Study Politics in France
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Politics in France
If you are someone with an interest in your rights and responsibilities as a citizen, as well as in understanding international and national politics, studying the field of politics is the right choice for you. In France, a degree in politics will give you insights into the political processes that help govern your country and countries around the world. As a country that leads the list of the top study abroad destinations, and one that has its universities leading world university rankings, France makes the perfect choice for students who wish to excel in their future careers.
Reasons to Study Political Science in France
Receive Quality Education
Considering that your academic qualification plays a huge role in the future of your career, choosing a country whose qualifications are recognized around the world will put you at an advantage once you are out in the job market. France, as a top destination for international students, has earned a reputation for offering a great quality of education to its students.
Broaden Your Knowledge of Current Affairs
Majoring in political science will allow you to broaden your knowledge of different topics that relate to this respective field. A degree in political science will help you gain a deeper understanding of the importance of political participation and it will prepare you to participate in the political life of not only your community but your nation’s as well.
Get Trained In a Number of Different Skills
As a graduate of the political science field, you will hone skills such as communication, writing, analysis. You will also be trained in thinking critically and independently. A degree in political science will also allow you to develop planning and development skills. You will be trained to be a leader and all these skills will make you highly marketable to employers around the world.
Succeed In Many Different Professions
Graduating in political science will give you the opportunity of choosing from various careers. These include law, international affairs, education, political offices, journalism, different positions in government agencies, etc. French qualifications are recognized worldwide, so being a politics graduate from France will allow you to work in local, state, and federal governments.
Requirements
There are many universities in France that offer courses in political science. Normally, all these universities may have different admission requirements, but in essence, all prospective students must meet the following criteria:
For an Undergraduate Degree
Submit:
- High school diploma or certificate
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of French language proficiency
For a Postgraduate Degree
Submit:
- Undergraduate diploma
- Official transcripts
- Work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of French language proficiency
Note that some international students may need a visa to study in France. You can start your visa application after you have received your admission letter. Once you have received your admission letter you must submit your documents to the French Embassy in your home country or the consulate that has jurisdiction over your country of residence.
Application Process
In France, applications for the first year of your undergraduate studies are sent through the French national application platform - ParcoursUp. In some universities, students can also apply using the application platform of the university itself. The application form, requirements that you must meet, and the necessary supporting documents you should submit can be found on the website of your chosen university.
For postgraduate studies, you are not required to apply through ParcoursUp. All you have to do is find the university to which you wish to apply, and then proceed with the application procedure. The necessary steps you must take are usually found on the website of your chosen university.
Note that before applying through ParcoursUp, international students who come from a non-EU/EEA country are obliged to apply for a preliminary admission request to the French Embassy in their home country.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Political Science in France?
Studying for a degree in politics will take from three to eight years depending on the level of study you wish to pursue. Undergraduate degrees take three to four years of full-time study to complete. Postgraduate degrees such as a Master’s degree in political science takes one to two years of full-time study to complete. And, a Ph.D. in political science takes at least three years of full-time study to complete.
Modules of the field of political science include courses such as: Understanding Politics; Introduction to Political Theory; Debates in World Comparative Politics; US & World Affairs; International Relations and many more. Courses during your undergraduate studies will have a broader focus, while those during your postgraduate degree will be more specialized.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Political Science in France?
Paying your tuition fees is one of the most important steps you need to take in order to complete your enrollment. Fortunately, French public universities have low tuition fees, making higher education in France quite affordable for international students. French universities charge EU/EEA & Switzerland students that pursue an undergraduate degree around EUR 170 ($203) per year. Those who decide to continue their postgraduate studies pay around EUR 240 ($286) per year, while those that pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy pay around EUR 380($454) per year.
In public universities, international students coming from a third country pay around EUR 2,770 ($3,311) per year for an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate studies such as a Master’s degree costs around EUR 3,770 ($4,506) per year, whereas a Ph.D. in Political Science costs around EUR 380 ($454) per year.
Studying for a degree in philosophy in the private universities of France is a bit more expensive. The cost of tuition depends on the university you choose to apply to, and sometimes on the city you plan to study.
Political Science Career Prospects in France
Political science graduates can work in both the public and private sectors. In terms of employment, a political science degree is probably one of the most versatile degrees. Some of the professions you can take with a degree in political science include:
- Policy Analyst,
- Professor,
- Legislative Assistant,
- Foreign Service Officer,
- Political Consultant
- Politician
- Social Worker
- Human Resources Generalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Program Coordinator
The salary of a political science graduate in France ranges from EUR 43,000 ($53,321) (for those with 1 to 3 years of experience) to EUR 76,000 ($90,707) (for those with more than 8 years of experience).
