ECTS
180 credits
Duration
3 years
Training Structure
School of Economics
Overview
The University of Montpellier and Lycée Joffre offer a CPES (Preparatory Program for Higher Education)in Modeling and Computational Methods in Economics. This selective three-year program, jointly organized by the high school and the university, leads to a bachelor’s degree and provides students with a sought-after dual set of skills, including an introduction to research beginning in the first year.
Students receive enhanced guidance from preparatory class instructors and university faculty members. The first year combines a core curriculum in computer science, mathematics, the humanities, and general education with specialized courses tailored to the student’s chosen track. Specialization occurs gradually, accompanied by projects and internships that introduce students to research.
The CPES program’s unique structure alternates between high school and university: in the first year, students spend four days at high school and one day at the university to delve deeper into coursework and work on projects. In the second year, time is divided equally between the two institutions, and in the third year, the bachelor’s degree program takes place entirely at the university, with additional courses designed to strengthen digital and computer skills.
The Benefits of the Training Program
- HIGH-LEVEL TRAINING
- INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
- ENHANCED SUPERVISION
Objectives
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Gain dual expertise in economics and digital and IT tools to prepare for demanding graduate studies and careers that require this combination of skills.
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Introduce students to research starting in their first year, in order to develop their analytical skills, scientific curiosity, and academic work habits.
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To offer a high-level, multidisciplinary education that combines mathematics, computer science, the humanities, and economics, in order to prepare well-rounded students who are capable of adapting to a variety of contexts.
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Promote independence and personal growth through personalized support, a supportive environment, and hands-on projects.
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Prepare students to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree, with a solid foundation and a gradual specialization in the digital and economic fields.
Expertise and Skills
Expertise
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Analyze and model economic data using digital and computer-based tools.
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Solve complex problems by combining mathematics, statistics, and economic concepts.
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Design and carry out projects that incorporate multidisciplinary methods and a scientific approach.
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Research, synthesize, and communicate relevant information in an academic context.
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Use advanced digital and computer tools tailored to the field of economics and research projects.
Skills
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Scientific rigor and an analytical mindset, to tackle complex situations and produce reliable results.
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Independence and organizational skills, with the ability to plan and manage multidisciplinary projects.
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Ability to work as part of a team on practical projects and to communicate results clearly.
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Adaptability and versatility, thanks to a multidisciplinary education and the alternation between high school and college.
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Preparation for further higher education, particularly a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree, with dual expertise in economics and digital technology
International Dimension
In the second semester of the third year, students can study at one of the 60 universities with which the School of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+, inter-university exchange agreements, and CHARM-EU exchange programs.
Limited number of seats
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
The Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, structured over three years and six semesters, is based on an assessment system designed to measure students’ learning progress in a gradual and comprehensive manner. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each course (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: through continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through various forms of evaluation: proctored exams, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analyses, and active participation in class. This approach encourages regular attendance, consistent work, and the gradual acquisition of skills.
The final exam, on the other hand, consists of a written or oral test administered at the end of the semester. Its purpose is to assess the student’s overall mastery of the concepts taught and their ability to apply their knowledge in a structured and in-depth manner.
Depending on the learning outcomes or educational objectives, some courses may combine both assessment methods. These approaches ensure fair, diverse, and appropriate assessment tailored to the nature of the course, while allowing students to develop methodological skills, rigor, and independence throughout their academic career.
Special Features
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and elite athletes can receive personalized support.
This may take the form of academic accommodations, pedagogical adjustments, or specific rights, in order to enable students to best balance their personal or professional commitments with their university studies. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted class schedule, modified assessment procedures, attendance accommodations, individualized support, or dedicated support services.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/scolarite/
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Possible |
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Duration of the internship | A maximum of 924 hours, or 6 months |
Internship Abroad | Possible |
A true immersion in the professional world, it allows students to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired in class, discover how organizations operate, and compare theory with practice. To get the most out of it, thorough preparation is essential: learn about the host organization, define your goals, draw on what you’ve learned, and prepare for professional demands.
During the bachelor's degree program, internships are available but optional. They must be related to the program of study.
The internship may begin at the end of the second-semester exams or take place during university breaks. In any case, it must end no later than August 31, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a Bachelor’s program, a first-year Master’s program, or a University Diploma program.
Please note: The internship cannot begin immediately after the second-semester exams unless the student has successfully completed the academic year during the first exam session.
Program
The program lasts 3 years, or 6 semesters
180 ECTS
Mathematics S1 (Joffre)
5 creditsModern Language S1 (Joffre)
2 creditsAdvanced Course in Microeconomics, CPES, Semester 1
4 creditsContemporary World Issues, Semester 1 (Joffre)
2 creditsComputer Science S1 (Joffre)
4 creditsAdvanced Course in Computer Science (CPES) - First Semester
2 creditsAdvanced CPES Mathematics S1
2 creditsGeneral Education S1 (Joffre)
2 creditsEconomics S1 (Joffre)
7 creditsOptional
Advanced CPES Mathematics S2 Course
2 creditsContemporary World Issues, Semester 2 (Joffre)
1 creditMath S2 (Joffre)
5 creditsComputer Science S2 (Joffre)
4 creditsCPES Advanced Course in Macroeconomics, Second Semester
4 creditsEconomics S2 (Joffre)
7 creditsCPES Economics Project, Semester 2
1 creditAdvanced CPES Computer Science Course, Second Semester
2 creditsGeneral Education S2 (Joffre)
2 creditsModern Language S2 (Joffre)
2 creditsOptional
Math S3 (Joffre)
2 creditsAdvanced CPES Mathematics S3
2 creditsEnglish CPES S3
1 creditAdvanced CPES Computer Science Course, Semester 3
2 creditsSupplementary Materials for General Mathematics, CPES S3
2 creditsAdvanced Course 1: Economics, CPES S3 (Statistics + Econometrics)
6 creditsComputer Science S3 (Joffre)
2 creditsEconomics S3 (Joffre)
6 creditsGeneral Education S3 (Joffre)
1 creditAdvanced Course 2: Economics, CPES S3 (Economics + Digital)
6 creditsOptional
General Education S4 (Joffre)
1 creditAdvanced CPES Computer Science Course, Semester 4
2 creditsMath S4 (Joffre)
2 creditsApplied Microeconomics
5 creditsAdvanced Course 1: Economics, CPES S4 (Statistics + Econometrics)
6 creditsAdvanced CPES Mathematics S4
2 creditsCPES Economics Project, Semester 4
3 creditsComputer Science S4 (Joffre)
2 creditsEnglish CPES S4
1 creditEconomics S4 (Joffre)
6 creditsOptional
Introduction to Econometrics
4 creditsGame Theory
4 creditsEnglish S5
2 creditsOptimization
3 creditsIndustrial Organization
Economy and Digital Technology
5 creditsOptional
Economy and Digital Technology
4 creditsOperations Research
3 creditsData Analysis
3 creditsDatabase
4 creditsEnglish S6
2 creditsL3 CPES S6 Project
5 creditsOptional
Admission
Admission Requirements
- For the first year of the bachelor's degree program: High school diploma or equivalent
- For the second year of the bachelor's degree program: First year of the bachelor's degree program or equivalent (subject to committee approval)
- For the third year of the bachelor's degree program: Second year of the bachelor's degree program or equivalent (subject to committee approval)
Registration Procedures
First Year of the CPES Bachelor's Degree Program
If you are in your senior year of high school or wish to change your academic path to begin your first year of a bachelor’s degree program, you must submit an application through Parcoursup between January and March. Admission offers and responses to applicants will be sent out on a rolling basis between June and July.
Target Audience
High school and college students from the Montpellier School District, the Occitanie region, France, and around the world
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are set each year by the Ministry of Higher Education. They are accompanied by the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
The entire program is free for students receiving scholarships.
Capacity
Recommended Prerequisites
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A strong interest in economics, digital tools, and computer science.
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Ability to work independently and motivation, as the program is demanding and multidisciplinary.
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An open mind and intellectual curiosity, to keep up with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and economics.
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An analytical mind and the ability to reason logically, which are essential for modeling and research projects.
And then
Continuing Education
About 90% of students continue their studies after earning a bachelor’s degree (primarily in a master’s program). Most master’s programs in economics and finance in France are selective and require a bachelor’s degree in economics for admission.
The other students take civil service exams or enroll in business schools through the parallel admissions process. Very few students stop their studies after earning their bachelor’s degree.