Academic

The 2 year PSIA curriculum interlaces conceptual foundations and current scholarship, with the most up-to-date operational training and best practices.

World-renowned professors, leading regional experts and practitioners have joined PSIA to teach over 300 courses annually in the most salient fields of international affairs. 70% of courses are offered in English to the entire student body. Consequently, all students are fluent in English, and students without prior understanding of French may follow a full course of study in English at PSIA. Additionally, in-house language training is available in ten additional languages.

PSIA offers a choice of 8 master's programs and a choice of 20 concentrations. Students chose 1 master field and 2 concentrations to create their own curriculum. The richness of course offerings at PSIA and the guarantee of numerous academic trajectories for our students is a key attribute to the professional success of our graduates. The numerous combinations of master and concentration programs ensure a personalised academic trajectory, with the guidance of academic advisors. Instead of an internship, some students may also choose to do fieldwork and a master thesis, subject to prior academic approval.

PSIA Core

The PSIA Fundamentals enshrine the academic tradition of Sciences Po through fostering precise analysis and an interdisciplinary comprehension of complex processes and major stakeholders. Providing the conceptual and methodological foundations of international and global affairs, the PSIA fundamentals consist of three 24-hour foundational courses in international economy, world politics and public international law. Complementary to the methodological foundations, as part of their professional, managerial training PSIA students also complete two 24-hour courses in quantitative methods and management skills.

PSIA Master Curriculum

Through the vast choice of master's degrees and concentration programs, PSIA offers a comprehensive yet diversified academic program of the highest international caliber. Building upon the strength and success of the Master of International Security, the Master of International Economic Policy, and the Master of Environmental Policy, PSIA launched five new master's degrees in September 2011 to respond to the professional aspirations of our students and the international job market: the Master in International Energy, Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, Master in International Development, and Master in Development Practice, as well as the Dual Degree in Journalism and International Affairs.

• First Semester: A selection of fundamental courses that all students take within the master

• Second and Fourth Semesters: A large selection of courses in various sub-fields within the master

PSIA CONCENTRATIONS

The PSIA Concentrations are the full embodiment of the diversity of PSIA course offerings. PSIA offers twenty concentration programs, from which students select two concentrations. With 8 master programs and 20 concentrations, PSIA students have 2800 different possible combinations of master and concentrations for their academic program, in addition to our dual degree programs. Given the strong added value of acquiring a regional focus, students are highly encouraged to select a regional concentration and then select either a thematic or applied concentration.

• First and Second Semesters: Students take two courses in each concentration: one during the first semester and one during the second semester.

• Third Semester: Internship or Master's thesis

• Fourth Semester: Students take two courses in each concentration.

Thematic Concentrations

• Defense and Security Economics
• Emerging Economies
• Environment
• Global Health
• Global Risks
• Global Economic Policy
• Human Rights
• Intelligence
• International Energy
• Migrations

Regional Concentrations

• Africa
• China and East Asia
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East
• North America
• Russia
• South and Central Asia

Applied Concentrations

• Methods
• Project Management

Language

While English is the only language required to follow coursework at PSIA and the common language shared by all students, a third of courses are offered in French. Language instruction is customized to the specific academic and professional objectives of the student.

Students who have not acquired fluency in French are encouraged to enroll in our intensive French language training program. Additionally, in-house language training is available in ten languages, complementary to the diverse offering of regional concentration programs at PSIA.

Capstone Experience

The third semester at PSIA is entirely dedicated to professional development.  In lieu of academic courses, PSIA third semester students fulfill their professional development requirement by completing a full-time internship in their area of interest. Students envisaging a research-oriented career have the option of conducting an ambitious master thesis during the third semester.  Students also have the option of participating in the Mission Jeunes Consultants.

PSIA Standard Two-Year Course of Study

Degree Requirements for PSIA Students

PSIA Students are submitted to Sciences Po requirements for Master students. Please review them carefully, in particular article 44.

As stated in Article 44, Sciences Po students must complete “all specialized courses required by the Master program in which they are enrolled”. As such, PSIA students must validate at least the following courses:

• 2 PSIA Fundamentals (please visit to find out which of PSIA Fundamentals may also count for Sciences Po's “Offre Commune”)
• 1 Skills course
• 6 courses of their Master Core Curriculum
• 2 courses of their 1st Concentration
• 2 courses of their 2nd Concentration 

Specific Degree Requirements for Dual Degree Students

PSIA Students pursuing a dual degree with a partner university must validate at least the following courses at PSIA: 

• 2 PSIA Fundamentals (please visit to find out which of PSIA Fundamentals may also count for Sciences Po's "Offre Commune")
• 1 Skills course
• 4 courses of their Master Core Curriculum
• 2 courses of their Concentration
• Any additional requirement related to their dual degree program