Organization and types of courses

Organization and types of courses

In France, the academic year begins in September, and is divided into two semesters: the fall semester (September-January) and the spring semester (January-June).



Each semester is numbered as follows (S=Semester).
Fall Semester Spring Semester
Bachelor 1 (Year 1) S1 = 30 ECTS credits S2 = 30 ECTS credits
Bachelor 2 (Year 2) S3 = 30 ECTS credits S4 = 30 ECTS credits
Bachelor 3 (Year 3) S5 = 30 ECTS credits S6 = 30 ECTS credits
Master 1 (Year 1) S1 = 30 ECTS credits S2 = 30 ECTS credits
Master 2 (Year 2) S3 = 30 ECTS credits S4 = 30 ECTS credits
 

Types of Courses

There are two types of courses at the university :

  • "Cours magistral" or CM, a lecture that takes place in a lecture hall
  • "Travaux dirigés" or TD, discussion sessions in small groups that take place in classrooms

Depending on the faculty and the course, a CM and a TD might be taken together.