Exploring the “French-German motor” at Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin

Can one measure the existence of the “French-German motor”? Which impact will Brexit have on French and German policy preferences? These are some of the questions students of the dual master’s degree between Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin discussed during the joint seminar that was held in digital format on January 21-22, 2021 under the title “The French-German Motor and Europe”.

Taught by Dr. Anja Thomas, researcher at the European University Institute, the seminar is one of the cornerstones of the dual degree. First, it is the occasion for all students to meet, as each follows a taylor-made degree at Sciences Po and few share the same subjects. Second, it is the occasion to debate current dynamics in French-German relations. Esther Beaufils, French-German student, points out: “As a French-German dual citizen, I usually have a very critical perspective on either country. The seminar taught me to see things from different perspectives. For example, how Germans see the French education system.”

Johannes Grimmelt, dual degree student from Germany, adds: “In European Studies, one often focuses only on the EU level. This seminar showed how important it is to look at domestic processes as well. We gained insights into French and German politics and how they impact Europe.”

Students of the dual degree spend their first year at Sciences Po, where they choose between the Master in European Affairs and one of seven masters in International Affairs. The second year is spent at Freie Universität in Berlin, where students follow the Master in Political Sciences. Both Beaufils and Grimmelt are in their first year in the Master in European Affairs of the School of Public Affairs. Esther Beaufils explains: “France and Germany are two very different countries. The dual degree gives us the opportunity to be immersed in two different academic systems, two ways of teaching and of conducting research, and of course in two thriving cities, Paris and Berlin.”

In 2021, the dual degree between Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin celebrates its 30 years of existence. Since 1991, the two institutions have aimed to combine Sciences Po’s practical approach with Freie Universität’s more theory-based style in order to train future leaders of both countries in a spirit of European cooperation. Grimmelt concludes: “What I value most in the dual degree is the variety of skills taught. In particular, one learns to adapt to different academic and professional systems. I also really appreciate the exchange between French and German students. That has taught me a lot, both on an academic and a personal level.”

Learn more

• Dual Master's degree in European Affairs/Master Politikwissenschaft (School of Public Affairs, Sciences Po, Paris/Otto-Suhr-Institut, Freie Universität, Berlin)
• The Master in European Affairs at the School of Public Affairs