ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Economics
Overview
The interdisciplinary Master’s program in Economics and Political Science, “Governance of Societies and Territories in Transition (GSTT),” builds upon the dual bachelor’s degree in economics and political science established in 2021 atthe University of Montpellier. It offers students a rigorous and in-depth education in both disciplines and is designed for students with a strong background in the social sciences, particularly in economics and political science. This program aims to prepare students for emerging professions or sectors undergoing profound change.
The program was designed in close alignment with the major contemporary challenges that are transforming societies and regions, such as energy and ecological transitions, issues related to transportation and mobility, health, and digital technology, as well as democratic and cultural transitions and institutional changes.
Unique in France, this multidisciplinary master’s program is based on a balanced collaboration between the economics and political science departments at the University of Montpellier.

The Benefits of the Training Program
- DUAL EXPERTISE
- SOLID CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE (MASTER 2) THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP
Objectives
This prestigious program, at the bac+4 and bac+5 levels, is designed for students who wish to specialize in the analysis and design of public policy. Based on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates economics, political science, and regional analysis, it aims to train high-level executives and managers in the public sector.
It prepares future professionals in the field of governance for societies in transition to understand major contemporary issues, analyze regional dynamics, and develop innovative public policies tailored to societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
Expertise and Skills
Expertise
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Analyze and anticipate public policies in order to effectively address major societal challenges.
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Identify and understand the challenges facing the key sectors undergoing transition (energy, transportation, health care, education, digital technology, migration, artificial intelligence, etc.).
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Design, manage, and implement public or private projects, from strategic planning through evaluation.
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Coordinate public and private stakeholders and link the various levels of government (local, national, and European).
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Leverage digital tools to support the analysis, decision-making, and management of public policy.
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Apply analytical methods and tools through group projects focusing on territorial transitions.
Skills
- Expertise in public policy analysis and local governance.
- Ability to understand the dynamics of social and regional transformation.
- Proficiency in economic and political analysis methods applied to public policy.
- Skills in complex project management and change management.
- Ability to work collaboratively, develop shared assessments, and present well-reasoned findings.
- Proficiency in digital tools and data analysis methods applied to public policy.
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.
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, instructional adaptations, or specific rights, in order to enable students to best balance their personal or professional commitments with their university studies.
Open on an alternating basis
Contract Type | Apprenticeship Contract |
|---|
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.
APPRENTICESHIP AVAILABLE IN THE GSTT MASTER'S 2 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 |
An internship offers a true immersion in the professional world, allowing students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in class, learn how organizations operate, and compare theory with practice. To get the most out of it, thorough preparation is essential: learn about the host organization, set 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.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/carriere/partir-en-stage/
Program
Optional
EU Public Policy and Governance
4 creditsEnergy Conservation 1
2 creditsApplied Computer Science for Projects
2 creditsEU Quantitative Studies
Economic Analysis of Public Policy
4 creditsThesis Methodology
Artificial Intelligence and Society
3 creditsEU Political Sociology of Gender
2 creditsEnglish
Environment and Policy (ST)
Economic Analysis and Project Finance
4 credits
Optional
EU Local Government
3 creditsThesis Methodology
EU Environmental Law
2 creditsRegulation of Health Care Systems
Econometrics of Qualitative Variables
EU: New Security Challenges
3 creditsThesis
4 creditsGeopolitics of Energy
English
2 creditsRegional Economy
2 creditsEconometrics of Qualitative Variables
EU Migration, Societies, and Territories
2 creditsMedia and Society
2 creditsComparative Politics (ST)
Territories and Inequalities
4 creditsEconomics and Digital Policy
3 creditsGovernance of Metropolitan Areas
4 creditsCultural Policies
4 creditsSustainable Transportation and Mobility
3 creditsEnvironment and Health
2 creditsNatural Resource Governance
3 creditsEnergy and Environmental Transition
3 credits
Career Placement: Optional Internship
Choose one of the following two options:
Internship
20 creditsThesis
20 credits
Group Project
8 creditsSupervised Project
2 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.
Registration Procedures
First year of the master's program
To apply for admission to the first year of the Master's program, you must submit your application through theMon 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). Students receiving scholarships are exempt from paying these fees.
Recommended Prerequisites
A strong foundation in technical subjectsis essential. Depending on the intended career path, certain course selections may be viewed favorably. The program also requires astrong interest in public policy and regional transition issues, as well as strong analytical, synthesis, and writing skills.
And then
Employment Placement
The goal is to train professionals who, with expertise in economics and political science, will be able to hold positions of responsibility in the public and private sectors, both in France and internationally.
Graduates of the master's program in "Governance of Societies and Territories in Transition" can pursue a wide range of careers focused on study, expertise, or research.
Where?Local governments, engineering firms, consulting firms in France and abroad, urban planning agencies, monitoring agencies, associations, international organizations, research centers, etc.
To do what there? Project planning, public policy implementation, economic development, regional business strategies, urban planning, mobility and transportation management, social services, research, etc.