ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training structure
Faculty of Economics
Presentation
The dual-discipline Master's degree in Economics and Political Science, " Governance of Societies and Territories in Transition (GSTT)," is an extension of the dual-degree program in economics and political science created in 2021 atthe University of Montpellier. It offers students a demanding and in-depth education in these two disciplines and is aimed at those with a solid background in social sciences, particularly economics and political science. This program aims to prepare students for emerging professions or sectors undergoing profound change.
The program has been designed in close connection with the major contemporary issues that are transforming societies and territories, such as energy and ecological transitions, transport and mobility issues, health, digital technology, as well as democratic and cultural transitions and institutional developments.
Unique in France, this multidisciplinary Master's program is based on a balanced collaboration between the economics and political science teams atthe University of Montpellier.

The advantages of the training program
- DUAL COMPETENCE
- SOLID CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- POSSIBILITY OF A MASTER'S DEGREE IN APPRENTICESHIP
Objectives
This excellent four-year and five-year degree program is designed for students who wish to specialize in the analysis and design of public policy. Based on a multidisciplinary approach combining economics, political science, and territorial analysis, it aims to train high-level executives and managers in public administration.
It prepares future professionals in corporate governance in transition to understand major contemporary issues, analyze territorial dynamics, and develop innovative public policies adapted to societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
Know-how and skills
Know-how
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Analyze and anticipate public policies in order to respond effectively to major societal challenges.
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Identify and understand the challenges facing key sectors undergoing transition (energy, mobility, health, education, digital technology, migration, artificial intelligence, etc.).
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Design, manage, and implement public or private projects, from strategic definition to evaluation.
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Coordinate public and private actors and link the different territorial levels (local, national, European).
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Mobilizing digital tools for analysis, decision-making, and steering public action.
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Apply analytical methods and tools through collective work on territorial transitions.
Skills
- Expertise in public policy analysis and territorial governance.
- Ability to understand the dynamics of transformation in societies and territories.
- Proficiency in economic and political analysis methods applied to public policy.
- Skills in managing complex projects and leading change.
- Ability to work collaboratively, produce shared diagnoses, and provide reasoned feedback.
- 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 Faculty of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+ exchange programs, inter-university agreements, and CHARM-EU.
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 progressively and comprehensively. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each Teaching Unit (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through several forms of evaluation: supervised assignments, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analysis, and active participation in class. This method encourages attendance, regular work, and the gradual acquisition of skills.
The final exam consists of a written or oral test held at the end of the semester. It aims 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 course units, teaching methods, or learning objectives, some units may combine both assessment methods. These methods ensure fair and diverse assessment that is tailored to the nature of the course, while allowing students to develop methodology, rigor, and autonomy throughout their academic career.
Special facilities
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and high-level athletes can benefit from personalized support.
This may take the form of study arrangements, educational adaptations, or specific rights, in order to enable them to best balance their personal or professional constraints with their university education. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted schedule, adjusted assessment methods, attendance facilities, individualized monitoring, or dedicated support services.
Open alternately
Type of contract | Apprenticeship contract |
|---|
Apprenticeships are based on the principle of alternating between academic and practical training at university and acquiring skills with an employer. The pace of this alternation varies depending on the program, but follows a schedule established in advance.
The apprenticeship contract is a special employment contract that allows students to benefit from dual status: student and full-time employee of the company.
APPRENTICESHIP POSSIBLE IN MASTER 2 GSTT
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Possible |
|---|---|
Duration of the internship | Maximum 924 hours, or 6 months |
Internship abroad | Possible |
A true immersion in the professional world, internships allow students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in class, discover how organizations work, and compare theory with practice. To get the most out of an internship, serious preparation is essential: learn about the host organization, define your objectives, mobilize your skills, and prepare for professional demands.
All Master's programs offer the possibility of doing an internship.
In Master 1, internships are possible and optional. They must be related to the program.
The internship may begin at the end of the second semester exams or be completed during university vacation periods. In all cases, it must end no later than August 31, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or University Diploma program.
In Master 2, the internship is mandatory.
The start date is set in agreement with the academic supervisor, generally between February and March, in order to fit in with the training schedule and the requirements of the final thesis. Regardless of the period chosen, the internship mustend no later than September 30.
More information about internships
Program
Optional
EU Public Action and Governance
4 creditsEnergy saving 1
2 creditsComputer science applied to projects
2 creditsEU Quantitative Studies
Economic analysis of public policies
4 creditsMethodology of the thesis
Artificial intelligence and societies
3 creditsEU Political Sociology of Gender
2 creditsEnglish
Environment and Policy (ST)
Economic analysis and project finance
4 credits
Optional
EU Local government
3 creditsMethodology of the thesis
EU Environmental law
2 creditsHealthcare system regulation
Econometrics of qualitative variables
EU New security challenges
3 creditsMemory
4 creditsEnergy geopolitics
English
2 creditsTerritorial economy
2 creditsEconometrics of qualitative variables
EU Migration, societies, and territories
2 creditsMedia and society
2 creditsComparative Politics (ST)
Territories and inequalities
4 creditsDigital economics and policy
3 creditsGovernance of metropolitan areas
4 creditsCultural policies
4 creditsSustainable transport and mobility
3 creditsEnvironment and health
2 creditsNatural resource governance
3 creditsEnergy and environmental transition
3 credits
Optional internship for professional integration
Choose one of two options:
Internship
20 creditsMemory
20 credits
Collective project
8 creditsSupervised project
2 creditsOptional
Admission
Admission requirements
- For Master's 1: Holder of or currently pursuinga bachelor's degree (or equivalent, three years of higher education) in economics or a similar field, recognized in France or Europe.
- For the Master 2: Have completed at least 4 years of higher education (Bac +4 / 240 ECTS) in fields related to economics or similar. A strong academic record and, in some cases, professional experience are valued.
Registration procedures
First year of master's degree
To apply for admission to Master 1, you must submit your application on theMon Master platform.
Second year of master's degree
To gain equivalent access to the second year of the master's program, the ecandidat procedure is mandatory.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/applications/applications-and-admissions/
Target audience
Students from the Montpellier Academy, the Occitanie region, France, and internationally
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). Both are exempt for students receiving scholarships.
Recommended prerequisites
A good level of technical knowledgeis essential. Depending on the desired career path, certain options may be valued. It also requires akeen interest in public policy and regional transition issues, as well as strong analytical, synthesis, and writing skills.
And after
Professional integration
The aim is to train executives who, with skills in economics and political science, will be able to take on positions of responsibility in the public and private sectors, in France or internationally.
Graduates of the Master's program in "Governance of Companies and Territories in Transition" can pursue a wide range of careers focused on study, expertise, or research.
Where?Local authorities, design offices, consulting firms in France and abroad, planning agencies, monitoring agencies, associations, international organizations, research centers, etc.
What for? Project development, public policy implementation, economic development, regional business strategies, urban planning, mobility and transportation management, social action, research, etc.