Master entirely taught in English
Academic year 2010 - 2011
Program director: Dr François Hache
The International Master's programs "Physics for Optics and Nanosciences" consist in a two-year program of graduate studies (120 ECTS). It is supported by several French Universities or Institutions: Université Paris-XI, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut d'Optique - Graduate School, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan. At the end of the cursus, students will be delivered a Master degree in Physics, speciality Optics or Nanosciences.
The objective of the program is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and methods of optics and nanosciences and to prepare them to an academic or industrial doctoral thesis. In the first year (M1), fundamental concepts of physics are introduced. Along with basic subjects such as Lasers or Statistical Physics, more specialized courses are proposed. In the second year, students are proposed two curricula with specialization in optics or in nanosciences. All courses in these two years are delivered in English. If desired, students can also join one of the french-taught M2 courses proposed by the various partners.
Eligible students should have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in physical sciences. They may apply directly to the two-year program from any world-renowned university. An academic advisor is assigned to each student in order to assist them in selecting a coherent program most appropriate to their inclination and career goals. The involved partners are recognized for the high quality of their academic program which offers lectures from internationally recognized scholars.
This Master Program opens the way to PhD in many scientific areas. It is closely connected to the research laboratories of the partner institutions and numerous PhD positions are offered. See the partners website
Institut d'Optique - Graduate School
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan
The two-year program (120 ECTS) is subdivided in four semesters.
The overall structure of the program is outlined below:
Year |
Semester |
Calendar |
Type of study |
|---|---|---|---|
M1 (60 ECTS) |
S1 ( 30 ECTS) |
September - December |
Courses |
S2 (30 ECTS) |
January - July |
Courses (January - March) + Internship (April - July) |
|
M2 (60 ECTS) |
S3 ( 36 ECTS) |
September - February |
Courses |
S4 ( 24 ECTS) |
March - July |
Master thesis |
For a detailed presentation of the academic program in year M1, please consult this page.
For a detailed presentation of the academic program in year M2, speciality Nanosciences, please consult this page.
M2 year in Optics will be common with the Erasmus Mundus master "Optics in Science and Technology".
Graduates of the program either choose to study for a doctoral degree, which opens the way for a research career in the academic or industrial world or may directly begin a professional career in industry.
Each partner institution can provide PhD fellowships. Note that most of these fellowships are open to foreign people.
Prospective candidates for this Master program should submit their application online through the website Application. (Note that at present, only a french page is available. You must fill in the form to obtain an ID and a password and access the application website. Sorry for the inconvenience)
Admission of the students is based on the evaluation of academic transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
There are three admission sessions per year (students entering the program in the Fall semester):
Winter (application deadline: March 15, 2010)
Spring (application deadline: May 15, 2010)
Summer (application deadline: August 15, 2010)
Admitted applicants are requested to confirm their acceptance before April 15, 2010 (Winter session) or June 15, 2010 (Spring session).
International students are strongly advised to apply before May 15, which maximizes their chances of being awarded a Fellowship.
The program is opened to highly qualified students with a strong background in Physics, who hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Knowledge of english is mandatory. Direct admission in the second year M2 is possible for students who already hold a minimum number of 60 ECTS in the field of interest at graduate level.
Final admission is decided by a committee composed of professors of the partner institutions.
Annual registration fee: €226
Annual tuition fees: €4000
Tuition waivers are available under certain conditions. Fellowships are also awarded to a few outstanding students to partially or totally cover living expenses. For details and for waiver applications, please consult this page