Meet Edgar, a graduate from the dual degree Sciences Po-UBC

Edgar Proutheau graduated from the dual degree Sciences Po-UBC in May 2014 with a major in Political Science. He is now enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs at Sciences Po.

Edgar applied to the dual bachelor's degree Sciences Po-UBC in order to strengthen his knowledge of North American politics and institutions, a specialisation that he started during coursework on the formation of US foreign policy at Sciences Po. “The courses at UBC came to complement those I had attended at Sciences Po,” he says.  “They helped me delve into federalism and public policy issues that we will come to face in European politics in the future.”

Rather than concentrating only on North America, Edgar most enjoyed the global perspectives offered by the dual degree. With a wide course offering both at Sciences Po and at UBC his courses enhanced his perspectives on Chinese politics and global metropolises. While completing his major in Political Science, Edgar continued to learn Spanish and even had time to start studying German language and literature. “It was a wonderful extension for such an international degree,” he adds.

Edgar enjoyed the balance between theoretical and applied courses at both institutions. “As I had taken some theoretical courses at Sciences Po,” he explains, “I chose to follow some rather technical ones at UBC, including a course on electoral systems and one on political strategy.”

The four year experience and ability to live abroad for two years during the dual degree gave Edgar a great balance in his international experience. “Two years in each university is a fantastic opportunity to discover a new place and feel like a real resident at the same time.”

Despite the strong ability he acquired in academic research, Edgar came to realise that he preferred to pursue a professional-track Master’s Degree. After considering several Master’s Degrees in North America, he was granted admission to Sciences Po’s Master’s Degree specialising in Public Affairs. He hopes to use this degree to begin work in public service and perhaps the French public administration. “These four years with their international breadth gave me food for thought,” he concludes. “It enabled me to make the best career decision.”

 

Related links
>> Dual bachelor's degree programmes at Sciences Po
>> Dual master's and PhD degree programmes at Sciences Po
>> Master's degree programmes at Sciences Po