TRAINING THE FUTURE LEADERS OF CHANGEIN PUBLIC POLICY, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND TRANSITIONS
Ecological, social, and institutional transitions are profoundly transforming the relationships between public policy, corporate responsibility, and civic engagement.
Faced with the accelerating pace of environmental crises and the development of new sustainability regulations—such as the CSRD, the European Taxonomy, and the Duty of Care Act—companies, local governments, NGOs, and public institutions are seeking professionals capable of understanding these transformations and providing concrete solutions.
HEIP’s Bachelor’s in Public Policy, CSR & Transitions allows you to build, starting right after high school, a solid foundation in contemporary issues and acquire the analytical methods needed to take action.
You’ll learn to understand systems, question existing models, and prepare to support their transformation.
What type of degree is awarded?
- Upon successful completion of the three-year program, this program awards an institutional certificate titled “Bachelor’s in Public Policy, CSR & Transitions,” issued by HEIP, an independent institution of higher education governed by the law of 1875.
- Each successfully completedyear of study also earns 60 ECTS credits, for a total of 180 ECTS credits upon completion of the bachelor’s degree.
- The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System facilitates the recognition of academic achievements and mobility within the European Higher Education Area.
What courses are offered in the Bachelor’s program in Public Policy, CSR & Transitions?
The program combines a core curriculum in law, economics, international relations, and political science with specialized coursework on sustainability and transition issues.
This step-by-step approach allows students to acquire the necessary foundations to understand the mechanisms of public policy, analyze contemporary transformations, and begin to develop their career plans.
Starting in the first year, a CSR & Transitions specialization complements the core curriculum to provide a practical exploration of issues related to sustainability, organizational transformation, and the evolution of public policy.
First Year(Bachelor’s Year 1)
UE 1 · Politics and Society
This course provides the historical and political context necessary for understanding contemporary societies and the changes they are undergoing.
- Political History of France, Semester 1.
- Overarching Project, Semesters 1 and 2.
- Lecture series, semesters 1 and 2.
- History of International Relations, Semester 1.
- Introduction to Political Science, Semester 2.
UE 2 · Law and Public Institutions
This unit provides an understanding of the legal and institutional framework governing public action and transition policies.
- Introduction to Law, Semester 1.
- Political Institutions, Semester 1.
- History of the State, Semester 1.
- Approaches to Transitions and Disruptions,CSR & Transitions Specialization, Semester 2.
UE 3 · Contemporary Issues and Global Changes
This unit develops your ability to analyze international current events and major contemporary upheavals.
- Analysis of International Current Events, Semester 1.
- SHIFT(s) 1: Decode to Act, Semesters 1 and 2.
- International Affairs: International Relations and Diplomacy, Semester 2.
- Lecture Series, Semester 2.
- Concepts and Issues in Sustainable Development,CSR & Transitions Track, Semester 1.
UE 4 · Economy, Finance, and Society
This unit provides the economic fundamentals needed to understand general equilibrium and evolving models.
- Fundamentals of Macroeconomics, Semester 1.
- Major Schools of Economic Thought, Semester 2.
- TECHAWAY-TECHFORALL, Semester 2.
UE 5 · Methodology and Professional Development
This course develops the intellectual methods and communication skills needed to produce and present rigorous analyses.
- Academic Research Methods, Semester 1.
- Public Speaking Methodology, Semester 1.
- The Art of Learning, Semester 2.
UE 6.1 & 6.2 · Modern Languages (First Language: English + Second Language + Third Language of your choice)
Improve your language skills to navigate an international professional environment with ease.
- English (S1 & S2)
- Second and third foreign languages (LV2 and LV3) may be chosen from among the options offered on campus: German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Portuguese (S1
, and S2)
Learning Objectives: Laying the Groundwork for Understanding and Taking Action
By the end of this first year of the bachelor’s program, you will be able to:
- Gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of public law, political institutions, and the contemporary economy in order to analyze the mechanisms of public policy.
- Identify and analyze the major environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that shape public policy and corporate strategies.
- Understand the principles behind the ecological, digital, and social transitions, as well as the main regulatory frameworks governing them in France and Europe.
- Develop methodological rigor in the production of academic writing and the oral presentation of complex analyses.
- Use two modern languages to access international resources, discussions, and publications on sustainability and public affairs.
Teaching Methods
Starting in your first year, you don’t just listen—you analyze, debate, and create. The curriculum is based on:
- Case studies based on actual public policies (regional climate plans, corporate CSR strategies, regulatory reforms).
- Simulations and role-playing exercises to replicate the trade-offs between public, private, and nonprofit actors.
- Group work and hands-on projects combining literature review and well-reasoned presentations.
- Seminars and lecture series led by professionals from the fields of sustainability, environmental law, and public policy.
Each semester, students receive support as they prepare for the professional world and develop their career plans.
Assessment Criteria: Demonstrate understanding in a real-world context
Course assessment is based on comprehensive continuous assessment, designed to evaluate your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world problems:
- Case Studies: Analysis of a real-life situation drawn from current events in public policy or corporate social responsibility.
- Professional scenario-based exercises: producing deliverables (summary reports, sales pitches, assessments) expected in organizations.
- Written reports with oral presentations: defend your analyses before a panel to develop, starting in your bachelor’s program, your ability to persuade and structure your reasoning.
Languages: An International Perspective Integrated from the Start
Starting in your first year, you’ll study business English as well as a second modern language chosen from the options offered on your campus:
German · Spanish · Italian · Portuguese · Mandarin · Japanese · Arabic · Russian · Advanced English
This dual language proficiency prepares you to engage with the international sources, debates, and organizations that shape global sustainability policies.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Once you have completed the program, you will have the option, if you wish, to continue your studies toward an MSc. HEIP offers only Level 7 RNCP-accredited degrees.
PROFESSIONALIZATION
- Immersion internships can be completed each year after the academic term ends.
- The third-year internship is mandatory.
They provide an opportunity to learn how public, nonprofit, or private organizations engaged in sustainability, social responsibility, or institutional transformation initiatives operate.
Examples of entry-level roles or assignments:
- Junior Project Officer at an environmental organization or NGO.
- Assistant in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainable development department.
- Junior staff member at a local government agency or public agency.
- Parliamentary aide or aide to an elected official.
- Junior Institutional Communications Specialist.
What are the course fees?
Tuition
For the 2026–2027 academic year, tuition for the bachelor’s degree program is €8,990 per academic year. The CVEC fee must be paid separately before the start of the academic year, after enrollment.
Application Fee
A €70 application fee is required when submitting the application.
These rates apply to the 2026–2027 school year and are subject to annual review.
Non-European Student
A mandatory fee of 700€ must be added to the total cost of the training program. It gives you access to
personalized support upon your arrival in France (administrative procedures, settling in, integration).
Practical Information
Who are our teachers?
The faculty consists of professors and researchers, practicing professionals, and guest lecturers specializing in the fields of sustainability, environmental law, public policy, and corporate social responsibility.
All instructors hold at least a master’s degree and have significant professional experience in their respective fields.
Learn more about our faculty.
Where are our campuses located?
The Public Policy, CSR & Transitions program is offered at three campuses: Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux.
Our three campuses in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux are strategically located in the heart of major French cities, offering our students direct access to a dynamic network of businesses and institutions. Designed to foster an optimal learning experience, these modern, connected spaces allow students to enjoy a vibrant student life, rich in cultural, club, and athletic events.
Are the facilities accessible to people with disabilities?
The admissions process is accessible to people with physical disabilities, as the tests can be completed entirely online.
For individuals with invisible or mental disabilities, the admissions teams can adapt the exams.
All campuses are accessible to people with limited mobility.
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