The Undergraduate economics programme at Sciences Po in France

Sciences Po is an international research university, recognised for its academic excellence and interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences.

As part of its Undergraduate studies, Sciences Po offers a distinctive Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities and Social Sciences, which integrates economics alongside five other core disciplines: law, history, political science, sociology, and the humanities. This three-year Undergraduate programme, available across seven campuses in France, provides a broad and multidisciplinary education leading to a Bachelor’s degree.

Unlike traditional Undergraduate economics degrees, this programme places the study of economics within a wider context, allowing students to analyse global economic challenges through multiple perspectives. They examine key issues such as global markets, public policy, and inequality while developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Graduates of the Bachelor’s programme gain a solid academic foundation and practical expertise, equipping them for further studies in leading Master’s programmes at Sciences Po, including Public Policy and Economics, International Economic Policy, Finance and Strategy, and Economic Law. This multidisciplinary education prepares students for careers in government, international organisations, and the private sector.

If you are looking for a Bachelor’s degree in economics that offers a global perspective and a multidisciplinary approach, Sciences Po provides a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment to pursue your studies in France, most notably on its campus in the heart of Paris.

Economics: a core discipline in the Sciences Po Bachelor’s programme

The study of economics is an integral part of Sciences Po’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities and Social Sciences, providing students with a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and their application to contemporary issues in France and beyond. Based in Paris and across its regional campuses, Sciences Po offers a multidisciplinary Undergraduate programme where students explore the economic forces shaping societies, gaining a broader understanding of French, European, and global economies.

Rather than following the structure of a traditional Undergraduate economics degree, Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach. Courses begin with key historical or contemporary challenges—such as social inequality, climate change, or economic crises in France and across Europe—and introduce economic models and concepts as analytical tools. This perspective allows students to critically assess both the potential and the limitations of economic theories.

Students receive a rigorous introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics, covering areas such as game theory, contract theory, behavioural economics, decision-making, and public policy with applications in the French and European markets. These courses are complemented by training in applied mathematics, statistics for the social sciences, econometrics, and data analysis, equipping students with essential quantitative skills.

Examples of economics courses available in the first two years of the Bachelor’s degree programme include:

• Core Economics
• International Economic Governance and Development
• Trade and International Finance
• Microeconomics: Information, Design and Institutions
• History of Economic Thought
• Financial Inclusion and Development
• Economics of Refugees
• Neuroeconomics and Decision Psychology
• The Architecture of International Finance: Financial, Institutional, and Political Issues
• Financial Principles
• The Age of Economists: History and Critique
• State, Markets, and Civil Society Development Policy
• Labour Economics
• Law and Political Economy: An Introduction
• Foundations of Mathematical Statistics and Econometrics for Informed Citizens

Learn more about economics as a core discipline in Sciences Po’s Undergraduate studies.

Diving deeper into economics in the Undergraduate programme: the majors at Sciences Po

In the second year of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities and Social Sciences, students at Sciences Po begin to specialise by choosing a major that focuses on two of the programme’s core disciplines. This structure allows students to develop expertise while maintaining a broad Undergraduate education in France, with the opportunity to study at Sciences Po’s Paris campus or one of its regional campuses.

Economies and societies major

This major provides an in-depth study of contemporary economic dynamics, focusing on the relationship between markets, society, and public policy in France and across Europe. Students develop a strong understanding of market mechanisms, economic institutions, and the socio-economic impact of policies addressing global challenges.

Courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Public policy and economic governance
• Financial markets and international finance
• Social inequalities and economic development
• Environmental economics and sustainable growth
• Globalisation and economic transformations

Politics and government major

This major examines economic issues within the context of public policy and governance in France and internationally. Students explore how economic policies are formulated, implemented, and assessed, as well as their connections with political systems and international relations. Key themes include:

• Economic policymaking and regulation
• Political regimes and their economic dimensions
• International economic relations
• Economic governance at national and global levels

Political humanities major

This major explores the intersections between economic history, philosophy, literature, and political thought. Students analyse the evolution of economic ideas along with their influence on social and political structures.

Tailoring your academic path

Students have the opportunity to customise their studies by selecting seminars and methodological workshops covering various economic topics. Additionally, they can explore entrepreneurship through introductory courses designed to encourage creativity and innovation.

Learn more about the Undergraduate majors in Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme in France, particularly at its Paris campus.

Studying economics through regional minors in Undergraduate studies at Sciences Po

Alongside the study of French economic systems, Sciences Po’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities and Social Sciences provides students with the opportunity to explore global economics through region-focused minors. These minors, offered across different campuses in France, allow students to take a comparative approach to economic systems worldwide.

A global perspective on economics

Each regional minor enables students to examine economic theories, monetary and fiscal policies, trade, and the specific economic structures of different regions. Through this comparative study, students develop a broad understanding of global economic dynamics and the challenges faced by various parts of the world.

Regional focus based on campus selection

The regional minor a student follows depends on the campus they choose when enrolling in the Undergraduate programme in France:

• Dijon Campus: European Union, Central and Eastern Europe
• Le Havre Campus: Asia-Pacific
• Menton Campus: Mediterranean and Middle East
• Nancy Campus: European Union, Franco-German partnership
• Poitiers Campus: Latin America and the Caribbean
• Reims Campus: North America and Africa

Examples of regionally focused economics courses

Students can engage with global economic systems through courses such as:

• Economic Models in Asia
• Key Contemporary Issues in European Economics
• The Amazon: Ecological, Political, and Socio-Economic Challenges
• The Blue Growth: Combining Ocean Science and Socio-Economics for Sustainable Development
• Europe and Finance

These region-specific courses help students understand the economic complexities and interdependencies of different areas, preparing them for further studies or careers in international economic policy, finance, and development.

Learn more about regional minors in the Sciences Po Bachelor’s programme.

International exchange opportunities in economics within the Bachelor’s studies

The third year of Sciences Po’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities and Social Sciences is dedicated to international experiences, forming an integral part of the Undergraduate programme. Students can choose between a full academic year at one of Sciences Po’s partner universities or a combined year, which includes one semester of study and one semester of an internship abroad.

This year provides an opportunity to deepen economic knowledge, develop a broader understanding of global economic challenges, and gain practical experience that may be valuable for future academic or professional pathways.

Academic exchange with international universities

Students studying economics can spend their year abroad at universities with specialist faculties in economics and related fields, including:

These exchanges allow students to engage with different economic models, policies, and perspectives, enhancing their understanding of global economies within an academic setting.

International Internship Opportunities

For students opting for a combined year, internships abroad offer the chance to apply economic knowledge in professional settings. Internships are available in multinational corporations, international organisations, consulting firms, and NGOs focused on economic policy and development.

Examples of organisations where students have completed internships include:

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• The World Bank
• Financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

These experiences enable students to develop analytical and practical skills, while gaining insights into economic decision-making and policy implementation on a global scale.

Learn more about the third year abroad in Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme.

Learn more about the third year abroad at Sciences Po.

The role of the Civic Learning Programme in applying economic knowledge within the Undergraduate’s programme

At the Undergraduate level, the Civic Learning Programme is an integral part of Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme, encouraging students to engage with social and economic issues in a practical context. By applying economic concepts to real-world challenges, this track enables students to contribute to society while developing a deeper understanding of economic systems and policies.

Through hands-on projects, students explore a range of socio-economic topics, including:

• Supporting economic inclusion initiatives in local communities
• Developing microfinance projects to assist small businesses
• Raising awareness of economic issues through educational programmes

The Civic Learning Programme also fosters critical thinking about economic policies and their effects on different social groups. Students are encouraged to examine topics such as:

• Economic inequality and social mobility
• The impact of globalisation on local economies
• Sustainable economic development and alternative economic models

Practical applications of economic knowledge

Students collaborate with organisations to put economic theories into practice. Previous projects have included partnerships with:

• ICD Afrique – contributing to development and cooperation initiatives
• Banque Alimentaire du Gard – supporting the creation of a solidarity-based grocery store
• Circumactio – working on circular economy projects
• Réseau CIVAM – assisting farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices

These experiences allow students to apply their academic learning to real-world economic issues, equipping them with skills relevant for future studies and careers in a global context.

Learn more about the Civic Learning Programme in the field of economics.

Continuing economics studies with a Master’s programme at Sciences Po

Building on the foundations of their Undergraduate studies, many graduates of Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s programme choose to specialise further by pursuing a Master’s degree in economics. These programmes are exclusively offered on the Paris campus, providing an opportunity to deepen knowledge in key areas, including:

• Macroeconomics and microeconomics
• International and public economics
• Economic development and financial economics

Master’s students engage with both academic research and practical applications, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Courses are taught by academics and professionals with expertise in a range of economic fields, offering insights into contemporary economic challenges.

A multidisciplinary and international approach

Sciences Po’s Master’s programmes emphasise interdisciplinary learning and an international perspective, equipping students with the tools to work across sectors such as public policy, finance, and global economic development. Based entirely in Paris, these programmes also provide a solid foundation for those considering further academic research at the doctoral level.

Learning in a collaborative environment

Students benefit from an interactive academic setting where they collaborate with peers, researchers, and professionals. This approach fosters critical thinking and innovation, preparing graduates to contribute to discussions and solutions in a complex economic landscape.