ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Law and Political Science
Overview
Major in Political Science
- Master's in Research and Consulting
Academic Directors: Aurélia TROUPEL
Established in 2008, the Master’s program in “Research and Consulting Professions ” (M2CO) has established itself as the first degree program in this field.
It primarily prepares students for careers as research analysts (qualitative, quantitative, online) and as consultants in governance (public policy evaluation, stakeholder engagement, sector-specific consulting firms) or in communications (political communications, digital communications, etc.).
The M2CO is a highly career-oriented program taught by a faculty composed of experienced academics and leading industry experts.
Objectives
The objectives of the M2CO program: to train students to develop expertise across a broad range of fields
The research and consulting professions involve providing expertise to a wide range ofentities, including local governments, civic and political organizations, the media, public and private institutions, businesses, and more.
This expertise may include, among other things:
- to conduct studies aimed at informing decision-making or to develop customized study protocols (audits, design and management of qualitative and quantitative studies, recommendations, etc.);
- to organize and facilitate participatory processes (consultation in the context of urban projects or integrated land-use planning) and public debates prior to major development projects (such as the National Commission for Public Debate);
- to support the strategy and development of these organizations (regional analysis, market research, communication campaigns, project launches, media relations, etc.);
Expertise and Skills
Theoretical and practical mastery of the social science methods used in the consulting field: political science and economic analysis; organizational sociology; strategic analysis; sociology of political and cultural behavior; sociology of media and new media; communication theory and political communication; content analysis (semiological, morphological, and lexicometric analysis); interview techniques and data collection methods, including surveys, etc.
Proficiency in new communication technologies and data processing software
Proficiency in the various aspects of consulting work: business development, responding to requests for proposals, drafting specifications and quotes, client follow-up, reporting to the client, and management
In-depth knowledge of issues related to the communications, media, and political sectors.
Methodological expertise in conducting assessments, market research, and developing sales pitches or recommendations
Organization
Special Features
The program is open to work-study arrangements (apprenticeships and professional training contracts).
Program
Select a program
Master's Degree (Year 1) in Research and Consulting Professions
EU Qualitative Methods
Preparation for Employment
1 creditEU Local Government
7 creditsEU Language
Choose one: 1 out of 1
Thesis
2 creditsConstitutional Law of Local Governments (ST)
Local Finance (ST)
Sociology of Political Organizations (ST)
Optional
Master's Degree (Year 2) in Research and Consulting Professions
Governance
14 creditsInvestigative Techniques: Practical Approaches
9 creditsThe public opinion and market research industry
11 creditsApplied Communication
5 credits
Choosing Professional Support
Choose one of the following two options:
Internship Report
12 creditsGroup Project
6 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
The admissions process consists of two steps:
- a preliminary screening based on application materials
- an oral presentation and discussion with the panel about your background and career plans
Target Audience
Mainly students majoring in political science, sociology, and the social sciences.
And then
Employment Placement
The master’s program prepares students for careers in consulting in the fields of research, consulting, strategy, and communications. It primarily prepares students for positions as consultants, project managers, or research analysts within the following organizations:
• Polling firms, advertisers, consulting firms, research firms, lobbying firms;
• Communications departments, research or strategy departments within companies, or their industry associations (trade associations);
• Communications agencies;
• Political institutions, NGOs
Given the very strong academic support, all students from previous graduating classes have successfully earned their degrees to date.
92% of alumni pursue careers in the research and consulting sector.
In September 2016, at the graduation ceremony, more than half of the students had been hired on permanent contracts, and one-third on long-term fixed-term contracts (between 6 and 9 months).