Master's degree - Public Law

Program Objectives

The Master's in Public Law trains future professionals for careers in public law and public management, including:

  • Legal counsel within senior state administrations or local authorities
  • Legal counsel within independent public authorities
  • Lawyer specialized in public law and public business law
  • Public affairs officer

Focused on both general and specialized public law, at the national and European levels, the program also prepares students for various administrative competitive examinations (administrative judge, hospital director, senior civil servant, armed forces commissioner, public finance inspector).
The program also provides access to highly qualified positions that allow candidates, after four years of public service, to sit internal civil service competitive examinations.

The Master's in Public Law offers three second-year specializations:

  • Law and Market Regulation
  • Law and Public Management
  • Advocacy Law and Public Affairs


Key Strengths of the Master's Program :
These three second-year Master's programs (M2) are offered in a work-study format and provide students with a wide range of professional experiences.
Such experiences represent two major assets: through hands-on professional training, students acquire practical knowledge that complements the academic content of the Master's program and greatly increases their chances of success in interviews, examinations, and competitive entrance exams. These work placements often lead to permanent job offers and provide students with valuable opportunities to build their professional network.

Program objectives:

  • Receive a multidisciplinary legal education that combines domestic, international, and European public law with public management and economics,
  • Develop in-depth expertise in key areas of public law, including public business law, legislative drafting, civil service regulations, public finances, AI and digital law, and parliamentary law,
  • Specialize in fields such as administrative litigation, complex public contracts, public asset valuation, environmental law, competition law, and lobbying,
  • Gain professional training from the first year to build practical skills and industry readiness - Work-based study option available from the first year (M1) and mandatory from the second year (M2),
  • Engage in hands-on learning through practical workshops and legal writing exercises,
  • Explore diverse career opportunities in public law at both national and European levels,
  • Prepare for the bar examination through workshops focused on written and oral tests (in partnership with the Law School of Université Paris Cité).

Why Choose the Master's Program in Public Law at Dauphine?

  • An interdisciplinary program in public law and public affairs, combining courses in domestic, European, and international public law with economics, public management, and political science to prepare versatile and highly sought-after graduates.
  • Progressive specialization in strategic fields, allowing students to tailor their studies in areas such as Law and Market Regulation, Public Law and Public Management, or Advocacy and Public Affairs, depending on their career goals.
  • A strong professional focus through apprenticeships, with all second-year (M2) specializations offered on a work-study basis, enabling students to gain valuable professional experience, build strong networks, and enhance their employability.
  • Preparation for senior public sector careers and competitive civil service examinations, equipping graduates for Category A and A+ civil service exams, as well as careers in ministries, local authorities, independent public agencies, and European institutions.
  • A curriculum addressing contemporary public law challenges, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, environmental law, the ecological transition, and economic regulation.
  • A practice-oriented approach to learning, featuring legal drafting exercises, simulation workshops, preparation for the French Bar School entrance examination (CRFPA), and applied projects that develop operational skills for both the public and private sectors.

When you enroll in a Master's program, you also join Université PSL. Ranked in the top 50 universities in the world (THE and QS), PSL offers excellent graduate programs at the Master's and PhD level, which benefit from the scientific capabilities of its member institutions. The degree is prepared at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL and awarded by Université PSL.

Organization of the Master’s Degree

Graduate Program in Law: give a research dimension to your master
The Graduate Program in Law offers a comprehensive curriculum of advanced study and research, from the Master's to the Doctorate degree, in corporate and tax law, estate law, public administration and international law. Through its association with the Dauphine Law Research Center (Cr2D) and researchers in law from the ENA and ENS, the graduate program offers a Master’s degree in which research plays a central role. Students may also choose elective courses designed to improve their transdisciplinary skills and broaden their curriculum.

Any student enrolled in M2 in Public Law can apply, in parallel, for the research trajectory of the Graduate Program in Law, a personalized course of excellence open to students wishing to train in legal research and law methodology.

State-controlled national master's degree RNCP38166

  • Outgoing Level

    BAC+5

  • Academic Year

    2026/2027

  • Language(s)

    French and English

  • Duration of studies

    4 semesters (excluding the gap year)

  • Type of Diploma

    National diploma

Primary Opportunities

  • Lawyer specializing in public law and public business law

    The lawyer advises and represents public entities and businesses on legal matters relating to public law and public business law.

  • Legal advisor in a public enterprise

    The Legal Advisor advises the company on legal matters, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the management of contracts and legal risks.

    See the job description 

  • Legal advisor within regulatory authorities

    The Legal Advisor advises regulatory authorities on legal and regulatory matters, ensures compliance with applicable laws, and contributes to the development and implementation of regulations.

  • Administrative judge

    The Administrative Judge rules on dispute involving public authorities, reviews the legality of administrative decisions, and ensures compliance with public laws.

  • Senior executive in the State or local government, with preparation for Category A civil service entrance exams

    The Senior Executive holds strategic positions within state or local government and contributes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies.

    See the job description 

  • Public affairs consultant

    The Public Affairs Consultant advises organizations on their relationships with public authorities, monitors regulatory development, and helps develop public affairs strategies.

  • Parliamentary assistant

    The Parliamentary Assistant supports a member of parliament in their work by conducting research and analysis, preparing briefing materials, and contributing to the contributing to the drafting of proposals and amendments.

    See the job description 

  • Director General of Administration

    The Director General of Administration oversees and coordinates administrative services, manages teams, and ensures the implementation of public policies and strategies decisions.

  • Director of Legal Affairs within a Ministry

    The Director of Legal Affairs advises the ministry on legal matters, oversees legal teams, and ensures the legal soundness of decisions and public policies.

  • Director of a Public Institution

    The Director of a Public Institution oversees the instituions' activities, manages teams, and ensures implementation of its missions and strategic objectives.

Voir tous les métiers

Study Abroad During Your Master’s Degree at Dauphine

Thanks to its network of partner universities, Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers you the opportunity to go on a mobility program.

A dedicated team