Université catholique de l'ouest
Angers, France • Founded 1875 • World Rank #2838
Overview
Established in 1875, the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (Catholic University of the West) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Angers (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Pays de la Loire.
This institution also has branch campuses in Arradon, Guingamp, Laval, Papeete, Rezé and Saint-Denis. Officially recognized by the Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) is a medium-sized coeducational French higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 149-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Université catholique de l'ouest. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
Université catholique de l'ouest's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Université catholique de l'ouest is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 10 items
- Institute for Council and Enterprise Development
- Institute of Applied Biology and Ecology
- Institute of Applied Mathematics
- Institute of Applied Psychology and Sociology
- Institute of Arts, Letters and History
- Institute of Communication Sciences and Education of Angers
- Institute of Modern Languages
- Institute of Training in Physical and Sports Education of Angers
- International Center for French Studies
- UCO Training Institute for the Teaching Profession
Degrees
Under French law, Catholic faculties are not entitled to award official degrees and diplomas without State University agreement. Students prepare for State degrees and diplomas under convention with several French State Universities (Université de Bretagne Sud, Université d'Angers, Université de Paris V....). Professional titles of Ingénieur are officially recognized. The University awards specific professional titles.
Master's 3 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Doctoral 5 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychology
- Theology
Other 5 programs
- Communication Studies
- Economics
- Management
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.
International French Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Lifelong Education (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Clinical Psychology
- Human Resources
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Fine Arts
- History
- Information Sciences
- Literature
- Music
- Musicology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology and Religious Studies (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biology and Applied Ecology (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Educational Sciences (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Modern Languages (Institute) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Dutch
- English
- German
- Hungarian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Modern Languages
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Translation and Interpretation
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education and Sports (IFEPSA) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Teacher Training (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Chemistry (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Commercial Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science and Production (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- ESAIP
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Look through Université catholique de l'ouest's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
Bachelor's Degree
9 programmes
Université catholique de l'ouest delivers 9 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Licence - Arts-lettres-langues Licence - Portail Langues, littératures et civilisations étrangères et régionales - Anglais Arts, Design & Architecture
Licence - Sciences - technologies - santé Double licence - Mathématiques et informatique appliquées aux sciences humaines et sociales / Economie et gestion - Computer Sciences
Diplôme d'Etablissement Diplôme d'Etablissement - Métiers et concours de la Direction Générale des Finances publiques Finance, Banking & Insurance
Licence - Sciences humaines et sociales Licence - Portail Psychologie Psychology
Année préparatoire Année Préparatoire aux formations de Licence Mathématiques et Informatique (L0) Computer Sciences
Licence - Droit-économie-gestion Licence - Economie et gestion Law
Diplôme d'Université Diplôme d'Université - PAREO - DU PAREO Année de Réflexion et d'Orientation
LP - Sciences - technologies - santé Licence professionnelle - Métiers de la protection et gestion de l'environnement - parcours Eco manager en développement durable et responsabilité sociétale Health Sciences
Diplôme de spécialisation professionnelle DSP - Formation aux métiers de la sécurité et de la gendarmerie
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Université catholique de l'ouest
The standard application path for Université catholique de l'ouest, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
- 1 Research programmes at Université catholique de l'ouest
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Université catholique de l'ouest offers 9 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Université catholique de l'ouest has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Lodge your application
Apply directly via Université catholique de l'ouest's online portal at www.uco.fr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +33 (0)2 41 81 66 00. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université catholique de l'ouest
Common questions about Université catholique de l'ouest answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
In what year was Université catholique de l'ouest established?
Université catholique de l'ouest was founded in 1875 (approximately 151 years ago).
Where is Université catholique de l'ouest located?
Université catholique de l'ouest is located in Angers, France.
Is Université catholique de l'ouest public or private?
Université catholique de l'ouest operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Université catholique de l'ouest?
Student enrolment at Université catholique de l'ouest is around 8,000-8,999.
Where does Université catholique de l'ouest stand in university rankings?
It ranks #2838 globally and #99 in France.
What qualification levels does Université catholique de l'ouest offer?
Université catholique de l'ouest delivers master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is Université catholique de l'ouest's religious tradition?
Yes, Université catholique de l'ouest is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
How is Université catholique de l'ouest organised academically?
Université catholique de l'ouest has 10 academic units.
Is Université catholique de l'ouest accredited?
Université catholique de l'ouest is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
How do I find Université catholique de l'ouest online?
You can find Université catholique de l'ouest online at www.uco.fr.
Top-Ranked Universities in France
Graduate-school placement rates among France's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Université catholique de l'ouest's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Below: International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) member institutions alongside Université catholique de l'ouest, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Other French Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Community service and outreach traditions at Christian-Catholic universities often shape student life and graduate identity. The peers below typically share comparable service expectations or traditions.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Beyond Université catholique de l'ouest, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Where Else to Study Computer Sciences
Industry partnership exclusives on Computer Sciences programmes vary — some France institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Université catholique de l'ouest
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Université catholique de l'ouest often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
