A: Yes. It is an accredited European master’s degree, awarded by the Bordeaux Institute of Political Studies in France (Sciences Po Bordeaux).

A: It is aimed at senior managers of social security or social protection institutions.

A: The programme aims to link the latest theoretical and operational knowledge with the macroeconomic, political, sociological and operational issues encountered by managers and senior managers of social protection institutions in their day-to-day work.

A: Sciences Po Bordeaux directs the overall study programme and awards the accredited master’s degree. The first semester is coordinated by Forhom, an Egis Group training centre that specializes in supporting institutions in emerging countries. The second and third semesters are coordinated directly by Sciences Po Bordeaux. The fourth semester is coordinated by the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

A: Forhom is France’s leading training centre for senior managers from intermediate countries. It provides training on governance solutions and budgetary monitoring for public and parastatal institutions and companies. Sciences Po Bordeaux is the second oldest institute of political studies in France, which embodies the public service doctrine founded by Dean Léon Duguit and holds two research centres in political science, including one of the best on Africa. Its postgraduate courses focus on emerging countries. The ISSA is the world’s leading international organisation for social security institutions, government departments and agencies.

A: Not for the moment. Once the French programme has been launched, it will be made available in other languages, starting with English.

A: It is a two-year programme, divided into four semesters (called “blocks”).

A: Yes. A certificate is awarded for every block completed. It is therefore possible to complete just one semester of the programme and obtain the corresponding certificate. This certificate Is recognized at the European level (ECTS system for higher education).

A: Yes. You can complete two semesters during one academic year, then the other two during a later edition of the programme. Once you have completed all four semesters, you will be able to submit a dissertation to complete your master’s degree.

A: At the end of the two-year course (which may be completed in blocks during different academic years), students who have obtained all four certificates are invited to submit a dissertation on a topic that has been agreed with the academic team. To be awarded the master’s degree, students must successfully defend their dissertation before a panel of examiners.

A: The majority of the programme is taught online, using Sciences Po Bordeaux’s Moodle platform. Students are only required to attend one week of in-person classes per semester (generally in Bordeaux), to build cohesion between class members and to work on certain subjects as a group. If a senior manager on the master’s course is unable to attend an online class on the date it is broadcast, he or she may view a replay at any time.

A: The admission fee for the full programme is 12,000 euros (EUR). Or, alternatively, EUR 3,600 per semester if the student only wishes to complete one semester and obtain a certificate. Discounts are available for ISSA members who choose to do the whole course and/or who have already completed another programme with one of the partner organisations.

A: These expenses shall be paid by the institution that employs the master’s student. Sciences Po Bordeaux and Forhom may offer accommodation at discounted rates, and students will have access to the university restaurant using their student card.

A: At least ten students are required for each edition of the course.

A: Yes. The course leads to an accredited master’s degree, so graduates can pursue their studies at doctoral level. For example, they can apply to Sciences Po Bordeaux’s research unit Les Afriques dans le monde (LAM), if one wishes to do a thesis (PhD).