Sustainability Sciences

Program Overview

The Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Sciences at Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University is a three-year interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed around the scientific, social, political, economic, and cultural challenges of sustainable development. The curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of sustainability issues, including the scientific problems involved, their social and political implications, and potential technological solutions. Rather than specializing in sustainability at the undergraduate level, students develop the analytical skills and interdisciplinary mindset needed to address complex sustainability challenges and pursue graduate-level studies in France or internationally.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

The program is closely connected to research conducted at PSL laboratories and combines a multidisciplinary academic foundation with progressive specialization over three years. Its two main academic majors are Environmental Sciences and Economics and Social Sciences. Teaching includes scientific coursework, interdisciplinary team projects, internships, practical case studies, and conferences addressing major sustainable development challenges. Students also participate in mandatory projects or internships connected to real-world sustainability issues.

The curriculum emphasizes scientific reasoning, creativity, adaptability, communication, project management, impact analysis, digital skills, and intercultural competencies. Teaching is delivered in French and English, with the proportion of English-language instruction increasing throughout the three-year program. Students benefit from collaboration across PSL institutions and access to an interdisciplinary academic environment in Paris.

Degree and Academic Recognition

The program awards the CPES degree (Cycle Pluridisciplinaire d’Études Supérieures), a selective bachelor’s qualification carrying the French government’s grade de licence. The curriculum prepares graduates for further academic studies at leading universities in France and abroad.