MSc Control and Robotics
Control Systems (CORO CSYS)

The objective of this specialism is to provide theoretical and methodological tools in order to analyse the structure and properties of dynamic systems, and to design control and observation solutions.

The courses introduce recent results in modern control theory of linear and nonlinear systems, including structural analysis, modelling, control and observation structures design (robust, optimal, …), and application of optimization methods in control system design. An important component is the use of real applications across different fields (energy, grids, transportation etc) in order to illustrate the different concepts of modelling, control and observation.

The programme of study lasts two academic years - denoted by M1 and M2. Control Systems is one of three specialisms available as part of the MSc Control and Robotics programme. Some of the M1 courses are the taught across the three specialisms whereas the M2 courses are specialism-specific. See course content for more details.

The language of instruction is English across the two years. This MSc programme is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
 

Contribution to sustainable development goals

30 ECTS Credits per semester.
Language of instruction: English
 

M1 Year - 2023/24

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS	Spring Semester Courses	ECTS
Signal Processing	5	Group Project	6
Classical Linear Control	5	Optimization Techniques	5
Artificial Intelligence	6	Mobile Robots	5
Modelling of Manipulators	4	Systems Identification and Signal Filtering	4
Mathematical Tools for Signals and Systems	4	Dynamic Model Based Control	4
Embedded Computing	4	Non Linear Control Theory	4
Modern Languages *	2	Modern Languages *	2

* 'French as Foreign Language' except for French native speakers who will study 'Cultural and Communicational English' or Spanish (depending on sufficient demand).

NB Course content may be subject to minor changes

M2 Year - 2023/24

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS
Mathematical modelling	4
Optimization	4
Robust and optimal control	4
Observation and diagnostic	5
Complex systems	4
Analysis and Control Methodologies: Standard, Generalized and Time-Varying Systems	5
Project	2
Modern Languages *	2
Conferences	-

* 'French as Foreign Language' except for French native speakers who will study 'Cultural and Communicational English' or Spanish (depending on sufficient demand).
NB Course content may be subject to minor changes
 

Spring Semester	ECTS
Master thesis / internship	30

Examples of previous internships:

• Comparative study of hybrid observers : application in electric vehicles (LS2N, Renault)
• Stator-Flux-Oriented Control of EH/HEV Motor Drives (Renault)  
• Extended glycemic control model including physical activity and stress (CHU, LS2N)  
• Development of a condition monitoring system prototype for rotating machines with industry 4.0 standards and vibration analysis using machine learning techniques (ACTEMIUM)
  Uncertainties in model predictive building climate control (KU LEVEN)

Skills developed

• Learn and understand the modern theory framework for analysis and modelling of dynamic systems;
• Learn how to apply adapted methods of control, estimation and diagnostics (linear, nonlinear, robust, optimal etc) to dynamic systems;
• Be able to apply these methods to real systems.

 

In addition to the above specialism-specific skills, students will also develop more general skills:

 

• Identify models, perform simulation and analyse results
• Communicate comprehensive results in a meaningful way
• Undertake bibliographic surveys of international research and professional literature
• Manage or be part of a project

Download syllabus | CORO CSYS

• M1 Year (2022/23)
• M2 Year (coming soon)

Faculty and Research Facilities

This MSc programme relies on Centrale Nantes’ faculty and the research facilities of the LS2N Laboratory.

Focus on unique resources

Electric Vehicle Test Bench

 

Test facilities - low voltage electrical machines

As part of an industrial research chair with Renault, which aims to improve the performance of electric propulsion in motor vehicles, Centrale Nantes has an electric vehicle test bench specifically for automotive electric propulsion. It comprises of test engines supplied by Renault and a control, power electronics and dynamic load environment to simulate driving situations.
 

• Learn more

Partnerships

Renault, Airbus, RTE, VALEO, GE, Naval Group, GSM, etc

• Apply online on the eCandidat platform
• 2023/24 intake: applications closed
• 2024/25 intake: applications will open in October 2023

Application process

Application rounds

• Applications are reviewed in rounds. M1 applicants may apply in any of the three M1 rounds, and M2 applicants in either of the two M2 rounds. Applications should be submitted on the eCandidat platform as early as possible, but before the deadlines below;
• Applications are not considered 'complete' until all required elements are submitted. Only complete applications received by the round's deadline will be considered in that round;
• The admissions board reviews applications at the conclusion of each round and notifies each applicant of the outcome of their application;

Accepting your place

• Successful applicants must accept their place on the eCandidat platform by the deadlines below;
• The first installment of tuition fees must be paid by the deadlines below to definitively secure the applicant's place on the programme.

Important dates for the 2023 intake

	M1 | Round 1	M1 | Round 2	M1 | Round 3	M2 | Round 1	M2 | Round 2
Submit your complete application by	14 December	28 February	30 April	30 March	30 April
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by	27 January	24 March	26 May	28 April	26 May
Accept your place by	14 February	10 April	11 June	11 May	10 June
Pay your first tuition installment by	31 March	25 May	15 June	30 May	15 June

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for the first year (M1)

• International students with a bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Technology) or equivalent, in a field related to Science and Technology
• French and European students with a 'license' qualification or equivalent.
• Students must have graduated from the above before the end of August in order to enrol in a Master's Programme at Centrale Nantes in September.
• Applicants must have a good level in Mathematics and be fluent in English - written and spoken. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit a certificate, which is no older than three years, for a recognised international test of English*:
  • TOEFL - IBT 80, or ITP 550, paper-delivered test 60,
  • Cambridge B2 First Test - 173 or higher,
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Test - 160 or higher,
  • IELTS - 6.5 or higher,
  • TOEIC - 800 or higher.
• Applicants who carried out their studies in English (you must provide an official confirmation letter from your university) are eligible without passing such a test, but providing the results of a recognized international test can add value to the application.
• Students who completed their studies in the countries listed below are exempted from submitting a language certificate: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, English-speaking Canada, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Liberia, Mauritius, Micronesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

*no other test is recognised.

Language of instruction

Fully taught in English.

Admission requirements for the second year (M2)

Students who have successfully completed a first year MSc programme can apply for the second year MSc programme.

Language of instruction

Fully taught in English.

Required documents

When applying for a Centrale Nantes MSc Programme you will be asked to provide the following documents:
 

• Your official transcripts
• A CV/Resume and cover letter
• Your diploma
• Proof of English proficiency
• Two letters of recommendation
• Your passport or other form of official identification

Your documents must be uploaded in English or French. If the original version of your documents is not in one of these two languages, a certified translation by a sworn translator is required.

Apply online

Apply online on the eCandidat platform
 

How to use the eCandidat platform:

 

• Download the user guide
• Connect to eCandidat: https://ecandidat.ec-nantes.fr
• Use the flag (page top right) to select your language.
• Start off by creating your account.
• No application fees.

Your application in 5 easy steps:

Contact and admissions support

Master Admission Office

master.admission@ec-nantes.fr
Tel: +33.2.40.37.68.36 / 33.2.40.37.68.51

Chinese students: lichunlai@ec-nantes.cn
Indian students: application@galaxy-edu.com

Fees for non-European students:

• Master 1 year: €9,000
• Master 2 year: €6,000

A reduction of €1,500 for the first year of study is granted to non European international students who make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.

Fees for European students:

Scholarships

Career Prospects

• Sectors: aeronautics, automotive, transportation, energy, consulting, banking, petroleum
• Fields: control engineering, advanced processes, manufacturing, research and innovation
• Positions: control engineer, process engineer, design engineer, research and innovation engineer (post PhD)

Where are they now?

Read what our students and graduates have to say about the programme: coming soon

Virtual Tour