European School of Political and Social Sciences
About
Political science is a dynamic field with strong international prospects. ESPOL – the European School of Political and Social Sciences – prepares students for global political careers through an interdisciplinary, European-focused education. As part of the Université Catholique de Lille, ESPOL combines academic excellence with a commitment to human values and ethical responsibility.
ESPOL, a multilingual and multicultural school
Based in Lille, France, ESPOL offers a truly international experience, bringing together students and faculty from around the world in a vibrant, multilingual environment. With courses taught in multiple languages and a strong emphasis on global perspectives, ESPOL prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world and pursue international careers with confidence.
As a member of the Université Catholique de Lille, France’s largest private non-profit university with more than 40,000 students, ESPOL benefits from a rich academic ecosystem rooted in humanist and ethical values. This multidisciplinary and internationally focused institution offers students a supportive environment, strong career guidance, and access to a wide network of global partnerships.
ESPOL students benefit from a comprehensive range of facilities designed to support their academic, physical, and social well-being:
- Green Spaces: Situated in the vibrant Vauban district, students can enjoy 50 hectares of green spaces, including the Parc de la Citadelle and Bois de Boulogne, perfect for relaxation, study, or sports.
- Sports Facilities: The ALL Sport programme provides a fitness room for individual workouts or group classes, a 7-hectare sports complex, and a gymnasium for organised matches and tournaments. These facilities promote both physical fitness and personal development.
- Library: The Vauban University Library serves all faculties, with over 300,000 books, 430,000 e-books, and 120 electronic journals. Training sessions are available, and it offers extensive opening hours for students’ convenience.
- Health Services: The Centre Polyvalent de Santé Universitaire (CPSU) offers GP consultations, gynaecology, nursing care, and psychological support exclusively to UCL students. For emergencies, the Maison Médicale de Garde (MMG) provides extended hours of care.
- Catering: Students can choose from several affordable dining options across ALL Resto, including 4 university restaurants, 2 sandwich bars, and a table-service restaurant offering seasonal cuisine. Prices start from €3.30 (or €1 for scholarship holders).
- Accommodation: Lille offers a variety of housing options in vibrant districts, providing an enriching living experience. The city's central location makes it a cultural hub with easy access to other European cities like Brussels, London, and Paris.
These facilities ensure that students have everything they need for a fulfilling academic and social life while studying at ESPOL.
The admission process for ESPOL Master's programmes requires applicants to hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or a first-year Master’s degree for second-year admission. The following documents are required:
- Transcripts of your Bachelor’s degree
- CV in English
- Cover letter in English
- Two academic letters of recommendation (in English or French)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge certificates, TOEIC)
We accept students from all around the world. For European students, applications must be submitted via the "Mon Master" platform, while non-European students should apply through the "Études en France" platform. The selection process includes an evaluation of academic excellence, motivation, and an interview phase.
For more details and step-by-step guidance, check the full admission procedure on our website.
High-quality training
Choosing ESPOL means joining a dynamic, internationally recognised institution committed to addressing today’s most pressing global issues. Here's why ESPOL stands out:
- Global Perspective: Our programmes are designed to address key international challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, governance, and security, making them ideal for globally minded students.
- English-Taught Programmes: All Master's programmes are fully taught in English, providing an inclusive environment for students from around the world.
- Innovative Curriculum: ESPOL’s interdisciplinary approach combines political science, economics, law, and environmental studies, ensuring a cutting-edge education that prepares students to shape global policies.
- European Hub: Located in Lille, France, ESPOL is at the heart of Europe, offering proximity to EU institutions and a wealth of professional opportunities with international organisations, think tanks, and NGOs.
- Career-Focused: With a strong network of alumni and partners, ESPOL provides pathways to internships and careers in top international organisations, governmental agencies, and environmental NGOs.
- Vibrant Community: A diverse student body and rich campus life, including debates, conferences, and cultural events, create a stimulating environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
ESPOL equips you to become a leader and change maker, ready to impact the world for the better.
A vibrant student life
“ESPOL strongly encourages innovative and vocationally-oriented student initiatives (creating a school newspaper, organization of roundtables on recent political events, training in public speaking, meetings and debates on current topics) by giving students its support to develop their ideas and design their projects. Each year, more than 30 diverse student associations thrive at ESPOL.” — Oliwia Baran, Head of communication and student life
Welcoming international students
Every year, ESPOL receive about 30% of foreign students. It is important to us that every student feels integrated and enjoys the time spent here in ESPOL and in Lille. To achieve this goal, several services and devices can be used by our international students, such as the International Affairs office, student associations, and guides.
The European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL) has obtained EESPIG accreditation (Établissement d'Enseignement Supérieur Privé d'Intérêt Général), a label awarded by the French government to recognise private establishments fulfilling public service missions. This accreditation underlines ESPOL's commitment to promoting accessible, high-quality, socially responsible education, while being recognised for its public service role. It also guarantees that the school operates on a not-for-profit basis, reinvesting its surpluses for the continuous improvement of its courses and academic environment.
