The French university where spies go for training

The world of academia is usually a place of transparency and open communication, but at Sciences Po Saint-Germain university on the outskirts of Paris, things are a bit different. University professor Xavier Crettiez teaches a course that attracts not only typical early 20s students but also French government spies on day release. The course, called Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales, was developed in collaboration with the Academie du Renseignement, the training arm of the French secret services, following a request from French authorities a decade ago.

The diploma consists of 120 hours of classwork spread over four months, focusing on identifying threats and learning how to track and overcome them. Modules cover topics such as the economics of organized crime, Islamic jihadism, business intelligence gathering, and political violence. The course costs around €5,000 for external students, including spies and professionals from businesses.

One of the unique aspects of the course is the mix of students, with young students in their early 20s alongside active members of the French secret services, typically between the ages of 35 and 50. The aim is to provide training for potential new spies and continuous training for current agents. Large French companies have also shown interest in sending their security staff to the course and hiring graduates.

The expansion of the French secret services in recent years has led to an increase in the number of agents, with around 20,000 agents in what Prof Crettiez refers to as the “inner circle.” This includes agencies like the DGSE, which focuses on overseas matters, and the DGSI, which deals with threats within France. Tracfin, an agency specializing in money laundering, is also a key player in fighting financial crime.

The course has attracted students from various backgrounds, including an investment banker providing risk assessments to clients in West Africa. Graduates have been sought after by companies in sectors like defense, aerospace, and luxury goods, facing cybersecurity and spying threats. The interest from the private sector continues to grow, with companies like Orange, Thales, and LVHM hiring graduates.

Women’s interest in intelligence gathering is a new trend, with nearly half of the students in the class being women. The course has also seen a rise in patriotism among young students, with a keen interest in serving their country. French citizenship is a requirement for the course, with some dual citizens being accepted.

While the image of spies may evoke thoughts of James Bond-like adventures, the reality is often different. Most intelligence agency jobs are desk-bound, and few recruits end up in the field. The course at Sciences Po Saint-Germain provides a unique opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of global threats and intelligence gathering, attracting a diverse group of individuals with a shared interest in national security.