Political Sciences
Campus Porte des Alpes, France
Licence in Political Sciences (Science Politique)
Lumière Lyon 2 University
Political Sciences
Program Overview: Licence in Political Sciences
The Licence in Political Sciences (Science Politique) at Lumière Lyon 2 University is a generalist degree program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political and social issues. Delivered within the Faculty of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science (UFR ASSP), this three-year program equips you with intellectual frameworks and analytical tools essential for both professional life and civic engagement.
The program is firmly rooted in the social sciences tradition, distinguishing it from law-oriented political science programs at other French universities. In the first year, you study political science alongside a secondary discipline such as Law, English, or History, allowing you to make an informed choice of specialization from the second semester onward. Years two and three deepen your expertise through courses in comparative politics, international relations, electoral sociology, and public policy analysis.
Lumière Lyon 2 University welcomes nearly 30,000 students across two main campuses in the heart of the Lyon metropolitan area. The university is known for its humanist values, commitment to interdisciplinary research, and active international exchange policy with agreements spanning over 350 institutions worldwide. Lyon itself is a UNESCO World Heritage city, offering a vibrant cultural and student life.
Key Program Highlights
- Strong interdisciplinary foundation combining political science with sociology, anthropology, law, and history
- International MINERVE program option offering courses in German, Spanish, or Italian to prepare for mobility and dual degrees
- Bi-disciplinary pathways available from the second semester, including Political Science-Law and Political Science-English
- Professional internship opportunities integrated into the L2 and L3 curriculum in public administration, NGOs, and associations
Curriculum and Modules
The Licence in Political Sciences follows France's LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat) and is structured across six semesters over three years. Each semester in the first year includes a major unit in political science and a major unit in a complementary social science discipline. In years two and three, each semester features a political science major unit alongside complementary and transversal courses, with increasing specialization and research methods training.
Introduction to Political Science and French Political Life
30 ECTS (Semester 1 combined)This foundational module introduces the discipline of political science and its major themes. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of French, European, and international political life, as well as the functioning of local and national institutions.
Political Sociology and Institutional Analysis
30 ECTS (Semester 2 combined)Building on first-semester foundations, this module explores political sociology and institutional frameworks. Students begin their chosen disciplinary pathway (Political Science, Law, English, or History) with focused coursework.
Comparative Politics and Electoral Sociology
30 ECTS (Semester 3 combined)Second-year courses cover the sociology of political organizations, comparative politics, electoral sociology, and the history of political ideas. Students develop analytical skills through document commentary and dissertation exercises.
International Relations and European Institutions
30 ECTS (Semester 4 combined)This module addresses international relations, the sociology and history of European institutions, and the sociology of institutions. Students also undertake a professional internship validated by a written report.
Public Policy Analysis and State Sociology
30 ECTS (Semester 5 combined)Third-year modules include the historical sociology of the state, analysis of public policy, EU politics, and the sociology of collective mobilizations. Students strengthen their social science research methods skills.
Globalization, Comparative Politics, and Specialization
30 ECTS (Semester 6 combined)The final semester deepens specialization through courses on globalization, advanced comparative politics, and a chosen thematic track such as political sociology, media, law, international politics, or the associative sector.
Elective Pathways and Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Licence in Political Sciences at Lumière Lyon 2 is open to holders of a secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification recognized by the French education system. The program values strong written and oral expression skills, critical thinking ability, and a genuine interest in social and political issues. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationHigh school diploma (Baccalauréat or international equivalent) recognized by the French education system
- Academic SkillsStrong command of written and oral expression, including grammar, syntax, and argumentation skills
- Analytical AptitudeDemonstrated ability to comprehend and analyze diverse documents including qualitative and quantitative data
- Autonomous WorkCapacity for independent study and self-organization, as substantial personal work is expected
- Interest and MotivationGenuine interest in social and political questions, the functioning of political systems, and the evolution of societies
Language Requirements
- French ProficiencyB2 level minimum (DELF B2 or TCF equivalent) for non-native French speakers, as all core courses are taught in French
- MINERVE Program OptionB2 level required in German, Spanish, or Italian for students wishing to join the International MINERVE track
- Foreign Language ElectiveWide choice of transversal language courses available including English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, and more
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Several funding opportunities are available for students enrolled in the Licence in Political Sciences at Lumière Lyon 2 University. As a French public university, the institution participates in national scholarship programs, and international students may also access dedicated funding schemes. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on available financial support.
CROUS Social Criteria Scholarship (Bourse sur Critères Sociaux)
French government need-based scholarship available to eligible students based on family income, number of dependents, and distance from the family home. Scholarship holders are exempt from registration fees.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Licence in Political Sciences from Lumière Lyon 2 are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The majority of graduates continue their studies at the Master's level in political science or related fields, while others enter the workforce directly in roles related to public administration, communication, journalism, and international organizations.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Lumière Lyon 2 University is recognized as one of France's leading institutions for humanities and social sciences. While it is a specialized university rather than a comprehensive research-intensive institution, it consistently appears in major international rankings and is particularly well-regarded for its social science programs and interdisciplinary approach.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Classics and Ancient History | QS by Subject | #51 |
| Business and Management Studies | QS by Subject | #151 |
| Social Studies and Humanities | University Guru Meta Ranking | Highest-ranked subject area at Lyon 2 |
| Linguistics | QS by Subject | Top-ranked subject in Lyon (Contact Uni4Edu for current data) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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