The Toulouse Institute of Political Studies, named « Sciences Po Toulouse » is a higher education and research establishment, autonomous within one of the oldest universities in Europe: The University of Toulouse, founded in 1229.
Taking its inspiration from Sciences Po Paris founded in 1871, and afterwards with the london school of economics and Political science (lse) following suit, an order issued by General de Gaulle in 1945 brought about the decision to create institutes of political studies in some of the largest cities in the country so as to democratize the recruitment of the “Nation’s elite”.
Toulouse opened its doors in 1948. since then, Sciences Po Toulouse has continuously grown in size and prestige and now welcomes just over 1, 700 students who are rigorously selected to enroll through a national entrance examination common to 7 Sciences Po institutes in France, or admission based upon student record and achievements under certain conditions, including continuing-education applications.
The normal programme lasts 5 years and leads to a Master’s degree (MA), while some students continue on to the level of a doctorate (Phd).
The main peculiarity of the Sciences Po model is that it is an interdisciplinary approach to excellence in education which provides future generalists with the high level of grounding in skills that they need in History, Law, Economic sciences, Sociology, Political science and International relations, enriched by specialization in years 4 and 5, after a 3rd year either on a professional placement in France or overseas or alternatively studying at a foreign university.
Sciences Po Toulouse has a strong international side to it. Nearly 150 international partners have been set up across 5 continents, allowing for constant student exchanges and common research projects. Joint diplomas are seeing the light of day, while specific courses for foreign students are being developed, both on site and delocalized.
The use of multimedia technologies also enables for our teaching to be put on line, whether that be in French, English or in Spanish.
Firmly turned towards the rest of the world, Sciences Po Toulouse educates future professionals that are called upon to work in a multicultural environment in executive positions, in both the public and the private sectors, whether that be in France or anywhere in the world.
A commitment to equality and inclusion
As part of a continued commitment to equality and inclusion, Sciences Po Toulouse includes in its strategical objectives the struggle against inequalities and develops a policy of democratization and diversity which leads to:- the program DISPO
- the program Tremplin IEP to support entrance exam preparation
- the creation of the Lab A+
- the creation of the degree "Politic, discrimination and gender"
- Research activities within DISPO and the laboratory LaSSP
- Supports of any student with a physical, sensory, learning disability
- Social and geographical diversity
- Social aid fund
- 1516 students
- 725 remotely trainees
- 52 professors researchers
- 357 independant contractors