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History, Institutions and Policies of the EU
Certificate of European Studies (CES) Parcours Certificate of European Studies (CES)
ComposanteSciences Po Strasbourg
Catalogue2025-2026
Description
The course begins with an introduction to European integration, the post-World War II geopolitical context and the key theories that have been put forward by scholars to account for the process of integration. With context and theory in mind, students will study, and seek to explain, subsequent developments in European integration from the establishment of the European Communities to the most recent Treaty reforms. Students will learn about the composition, the roles, and the functioning of the European Union’s institutions as well as the various steps of the policy-making process. Particular attention will be paid to the Single Market and Economic and Monetary Union, with students critically analyzing the success of these programmes. Students will study the EU’s programme of enlargement and considers its consequences for the EU, its member states, and (potential) candidate states. The course ends with students reflecting on Europe in crisis and asking what next for the EU and European integration.
Compétences requises
Students should have a basic understanding of the concept of European integration and the functioning of the European Union. Those who feel they lack this should read John McCormick ‘Understanding the European Union : A Concise Introduction’, Palgrave Macmillan, 6th Edition, 2014.
Compétences visées
Through this course students will develop a broad understanding of the process of European integration: its origins, its evolution, and its institutional and policy outcomes.
Students will gain the knowledge and tools to allow them to formulate opinions on matters relating to European integration, and will gain in confidence presenting and defending these positions. Students will have the opportunity to take part in class debates and in discussions within smaller groups. Students will be asked to draw and report conclusions, and to make both individual and group presentations.
Bibliographie
Essential
1. John McCormick, Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction, Palgrave MacMillan, 5th Edition, 2011.
2. Michelle Cini& Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragan (Eds), European Union Politics, Oxford University Press, 5th Edition, 2016.
3. EU News Sites : EU Observer ; Euractiv
4. Think Tank websites : Centre for European Reform ; European Council on Foreign Relations ; Centre for European Policy Studies ; European Policy Centre
Additional
5. Desmond Dinan (Eds), Origins and Evolution of the European Union, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edition, 2014.
6. European Union, Consolidated Treaties – Charter of Fundamental Rights, Publications Office of the European Union, 2010.
7. Ian Bache, Simon Bulmer, Stephen George, and Owen Parker, Politics in the European Union, Oxford University Press, 4th Edition, 2015
8. Simon Hix and BjørnHøyland, The Political System of the European Union, Palgrave MacMillan, 3rd Edition, 2011.
9. Daniel Kenealy, John Peterson, and Robert Corbett (Eds), The European Union : How does it work ?, Oxford University Press, 4th Edition, 2015
10. John Peterson and Michael Shackleton (Eds), The Institutions of the European Union, Oxford University Press, 3rd Edition, 2012.
11. Helen Wallace, Mark A. Pollack, and Alasdair Young, Policy-Making in the European Union, Oxford University Press, 7th Edition, 2014.
12. Robert Ladrech, Europeanization and National Politics, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
13. Cécile Leconte, Understanding Euroscepticism, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
MCC
Les épreuves indiquées respectent et appliquent le règlement de votre formation, disponible dans l'onglet Documents de la description de la formation.
- Régime d'évaluation
- CT (Contrôle terminal, mêlé de contrôle continu)
The Certificate of European Studies (CES) is a university degree awarded at the end of a semester of study at Sciences Po Strasbourg. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English and aims to allow students who speak little or no French to have access to a top-level education in a French « Grande Ecole » (elite university).
Focusing on Europe from a global perspective, the Certificate of European Studies combines lectures, small-group tutorials, field trips and educational visits while introducing students to the French language and culture.
Thanks to the long-standing partnership between Sciences Po Strasbourg and the European institutions (European Parliament, Council of Europe, etc.), CES students have a unique opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of Europe from the very heart of its capital.
Open to exchange students and free movers
This diploma is intended for international students, enrolled in a university abroad with an aim to obtain a degree and having the equivalent of at least two semesters (i.e. 60 ECTS credits) validated in their home university, preferably, but not necessarily, in the following fields : Law, Economics, Political Science, International Relations and Contemporary History.
The CES is targeted at students with little or no French language skills (A1-A2), but proof of advanced command of English is necessary (B2 in English required).
The Certificate of European Studies is open to both exchange students coming from partner universities and to free movers (non-exchange students).
Organization of the study program
The Certificate of European Studies can be taken first or second semester.
The program begins, each semester, with an intensive French course.
During the semester, students must take French language courses, 4 compulsory courses related to Europe (depending on the semester: History of European integration, Political Sociology of Europe, Cultural Policy in Europe, The EU and the World Economy, etc.) and a seminar coupled with pedagogical visits to the European institutions. In addition, they choose 2 optional courses and participate in a field trip (Frankfurt, Brussels, Luxembourg ...).
For further details, please see the CES brochure with course descriptions for first semester and for second semester.
First semester, the program begins at the beginning of September; courses and exams are completed before the Christmas holidays.
Second semester, the program begins at the beginning of January; courses and exams are completed at the end of May.
How to apply
- Your home university has an exchange agreement with Sciences Po Strasbourg (Erasmus+ agreement or bilateral agreement) or with the University of Strasbourg (exchange agreement for universities outside Europe only) : you must be selected by your home university.
- Your home university does not have an exchange agreement, neither with Sciences Po Strasbourg nor with the University of Strasbourg: you will have to pay a registration fee of €1390.
- The application procedure and schedule for the next sessions of the Certificate of European Studies are available here :
- 2025/26 Semestre 1
- 2025/26 Semestre 2
