Abstract
<jats:p>Currently, many researchers note a decline in the level of physical development among university students, caused by a hedonistic-consumerist paradigm of societal development and a culture of consumption. The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of physical development of students at a social university according to the main directions (somatic, respiratory, predictive) and to identify their characteristics within the framework of the competency-based education paradigm. Research methods and organization. Diagnostic anthropometric procedures, data collection and analysis, and methods of mathematical statistics were used. The study involved students enrolled in social sciences programs. The research was conducted as part of students’ engagement with the theoretical component of the health-preserving module within the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education. Research results and conclusions. It was determined that, across most developmental indicators, no significant deviations were observed among students. However, in the male subgroup, a low level of muscular strength was identified based on the strength index, despite a relatively well-developed shoulder musculature as indicated by the muscle development index. The authors interpret this finding as evidence of a substantial influence of hypokinesia within the youth population.</jats:p>