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In an era of social, environmental, and technological transitions, companies are looking for more than just technical skills. Today’s businesses don’t just seek technical expertise—they want individuals who can think critically, engage in meaningful dialogue, and act responsibly. This is where the Humanities truly come into their own. Studying philosophy, ethics, history, or actively engaging in society helps future managers better understand themselves, empathize with others, and make thoughtful decisions in a world searching for meaning.

With this vision in mind, the Catholic University of Lille launched the “Humanities” University Diploma (DU) in 2019—an interdisciplinary program uniquely combining intellectual reflection, hands-on engagement, and personal development. Open and free to all students within the university network—including those at IÉSEG—this diploma offers a recognized additional qualification that supports students in their personal and professional growth.

“In the context of higher education, the Humanities DU offers a rare and invaluable experience: to think differently, encounter diversity, face the complexity of reality, and respond with responsibility. This diploma is much more than just a supplement—it’s an opportunity for personal, intellectual, and civic growth in a world seeking purpose,” explains Ingrid Bierla, Coordinator of Personal Development at IÉSEG and a member of the program’s academic council.

A structured program built around three pillars: Ethics, Humanism, and Engagement

The “Humanities” program is driven by a strong ambition: to contribute to the full development of the individual while addressing the major challenges of today’s world. It’s organized around three core components that combine academic learning, practical experiences, and personal reflection.

1. Ethics: reflecting on individual and collective responsibility

This first pillar encourages students to explore the foundations of just action. Through courses in applied ethics, bioethics, business ethics, and moral philosophy, participants develop critical judgment essential for navigating complex, ambiguous, or uncertain situations. These lessons also deepen understanding of tensions between performance, social justice, environmental respect, and human dignity.

2. Humanism: fostering open, interdisciplinary thinking

The second pillar promotes cultural and intellectual openness by exploring major traditions of thought and both classical and contemporary humanities (philosophy, sociology, history, arts, etc.). These modules encourage students to critically step back from dominant models and question the meaning of progress, work, freedom, and solidarity. The interdisciplinary approach broadens perspectives and deepens understanding of the world.

3. Service-Learning: connecting academic knowledge with meaningful action

The third pillar centers on experiential learning. Service-learning involves students in real-world projects supporting vulnerable populations (such as street outreach, legal aid, tutoring, or nonprofit work), linked to their academic skills. Supported by reflective tools like journals and practice analyses, this hands-on experience helps students better understand themselves, strengthen their civic commitment, and align personal values with practical skills.

Experiencing, engaging, transforming: a hands-on pedagogy

Beyond rich and open-ended courses, the Humanities DU emphasizes concrete experiences that allow students to live out the values they explore.

1. WikiFactory: an Interdisciplinary, collaborative project

Each year, over 200 students from diverse fields (business, law, health, etc.) come together in groups to debate ethical questions. Guided by coaches, they analyze issues, discuss perspectives, and collaboratively craft responses, honing critical thinking, teamwork, and intellectual openness.

Some questions they tackle: Should there be quotas for women in leadership roles? Should national sovereignty prevent intervention when human rights are violated? Does the education system perpetuate racial inequalities, and if so, what should be done? Who owns works created by generative AI? Should anabolic steroids remain banned for athletes in competitions?

Students create deliverables such as workshops, videos, podcasts, or mock trials to share their conclusions.

2. Service-Learning: learning through action

Service-learning gives meaning to academic study by linking it to active, socially engaged experiences. By serving, reflecting, and learning in an integrated way, students connect civic engagement, scientific knowledge, and critical self-reflection.

Eloïse Jorion, an IÉSEG student, chose to participate in street outreach and activities organized by the school’s humanitarian association (BDH) and affiliated associations. Through these field experiences, she developed her interpersonal skills, emotional management, and understanding of her societal role. She documented her learning, fears, motivations, and evolving relationships with others and the world in a reflective journal.

“Volunteering felt like a natural extension of the humanity and solidarity values IÉSEG instills. These actions exposed me to realities different from my own, especially the winter street outreach, which highlighted the harshness of homelessness and the vital role of local initiatives. Engaging in local charity work creates bonds with people unlike ourselves, teaches us to facilitate dialogue, and adapt to different contexts and challenges. These experiences helped me develop listening skills, empathy, and patience. The open-mindedness I gained through the Humanities program will help me maintain perspective and consider the social impact of my decisions, whatever career path I take,” she shares.

For all these students, the DU becomes a space for personal transformation, serving a larger mission: acting for the common good.

A comprehensive, free program available to all IÉSEG Students

The Humanities DU is offered to all IÉSEG students at no extra tuition cost. Modules are taught in both French and English, allowing international students to participate fully.

The diploma requires earning 12 ECTS credits, divided evenly:

> 6 ECTS from courses offered by the Catholic University of Lille, with six modules available, each worth 2 ECTS. This year, students explored topics like “Environmental Humanities,” “Arts, Literature and Spirituality,” “European Humanism,” and “Great Humanist Figures.”

> 6 ECTS from IÉSEG courses recognized as part of the Humanities program. Core classes like Managing Diversity In Vivo and electives such as Philosophy for Managers count toward the diploma.

Students can spread the program over several years, choosing to take a few modules or complete the full diploma. Upon completion, they receive an official certificate from the Catholic University of Lille, highlighting their ethical and humanistic commitment.

“I joined the Humanities DU at the start of my third year at IÉSEG, aiming to complete it in one year. The program immediately appealed to me because, alongside my business studies, I wanted to continue reflecting on philosophy, ethics, and civic engagement. The Humanities pathway offered me this opportunity, exposing me to new disciplines and peers from diverse backgrounds—law, engineering, health… These exchanges broadened my horizons and helped me align my personal beliefs with my career goals. It’s a complementary, challenging, and stimulating experience that adds even more meaning to my time at IÉSEG,” concludes Adam Tucker, also an IÉSEG student.