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France
France offers an excellent scientific and technological environment, that of the fourth industrial power in the world. France is a world leader in space technology (the Ariane launcher), in aeronautics (Airbus), in transport (the TOV high speed train), in nuclear energy (second largest producer of nuclear electricity), in computer science' (invention of the smart card), in civil engineering (the Channel tunnel), in agribusiness, (second largest exporter), in environment protection (number one in water-treatment procedures) and a leader in telecommunications.
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To a large extent, France owes its international position to the quality of its system of education and training and especially to its 230 engineering schools and to its 87 universities whose research centres is world-renowned.
As the world's fourth commercial power, France excels in management and commerce. Over 96 schools of management provide students with specific training, which constantly proves its efficiency.
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France's reputation, as you know, is also due to its fashion and design industries. The schools of applied art that specialize in fashion, architecture or industrial design give the "Made in France" label a special French touch, recognised worldwide.
To stay in France is to benefit from a cultural atmosphere and a unique historical and geographical cachet which have made France the number one destination for tourists, drawing 60,000,000 visitors every year. Thanks to its network of hotels and exhibition centres, France in the first choice for professional events such as exhibitions, seminars and conferences. As the most popular destination for visitors from abroad, France exports its skills in the hotel and restaurant industry, for tourism or business, to all other countries.
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To come and study in France is to be at the heart of Europe and to be enrolled in a school or university which has strong ties with other European institutions. Education in France has always been a State concern. Studying in France not only gives access to wide range of courses from archaeology to information technology research, but also opens the door to Europe and the European markets. Finally, in terms of employment, it provides opportunities in hundreds of thousands of French companies operating all over the world.
France prides itself on its long-standing tradition of university education. The high-level of skill available in France reflects the efficiency of its education in academic, professional and technical fields and gives you enough reason to want to benefit from its educational opportunities in all fields of learning.
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Choose Your Options Higher education in France is imparted through three main categories of institutions with varying objectives, structures and admission requirements.
Universities: The minimum requirement for admission to any university course is the French Higher Secondary Certificate (baccalaureate) or an equivalent qualification. Universities offer theoretical, practical and job-oriented coU11Jei8and train students for research in all disciplines-Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Management, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacology, Technology, Arts, Political Sciences, etc.
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Competitive Universities: These distinguished and meritorious schools prepare students for specific goals in the fields of engineering or business management
Advanced Studies Centres: There, are a large number of advanced centres offering specialisation in various other fields including arts, architecture, agriculture, law, administration, etc.
Admission to all the above institutions is on merit and the number of enrolments are limited. For international students, admission is subject to the recognition of your qualifications by the concerned institution.
Under-graduate Courses:[Bachelor’s degree(French "Licence") 6-semester programme] 87 Universities throughout the country offer the following specialised Bachelor’s Master's degrees: Art and Audiovisual, Literature and Languages, Human and Social Sciences, Law, Political Science, Economics, Management, Sales, Material, Life, Earth and Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Studies, Mechanics, EEA, Technology, Civil Engineering, Energy, Physics, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Sport and Theology
Post-graduate Courses
(a) Vocational Goals: The DESS. A two-year programme with the "Maitrise" at the end of 'the first year
If the student's main aim is to get a job, he or she should choose a "Diploma detudes sup6rieures specia1i_ [DESS]." This is a two-year course in a university. It includes a minimum compulsory three months of work experience and many hours of lectures and seminars.
(b) Research Goals: The DEA A two-year programme with the "Maitrise" at the end of the first year
If your aim is to go into research, you register for the "3eme cycle" to get the Dipl6me detudes approfondies (DEA) the first stage in the preparation of a doctorate. This is a two-year diploma.
The Doctorate (Ph.D): The doctorate is the logical next step for holders of the DEA with mention, and for those who forward a research plan of exceptional standard. A doctoral thesis is prepared under the authority of a directeur de recherche (research director) and takes two to four years. A doctorate is awarded after a viva on the thesis or research papers have been publicly examined and defended. With a doctorate you can become a university lecturer.
THE GRANDESECOLES (COMPETITIVE UNIVERSITIES)
Their Objective: To train French and foreign engineers and executives in five years (including two years of preparatory classes), for State administration, industry and services.
Their Main Features: Highly selective admission, either by competitive examination after an intensive two-year preparatory course of study, Or else on the basis of a diploma or the equivalent in the first or second year. This type of entry concerns foreign. students especially, High level, versatile training over three years, Close links with the professional world, including managers from industry as teachers, company internships and research contracts with industry, Low enrollment: 300 to 800 students per school, An introduction to advanced. Technologies and, applied research; A greater awareness of international activities and Over 200 engineering schools an a more than 50 business and management schools that award a degree approved by the French Ministry in charge of higher education and research.
There is a specially-adapted programme for students from abroad, who have already reached an advanced scientific and technical level.
ENGINEERING STUDIES
Engineering Schools-Duration: An Engineering degree requires five years of higher education after high school taken as:
Either 2 years of preparatory classes (CPGE) followed by 3 years in an Engineering School (- 50%);
Or 5 years in an engineering school (-30%);
a preparatory period corresponding to other types of curricula the transfer to an engineering training (- 20%).
MANAGEMENT STUDIES
The French education system offers over 400 recognised degrees regard to each management function. Students acquire the necessary knowledge to enter different careers such as auditing, financial management, accountancy, human resources management, finance sales and marketing.
Universities offer a large choice of professional general and specialised covering all the relevant management functions and carry out high-level research projects in the field of management sciences. Business Schools are close to company and economic realities. After an initial selection process, these institutions train future high-level managers for trade and service industries.
A LARGE NETWORK OF INSTITUTIONS
* 50 Management Universities
* 27 Business Administration Institutes (IAE)
* 95 University Institutes of Technology
* 40 Business and Management Schools established in main French cities.
First Class Training with Top Quality Academics: Thanks to experienced and trained academics, French teaching methods are renowned for their high academic standards in universities and Business schools alike. Given their links with the business world, many courses include contributions from company directors and executives. Professional work placements allow students to put their knowledge into practice.
Innovative Teaching Methods: Institutions make extensive use of modern, innovative, interactive teaching methods and integrate new technologies including the use of Internet. Multiple exchange agreements and partnerships with the best foreign institutions give French programmes a strong multicultural identity.
Recognised Degrees: Degrees recognised by the French Government and accredited to international standards are delivered to students as a proof of their academic achievements, enabling them to carry on their studies overseas in other fields.
Two Types of Programmes: Short programmes with a given professional objective offer courses in specific management techniques, training students for managerial positions (commercial management, administration, sales, communication, accountancy, finance, etc.)
Courses are delivered within a university (JUT) or in the technical departments of secondary schools, leading to a BTS degree.
Long programmes in IAEs and Business schools offer studies lasting 4 or 5 years and including general management, specialised professional management, and doctoral research.
BUSINESS SCHOOLS
The majorities of Business Schools are managed by either Chambers of Commerce and Industry or the private sector and deliver a general, advanced three-year business course intended to train top business managers. Courses benefit from a State recognition. The admission procedure is based on a selective entry exam taken after a two year intensive preparation in special
preparatory classes or after one or two years of university studies (this procedure mainly refers to foreign students).
Schools develop close links with companies, and propose their own specific teaching methods which encompass business realities.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES
High-level Technical Sections (HTS)-Objective: To train high-level technicians with a professional specialty.
* They prepare students for the high-level technical certificate
(BTS);
* Students may be admitted upon application after the high
school diploma;
* 150 specialties;
* Over 225,000 students;
* Two-year professional training in very specialised fields, e.g., tourism, hotel management, automobile, construction, advertising, healthcare, including company internships;
* Opportunities for advanced specialisation lasting one year after the BTS.
Technology Colleges (IUTS) at Universities-Objective: To prepare students for technical and professional management positions.
* They prepare students for the college-level technological degree (DUT);
* Students may be admitted upon application after receiving the high-school diploma;
* Many specialties in engineering, company management, new technologies;
* Over 100,000 students and 98 IUTs;
* An intensive two-year training period including 10 weeks of company internships;
* Applied work in small groups under professional and academic supervision;
* Opportunities for advanced specialisation lasting one year after the DUT.
The BTS (high-level technical diploma) is awarded after 2/3 years of study directly after the bac, at the end of secondary school. The main study areas taught are the following:
Biological Laboratory Analysis; Interior Design; Ceramics; Textiles and Printing; Management Assistant; Insurance; Building; Biotechnology; Chemistry; International Commerce; Communication; Accounting and Management; Industrial Product Design; Metallic Construction; Social and Home Economics; Electronics; Beautician Studies; Optical Engineering; Graphics; Computer Science; Hotel and Restaurant Trade; Industrial Maintenance; Mechanics; Micro Technology; Fashion Designing; Textile Production; Tourism and Leisure; Public Works; Food Production and Distribution.
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