ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Law and Political Science
Language(s) of Instruction
English
Overview
- Master's in Comparative Politics and Public Policy - Comparative Politics and Public Policy
The Master’s program in “Comparative Politics and Public Policy” is a two-year Master’s program (120 ECTS as a single track within the “Comparative Politics” concentration) that offers an in-depth curriculum in political science, specializing in political sociology and public policy, with an international focus.
It prepares students for all careers requiring the ability to work intensively, master rigorous methods, engage in critical synthesis, develop solid and convincing arguments, and conduct advanced analysis—both in applied fields (careers in the public or private sector) and fundamental fields (research training). For students wishing to pursue doctoral studies (at the University of Montpellier or at other universities in France or abroad), this program is the preferred choice.
The languages of instruction are French and English.
The Benefits of the Training Program
- Paid internships in the M1 and M2 programs
- Courses in English and the international environment
- Customizable study tracks
- Support from a mentor and a tutor
Program
The IDIL Model:
The IDIL (Interdisciplinary In lab') graduate program at the University of Montpellier launched in September 2022, with the goal of training students through and for research via educational innovation. The IDIL tracks available are diverse and cover numerous disciplines, ranging from bio-health to political science.
Taught entirely in English, the IDIL tracks offer students the opportunity to pursue their studies through a unique structure based on four main aspects:
- Learning by doing. The IDIL programs place a strong emphasis on learning by doing by incorporating “In-lab units” (courses held in a laboratory) into their curricula, as well as a funded research internship during the M1 and M2 years. The IDIL program provides access to approximately 100 laboratories at the University of Montpellier, where students will engage in immersive research work.
- Customized curriculum. IDIL students can tailor their academic path to their career goals and interests by selecting courses from three different instructional units: Non-Core, In-Lab, and Cross-Disciplinary. Academic advising will be provided to ensure that each student’s curriculum aligns with their chosen field of study.
- Introduction to a new discipline. All IDIL students must choose a Non-Core course, which is an introductory course in a discipline from another IDIL track. For example, a student in Comparative Politics and Public Policy may take an introductory course in the Applied Ecological and Evolutionary Sciences track. This program allows students to develop a unique academic profile and is an effective way to foster interdisciplinary thinking, a key challenge in modern research.
- Mentoring. Throughout their IDIL program, students will be mentored by a researcher from one of Montpellier’s laboratories. The mentor is responsible for helping students prepare for their internships, teaching theory through various workshops, and helping students build their professional networks.
For more information on the IDIL graduate program, click here: https://idil.edu.umontpellier.fr/
Program
MASTER 1
Course Units: 20 ECTS
- Core Units: Fundamental courses specific to a discipline.
- Non-Core Unit: Introduction to another discipline in the IDIL graduate program.
- In-Lab Units: Workshops and practical exercises in the laboratory designed to develop specific skills or techniques over the course of a few days.
- Cross-Curricular Courses: Methodological and professional development courses.
Personal Project: 10 ECTS
Development of a personal project related to research; preparation for the research internship.
Research Internship: 30 ECTS
Participation in a research project and learning theory and skills through hands-on experience.
MASTER 2
Course Units: 20 ECTS
- Core Units: Fundamental courses specific to a discipline.
- Non-Core Course: Introduction to another discipline within the IDIL graduate program.
- Cross-Disciplinary Courses: Methodological and professional development courses.
Multidisciplinary Team Project: 10 ECTS
Interdisciplinary project led by students from different IDIL tracks
Research Internship: 30 ECTS
Participation in a research project, and learning theory and skills through practice.
Select a program
Master's Degree (Year 1) in Comparative Politics and Public Policy
EU NON-CORE TRAINING UNITS IDIL (ELECTIVE)
Choose 1 out of 10
Innovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsScientific Openness to Earth and Water Issues in a Global Context
2 creditsWhy Is Democracy Hard?
2 creditsDefusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsPlant Health 2.0: A Global War
2 creditsOne Health and Eco-Epidemiology
2 creditsMediterranean Terrestrial Ecosystems
2 creditsThe Bionic Man
2 creditsBasics of Sustainable Management
2 credits20h
International Policy
3 creditsPublic Policy and Governance
3 creditsPersonal project: research project + English
10 creditsOptional
Choose 3 out of 4 course units
IDIL Cross-Functional Training Units
4 creditsEU Quantitative Studies
In-Lab
2 credits
Optional
Research internship / M1 research thesis
20 creditsSupplementary Course in Political Science
Research Context (Language)
Choose one of the following two options:
Comparative Politics (ST)
Master's Degree (Year 2) in Comparative Politics and Public Policy
Environment and Health
2 creditsMultidisciplinary Team Project
10 creditsResearch Design: Epistemology and Comparison
2 creditsResearch Context: Languages + Institutions and Economics
2 creditsCurrent Research
8 creditsTransversal Units 2B IDIL
EU NON-CORE TRAINING UNITS IDIL (ELECTIVE)
Choose 1 out of 10
Innovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsScientific Openness to Earth and Water Issues in a Global Context
2 creditsWhy Is Democracy Hard?
2 creditsDefusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsPlant Health 2.0: A Global War
2 creditsOne Health and Eco-Epidemiology
2 creditsMediterranean Terrestrial Ecosystems
2 creditsThe Bionic Man
2 creditsBasics of Sustainable Management
2 credits20h
Option 1
Choose one of the following two options:
Admission
Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in the following fields
• Minimum English proficiency level: B2
• Resume and cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation from a researcher and/or professor
• Estimated ranking of the student within their graduating class
• Detailed transcript
Registration Procedures
Tuition Fees
Available scholarships
- Paid internships for all M1 & M2 students
- For international students | A 4-month IDIL scholarship is available for M1 & M2 students (€600/month)
- For international students | The IDIL program reimburses your travel expenses to come study in Montpellier (up to 600€)
- For international students | French as a foreign language courses are offered to help international students integrate.
Mandatory Prerequisites
The master’s program will give preference to students who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in political science or social sciences, but will also consider applicants from the humanities.
And then
Employment Placement
Although IDIL programs are research-oriented, they offer an incredible amount of professional experience throughout the program that can be applied in any professional setting. How to work as part of a team, how to lead a project, and how to use data are all soft skills taught during this program.