The “National Defense and Security” degree program was a resounding success
Launched in 2016, the institutional diploma in “Awareness of National Defense and Security Issues” is welcoming itsthird graduating class , under the patronage of General Guy Parayre, former director of the National Gendarmerie. As the first national diploma of its kind when it was established, it has been a resounding success over the past three years.
Fostering responsible citizens
This enthusiasm reflects the significant interest that defense and security issues generate today. The DE helps bridge the gap between the security sector and the civilian world. Over the course of 72 hours of instruction, students in this institutional diploma program gain an understanding of how the police, gendarmerie, fire department, emergency medical services (SAMU), the justice system, the Army, and the prefecture operate.
“The goal is to move beyond idealized stereotypes and provide a concrete description of the roles played by each of these actors. This is a genuine challenge for citizenship in today’s world,” explains Christophe Chesa, program director, professor at the Montpellier University Institute of Technology (IUT), and faculty advisor for “national defense and security” at the University of Montpellier.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Defense
This degree program is part of the “Developing and Promoting the Spirit of Defense” agreement signed in 2007, 2012, and 2016, between the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Its primary objective is to raise students’ awareness of defense issues (both civil and military) through the implementation of specialized courses, in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and the regional association of students at the Institute of Higher National Defense Studies (IHEDN).
A general degree open to everyone
Since the establishment of the institutional diploma in “Awareness of National Defense and Security Issues,” an average of 40 students have been trained each year, with a steady increase in applications and a growing proportion of female students (20% of the student body in 2016, 25% in 2017, and 52% in 2018). Open to all levels and backgrounds, this diploma program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, with a high proportion of law students (40% of the student body in 2018). Since its launch, it has expanded its reach: this year, one in three students is not from UM.
72 hours of instruction
The curriculum includes 72 hours of instruction on topics such as:
- the functioning of security and defense services;
- the National Gendarmerie;
- the National Police;
- justice;
- the SDIS;
- the Army;
- emergency medicine and forensic medicine;
- customs;
- the safety of a local government;
- cybercrime;
- the prefecture: coordination of crisis management.
Opportunity to earn a first aid certification (PSC1)
Registration fees:
- UM-MUSE students: €100 (€50 for students receiving financial aid)
- Non-members: €150
A total of 36 spots are available, including 12 for external applicants.
The University Diploma Program as seen by the students
“A very affordable university diploma, regardless of your field of study”
“This highly regarded program offers insight into public service professions that are sometimes misunderstood (particularly law enforcement and the justice system). For informational purposes alone, this university diploma provides a better understanding of how the French government operates and the various people who work on our behalf every day. For me, this program was a real eye-opener (and made me rethink my future career path).”
“A very interesting training session—short but informative and quite well organized”
“I find the certificate program very comprehensive and extremely interesting! It should even be extended—don’t hesitate to include more field trips or guest lectures.”