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Introduction to the Law of European Court of Human Rights
Certificate of European Studies (CES) Parcours Certificate of European Studies (CES)
ComposanteSciences Po Strasbourg
Catalogue2025-2026
Description
The European system of Human Rights protection has been the basis of the stability and peace in the European continent. Its main instrument is the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’) which applies to the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe and constitutes the core of the system. The right to individual petition before the European Court of Human Right (‘ECtHR’) is the most specific aspect of the European human rights system and one of the reasons why it is so developed in comparison to other regional human rights bodies.
The course is divided in two part : the first analyses the evolution of the European system of Human Rights and the proceeding before the ECtHR.
The second part proposes a selective analysis of the European convention of human rights. The course is validated on the basis of two activities : an oral assessment (podcast) and a multiple-choice exam. Please note that active participation during the courses constitutes a significant part of the final course grade, reflecting the workshop nature of the course. Students must be prepared to actively discuss on the topics in class.
Compétences visées
Déterminer et gérer les contraintes juridiques pesant sur les Etats parties à la Convention européenne des droits de l’Homme ; décrire les institutions publiques en charge de faire respecter la Convention ; identifier et justifier les responsabilités des différents acteurs dans le système de protection juridictionnelle des droits fondamentaux en Europe ; expliciter les contraintes dans l’exécution des politiques publiques.
Disciplines
- Droit public
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)
- Coefficient
- 1.0
Évaluation initiale / Session principale - Épreuves
| Libellé | Type d'évaluation | Nature de l'épreuve | Durée (en minutes) | Coéfficient de l'épreuve | Note éliminatoire de l'épreuve | Note reportée en session 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Contrôle continu composé de la moyenne de plusieurs notes obtenues dans le cadre de l’enseignement et/ou par la voie d’un travail personnel de l’étudiant | CC | A |
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
