Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Development (Applied Economics)

The Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Development (Applied Economics) at Université PSL is a two-year, research-oriented graduate program offered in Paris, France. Established in 2008, the program is delivered by Université PSL, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), or École des Ponts ParisTech, with academic support from the Paris School of Economics (PSE). Taught in English, it provides advanced training in applied economics, public policy analysis, development economics, and quantitative research methodologies. The program prepares students to design, analyze, and evaluate public policies in both developed and developing countries. It combines economic theory with perspectives from political science, economic history, and other social science disciplines to develop a comprehensive understanding of public policy challenges and government interventions.

Curriculum, Research Training, and Career Opportunities

The first year focuses on quantitative methods, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political economy, economic history, social policies, and globalization. Students participate in individual and group projects, attend lectures delivered by policy experts and practitioners, and complete a compulsory internship in an organization involved in public policy development or evaluation. During the second year, students specialize through courses covering social policy, global policy, economic history, and advanced quantitative methods. The program concludes with a research thesis supervised by a researcher from the Paris School of Economics. Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in humanities and social sciences with a strong economics focus and substantial mathematical preparation. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies in economics or professional careers in government administrations, international organizations, development agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies.