Bachelor of Arts - Africa Minor

A specialisation focused on contemporary dynamics across the African continent

The Africa minor within the Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po is part of the multidisciplinary education in the humanities and social sciences shared across the University College, while offering an in-depth focus on the study of African societies in all their historical, political, economic and cultural diversity.

This specialisation provides a cross-cutting analysis of a continent undergoing profound transformation, shaped by major demographic, urban and economic dynamics, as well as by social, political and technological innovations that are redefining regional and global balances. It encourages students to move beyond simplified representations to grasp the diversity of African trajectories and the richness of their intellectual and cultural production.

Courses combine the study of historical legacies, including pre-colonial periods, colonisation and independence movements, with the analysis of contemporary issues such as governance and political reconfigurations, gender dynamics, economic transformations, urban change, environmental challenges, cultural exchanges and mobility. 

Delivered in either French or English, the minor draws on interdisciplinary approaches from history, political science, sociology, economics and law, to equip students with the ability to analyse contemporary African realities with rigour and nuance.

Several international dual degree programmes are available to students at the University College, in partnership with leading universities:

• Columbia University;
• University of California Berkeley;
• University of British Columbia (UBC); 
• National University of Singapore (NUS);
• University of Hong Kong;
• University of Sydney;
• Luiss, Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli.

The Africa Minor explained in video

Courses and subjects for understanding African societies

The Africa minor may be studied in either French or English, enabling it to accommodate a diverse range of student profiles and to foster genuine international openness. Specialised courses explore the major transformations of the continent through a wide variety of topics, including the history of African societies, political and social dynamics, gender issues, urbanisation, and cultural and artistic expressions.

Examples of courses include:

• African Cities (course in French);
• Post-colonial French Cinema (course in English);
• Sociology of Violence in Africa (course in French).

Languages taught within the minor

Language learning is an integral part of the Bachelor’s curriculum. Within the North America minor, students may further develop their proficiency in English or begin learning other languages offered at the University College, including Spanish, German, Italian or Arabic.

French as a Foreign Language courses are also available to students whose level is below B1 to support their gradual integration into the programme.

Proficiency in several languages is a key asset for working in international and intercultural professional environments.

Find out more about language teaching.

Skills developed through the minor

The Africa minor within the Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po provides the core foundations in the humanities and social sciences shared by all students at the University College, enhanced by a regional specialisation. Students develop the ability to analyse the political, social and economic dynamics of the African continent, a strong understanding of development and governance issues, and a critical perspective on representations and discourses about Africa.

They also acquire solid methodological skills, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, comparative reasoning and argumentation, applied to complex and constantly evolving contexts.

This programme opens up a wide range of career paths, including diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, consulting, the development sector, public institutions and academic research.

A third year to deepen international openness

The third year of the Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po takes place entirely abroad, at one of the institution’s 445 partner universities. 

For students enrolled in the Africa minor, it is recommended to choose a university located on the African continent to encourage in-depth academic, linguistic and cultural immersion.

However, mobility remains open to all available destinations. To validate the minor, students must undertake coursework related to African issues or to relations between their host region and the continent.

Studying the Africa minor on the Reims campus

The Africa minor is offered at the Reims campus, which also hosts the North America minor and welcomes many exchange students from Sciences Po’s partner universities. The campus provides a particularly dynamic international environment, bringing together students from a wide range of countries and encouraging intercultural exchange.

Located in a recognised historic and academic setting, it offers a context well suited to the study of major contemporary world regions, including the African continent.

Find out more about the Reims campus and its student community.