Sciences Po Toulouse, one of France’s nine Institutes of Political Studies, has partnered with the Purpan School of Engineering to offer a dual degree combining political science and agricultural engineering.
The degree aims to address the major challenges of the agroecological transition, including public policy management and innovation in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. It is aimed at students who want to meet contemporary challenges such as reducing chemical inputs, adapting to climate change, improving food security, and governing agricultural sectors.
The course will train professionals who combine technical expertise
with an understanding of local, national, European, and international decision-making mechanisms. It has been created in response to a growing demand for experts who can lead projects at the interface between agriculture and institutions, both in France and internationally.
“This partnership allows us to create a unique profile of experts, capable of understanding both the technical realities of the agricultural sectors and the mechanisms of public decision-making,” said Eric Latgé, Director General of the Purpan School of Engineering. “It is a concrete response to the challenges of the agroecological transition, which requires agile and versatile professionals.”
Translating agronomic research into public decisions
Through the new course, Purpan aims to train engineers who have a mastery of agronomic and agri-food sciences, along with a nuanced understanding of public policies, regulations, and ecological transition strategies. Meanwhile, Sciences Po Toulouse hopes to offer its students an immersion in the technical and economic realities of the agricultural sectors, while strengthening their ability to anticipate, support, and implement regulatory changes.
Graduates could join public institutions such as ministries, agencies, or local authorities to design and implement agricultural and environmental policies. Alternatively, they could work with international organizations like the FAO or the European Commission on issues like food security and the ecological transition. In the private sector, their profile may appeal to agri-food companies, chambers of agriculture, agricultural unions, cooperatives, and more.
“Faced with current climate, food, and territorial challenges, it is essential to have professionals capable of translating agronomic research into effective public decisions,” said Sarah Jammes, Deputy Director of Studies and Head of the dual degree program at Sciences Po Toulouse with the Purpan Institute of Higher Education.
Each year, five students from each institution will benefit from the dual degree. The program will start in the autumn of next year.