The Master's Thesis

The Master's thesis is a key component of the Master's programme. It accounts for a quarter of the ECTS credits.
Students begin considering their choice of topic in the first year. In the second year, and particularly in the second semester, preparing and writing the thesis takes centre stage. Throughout this process, students work under the supervision of a thesis supervisor.

The Master's thesis is an original piece of work, based on scientific research, in which, thanks to new sources, new thinking or a specific methodology, students demonstrate their ability to think for themselves in a structured and critical manner. It is therefore not a compilation, essay or extended conference paper.

The length and format of the Master's thesis vary according to the discipline and specialisation.

Consulting previous years' research Master's thesis

You can consult previous years' research Master's thesis in print format up to 2020 at the library at 27 rue Saint Guillaume (after requesting them from the catalogue) and in electronic format at the Sciences Po digital library since 2021.

Searches in the library catalogue can be performed by author, title keywords or subject, selecting the document type ‘“Thesis and Master's thesis”’ to limit the results. Systematic searches by DEA or Master's degree are more complex and require specific queries that vary over time depending on changes in programme titles.

To facilitate your search, the “ Thesis and dissertations” selection in the catalogue allows you to find all the bibliographic records of Master's thesis defended in the last three years and available in the library, sorted by discipline.

Presentation and formatting of the research Master's thesis

For pagination, bibliography, footnotes, etc., the rules set out in the Sciences Po Thesis Presentation Guide (PDF, 540 KB) apply.

Only the cover page is differennt: download the cover page template (RTF, 40 KB).

Master’s thesis defence

The submission and defence of the second-year Master's thesis are carried out according to a schedule set each academic year.

Schedule of defences for the 2025-2026 academic year:

• Submission of Master's thesis no later than 17 May 2026
• Defence between 20 May and 2 June 2026 inclusive

The Master's thesis to be defended will be sent in PDF format and electronically to your Administrative Officer, your Dissertation Supervisor and your jury members.

Distribution of research Master's thesis

If you wish to publish your Master's thesis online in the Sciences Po digital library, you must complete a distribution authorisation form and send it to Clément BERNARD (clement.bernard@sciencespo.fr, librarian responsible for theses and dissertations) after your defence.

Here is the link to download it in French and in English.

You can choose between open access (general public) or restricted access (limited to the Sciences Po community). Restricted access Master's thesis can only be viewed via the digital library viewer after authentication with your Sciences Po credentials.

Please note that only Master's thesis for which the student has completed a distribution authorisation are listed in the library catalogue, made available online and accessible.