Diplôme Universitaire ALIVE : Aging, Life-course and VulnErabilities - Vieillissement, Transition des parcours de Vie et Vulnérabilités

Understanding aging means learning how to combine science, data, life-course trajectories and innovation to address one of the major challenges facing society.

Former leading training on vulnerability, the EUR LIVE (University and Research School on Life Courses and Vulnerabilities) gives way to the newest DU ALIVE Graduate Program — Aging, Life-course and VulnErabilities 

Presentation

The DU ALIVE is a structuring initiative of UPEC, to study life courses and aging through a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on contributions from several disciplines:

• Biology of Aging
• Social Sciences
• Public Policy
• Innovation, Data & AI, Silver Economy

The program trains students through research to approach aging not merely as a stage of life or a biological process, but as a trajectory embedded in life courses and shaped by transitions, disruptions, and cumulative exposures.

This approach provides a better understanding of the interactions between the biological, social, economic, political, and technological dimensions of aging, and helps identifying innovation to address the challenges of population aging.

Length and Organization 

The DU ALIVE has a length of 18 months (3 semesters), with a total of 120 teaching hours, divided between online teaching (asynchronous on a Moodle platform) and face-to-face teaching.

Face-to-face teaching takes place in the framework of interdisciplinary seminars on aging (ALIVE summer and Winter Schools). 

Learning Objectives 

• In-depth knowledge of the biological processes of aging, nutrition, senescence, and life transitions.
• Understanding of the social, economic, and political determinants that influence vulnerability.
• Critically analyzing the public policies and governance frameworks related to aging and inequalities.
• Innovating and developing entrepreneurial initiatives in biotechnology and artificial intelligence sectors related to aging and healthy aging.
• Conducting interdisciplinary research by mobilizing molecular, clinical, and social data.
• Combining and analyzing biomedical and social data to study complex phenomena.

Teaching Approach

Hybrid Model

• Asynchronous e-learning modules on a Moodle platform, complemented by synchronous virtual classes;
• Face-to-face teaching: interdisciplinary seminars, Summer & Winter Schools;
• International mobility: AURORA and other international partners. 

Language of teaching 

Teaching is delivered predominantly in English, depending on the modules and educational activities.

If you would like to test your English language level, please visit the Eu academy website or use QIOZ (Paris Academy)

https://academy.europa.eu/local/euacademy/pages/course/assessment-overview.php?title=english-placement-test

https://www.ac-paris.fr/qioz-un-site-d-apprentissage-des-langues-gratuit-pour-tous-124310

“Graduate Program” Label 

The DU ALIVE is part of a Graduate Program based notably on:

• Research-based teaching excellence
• Doctoral funding and internship grants
• Participation in interdisciplinary seminars
• Support from the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications: Health, Autonomy, and Healthy Aging (CMQ Santé-Autonomie-Bien Vieillir)  
• A continuous Master’s–Doctorate training pathway 

Learning Modules

Applications

The DU ALIVE is open for applications in September 2026.

Classes start: October 2026.

For further information please contact:

Anissa Dziri

ALIVE Project Manager

Anissa.dziri@u-pec.fr

Alive@u-pec.fr

Fees

Registration for the DU ALIVE follows the same arrangements as primary Master’s registration (initial education):

• Dual registration (UPEC Master’s): Registration fee 166€/year
• Single registration (Master’s outside UPEC): Registration fee 359€/year

As the DU ALIVE lasts 18 months, registration will cover two academic years: 2026–2027 and 2027–2028.