The French university system is divided into three "cycles". The first cycle comprises the first two years of undergraduate study (DEUG in all the programmes dealt with here). The second cycle comprises the second two years. The first year of the second cycle terminates in the intermediate or baccalaureat degree (Licence); the second year terminates in the Maîtrise (roughly a B.A. Hons). The third cycle then corresponds to postgraduate studies. The first year of the third cycle, which follows on from the Maîtrise, terminates in either a DESS (advanced professional training, designed to lead directly to employment) or a DEA (advanced research techniques in preparation for the doctorate).