Institut Sociétés et Humanités (ISH)

The Institut Sociétés et Humanités (ISH), a component of the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, is the benchmark for a rich and ambitious university education in the humanities and social sciences, combining academic excellence and preparation for the challenges of the professional world.

Proposing state diplomas ranging from Bachelor's to Master's degrees, as well as preparatory classes for prestigious civil service competitive examinations, ISH has been offering a varied and recognized range of training courses for over 40 years, where each student benefits from personalized follow-up and a human-scale setting, encouraging individual fulfillment.

Present on the Valenciennes, Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes, Arenberg and Cambrai campuses, ISH's courses are supported by a teaching team made up of professors, teacher-researchers and professional contributors, guaranteeing an approach that is both academic and practical.

The ISH director is Jérôme Maati.

Four academic units

ISH's training offer is made up of four academic units (or faculties):

• Law, Public Administration

• Economy, History, Geography, Societies

• IAE Valenciennes (University School of Management)

• Lettres, Langues, Arts

Students have access to the following teaching areas

Public Administration, Archaeology, Visual Arts, International Business, Accounting, Digital Creation, Law, Economics, Management and Administration, Geography, History, Languages, Literature, Digital Marketing, Human Resources, Tourism and Heritage

An international outlook

Another major advantage of ISH lies in its strong partnerships with local, national and international companies, offering students exceptional opportunities for mobility abroad.
Many foreign students also choose ISH for the quality of its training and its international reach.
ISH is an active participant in the Eunice project, a strategic partnership led by Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France and a network of outstanding European universities, promoting exchanges, innovation, transnational collaboration and access to a first-rate academic network.

L'alternance, an essential vector for professional integration

Work-study programs, present in many courses, play a key role in students' professional integration, enabling them to combine theory and practice in the face of real-life corporate issues.

A strong research base

Graduates of the master's program have the opportunity to join a doctoral school that draws on a research component of the University, the LARSH (Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Humaines et Sociales), whose main focus is on the in-depth study of contemporary issues in the humanities and social sciences. By joining this structure, students can devote themselves to innovative research projects and actively participate in the evolution of knowledge, while developing advanced skills.

Vibrate to the rhythm of student life

ISH is also a dynamic, rich and cultural student life: enriching educational projects, stimulating conferences, unmissable cultural events, as well as landmark initiatives such as job datings and appointments with companies, promoting direct exchange and encounters with the professional world.
What's more, students can get actively involved in an extensive network of associations, enriching their university experience and enabling them to participate in a wide range of collective projects.

The graduation ceremony, held every spring, is a real highlight of the year. This event, much appreciated by students and their families, is marked by a festive and convivial atmosphere, celebrating the success and commitment of each individual.

Make the humanities the foundation of your success with the Institut Sociétés et Humanités!