1. Welcome to Science Po ULB!
Info session POLI4J
Master in Political Science (60 ects)

2. 24,000 students 12 Faculties, several schools and institutes

4. 50% of all Political Science students in French-speaking Belgium
+/ students each year
+/- 500 students at the Master level

5. Basic principles ECTS credits
Credits measure the workload of each course: class, individual work, readings, preparation, etc.
One academic year for a full time student equals 60 credits
Unité d’Enseignement (UE)
Learning activities described in a course report
Evaluated by a mark
If passed, credits are acquired
Rhythm of the academic year:
Three terms, each followed by an evaluation session:
2 teaching terms of 12 weeks, the 3rd summer term dedicated to internships or preparations

6. 3 academic cycles
Bachelor : 1st cycle
Master: 2nd cycle
PhD: 3rd cycle

7. Evaluation UE are evaluated at the end of each term
UE is passed and credits are acquired if marked 10/20 or above
When all credits are acquired for a cycle, the jury deliberates and grant a mention when applicable (Satisfaction, Distinction, Grande distinction, La plus grande distinction)
Evaluation sessions
The 1st evaluation session is organized in January for the UE of the 1st term, and in May/June for the UE of the 2nd term
The 2nd evaluation session (retake session) is organized Mid-August to early September

8. Master in Political Science – 60 ECTS
Goal
Overview of various fields in the sub-discipline
Training and writing of a Final Dissertation (FD)
Structure of the programme
30 ects FD + FD seminar
20 ects overview of sub-fields in political science
10 ects optional courses
To be chosen online via MonULB

9. Final Dissertation (FD)
Preparation via Seminar
Deadlines
October 30: Topic and reseach question
December 18: Full Registration form
Mid-May: Submission (first session)
End of June: Defense (first session)
Mid-August: Submission (retake session)
Early September: Defense (retake session)
Format: 30 pages

10. Final Dissertation (FD)
Information:
Vade Mecum
Students-Practical Info > Final Dissertation (FD) / Master Thesis
Université Virtuelle
FSP_TFE01
Mémoire de Master / TFE / Master Thesis / Final Dissertation
Online platform

11. Presentation of a paper / FD
Source: Vade Mecum

12. Format (1) Printing and binding Recto-Verso, preferably recycled paper
Glu binding > plastic
Thicker first page, light blue (colour of the department)
Formatting
TNR 12; 1.5 spacing; 2.5 margins
Justified text
Page numbers, bottom right
Style
Avoid common sense, judgments, and personal opinions
Support all affirmations/arguments
Concision
Nuances
We > I

13. Format (2) Top: Number and title Bottom: source
Tables and figures
Top: Number and title
Bottom: source
Refer to table/figure number in the text
In appendix if too voluminous
References
Essential for scientificity
In the text AND in a bibliography (list of references at the end)
Coherence in styl
Use software (Zotero)
References in the text
Textual citations: to be used with parsimony, between brackets if < 3 lines, indent if > 3 lines; text cannot be modified (including errors) (translation in footnote if necessary)
Non-textual citations: essential (otherwise: plagiarism)

14. Format (3) If text not between brackets
Plagiarism
If text not between brackets
If ideas reproduced without reference
If translation without clear reference
We use a software to detect plagiarism - Immediate sanction
Bibliography
List of the sources used in the paper
Organised by type of sources
Ranked alphabetically
Submission of the paper
Respect deadlines
Electronic AND paper format

15. Format (4) Standard front page
Vade Mecum
Standard front page
In appendix: rules regarding plagiarism, signed
Form of consent for interviews
List of libraries
List of main journals
Suggestions of textbooks and manuals (methods)
List of available databases

16. Basic recommendations
Office hours
If professors have office hours, you do not need to make a prior appointment to show up during these hours s
Have an informative subject line
Have an introduction (Dear…) – avoid first names
Introduce yourself & the course/problem you’re writing about
Be short
Be formal/polite
No slang, emoticons, abbreviations
Think of how to end your
Triple check if the answer to your question is not already in the course outline/UV/slides. In 90% of the cases it is.

17. Programme Co-ordinators
Academic Co-ordinator
Emilie van Haute S
Office hours: Wednesday am
+32 (0)
Administrative secretary
Marie-Thérèse Teixeira
Bureau IEE 39 avenue Roosevelt
+32 (0) ;
President of the jury
Corinne Gobin
+32 (0) ,

18. Useful websites
Faculté de Philosophie et sciences sociales
Department of Political Science –
MON ULB :
GEHOL : course schedule via MonULB
Université virtuelle :
BEFSP - Bureau des étudiants de Science Politique –
Social services - 02 650 20 14 -
Aimer à l’ULB - 02 650 31 31
Psy campus - 02 650 20 25 -

19. Follow Science Po ULB on social media

20. Student Guidebook
Available at the secretariat or on

21. Registration fees You have to pay your registration fees before 31. 10
Registration fees You have to pay your registration fees before otherwise you won’t be allowed to register to the exams

22. Have a great year at