Curriculum for earning the ENS Paris-Saclay degree
First year: Bachelor’s degree (L3)
You are enrolled in the Physics Department
You will pursue the third year of the Bachelor’s degree in Physics at Paris-Saclay University, following the “ENS Paris-Saclay” track—a specialized track for ENS students. You will be required to complete additional coursework to ensure an enhanced educational experience as part of the ENS Paris-Saclay degree. This year concludes with a 6-week research internship.
You will also be able to complete certain requirements for the degree, such as interdisciplinary lectures, a teaching activity (tutoring, knowledge dissemination, etc.), a community engagement activity, and a TEDS certification...
In the 2nd year: Master’s 1 (M1) year
During this year of enhanced training, you will enroll in the Irène Joliot Curie (IJC) Master’s 1 (M1) program in physics at ENS Paris-Saclay. You will be required to complete additional coursework for an intensive program as part of the ENS Paris-Saclay degree. This year concludes with a research internship lasting at least 3 months, preferably abroad.
You will also be able to complete certain degree requirements, such as interdisciplinary conferences, a teaching activity (tutoring, knowledge dissemination, etc.), a community engagement activity, and a TEDS certification...
During this second year, you will submit a study proposal online—which will be discussed with your department—outlining what you will do in the following years at ENS Paris-Saclay
In the 3rd and 4th years
You must complete a Master’s 2 program and a specialized year of training.
Your Master’s 2
You may choose any research-oriented Master’s 2 in physics to complete your disciplinary training prior to your dissertation.
A specialized year of training
Depending on each student’s career plan—defined in the second year with your advisor—you must choose, during your third or fourth year of study, a one-year supplementary training track (or two in some cases).
You can choose between:
- The Research and Higher Education track, which prepares you for the agrégation in physics
- The Research and International track, which leads to a year of research abroad (ARPE)
- The Interface track: training at least at the L3 level in a discipline other than physics (applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, etc.) or a dual degree with another institution (subject to approval of your academic proposal) or
- The Thematic Research tracks: artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies (ARTeQ), Sciences for Ecological Transitions (AREco), art and science, and Normal School engagement.
One-Year Programs
If you are currently a student at another institution, you may enroll in the Physics Department for a single year of study without being enrolled in the ENS Paris-Saclay degree program. This is possible if your application is accepted for the following programs:
- Preparation for the Agrégation in Physics (Physics track)
- The Master 2 in PhysEnBio