An introduction to research and writing a research dissertation is offered in the first year. Research training involves writing a Master's thesis, which is defended at the end of the second year. In Master 2, the second semester is devoted to finalising the dissertation.
The defence is attended by teachers from at least two partner universities. This dissertation is essential if the student is to be considered for a doctorate.

The dissertation corresponds to the standards of the three universities: choice of subject, collection of sources, bibliography; critical historiographical positioning; definition and development of a problematic; formulation of hypotheses. Research projects are linked to the specific themes dealt with in the three degree-granting universities. Students may also complete an applied research dissertation, the subject of which is formulated by mutual agreement with a cultural institution.

Each year, three dissertations defended at one of the three universities are honoured. See the dissertation positions for these masters courses here.