A new European and international political studies school at UCLy
In a fragmented world, educating those who will shape the Europe of tomorrow has become a priority.
In the face of geopolitical realignments and democratic tensions, the education of future public decision-makers is emerging as a strategic imperative. In this context, UCLy (Lyon Catholic University) is launching the Schuman School, a new institution dedicated to European and international political studies.
With an explicit reference to Robert Schuman, a leading Christian Democrat figure and one of the founding fathers of the European Union, this school carries a clear ambition: to train a generation of actors capable of understanding, analyzing, and supporting public action within a constantly changing European and international environment.
A program with Europe as its horizon
Through the Schuman School, UCLy has chosen a bold positioning: to approach political science within a resolutely European and international framework. As UCLy’s Rector, Grégory Woimbée, emphasizes: “Europe is a structuring horizon for the education of younger generations and a natural area of development for UCLy.” The school thus meets a dual need: that of institutions—national, European, and international alike—facing complex and interconnected challenges, and that of younger generations eager to pursue meaningful careers.
Training the governance and public policy actors of tomorrow.
The Schuman School aims to prepare students to operate in demanding environments by developing an understanding of public policy that is both European and global.
Its teaching approach is based in particular on:
- A multidisciplinary approach combining law, political science, international relations, and economic and social sciences;
- Concrete practical exercises (simulations, negotiations, serious games) for progressive immersion into the professional realities of public action;
- Study abroad programs;
- A bilingual French/English curriculum (one of the program's fundamental requirements).
- The goal is to train profiles capable of analyzing public policies, understanding governance dynamics, and acting effectively in multicultural contexts.
A Bachelor’s program structured around major European issues
The Bachelor in European and International Legal and Political Studies is a three-year program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in law, political science, and international relations through a coherent, theme-based progression.
- Year 1: European Democracy and Humanism – Focuses on Europe as a democratic and sustainable model.
- Year 2: European Law and Policies – Deepens the understanding of the legal and policy mechanisms of the European Union.
- Year 3: Global Europe – Explores Europe's role and influence in a multipolar world.
Master-level programs will further expand this curriculum beginning in 2027.
Selective admission, in line with the program’s ambitions
Following an initial application screening (outside the national Parcoursup platform for the launch year), the admissions process includes three components: a written essay in French, European, and international general knowledge (3 hours), an English test (1 hour 30 minutes), and a motivation and personality interview conducted in both French and English.
This process is designed to assess candidates' knowledge, analytical skills, linguistic proficiency, and potential for commitment.
Career opportunities at the heart of European and international environments
The Schuman School prepares its students to operate in demanding institutional and multicultural contexts.
Professional opportunities encompass:
- Companies operating in globalized markets
- European and international institutions
- Public and para-public organizations
- NGOs
- Careers in diplomacy and governance
“Training individuals capable of thinking about Europe and acting within complex international environments is a necessity of our time. The Schuman School embodies this ambition through a demanding program that combines academic rigor, European openness, and a strong sense of commitment,” emphasizes Michel Cannarsa, Dean of the Faculty of Law, European and International Political Studies at UCLy.
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Fondée en 2026, elle forme les futurs acteurs de la démocratie européenne et internationale, capables de comprendre les enjeux contemporains, d’analyser les politiques publiques et d’agir dans un monde en constante évolution.
Dispensé en français et en anglais, ce Bachelor prépare les étudiants à évoluer dans des environnements internationaux exigeants.