Seas and Oceans Certificate
The Seas and Oceans thematic programme gives students an introduction to marine and coastal issues in the social sciences, with a particular focus on environmental and geostrategic concerns, and the governance of social-ecological systems. At the end of their Bachelor’s degree at the Undergraduate College, students taking the programme are awarded the Seas and Oceans Certificate, which allows them to showcase their skills and expertise in these areas.
Thanks to partnerships established between the campuses and various local organisations, students taking the certificate can complete their Civic Learning Experience fieldwork in organisations and associations working in areas relating to the management, administration and conservation of seas and coastlines.
The Seas and Oceans Certificate receives academic support and advice from the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) at Sciences Po. In addition, students can choose to align projects they undertake as part of the programme with the work of the university’s Overseas Chair (Fr), launched in spring 2021.
Certification process
The Seas and Oceans Certificate is open to all students (regardless of regional specialisation, major and minor) on the Le Havre and Poitiers Campus, and is soon to be offered on the Menton Campus.
To be eligible for the certificate, students must:
- Validate a theoretical seminar course relating to the theme of seas and oceans in year one of the undergraduate programme (second semester);
- Validate two seminar courses relating to the theme of seas and oceans in year two (third and/or fourth semester);
- Validate a fieldwork placement in an area relating to marine issues as part of the Civic Learning Programme (Civic Internship in year one or Independent Project in year two);
- Submit a Capstone Project on the certificate them
All courses eligible for inclusion in the certificate are listed in the course catalogue for the Seas and Oceans Certificate.
The seminar courses and Civic Learning Programme specialism are not additional academic requirements. Students taking the Seas and Oceans Certificate choose to devote some of their elective course options and part of their Civic Learning Programme to the certificate theme.
Applications for the certificate are submitted at the end of the second year and subject to a qualitative assessment by an academic committee.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to register for the Undergraduate College Seas and Oceans Certificate?
There is no need to register for the Seas and Oceans Certification in your first year at the Undergraduate College, although you may wish to inform your academic advisor of your intention to do so. After validating your chosen courses and fieldwork placements during your first and second year of the undergraduate programme, you apply for the certificate at the end of the second year. You will receive an email to inform you when applications are open.
Do I have to enrol in the Seas and Oceans Certificate programme if I want to take courses on the topic?
No. The Seas and Ocean Certificate at the Undergraduate College is an entirely optional programme, with no compulsory element. It allows students hoping to go on to further study or a career in a field relating to marine and coastal issues to showcase their specific skills and expertise in this area.
How will my application be assessed?
Applications for the certificate will be subject to a qualitative assessment by an academic committee. Particular attention will be paid to the grades students obtain in the specific certificate courses, as well as to their progress and development over the course of their undergraduate studies.
How do I know which courses I can or am required to take for the Seas and Oceans Certificate?
All courses eligible for inclusion in the certificate are listed in the Seas and Oceans course catalogue, which is updated prior to every course registration period. To find out which options you can take, you just need to check the courses offered on your campus. If in doubt, contact your academic advisor.
Can students enrolled in a dual Bachelor’s degree apply for the Seas and Oceans certificate?
Yes, with the exception of the dual degree with the Economics Department at Keio University. If you meet all of the eligibility criteria listed above, you can apply for the Seas and Oceans Certificate. For more information, contact your academic advisor at Sciences Po.
