Diploma in Religions, Secularism, Society
IREL, Sciences Po Lille
    
          The Institutional Diploma in Religions, Secularism, and Societies is a qualifying program awarded by the EPHE-PSL in partnership with Sciences Po Lille. It is a one-year program designed and organized by the Institute for the Study of Religions and Secularism (IREL).
Qualiopi-certified training (Article L. 6316-4 of the French Labor Code).
Overview of the Religions, Secularism, and Societies Diploma
"Religions, Secularism, Societies" is a one-year program designed and organized by the Institute for the Study of Religions and Secularism (IREL, EPHE-PSL), in partnership with Sciences Po Lille. It leads to the acquisition of the "Religions, Secularism, Societies" Institutional Diploma from EPHE-PSL. In response to the growing demand for expertise on the issues of religious management and the implementation of secularism, this program offers, in a compact format, keys to understanding religious worlds in the plurality of different traditions and the internal plurality within each of them, as well as the philosophical and political framework of secularism.
- One-year diploma program.
 - Courses can be taken remotely.
 - Training compatible with a professional activity.
 
Targeted Skills
- Finding one's bearings in the complexity of religious worlds.
 - Understanding the interactions between religions and contemporary French society. Identifying public policies in relation to various religious issues.
 - Understanding religious dynamics at the regional level.
 - Using knowledge of religions and secularism in a concise manner, both orally and in writing.
 - Distinguishing between the scientific and religious approaches to religious phenomena.
 - Integrating the perspectives of different humanities and social science disciplines on religious issues.
 
Priority
The Diploma in Religions, Secularism, and Societies is likely to be an asset in many professional sectors:
- Executives and managers in the private and public sectors, NGOs, and associations;
 - Teachers and trainers;
 - Cultural professions, librarians, archivists , journalists;
 - Social workers, healthcare personnel;
 - Elected officials and staff of local authorities;
 - Police and prefectural administration officers, diplomatic and national defense personnel, and legal professionals;
 - Association staff and religious leaders involved in the management of religious services in a secular context.
 
Training highlights
- Multidisciplinary theoretical approach through humanities and social sciences.
 - Integration of the students’ professional experience.
 - Choice of learning method (in-person or distance learning).
 - National and regional approach.
 - Special meetings with practitioners.
 - Visits to places of worship.
 - Real-life case studies.
 
This diploma validates a training program combining scientific content (historical, sociological, philosophical, and political science) with the contributions of professionals involved in the management of religious issues in their practice. The training takes into account the students’ professional experience and adapts to each individual's needs.
The training allows learners to develop essential skills for professionals whose activity (present or future) is directly or indirectly linked to religious facts and secularism, from a socio-educational, political, legal, medico-social or cultural perspective.
Online Application Dates
- 1st session: From Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 to Wednesday, June 11th, 2025.
 - 2nd session: From Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 to Thursday, September 4th, 2025.
 
Registration Procedures and Practical Information
Link to the application website: https://espacecandidature.psl.eu/
2nd session: From Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 to Thursday, September 4th, 2025.NOTE: The number of places is limited.  | 
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Based on the applicant's professional experience and/or previous qualifications, the training council may grant an exemption and allow registration to applicants who do not hold this level of education.
Student applications are submitted to the Academic Council for the Religions, Secularism, and Societies Institutional Diploma (entirely online process).
The application must include, at a minimum, the following documents:
- A diploma/certificate of completion;
 - A passport or ID card;
 - A cover letter;
 - A CV.
 
For the first session: If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a mandatory interview with the teaching team in July (results will be announced on July 1st).
Fees
- Third-party funding (employer, OPCO, etc.): €2,500 including tax per year.
 - Self-funding (with proof of no third-party funding): €750 including tax per year.
 
Please note: As the diploma is only accessible through continuing education, students are not subject to the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
The curriculum consists of three modules (mandatory for graduation).
- Module 1: Religions and Society: Textual Foundations, Institutions, and Practices (70 hours).
 - Module 2: Understanding Secularism and Managing Religion in the Workplace (45 hours).
 - Module 3: : Seminar "A Republican Territory Involved in Religious Issues for 150 Years" (20 hours)..
 
Please note: Module 3 can be taken independently of enrolling for the diploma. For more information, contact Sciences Po Lille directly.
Also included in the diploma registration:
- Access to the 2025-2026 program of "IREL Conferences" (a customized program on religions and secularism), and to "IREL Wednesdays" (monthly book presentations on current events in religions and secularism);
 - Access to Sciences Po Lille's Continuing Education lectures;
 - Access to the Humathèque library on the Campus Condorcet in the Paris region.
 
Assessment Methods
At the end of the course, students who have met the assessment criteria receive the Institutional Diploma awarded by EPHE-PSL, in partnership with Sciences Po Lille.
- Modules 1 and 2 are validated by a written and an oral exam.
 - Module 3 is validated by the completion of a summary report.
 - The average of these three grades determines the final grade.
 
Course Locations
Courses are held at EPHE-PSL and Sciences Po Lille, depending on the module:
- For modules 1 and 2: in Paris, at two EPHE-PSL sites ( Campus Condorcet and Maison des Sciences de l'Homme);
 - For module 3: in Lille, at the Sciences Po Lille site (plus on-site visits).
 
Course Delivery Methods
All courses are delivered in a synchronous, dual-mode format (offering the option to attend each session either in person or remotely).
School Start
Friday, September 19th, 2025 ( Campus Condorcet, North Building).
- Diploma Academic Supervisor: Stéphanie Laithier.
 - Continuing Education Department (Administrative Registration, Funding Terms and Conditions): Yohann Coliné - @email / +33 (0)1 53 63 61 67.
 - Diploma Academic Secretariat: Louis Hourmant - @email / +33 (0)1 88 12 02 99.
 - Sciences Po Lille (for information on the Lille module only; registration is through EPHE-PSL): Xavier Nalpas - @email / +33 (0)6 24 86 21 66.
 - Open by appointment, Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.