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Cooperative projects
With no other prior requirements but a commitment to the public good, cooperative projects provide an opportunity for Master’s students to experiment, invent and work together as a team. From October to April, this optional activity opens the doors for participating students to the practical aspects of project management within a cooperative relationship, against a backdrop of solidarity and social responsibility.
They are fully in line with the Civic Learning Programme offered by the Undergraduate College and are representative of the role of civic engagement in the educational project of Sciences Po. They allow Master’s students either to build on their training begun at the Undergraduate College or, for those admitted directly at Master’s level, to familiarise themselves with the areas of solidarity and social responsibility.
By focusing on collective intelligence, the projects aim to allow students to develop skills other than purely academic ones.
From October through to April, groups of 3 to 5 students, from different Master’s programmes and schools, will work as a team to conduct a project proposed by a non-profit organisation. They need to produce concrete and lasting solutions in response to a specific issue put forward by the partner.
Students are accompanied in their project by the host organisation and can also rely on a support network coordinated by Sciences Po.
The project concludes with the submission of a deliverable by the team of students and an evaluation conducted by the host organisation and the students.
Please consult the list of our ongoing cooperative projects.
Submit your project
The mission you propose must meet specific criteria:
- allow the development of citizenship and respond to a social or societal issue by contributing to public debate;
- be non-profit;
- present solid content and enable students to acquire or consolidate skills;
- present a concrete and realistic issue whose conclusion will form a real improvement for your organisation, while
- remaining in the public interest.
You will be put in contact with French and international students who wish to use their skills and enthusiasm in a project that makes sense to them.
To submit your project, all you need to do is complete this form (Word, 29 Ko) and return it to projets.collectifs@sciencespo.fr
We receive a number of proposals each year, so it is up to you to make your project appealing!
Project proposals are reviewed until the 30 April 2024. If your project is accepted, it will be posted with all the other projects at the beginning of July so students can consult them over the summer.
Students make their choice at the end of August. If your project has been chosen, you will receive your team members’ applications in mid-September.
A group of at least 3 students may also propose a project which will be submitted for review and approval by the team project coordinator. You need to have your team of students already.
For the success of your project, we advise you to recruit the support of an institutional partner to help you implement your project, but this is not mandatory.
To submit your project, all you need to do is complete this online form.
How to apply
Most Master’s students are eligible to apply (gap year included). You need to be sure to be available during the full academic year.
Please note:
- Students at the Urban School must request an authorisation from their academic advisor.
- Students at the School of Public Affairs following a programme with the Policy Lab and Law School students registered at the Clinic, cannot take up a cooperative project at the same time.
You can consult the project list in July. Registration will take place at the end of August. Teams are drawn up at the beginning of September and you will then receive an answer by email. Projects will be launched at the end of September.
Participation in these projects is optional and does not require academic registration.
Choose the projects you would like to apply for. You need to use your Sciences Po email address to complete the form.
You can choose up to 3 projects. Bear in mind there are only 4 or 5 places available for each project.
If the project is proposed in French, it means that an excellent level of French is required.
If the project is proposed in French, it means that an excellent level of French is required.
Practical details
The project is year-long: it starts in September / October and ends in April / May.
Workshops are available during the year to help you make a success of your project.
The project advisor will remind you of the project framework at the kick-off meeting, but you will also find all the information you need in our Guidelines (PDF in French, 300 Ko).
You will meet your partner very soon after the team is formed. It’s preferable to get an early start because time is limited. You will then need to meet with your team once a week.
The keys to a successful project are organisation, time management, teamwork and a good relationship with the partner.
There are many tools at your disposal (detailed in the guide) and the project advisor is available throughout the year to assist you and answer your questions.
Cooperative Projects
Audiovisual Equipment: Loan and Training
The Institute for Skills and Innovation has audio/video equipment available for hire (cameras, microphones, etc.) and can also provide training on cameras and video editing.
Contact : Guillaume Aebi
