Artificial intelligence and society

Header IA society
Program type Initial Training
Degree Master's
Graduate program(s) Computer Science
Domain(s) Humanities & social sciences, Fundamental Sciences
Discipline(s) Law, Economics, Digital Humanities, Management, Mathematics, Programming, Cognitive science, Data Science, Social Science
Teaching language(s) English
Place Paris

PSL host school

Description
Curriculum
Admissions
FAQ

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace, becoming a cornerstone of decision-making, innovation, and productivity across nearly every domain. As governments and businesses integrate AI into their operations, the demand for professionals who can address both its technical and societal dimensions has never been greater. This urgent need for interdisciplinary expertise positions AI-focused programs as critical to training the future talents.

̳ is a European and international leader in artificial intelligence and data science. Thanks to its research teams, it offers innovative training opportunities that extend to the many disciplines revolutionized by AI, such as humanities, cognitive sciences, health or social sciences. Offered as part of the Paris School of AI, this new master’s degree in AI & society is uniquely designed to address this demand. Hosted by PSL University, the program benefits from the combined strengths of its schools: École Normale Supérieure-PSL, renowned for its excellence in fundamental sciences - particularly computer science and mathematics - and Dauphine-PSL, spearheading the field in organizational sciences, economics and applied mathematics. A unique scientific ecosystem, where computational and societal perspectives converge, with close links to the socio-economic sphere.

Learning outcomes

The Master's program aims to train AI specialists who have mastered the entire AI value chain and are capable of understanding and studying its behavioral and societal challenges, in particular to foster responsible approaches to the development and deployment of AI by institutions, organizations and individuals. The aim is also to train social scientists with a thorough command of AI, in particular to implement it in research in these fields, but also to contribute to the institutional and organizational framework for the design and deployment of AI-derived tools.

Acquisition of a rare dual expertise, both technical and critical, in the field of AI and its societal impacts (advanced skills in AI, data science and computational methods + in-depth knowledge of social sciences, ethics & governance).
100% of teaching in English
Project-based teaching to enable students to confront case studies close to those they will have to deal with in the field (building up a varied portfolio of experience, skills & soft skills).

Skills acquired include a thorough command of machine learning algorithms, large language models (LLMs) and data science techniques, combined with an ability to analyze the social, ethical and political issues associated with digital technologies. Students will also develop skills in technology regulation, causal econometrics and human behavior, enabling them to understand and model the consequences of AI on society.

  • Computer science and AI: mastery of artificial intelligence tools and methods (machine learning, natural language processing, massive data analysis).
  • Economics and management: mastery of decision-making tools and methods, impact analysis and behavioral management in economic and social matters, understanding of value creation processes and business models, market strategies and competitive dynamics.
  • Law and ethics and understanding of the mechanisms of economic and social governance and regulation, the institutional and administrative dimensions of governance, the intersecting dynamics of regulation and self-regulation, institutional and community mechanisms for framing individual behavior; ability to rigorously assess the social, ethical and economic implications of AI innovations, taking into account issues such as algorithm transparency, accountability and equity.
  • Social sciences (behavioral sciences, cultural sciences, sociology and economics): understanding of social science theories and concepts, ability to use AI to gather data and test hypotheses, ability to draw up a research plan and write a research article. 
  • Project management: ability to steer technological projects, taking into account societal issues and regulatory frameworks.
  • Communication: ability to popularize complex technical concepts and take part in public debates on AI and societies.

Who should apply?

The “AI and Society” Master's degree is aimed at students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including graduates in artificial intelligence, quantitative social sciences, as well as engineers wishing to broaden their skills in analyzing the social impacts of digital technologies. This master's program emphasizes interdisciplinarity, enabling students to develop an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in our contemporary societie.
| Application from February 4 to March 24, 2025 | (See details in the Admissions tab).

Opportunities

Graduates will emerge as rare profiles, combining technical expertise in AI and data science with a deep understanding of social sciences, ethics, and policy. This positions them for roles such as Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Ethics and AI Governance Specialist, Policy Advisor, or Computational Social Scientist. Whether solving ethical dilemmas, designing equitable algorithms, or shaping public policy, alumni are prepared to lead in industries, government, and research, making them indispensable in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

 

→ Business sectors (Examples)
  • Digital industry: digital platforms, social networks, digital hardware and service providers, media and communications, video games, business services, AI startups.
  • AI user industries: i.e. all sectors
  • Public administration and regulators: regulatory agencies, administrations and ministries in charge of digital transformation and/or economic development, international organizations, local authorities
  • Consulting: firms specializing in digital transformation, strategy consulting and technological innovation.
  • Academic and research sector: university laboratories, interdisciplinary research centers, think tanks specializing in emerging technologies.
→ Careers (Examples)
  • Data scientist specializing in social issues: expert in data analysis applied to issues of social justice, equity and algorithm transparency.
  • Consultant in AI and digital transformation: supporting companies and administrations in the adoption of AI technologies while integrating ethical and social perspectives.
  • Expert in technology regulation: advising regulatory authorities or international organizations to develop governance frameworks and public policies adapted to the evolution of digital technologies.
  • AI ethics and compliance officer: key role in companies to ensure that the development and use of AI complies with ethical and regulatory standards.
  • Interdisciplinary researcher: participation in research projects combining human and social sciences, AI and new technologies, both to analyze the societal impacts of digital technology, and to develop digital tools in line with desired economic and social objectives.

 

  • A community of students from various academic backgrounds. Our program fosters a rich and varied pool of expertise. This creates a dynamic learning environment where students benefit not only from their core discipline but also from the collective knowledge of their peers.
  • A strong link with the industrial and entrepreneurial world thanks to the partnerships of PSL and Prairie
  • An international study environment with 100% of the courses taught in English by renowned researchers and a strong international exposure throughout the curriculum
  • A stimulating scientific environment and campus life, in the heart of Paris, bringing together students with varied backgrounds from the leading engineering schools and universities in France and worldwide
  • Available scholarships for master’s degree for student aiming to an academic career.

This two-year program (120 ECTS) is divided into an M1 year (60 ECTS) and an M2 year (60 ECTS).
Courses are taught in English.

Courses (M1/M2):

In the first year (M1), a unique “AI and Society” track.
Common core courses: machine learning (statistical, deep, causal), advanced paradigms for managing masses of data, causal inference (econometrics, experimentation), behavioral analysis (game theory, mechanism design, cognitive sciences), the foundations of collective behavior and social choices, as well as specialized courses in economics (digital, politics and governance, law and regulations), sociology (organizations, networks, inequalities), management (innovation, marketing, strategy), political and administrative sciences (governance, international relations, etc.), law (applied to digital), social sciences (social sciences and humanities, etc.). ), law (applied to digital technology), geopolitics, philosophy and ethics.

In the second year (M2), two tracks are offered, each organized around a major.
- “Governance and societal impact of AI”: a pathway focused on AI research and development, with a strong focus on issues of ethics, social inclusion, and societal responsibility. This pathway aims to train researchers and professionals who can meet the growing needs for AI implementation within society, in the broadest sense.
→ Course examples: AI law, data security and privacy, geopolitics of AI, ethics and responsibility in AI, etc. 
- “Computational Social Sciences”: a pathway focused on the use of artificial intelligence in the social sciences both to harvest and organize all types of social data, and also to test predictions derived from theories developed in the social sciences. It aims to train social science researchers who are well-versed in recent Artificial Intelligence techniques, in order to implement them in their research.
→ Examples of courses: computational sociology, econometrics, behavioral sciences, etc. 

In 2025, only 1st-year Master's admissions will be open (for the start of the academic year in September 2025).
 

Prerequisites (M1)

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, human and social sciences (SHS) or a related discipline, with an excellent academic record.
  • Solid background in mathematics and/or computer science (at least basic programming skills).
  • Strong interest in issues related to the societal, ethical and organizational impacts of artificial intelligence, or in computational methods in the social sciences.
  • English level required: B2/C1

Main expectations

  • Demonstrate an interest in interdisciplinary approaches combining data science and the humanities and social sciences.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills on societal, ethical and regulatory issues related to AI.
  • Analytical, modeling and complex problem-solving skills.
  • An affinity for quantitative methods (in the social sciences), and in particular mathematics and econometrics.
  • Ability to work as part of a team on multidisciplinary projects.

Application procedure

  • Based on an application package () and interview. Eligible candidates will be invited for an admission interview (remote). 
  • 2025/26 admissions calendar: 
    • Online applications from February 4 to March 24, 2025 (23:59 CET time)
    • Interviews: April 2025
    • Results notification: End of April 2025

Application package
Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered by the jury. In particular, applicants must provide the following documents:

  • Detailed CV (in English)
  • Cover Letter (in English)
  • Higher education transcripts (Bachelor's and/or Master's degree if applicable). 
    A single pdf for all documents (for example, you can use pdf-merge).
  • Bachelor's degree diploma (if available)
  • Research project (in English. See “” document. 2,000 words maximum, excluding academic references). 
  • OPTIONAL | Letter(s) of recommendation (dematerialized process on the portal)
  • OPTIONAL | Proof of English language proficiency, level B2/C1
  • OPTIONAL | Programing skills: You may provide certifications from online learning platforms such as Coursera, DataCamp, edX, or similar as evidence. Additionally, you are encouraged to submit one to three data science projects you have completed in a professional, academic, or personal context. Each project should be presented separately (max 1 page per project). If possible, include links to platforms like GitHub or other relevant repositories showcasing your source code and practical programming experience.
    The application portal will provide a detailed list of attachments required, which can be uploaded directly. Applications are 100% paperless.

Excellence scholarships

The Master's program offers funding opportunities for students especially interested in research and who might be interested in an academic career later on.
Those interested in the scholarship must indicate so in their application (see dedicated question online) and take specific care in presenting their research project. This project, which does not constitute a commitment to undertaking an academic career, will allow identifying the most promising students for research and provide them with additional support. 
The project, of a maximum length of 2,000 words (excluding academic references), must present an innovative topic in computational social sciences, detailing its objectives, methodology and perspectives. .

 

Tuition fees 2025/26

2025/26 Tuition fees

  • All students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year (class of 2025, EU and non EU-students) will benefit, without exception, from a complete exemption from tuition fees (excluding CVEC).
  • This exceptional exemption will be maintained for the 2 years for the 2025 class (Master 1 & Master 2), subject to progression to the higher year (e.g. students repeating a year or taking a gap year after 2 consecutive years of enrolment will not be exempted). 
  • The cost of the training, estimated at €20,000 per year per student, will be financed by ̳'s IA-Cluster PRAIRIE-PSAI program, supported by the France 2030 initiative.
  • Progressive tuition fees will be introduced for the second cohort (based on social criteria and income), from the start of the 2026 academic year.
    The exemption will only apply to the first cohort.

 Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) 

  • Students have to pay the Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus (CVEC) (article L841-5 of the French Education Code). This contribution finances services related to health, sport, culture and campus support. 
  • The amount of the CVEC is set each year by the French Ministry of Higher Education (103€/year in 2024/25).
  • Certain students, notably those on 'CROUS' scholarships, may be exempt from paying the CVEC. .

Institution for registration: PSL
Diploma: Diploma from a major institution conferring the Master's degree, delivered by ̳

Admissions | What are the language prerequisites?

English B2/C1
100% of teaching in English for the record.

Admissions | Will year 2 (M2) recruitment be open in 2025?

No, only admissions to the first year of a Master's degree will be open in 2025.

Admissions | May I provide certifications as evidence of my programming skills?

Please consult the 'admissions" tab. Not mandatory but highly recommended to support your application.

Admissions | Do I have to choose a M2 track when applying for M1?

You can indicate in your application which M2 course you are aiming for (2 possible choices), but this does not commit you to anything further at this stage.

 

What diploma is delivered on completion of the 2-year degree?

French diploma from a major institution conferring the Master's degree. 120 ECTS credits

Will an open house be organized?

Yes online. A webinar will be proposed in February.


Contact

Admissions_Master-AI-Society@psl.eu


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