International Master of Adapted Physical Activity (Leuven et al)

IMAPA is a flexible programme, allowing students to custom design the content of their curriculum depending on the competences they wish to acquire. Students can follow the entire programme as KU Leuven students, or fit a number of selected courses within their home university programme, while remaining registered at their home university.

As such, 3 student profiles can be distinguished:

• The APA omni-practitioner is a full time student, and is registered for the 2 year full program International Master in Adapted Physical Activity. This student receives a broad, holistic perspective on APA, while acquiring specific competences in a chosen professional formation (Active Lifestyle or Adapted Physical Education) and a combination of 2 complementary scientific disciplines (Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology or Motor Control / Learning and Psychology or Applied Pedagogy and SocioCultural Theories). As such, the student is prepared for a professional career in APA or to pursue further academic development (PhD). This student is registered for both years at KU Leuven, and receives a diploma "International Master in Adapted Physical Activity" upon completion of the 2 year program.
• The PT, PE, OT ... student is a full time student and follows one or several course modules from EMMAPA to fit within his/her study curriculum. The student is registered in his/her home university and follows the module(s) as an international exchange student. The student receives a diploma "Master in [...]", follows the general courses in the home university, but receives the specific APA related competences through modules via exchange mobility and/or distance learning.
• The PT, PE, OT, etc. practitioner is a professional with a specific desire to gain competences in the specific APA topics of his profession. The practitioner becomes a part time student for one or more modules of interest and is registered at the host university via the credit contract system. Accreditation for this student profile is at present not foreseen, but the possibility of certification will be explored to validate the efforts, and acknowledge the enhanced competences of the practitioner.

The International Master Programme of Adapted Physical Activity (IMAPA) aims to provide state-of-the-art research and teaching methodology in adapted physical activity (APA) and the social, pedagogical, and technical aspects of physical activity adapted to the needs of persons with a disability. The programme combines the expertise of a number of universities throughout the EU and the world, and offers students comprehensive training and expert knowledge in the many aspects of adapted physical activity. The programme promotes the exchange of ideas between professionals and future practitioners from around the world.
The professional aim of the programme is to educate competent and critical professionals, who are able to design and evaluate adapted physical activity programmes using an evidence-based approach for people with a disability across the life span. Adapted physical activity is a developing field and graduates will be considered as having the key abilities to advance and develop its scope. To address the wide application of the field, IMAPA offers generic tools to use exercise as an intervention, which can be translated into different contexts. To achieve this professional aim, the programme provides specialization options to emphasize the competence to work in educational or active lifestyle settings, catering for students' special professional interest and potential work outflow.
The disciplinary aim of IMAPA is to educate people to conduct research in order to advance the field of APA. In addition, the programme offers scientific discipline specific specialization (Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Motor Control/Learning, Integrity and Dis/ability in Sport). As such, IMAPA provides basic scientific skills that will enable graduates to pursue an academic career or undertake further research or doctoral studies.
The global approach to the studies will ensure a critical outlook at national facilities for people with a disability. Given the multidisciplinary nature of adapted physical activity, students will have gained general problem-solving skills rather than those pertaining to a traditional profession.