University of Picardy Jules Verne (UPJV), France: A Rising Academic Powerhouse in Northern France
Introduction
The University of Picardy Jules Verne (Université de Picardie Jules Verne – UPJV) is a prominent public university located in Amiens, in the historical region of Picardy, northern France. Named in honor of famed French author Jules Verne, who lived in Amiens, UPJV stands as a multidisciplinary center of learning, innovation, and research. Its wide array of academic programs, robust research infrastructure, and commitment to internationalization make it a leading destination for students across Europe and the globe.
Whether you’re seeking a strong academic foundation in medicine, engineering, humanities, or law, UPJV offers a rich and inclusive environment built on historical roots and modern innovation.
1. Establishment and Historical Background
Foundation and Growth
- Founded in 1969, the University of Picardy Jules Verne was created as part of the French government’s post-war initiative to decentralize higher education.
- It was originally called University of Amiens but was renamed in 1991 to honor Jules Verne, who served as a city councilor and authored many of his masterpieces in Amiens.
Evolution
- Over the decades, UPJV expanded into several towns across the region, becoming a truly regional university with campuses in Amiens, Beauvais, Saint-Quentin, Cuffies-Soissons, and Laon.
- The university has steadily grown in both student population and academic prestige, especially since the 2000s, thanks to national investments in research and regional development.
2. Affiliations and International Partnerships
National and International Affiliations
- Member of ComUE Lille Nord de France – an academic consortium in northern France
- Affiliated with Campus France, promoting French higher education abroad
- Partner of EUA (European University Association)
- Collaborates with national research organizations such as CNRS, INSERM, and INRAE
Global Connections
- Maintains partnerships with over 150 institutions worldwide
- Active participant in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Strong exchange agreements with universities in Canada, Belgium, Germany, Morocco, and China
3. Academic Structure and Courses Offered
UPJV is a multidisciplinary university offering degrees in humanities, sciences, health, law, and engineering.
Main Faculties and Schools
- Faculty of Arts, Languages, and Humanities
- Faculty of Law and Political Science
- Faculty of Sciences
- Faculty of Economics and Management
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Faculty of Education (ESPE)
- University Institute of Technology (IUT)
- Engineering School (ESIEE-Amiens)
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate Programs (Licence)
- Law, Political Science
- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- English, Spanish, German, Applied Foreign Languages (LEA)
- History, Art History, Geography
- Economics, Management, Psychology
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s)
- Public and International Law
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Teaching and Education Sciences
- Environmental Management
- Business Administration
- Advanced Materials and Nanotechnologies
Doctoral Programs
- Organized through several doctoral schools including:
- ED Sciences, Technology, Health (STS)
- ED Humanities and Social Sciences (SHS)
- ED Law, Political Science, Economics (SJEPG)
4. Campus Locations and Facilities
Campuses
UPJV is a multi-campus university, with its headquarters located in Amiens and additional campuses in:
- Beauvais – Social sciences and management
- Saint-Quentin – Engineering, technology, and applied sciences
- Cuffies-Soissons – Health and nursing sciences
- Laon – History, arts, and humanities
Facilities and Resources
- University Libraries (BU) across campuses with access to millions of resources
- Digital services: Moodle, ENT (student portal), bibliographic databases
- Language centers, computer labs, and video conferencing rooms
- Cafeterias, student lounges, sports complexes, and auditoriums
- CROUS-managed residences and dining facilities
5. Academic Excellence and Specializations
Strengths and Notable Disciplines
- Medicine and Health Sciences – Faculty of Medicine is one of the best in northern France
- STEM Fields – Engineering and sciences, including AI, materials, and sustainable technologies
- Humanities and Languages – Strong research and teaching in literature, linguistics, history
- Law and Political Science – Prestigious programs with internship partnerships across Europe
Teaching Innovations
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning
- Integration of project-based learning and real-world simulations
- Encouragement of research from undergraduate level
6. Research Activities and Achievements
Research Centers and Labs
UPJV supports over 30 recognized research units, many co-funded with CNRS, INSERM, or other national research bodies. Key institutes include:
- CURAPP-ESS – Political science and public policy research
- BIOPI – Interdisciplinary biology and pathology
- MIS (Modeling, Information, Systems) – AI, robotics, data science
- CRAE – Research in education and learning
- GRAMMATICA – Linguistics and language processing
Research Highlights
- Funded projects under Horizon Europe, ANR, and Interreg Europe
- Cross-border collaborations with Belgium and the Netherlands
- Special focus on sustainable development, medical innovation, and educational transformation
7. Career Development and Placement Services
Professional Integration and Career Services (SCUIO-IP)
- Career coaching and orientation sessions
- Resume building and job interview training
- Internship placement support
- Dedicated Career Centre Portal for job postings and employer contacts
- Collaborations with over 300 local and international companies
Student Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Support
- Access to UPJV’s Entrepreneurship Hub
- Mentorship and incubation for student-led projects
- Support through PEPITE-Picardie, the regional innovation and entrepreneurship program
8. Notable Alumni
UPJV has contributed to the education of many influential personalities, including:
- Philippe de Villiers – Politician and author
- Bruno Beschizza – Mayor of Aulnay-sous-Bois
- Frédérique Vidal – Biochemist and former French Minister of Higher Education
- Distinguished researchers, journalists, and public figures in France and beyond
9. Rankings, Reputation, and Awards
University Rankings
- Listed among the Top 25 public universities in France
- Featured in U-Multirank for regional engagement and teaching quality
- Ranked for excellence in medicine, law, and computer science
Reputation
- Known for academic rigor, regional impact, and research in applied sciences
- Praised for its inclusive policies and student support services
- Highly regarded by French Ministry of Higher Education and Research
Awards and Accreditations
- Awarded “Bienvenue en France” label for international student services
- Recognized for its equal opportunity programs and disability access
- Recipient of several national innovation and sustainability grants
10. Student Life and Internationalization
International Student Support
- Dedicated International Relations Office provides visa, housing, and orientation help
- French language courses through CLA (Centre de Langues Appliquées)
- Active participation in Erasmus+, bilateral exchanges, and international summer schools
Campus Life
- More than 50 student organizations covering culture, sports, politics, and science
- Annual “Jules Verne Days”, art exhibitions, music events, and international festivals
- Discounted access to theaters, museums, and cultural sites in Amiens
11. Address and Contact Details
Main Campus Address:
Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV)
Chemin du Thil,
80025 Amiens Cedex 1,
France
Phone: +33 (0)3 22 82 75 00
Website: https://www.u-picardie.fr
Email (International Office): international@u-picardie.fr
Conclusion
The University of Picardy Jules Verne (UPJV) stands as a shining example of how tradition, innovation, and inclusivity can coexist in higher education. Its comprehensive academic offerings, international orientation, and robust research ecosystem make it one of the most compelling institutions in northern France. Whether you’re a student seeking academic rigor, a researcher exploring cross-border collaborations, or an entrepreneur building your future, UPJV is a gateway to success.
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