From the outset, in tune with its time, it has set up classic university teaching which allows it to present today almost all of the disciplines and professional fields.

The beginning of the 1990s saw in particular the creation of an engineering school and a second IUT, in Roanne in addition to that of Saint-Étienne, as well as numerous professional second and third cycle degrees.

Also from the outset, it has focused its efforts on permanent training, in terms of research, original niches in the context of the Rhône-Alpes region.

It houses arts, languages and letters courses, with law, economics and management, human sciences and the Maison de l'Université (administrative building).

[4] The university is organised across five main domains and a subsidiary domain over the different campuses: Law, Economics and Management Arts, Letters, Languages Social and Human Sciences Sciences, Technologies Health Multi-disciplinary Sector The university offers scholarships to high-achieving international students.

The university has made a commitment to certain priority sectors related to three broad themes: Optics and Vision; Sports and Health technology; and Space, Change, Innovation, and Society.