Today's society still lives in an era where education is considered a key factor for success. Recruiting companies determine the potential of an applicant by the number of years of study. There are various possible routes, so how do they work?
Generalist streams
These courses are divided into three categories: licence, master and doctorate. Firstly, the licence is an acquisition of the fundamental concepts of a field of study. It is obtained at the end of three years of study after having completed 180 credits spread over six semesters. It is the first diploma acquired after the baccalaureate, also called the first cycle. The disciplines are varied, such as health, human and social sciences, law, art, literature, etc. After graduation, students can either go on to work as public clerks or continue on to a Master's degree, which is the second cycle of university studies. The latter lasts two years. The number of credits is 120. The Master's degree is a specialisation in the chosen field in relation to professional goals. It also completes the knowledge acquired during the licence. Finally, there is the third cycle, which also lasts three years. These years are a long period of research in order to validate a thesis and acquire the title of doctor.
Professional courses
Among this category, there is the professional licence at the university. To enter this programme, you must first have a baccalaureate and you will be selected on the basis of applications. The professional licence is a training course leading to a qualification which is aimed at a particular profession. It is possible to enter the workforce directly at the end of these three years of study or to continue in a second cycle. On the other hand, the University Bachelor of Technology or BUT provides training for 24 months. This will be a professional specialisation. After its acquisition, either start a career or continue studies. There is also the DUT which is an intermediate diploma obtained after two years. Another one, called Diploma of scientific and technological university studies/ DEUST or diplôme d'études universitaires scientifiques et technologiques, is a qualification for higher technicians in various fields.
University diploma: its specificities
It is also called an institutional diploma. It is not always accredited by the Ministry. On the other hand, only universities can award them. Secondly, the courses offered in a bachelor's degree are different from those offered in a master's degree. The cost and duration of studies in a particular discipline vary according to the higher education degree and the university. Furthermore, since the start of the 2020 academic year, the Ministry has opened up short, but highly professionalising courses. They are called "specialised higher education courses" or FSS. Their aim is to to help students enter the world of work quickly. A baccalaureate is sufficient for access. Finally, another study diploma approved by the Ministry is the PaRéO or passport for success and orientation. High school students with a vocational baccalaureate can then consolidate their knowledge and strengthen their records. This will prepare them for a successful start to their degree course.