ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Economics
Overview
The Digital Economy track of the Master’s in Economics program provides students with in-depth knowledge of how telecommunications, Internet, and media markets function and are structured, as well as the strategies of companies in the digital sector and the regulatory frameworks governing these markets.
The program draws on the expertiseof faculty members and professionals specializing in the digital economy. The courses and seminars provide students with solid technical skills—particularly in data processing and analysis—and foster a detailed understanding of the strategies employed by various players in the digital sector: telecommunications operators, Internet and media companies, online service platforms, and social media networks.

The Benefits of the Training Program
- A MULTIDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION
- STRONG EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT
- OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE (MASTER 2) THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP
Objectives
The goal of this program is to train economists specializing in the digital economy who are capable of analyzing digital-related transformations and understanding their economic, strategic, and regulatory implications. It aims to equip students with expertise that can be directly applied in the telecommunications, Internet, media, and digital platforms sectors.
The specialization is based on in-depth training in market analysis, business strategy, and economic evaluation methods. Students develop skills in the study of competition, business model analysis, the evaluation of projects and public policies, and data processing and interpretation. Emphasis is placed on the ability to use quantitative and qualitative tools to inform economic decision-making.
The program is also enriched by legal and technical content that is essential for understanding digital environments: market regulation, digital law, data protection, and the technological challenges of networks and platforms. Numerous presentations by industry professionals and specialists complement the academic curriculum, allowing students to benefit from real-world insights and gain exposure to current industry practices.
Expertise and Skills
Expertise
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Conduct a strategic analysis of a company or a digital industry player
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Conduct a financial analysis and interpret performance metrics
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Conduct a competitive market analysis
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Assessing the Impact of Regulations on a Sector or Activity
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Using Statistical Methods for Project Evaluation
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Collect, process, and analyze economic data
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Use web-based and data-processing tools
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Produce economic analyses and studies to support decision-making
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Apply evaluation tools to digital or innovative projects
Skills
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Strategic Analysis of Markets and Companies
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Financial Analysis Applied to Organizations and Projects
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Competitive and Regulatory Analysis
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In-depth knowledge of the digital economy
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Understanding the Economic Implications of Digital Technology
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Proficiency in statistical tools for project evaluation
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Proficiency in Web-Based Computer Tools
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Ability to applyeconomic analysis in multidisciplinary contexts
International Dimension
Starting in their second year, students can spend a year (two semesters) at one of the 60 universities with which the School of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+, inter-university agreements, and CHARM-EU exchange programs.
https://economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/international/
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
Master’s programs at the School of Economics are structured over two years and four semesters and are 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 unit (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 journey.
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.
Open on an alternating basis
The apprenticeship program is based on the principle of alternating between academic and practical instruction provided at the university and the acquisition of practical skills at a workplace. The frequency of this alternation varies depending on the program but follows a schedule established in advance.
The apprenticeship contract is a special type of employment contract that allows the student to hold dual status: as a student and as a full-fledged employee of the company.
POSSIBLE APPRENTICESHIP IN THE MASTER 2 IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/carriere/formation-en-apprentissage/
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Possible |
|---|---|
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.
All Master's programs offer the opportunity to complete an internship.
In the first year of the master's program, an internship is possible but optional. It must be related to the program.
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.
In the second year of the Master's program, the internship is required.
The start date is set in consultation with the academic advisor, generally between February and March, to align with the academic calendar and the requirements for the final thesis. Regardless of the period chosen, the internship mustend no later than September 30.
Program
The program lasts 2 years, or 4 semesters
120 ECTS
Apprenticeship available during the second year of the Master's program
Digital Transformation of the Economy
Econometrics
Introduction to R Software
Network Regulations
Data Mining and Big Data
Computer Tools for the Web 1
4 creditsIndividual Research Project
Law and Economics
2 creditsData Warehouse
Choose one of the following two options:
Optional
IT Tools for Web 2
4 creditsEconomics of Innovation and Intellectual Property
3 creditsIndustrial Organization
4 creditsNetwork Economics
3 creditsInvestment Options
2 creditsDigital Business Model
3 creditsEconometrics of Qualitative Variables
Individual Research Project
5 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
Optional
Professional Development Tools 1
2 creditsSmart Grids, Energy, and Mobility
3 creditsPricing Strategy
3 creditsComputer Data Processing
3 creditsBusiness English & Managerial Communication
2 creditsIndustrial Economics
3 creditsPromoting Innovation
2 creditsThe Internet and Platform Economy
3 creditsDigital Media Economics
3 creditsCompetition Policy
3 creditsApplied Econometrics
3 credits
Competition Law
2 creditsThesis
Choose one of the following two options:
Professional Development Tools 2
3 creditsInternship (Apprenticeship)
20 creditsProfessional Seminars
5 creditsOptional
Admission
Admission Requirements
- For the Master 1 program: Applicants must hold or be in the process of earninga bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, bac+3) in economics or a related field, recognized in France or Europe.
- For the Master 2 program: Applicants must have completed at least 4 years of higher education (Bac +4 / 240 ECTS) in fields related to economics or similar disciplines. A strong academic record and, in some cases, professional experience are highly valued.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/candidatures/
Registration Procedures
First year of the master's program
If you wish to apply for admission to the first year of a master's program, you must submit your application through the Mon Master platform .
Second year of the master's program
To gain admission to the second year of the master's program based on academic equivalence, the ecandidat application process is required.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/candidatures/candidatures-et-admissions/
Target Audience
Students from the Montpellier Academy, the Occitanie region, France, and abroad
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
A strong background inmicroeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, and econometrics is essential. Depending on the intended career path, certain course options may be particularly valuable.
And then
Continuing Education
Master’s degree graduates can continue their studies, notably bypursuing a Ph.D. in economics, either in France or abroad, particularly those interested in research or higher education. Additional specialized programs (university degrees) may also be considered depending on one’s career goals.
Employment Placement
The development of digital technologies has profoundly transformed the structure of many economic sectors. Initially evident in telecommunications andthe Internet, these changes then spread to the media and communications sectors, before expanding significantly into other fields such asenergy, transportation and mobility, healthcare, and finance.
This widespread digitalization is significantly boosting demand for skills in economic analysis and evaluation, which are at the heart of the “Digital Economy” track. Students trained in this specialty thus benefit from a wide range of career paths and numerous professional opportunities, with market demand expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
The “Digital Economy” program also benefits from the active support of companies affiliated with the IDATE Foundation, which brings together major players in the digital sector. This partnership results in numerous opportunities for internships and professional collaborations with companies and institutions in the field.