Master Economics for Smart Cities and Climate Policy

ESCLIP students gain thorough professional preparation through a blend of practical skills, internships, co-tutoring experiences, exposure to research, and hands-on learning via capstone projects. These final-year projects are developed in collaboration with public institutions, such as the City of Paris, and private sector partners through industrial chairs and guest lectures. Additionally, students have a unique opportunity to join École Polytechnique’s prestigious delegation at the UNFCCC international climate conferences (COP).

The University

Since its creation in 1794, École Polytechnique has been producing and sharing multidisciplinary knowledge at the highest level, for its students, for companies and for society, by developing an entrepreneurial spirit, boldness and a sense of general interest in its three fundamental missions of education, research and innovation.

In a globalized higher education and research environment that is both competitive but also open and collaborative, École Polytechnique has inscribed its future within Institut Polytechnique de Paris. 

Created in June 2019, Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a public institution of higher education and research, encompassing 5 prestigious French engineering Schools: École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis.

Since its creation, IP Paris has established itself as a world-class institution of higher education and scientific and technological research, capable of attracting the best French and foreign researchers and students, and thus being an essential driving force for France's power and influence.

Courses and instructors

With a class size of fewer than 20 students, the ESCLIP program fosters an in-depth learning experience and offers participants valuable, personalized interaction with instructors. All courses are conducted in English and are taught by a mix of academic professors and industry professionals, including PhD-level economists.

Structure of the program

The ESCLIP full-time study program (140ECTS) includes two semesters of courses and a semester working on a master's thesis, either on an academic topic (e.g. for students who wish to pursue a PhD) or as part of an internship. 

The ESCLIP program’s teaching approach is closely aligned with the business world, integrating economic theory with real-world case studies. The ESCLiP Program has established strong partnerships with both industrial and academic institutions across various fields, including electricity, finance, energy, international organizations, transportation, and government ministries. Among the program’s partners are notable organizations such as the City of Paris, EDF, and SNCF.

The Capstone Project

The Capstone Project is done over the course of Year 1 and Year 2 and involves evaluating the climate action plan of Paris. Students select one of the areas of the Paris climate and energy action plan (mobility, housing, air quality, sustainable consumption, waste policy, adaptation strategy) and conduct a scientific study to evaluate it in relation to their chosen area.

The UNFCCC Conference on climate

École Polytechnique has been granted observer status as a Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organization (RINGO) at the United Nations Climate Change onferences, which take place in november each year. In this respect, École Polytechnique is represented by a delegation of students of the Master ESCLIP.Thanks to the observer status, RINGOs can be invited to be part of audience of certain debates and negotiations, and to attend or even speak at events organised by the official delegations.