Founded by the lawyer Paul Verschave (1878-1947), the ESJ Lille opens its doors on the first Tuesday of November, within the Catholic University of Lille. In 1956, ESJ Lille was approved by the profession under the collective agreement of journalists, which limits to one year the professional training of its graduates.
In 1960, ESJ Lille became a private higher education institution. Taking charge by his former pupils who create, according to the French law of 1901, the Association of the Higher School of Journalism of Lille. In 1969, the ESJ Lille was recognized by the State under the Decree of 24 April.
In 1981, ESJ Lille moved into its current premises, 50 rue Gauthier-de-Châtillon, in the heart of Lille. It's still there. In 1983, the ESJ Lille diploma was recognized by the State, which authorizes it to issue a diploma bearing the official visa by virtue of the decree of 18 February 1983. The board of directors of ESJ Lille, including representatives of the professional circles (publishers and journalists) and alumni of the school, is enriched by the presence of representatives of higher education, local authorities, regional companies. In 2014, ESJ Lille created ESJ Lille Academy, a post-baccalaureate course in partnership with the Lille universities, enabling students to learn about the press and prepare for competitions in journalism schools.[2] On 10, 11 and 12 October 2014, ESJ Lille celebrated its 90th anniversary.
After the completion of two years of coursework, the school awards a diploma (similar to a Master's degree in the United States).
The school has a partnership with the Saclay University in Versailles for an online degree in Climate Change and Media.[3]
