Exact sciences, life and healthcare sciences, human, social, technological, physical activity and sports sciences make up the major fields of education taught at the UPS. These higher educational courses are research based and taught by a teaching and research staff of over 2,000. They either form part of basic or ongoing training and guarantee
high levels of graduate employment.

Most of the courses are structured according to the LMD system as defined by the Bologna process which aims to create a European higher educational area, and are therefore in harmony with the other European qualifications. The UPS issues qualifications at Licence (bac+3), Master (bac+5) and Doctorat (bac+8) levels, which are recognised throughout the entire European Higher Education Area (45 countries to date).

Training is one of the foremost aims of the University. The UPS meets this aim by organising active teaching and offering students a support system to help them build a coherent university career based on their personal and professional ambitions.

As part of the courses taught at the UPS, preparations for entry to the labour market have been developing over several years. These surround the student's personal and career aspirations, and take the shape of specific teaching units about work placements and through courses jointly designed with professional partners.