Exercise, Health and Well-being for Special Groups

The Exercise, Health and Well-being for Special Groups program is a non-degree course for those interested in special needs education and adapted physical activity. It's a one-year program taught in Portuguese at the University of Coimbra. This program helps students develop expertise in exercise and health for special groups.

The curriculum covers topics like exercise and health, and includes practical skills in program implementation and methodologies for various disabilities. Students learn to create programs tailored to different needs and abilities.

Graduates can work as Adapted Physical Activity Specialists, Special Needs Educators, or Health and Wellness Coaches. They can find jobs in educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, or community health organizations. Other possible roles include Disability Support Worker or Recreation Therapist.

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 and located in the historic city of Coimbra, is one of Europe’s oldest universities and a UNESCO cultural landmark. With about 25,580 students, including roughly 4,351 international students, the university blends centuries of academic tradition with a vibrant, international campus life. Its historic colleges, libraries and concert halls coexist with modern research centers across disciplines from law and humanities to engineering and biomedical sciences.

Coimbra offers a broad academic portfolio with strong research output, international exchange programs and multidisciplinary centers that foster innovation. The university is especially well known for its law, arts, social sciences and health faculties, and it participates actively in Erasmus and global partnerships that facilitate study abroad and collaborative research. Students benefit from structured academic advising, language support and numerous cultural activities tied to the city’s student traditions.

Student life is shaped by rich traditions, lively academic societies and a compact city layout that makes it easy to combine study and cultural exploration. International students enjoy access to modern facilities, research opportunities and a welcoming community with a strong focus on academic excellence and cultural exchange. For those seeking a historically rich European university experience with robust research networks and an active international student community, the University of Coimbra offers a compelling academic and cultural environment.