But things have changed. In 2001, the department became a Training and Research Unit (UFR), which allowed it to grow. When I was a student there, between 2005 and 2008, we were still in the same situation. But now, in Staps, there are 600 or 650 in the first year.”
“What are the reasons for this growing attractiveness?”
“Due to the diversification of programs and the connection with the kin selection process, enrollments have exploded. It is a nationally attractive field, but it is supported locally because we offer five bachelor’s degrees and four master’s degrees. Sports management, adapted physical activity… We always adapt to the needs of society, such as when we opened our Deust last year, aimed at maintaining the health and autonomy of seniors. Our students have high employability in various fields, with a very interesting insertion rate, even with just a bachelor’s degree (84%, compared to 91% after the master’s). So, this year on Parcoursup, we received 3,000 applications for the 220 places in the traditional Staps program.”
“For several years, there has been a request for a decrease in our capacity to accommodate students. We are sorely lacking resources to welcome students.”
“Do you manage to adapt to this increasing tension?”
“We have been requesting a decrease in our capacity for several years. We are sorely lacking resources to welcome students. We do not have enough regular teachers, sports facilities, or large enough amphitheaters… At the beginning of the year, there are always students sitting on the stairs. And we cannot push the walls. Fortunately, since 2024, the school has been stabilized, with a very competent staff.”
“How do you plan for the future, without growth prospects?”
“Despite the lack of national resources, we do everything to continue to provide quality service. Unlike the competitive and expensive private sector, the quality of our programs is recognized, especially thanks to our teacher-researchers. This anniversary is an opportunity to assess and plan ahead. We will innovate by offering a new training program for the 2028 academic year.”
“With meager resources, we cannot expand new programs.”
“What trajectories are being considered?”
“First, in the short term, there will be the opening of a second Deust focusing on team sports, with a short and professional approach to ensure everyone has employment opportunities. In the field of education sciences, we are considering launching a professional bachelor’s degree in popular education, still to meet social demand. And the reopening of the professional degree in nautical sports, which was closed due to lack of staff. But with meager resources, we cannot expand new programs.”
