Master’s in Digital Politics and Governance

Digitisation is a key issue in today’s global and European politics. The rapid spread of the internet to 63% of the world’s population and the increasing use of digital tools for political purposes raise new opportunities and challenges. The Internet and digital tools are powerful tools that can be used for good or evil. It is important to use them responsibly and to face up to the challenges they pose to ensure a positive future. This master’s programme examines the various political, legal and social problems associated with the digitisation process and explores solutions for meeting these new challenges.

Because these issues require political, legal and technical knowledge, the Master’s programme in Digital Politics and Governance is organised in close collaboration with practitioners and experts from related disciplines such as law and IT. It includes a partnership with the law department of the Université Catholique de Lille, a number of presentations by digital technology professionals and field visits, notably to Tallinn in Estonia, to the main European agencies and to political events linked to digital technology.

Founded in 1875, the Université Catholique de Lille is a unique French multidisciplinary institution, bringing together 25 faculties, schools and institutes, as well as a healthcare site. As France’s largest private not-for-profit university, it is committed to higher education, research and healthcare, promoting the humanist and ethical values that have driven it since its inception. The mission of the Université Catholique de Lille is to train innovative professionals and responsible citizens. It offers training tailored to the needs of the job market, with personalised support, professional development schemes and opportunities for international mobility. Students benefit from help in developing their career plans, services to make daily life easier, and a student life full of cultural, sporting and community activities. True to its tradition of openness, the Université Catholique de Lille has been a pioneer in the development of international mobility since the 1970s. Today, it maintains partnerships with 558 universities around the world, offering students, teaching and research staff numerous opportunities for sharing and collaboration. Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, the university is also strengthening its relations with neighbouring EU countries, thereby contributing to a positive and united vision of the world.

Féron-Vrau Scholarship This scholarship finances the first year of a Bachelor’s degree for 20 successful applicants, renewable for years 2 and 3, provided that students meet specific criteria (class attendance, maintaining a satisfactory overall average, not retaking a year, and active involvement in school or community life). French or foreign high school students eligible for CROUS scholarship levels 6 and 7 (with a family income between €0 and €50,000) are eligible.  Amount: Varies based on need and eligibility.

ESPOL Scholarship Available to current and future students enrolling in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor’s degree, or the 1st or 2nd year of a Master’s degree at ESPOL. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence (minimum average grade of 15/20) and alignment of the student’s career plan with ESPOL’s courses. It is compatible with other scholarships but cannot be combined with those covering tuition fees. Students with disabilities may also apply, even if they do not meet all criteria.  Amount: Between €1,000 and €2,000.

Scholarships Based on Social Criteria A higher education grant aimed at students facing financial difficulties. This scholarship is designed to supplement family support and offers significant financial aid to help cover the costs of student life, promoting equal access to education.  Amount: Varies based on financial need.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship This prestigious scholarship aims to attract the best international students to pursue Master's or PhD studies in French institutions. It includes funding for tuition, monthly living allowances, international transport, and other benefits like accommodation assistance. Applicants must be foreign nationals under 30 for Master's level, with priority given to students from emerging countries.  Amount: Monthly amounts vary depending on the level of study and include additional services.

Other Scholarships There are many scholarships available based on your level of education, personal situation, and country of origin. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities through platforms like Campus France’s Campus Bourse search engine or through their home country’s government services.  Amount: Varies based on the scholarship

This master’s degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities:

• National regulatory bodies: for example, in France, the CNIL and ARCEP;
• Large technology companies: in their public affairs departments, for example;
• Companies and the private sector: as a digital strategy consultant, for example;
• Start-ups or think tanks in the digital sector: France Digitale, for example;
• Public administration at national and sub-national level: ministries, regional and local authorities and other public administration agencies recruit experts in the digitisation of public policies;
• International and European organisations: the European Union, the OECD or the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity; NGOs, trade unions, interest groups and lobbies operating in the digital and data sector, citizens’ digital rights or digital inclusion;
• Academic career: students graduating from our MA can also access doctoral programmes to pursue an academic career. 

The Université Catholique de Lille is a federation of associations recognised as being in the public interest, EESPIG and ESPIC accredited, shareholder-free and not-for-profit. The results are 100% reinvested in its mission (research, teaching, support for beneficiaries).

ESPOL is part of the Campus France network and has obtained the 2-star label “Bienvenue en France” which attests its capacity to welcome students from around the world with English-speaking staff, accompanying students in their everyday life and providing administrative guidance.