The HEC Paris and Bocconi Double Degree: Inspired by the very best Anglo-Saxon Bachelor’s programs

Widely regarded as France’s top business school, HEC Paris has taken a major step forward by launching its first ever post-baccalaureate program: the Bachelor in Data, Society & Organizations, run in partnership with Italy’s Bocconi University. This marks a significant milestone in the business school ecosystem, as HEC Paris was one of the last major management schools that didn’t offer this type of program. One year after its launch, the inaugural cohort consists of 64 students from 31 different nationalities. What is the vision behind this program, and how does HEC Paris plan to attract top talent from around the world? In this interview, Massimo Spagnuolo, Associate Director of Student Recruitment, shares key insights on the ambitions for the program and the opportunities it will open up.
 

What motivated the decision to launch this Bachelor’s program?

We are convinced that this innovative program is ideally suited to the challenges of the 21st century. Our goal is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to both manage data and tackle key societal and business challenges. We also aim to prepare students to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Partnering with Bocconi was an obvious choice. We have a long-standing and strong relationship, and both schools have been founding members of CEMS (The Global Alliance in Management Education) since 1988. We had already partnered for a highly regarded double degree program that is highly appreciated by our students. Italian students also currently represent the largest European nationality on the HEC Paris campus.

Is there a risk that this program will diminish the appeal of preparatory classes and, by extension, the Grande École Master in Management Program?

We are not competing directly with preparatory classes. Our target audience is primarily international students who want to follow their studies outside of their home country.  Moreover, the program’s content is highly focused on data science and social sciences, which makes it fundamentally different from the curriculum of the Grande École program, whatever the pathway. Additionally, this program will not be available on the ParcoursSup platform.

What sets this Bachelor’s program apart?

The BASc double degree program is the first of its kind in France and is inspired by the very best Anglo-Saxon Bachelor’s programs. It is a three-year program, taught entirely in English, which brings together students from all over the world. The first three semesters take place at Bocconi University in Milan, while the final three are held on the HEC Paris campus.

What are the program’s core foundations?

As previously mentioned, the aim of this interdisciplinary double degree program is to enable our students to make a positive contribution to society by equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of change. The curriculum is centered on data science, a rapidly expanding field that presents significant opportunities for companies. Additionally, our teaching approach is very hands-on. Through innovative projects and elective courses, students learn to transform raw data into knowledge, use that knowledge to make strategic decisions, and implement those decisions effectively in real-world contexts.

Will graduation from the Bachelor’s program open up a pathway for the Grande École Program?

There is no automatic pathway, but program graduates - like any other high-achieving international students from top-tier Bachelor’s programs - will have the opportunity to apply to the Grande École program if they meet the academic requirements. 

Can you tell us more about the admissions process?

Excellence and selectivity lie at the very the core of this program, which has been designed as a rigorous, international learning experience on a human scale. We recruit top talent from across the globe, leveraging both our expertise and that of our partner Bocconi. The admissions process is based on strict academic criteria, including high school performance, and standardized test scores (SAT or the Bocconi’s entrance exam).

This approach has already proven itself to be successful - the first cohort stands out in terms of diversity and academic excellence. The second intake looks just as promising, further solidifying this program as a top choice for ambitious students seeking a world-class education that blends data science with social sciences.

What opportunities will the Bachelor’s program open up for students?

This Bachelor’s degree will enable graduates to enter the job market directly in data scientist or data analyst roles. Alternatively, students have the option to continue their studies at Master’s level, and specialize in fields such as digital tools or artificial intelligence, either in France or internationally.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Arts & Science in Data, Society & Organisations - HEC-Bocconi