Masters Degrees, Graduate Studies and Professional Programs in France

The chance to study abroad in France is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed, and when it comes to advanced education, such as Master’s Degrees, Graduate and Postgraduate studies, and Professional programs, the country of France has everything a student needs to be successful.
 
Officially known as the French Republic, France is a sovereign country located in Western Europe that also includes several overseas regions and territories.  Mainland France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea; and from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean.  It is one of only three countries (besides Morocco and Spain) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
 
France is the largest country in Western Europe and the European Union and the third-largest in Europe as a whole.  With a total population of roughly 66 million inhabitants, it is the third-most populous European country.  A modern nation by any definition, France is a semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris, the nation’s largest city and the main cultural and commercial hub of the country
 
Masters Degrees, Graduate Studies and Professional Programs in France
 
France is one of Europe’s undisputed leaders when it comes to education, particularly in the area of higher education and its advanced degree programs.  The higher education system in France, as well as that of other countries belonging to the European Union, recently underwent a major facelift, implementing changes precipitated by the Bologna Declaration of the late 1990s.  This declaration, which ultimately resulted in the Bologna Process, effectively standardized the credit and degree system at universities throughout the European Union, a measure aimed at improving student mobility and facilitating student transfers.
 
Today, higher education in France is organized in three levels or grades which correspond to those of other European countries:
 

• Undergraduate.  The undergraduate level is defined as the first three or four years of university education.  At this level in France, students can either pursue a 3-year academic Licence (Academic Bachelor) or a 4-year professional Licence (Professional Bachelor).  With the first option, no tangible degree is awarded, but successful completion of the Academic Licence does qualify students to pursue their education at the graduate level, leading to a Master’s degree in their particular field of study.  Students that opt to pursue the 4-year professional Licence or Bachelor, usually with the goal of seeking employment at its conclusion, are awarded a tangible degree following their studies.
• Graduate.  Students who successfully complete the academic Licence are eligible to pursue studies at the graduate or Master’s degree level.  In most academic areas, this level of education spans two years or four full semesters in duration.
• Postgraduate.  Exceptional students who wish to continue their education after earning their Master’s degree can pursue studies at the postgraduate level.  Doctorate or PhD programs are offered at most of France’s major universities in a variety of academic disciplines.  In addition to PhD programs, the postgraduate level also encompasses a number of advanced specialty programs, in fields such as Medicine, Pharmacology, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and the Law.

 
The various levels of study in France also include “parcours” or paths based on UE modules (Unites d’Enseignement Modules), each worth a defined number of European credits (ECTS), which are generally transferrable between paths.  An Academic Licence is awarded once 180 ECTS have been earned, usually at a rate of 60 ETCS per academic year, and a Master degree is awarded once an additional 120 credits (two years) have been obtained by the student.

An interesting characteristic of French higher education, compared with other countries, is the small size and multiplicity of higher education institutions, each specialized in a more or less broad spectrum of areas. For example, a middle-sized French city, such as Grenoble or Nancy, may have 2 or 3 universities (focused on science or sociological studies), and also a number of engineering and other specialized higher education establishments.  In Paris and its suburbs, on the other hand, there are 13 universities, none of which specializes in any one particular area, and a large number of smaller institutions which are highly specialized.

In France, it is not unusual for graduate teaching programs (Master's Degrees, the course or theory portion of PhD programs etc.) to be operated in concert by several institutions, allowing the institutions to present a larger variety of courses.

Why Study Abroad in France
 
The higher education system of France will expose students to a new and unique academic setting, one whose success cannot be argued.  However, there is much more to this study abroad destination than just academics.  Students who travel to France to study will have ample opportunities to soak in the French culture, learn new language skills, see the sites, and meet new friends and colleagues they will treasure for a lifetime. 
 
France is easily the world’s most popular tourist destination, thanks in large part to its people and regional cultures, its landscapes and urban areas, and the manner it has for simply drawing people in. France is renowned for its historical and artistic culture, architecture, food, wine, and beaches, offering something for everyone’s tastes. Creative types and intellectuals alike will be at home, particularly in Paris, which is loaded with museums, cathedrals, and historical buildings, and the country is also the ideal location for those interested in learning French or working on the skills they have already acquired.
 
Here are just a few other reasons to choose France for your study abroad adventure:
 
The Cuisine
 
France is famous for its delectable cuisine.  From gourmet entrees, to artisan cheeses to fine wines, this is definitely the ideal locale for the food lover.  As a major tourist destination, France also specializes in many international food styles, giving diners a bevy of choices when planning out their meals.
 
The Sites
 
France is home to some of the most majestic and iconic sites in the world, most of which offer daily tours for visitors.  In a single day visiting Paris, sightseers can make their way to a number of recognizable masterpieces, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral, and leave with photos to remind them of the beauty of these sites for many years to come.
 
Centralized Location
 
France’s centralized location makes it the ideal gateway for those wishing to visit other European countries and cities, such as Spain, London, Germany and Switzerland.  Whether you travel by bus, train or air, France’s location makes it easy to get the most “bang for your buck.”
 
The Fashion
 
France (particularly Paris) is known for its fashion and is the symbolic capital of the fashion world. From high end boutiques to designer resale shops, there are a variety of diversions for the shopper and fashion enthusiast.