University of Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s French B2

Agreement Scope History department exchange

History of Art department exchange

Exchange Places

2 full year places for History students for 2026/27

2 full year places for History of Art students for 2026/27

University of Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

The University of Paris 1, known as Panthéon-Sorbonne, specialises in the social sciences and humanities. A former member of the University of Paris founded in 1150, teaching at the Panthéon-Sorbonne takes place at one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university is located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris, in the Latin Quarter, right in the heart of the capital city. Of a total student population of 40,000, 20% are international students.

Highlights:

Panthéon-Sorbonne is ranked in the top 10 universities in France. Located in the centre of Paris, students studying at Paris 1 can experience the exciting and diverse life of the city while they study. The buildings of the Panthéon-Sorbonne date to the 18th century, and are some of the most beautiful in Paris. Just a walk away from the Jardins de Luxembourg where students can have a coffee and eat lunch, the university is perfectly located in the heart of Parisian life.

Location:

5th and 6th arrondissements (Latin Quarter), Paris, France

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

Panthéon-Sorbonne offer History modules covering a wide-range of periods:

Ancient history (classical Greece, Hellenistic world, the Republic of Rome, the Roman Empire)
Medieval History (the Christian world, the Byzantine world, the Latin world, the Orient world, the medieval Islamic world)
Modern history (French Revolution, maritime history, military history, Russia and the Soviet Union, Africa and the Maghreb)

For History of Art, the university focuses on architecture, cinema and photography.

Assessments run throughout the semester in the form of oral or written pieces, similar to coursework.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Panthéon-Sorbonne uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

The year is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. The autumn semester runs from September until Christmas and the spring semester runs from January to May.

The exam periods run in January for modules taught in the Autumn semester and in May for modules taught in the Spring semester.

There are two two-week breaks for Christmas and Easter, and a one week break halfway through each semester, similar to a half-term.

Language:

Teaching is in French, level B2 required. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in French classes - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Student life

Accommodation:

The University has access to several halls of residences, but as these cater to all the universities in Paris, they cannot guarantee that you will be given a room as they cannot meet all demand. It is therefore very important to research accommodation options well in advance before arriving in Paris.

There is some university accommodation reserved for international students, organised by Paris Crous. The rent for these rooms is between 250-550 EUR per month. If you wish to apply to Crous, you will be able to via the application process to Panthéon-Sorbonne.

For finding private accommodation, the university recommends the Studapart platform, a partner of Panthéon-Sorbonne. Through this website, students can see what accommodation is available. Private rent in Paris is between 550-800 EUR per month.

Orientation / Welcome week:

Orientation weeks for incoming international students take place in the first weeks of each semester. These are chances for international students to get accustomed to their new campus and meet their fellow exchange students, as well as the local students.

During the Orientation Week, students have the chance to improve their French by taking part in online classes. There are also welcome talks and information sessions to help with any administration or academic worries or questions. The week ends with a cocktail reception where students get a chance to meet and socialise.

If you wish to take part in the Orientation Week, you need to fill out an application form online once your place has been confirmed.

Support Services:

The International Relations department offer help to exchange students throughout the year, whether it be academic, administrative or cultural questions.

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in France. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for France and its Living in France guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country. UK passport holders planning studies in France can also refer to France-Visas for more information .

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Travel insurance:

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Student experiences

Liberty, Paris, 2017/18

"I can wholeheartedly say that my year abroad experience has been fantastic, something that I'm aware not everyone can say after this experience. Of course, I've had my fair share of difficult situations but I feel very lucky to have genuinely enjoyed this year so much that it's completely changed how I'd like to live my future. For my first semester, although I didn't have quite so many friends and I got a job outside of my Erasmus placement which was far too demanding, I fell in love with the city and lifestyle I was able to live and just waking up in Paris each morning made me incredibly happy. Most of all, I was over the moon with how my French developed and I felt like I'd made the progress I'd hoped I would."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Top Tips for Studying in France

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Monzo: This is a great thing to sign up to, you won't be charged for any conversion rates when you pay by card or withdraw money. It also means you don't have to set up another bank account in the host country, saving you lots of time. It is also great for budgeting.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: The phone network Voxi has unlimited data and no roaming charges in France.
Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also in France keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps.
Post: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference. Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing.

Food:

Canteen: The university canteen is excellent, it serves three course meals at a great price, around 3 euros. They also have café style canteens on the campus where you can get cheaper coffee and sandwiches.
Izly: If you sign up for an Izly card, you can transfer money credit to it and if you pay using it, you can get discounts, similar to Yoyo in York (only for university canteens).
Supermarkets: Supermarkets in France are usually affordable and varied - Casino, Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl are the more affordable options whereas Monoprix and Franprix are slightly more expensive.

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be prepared for paperwork: France is synonymous with bureaucracy and the university seems to be quite behind York in terms of digitization. Do not be worried if you don't have a printer, there are print shops, and also university printers, that you can use.
Remember your supervisor: The paperwork is concentrated mainly at the beginning and end of each semester, so don't worry too much. Your supervisor both at your host institution and York are there to help as well if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Be organised: Making a list of what you need to do, for when, and who needs to sign and work through it. This will make it more manageable and seem less overwhelming.

What I wished I'd known...

Timetabling: Unlike York, you will be responsible for building your timetable, including choosing your modules and contacting the teacher to make sure you can join. Your supervisor will be able to help you if you need it though.
Formality: Universities in France are more formal than the UK regarding the teacher/student dynamic. You must always use "vous" or Monsieur/Madame when addressing a teacher and take off hats/scarves/coats when sitting in a classroom.

Useful links

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Contact Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

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