At Sciences Po Saint-Germain, an innovative educational curriculum is preparing a new generation of intelligence professionals. The new course, short titled Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales – Diplomée of Intelligence and Global Threats — equips students with their key skills. It is these skills that uniquely equip them to defeat the new intricacies in global security threats ministra.
Led by Professor Xavier Crettiez, the highly competitive program is 120 hours of classwork over four months. So far this year, 28 kids are registered for the program. They create a fascinatingly mixed bag, including everyone from upbeat postgrads in their early 20s to more staid government spies joining us on day release. The demanding curriculum includes modules on the economics of organized crime, Islamic jihadism, business intelligence gathering and political violence.
The program’s appeal goes further than attracting new or incoming traditional students. It attracts IC professionals seeking to hone their skills or advance their education. The opportunity to learn in such a unique classroom, Professor Crettiez says, should be recognized.
“I rarely know the intelligence agents’ backgrounds when they are sent on the course, and I doubt the names I’m given are genuine anyway.” – Prof Xavier Crettiez
The enrollment criteria are stringent. Applicants must be French citizens, although some exceptions for dual citizens are permitted. The course is about €5,000 (about $5,900 or £4,400) for non-HU students. People who want to participate in the workshops first need to pass a vetting process by the French secret services.
Among this current cohort are Alexandre Hubert and Valentine Guillot, both in their early 20s. They can’t hide their excitement for the insights they’ve already learned from their research and the opportunities that wait in front of them.
“Coming here to discover this world which I didn’t know anything about except for the TV series has been a remarkable opportunity, and now I am very keen to join the security services.” – Valentine Guillot
Hubert calls attention to a more grounded, real world perspective on what intelligence work entails.
“Looking at intelligence gathering from a James Bond viewpoint is not relevant; the job is analysing risk and working out how to counteract it.” – Alexandre Hubert
Of the six students now enrolled, half are spies. This underscores the program’s importance to their continuing professional education in an increasingly competitive global intelligence environment. This mix of backgrounds fosters a unique, enriching learning environment, perfect for discussing different perspectives on some of the most dangerous threats to our world today.
Roger, a classmate of Yona’s in the program, comes with an arts-oriented perspective to his studies.
“I provide consultancy across West Africa, and I joined the course to provide risk assessments to my clients there.” – Roger
According to Sebastien-Yves Laurent, another speaker at the Sciences Po Saint-Germain, the demographics of the field have dramatically changed.
“Women’s interest in intelligence gathering is new,” – Sebastien-Yves Laurent
He notes that this increased interest is partly driven by a desire to have a greater positive impact on people and the planet.
“They are interested because they think it will provide for a better world.” – Sebastien-Yves Laurent
As the next generation of professionals gets ready to join this pivotal industry, we spoke to Professor Crettiez about what lies ahead for graduates. He explains that so many people want those intelligence roles. Of those, only a handful every cycle actually cross the finish line and make it to the front lines.
“Few new recruits will end up in the field,” – Prof Xavier Crettiez
The new degree at Sciences Po Saint-Germain has such a proven track record, already making waves in the job market. Our recent graduates have already landed places with leading firms including Orange, Thales and the LVMH group. As these students continue to navigate their studies and prepare for careers in intelligence and security, they contribute to an evolving landscape that demands robust analytical skills and a deep understanding of global threats.