MSc Mechanical Engineering
Energetics and Propulsion

• 2-year fully accredited master’s degree
• Fully taught in English
• Open to applicants with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, in a field related to Science and Technology
• M1 & M2 entry
• 6-month Master's thesis/internship
• Next intake: every year in September

Interested in applying?

• Visit our admissions page
• Apply online
• Contact our admissions team (admissiona5de8b77-2ce8-4de5-8904-cffd5487321f@ec-nantes.fr)
• Applications for the 2027-28 intake open on 28 October 2026

About the programme

• This MSc Energetics and Propulsion (M-ENG EP) Mechanical Engineering develops skills for designing and optimizing innovative propulsion systems with a focus on thermofluid processes and energy conversion for research and industry.
• The performance and efficiency of energy conversion devices such as internal combustion engines, turbojets or fuel-cells is influenced by various processes including gas flow, compression and expansion through turbomachines or reciprocating piston, fuel injection and combustion, energy conversion and heat transfer. Therefore, the courses offered in this programme will provide an emphasis on all these processes and how they interact.
• A focus is made on decarbonization with the use of carbon free and carbon neutral fuels. Moreover, integration with other power sources and energy storage (hybridization) is also covered. Applications range from ground and marine propulsion to industrial processes, power generation and HVAC.

The programme of study lasts two academic years - denoted by M1 and M2 and is taught in English. It comprises three study semesters followed by a paid Master's thesis / internship in the final semester.

Our Master of Science (MSc) programmes in Mechanical Engineering are fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.

See our other Master of Science (MSc) programmes in Mechanical Engineering

Meet the Programme Supervisors

Xavier Tauzia, M2 Programme Supervisor

Xavier Tauzia is a Professor in Applied Thermodynamics and Propulsion at Centrale Nantes. He studies energy conversion systems, such as internal combustion engines, in particular for marine and ground propulsion or power generation. He works on efficiency and emission improvement. His interests range from 0D/1D modeling to experimental investigations.

Laurent Gornet, Programme Supervisor Mechanical Engineering

Laurent GORNET is Professor of Structural Mechanics at the Research Institute in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (GeM), Centrale Nantes.
His research focuses on testing and modeling the mechanical behavior of elastomer and composite materials.

Contact: m1-meng-supervisior21321f24-be81-45b0-b06c-028de53b316b@ec-nantes.fr

Course Content

30 ECTS Credits per semester.
Language of instruction: English
 

M1 Year

M1 Year 2026/27

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS	Spring Semester Courses	ECTS
Algorithmics for Engineering Modelling	4	Applied Thermodynamics	5
Tools and Methods for Research 1	4	Fluid Mechanics 2	5
Continuum Mechanics	5	Marine Hydrodynamics	5
Fluid Mechanics 1	5	Mechanical Design	5
Numerical Methods	5	Propulsion	5
Vibrations	5	Business Environment	3
Modern Languages *	2	Modern Languages *	2
Conferences	0

* '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

M2 Year 2026/27

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS
Combustion	4
Gas dynamics and heat transfer	4
Hybrid Propulsion and Perspectives	4
Internal combustion engines	4
Practical and simulation	4
Turbomachinery	4
Project	4
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 2026/27

Spring Semester	ECTS
Master thesis / internship	30

 

Examples of previous internships:

• Exploring oxy combustion operation in a single cylinder research engine
• Implementation and optimization of a thermal runaway characterization system for Li-ion batteries
• Dynamic coupling of multi-physics in a hot blast stove battery
• CFD flow and thermal characterization of curing ovens of hydrogen tanks
• Engine control: Development, Test and validation of a calibration.
• Evaluation of new bearing material used in electric actuated valves for high-temperature applications in the exhaust system of internal combustion engines
• Dual-fuel engine modeling with GT Power
• Assistant Business Manager in HVAC

NB Internships undertaken in France are strictly regulated and are only open to current full-time students of an accredited educational institution. Interns are entitled to all the rights guaranteed to regular employees (such as social protection and redress mechanisms). For internships that exceed two months in duration a minimum level of remuneration is set by the government, at approximately €600 per month. In some professional branches, this amount may be higher.

Skills developed

• Design energy conversion systems such as engines and their components
• Build and use simulation models of powertrains and energy systems
• Develop control strategies and calibrate control units

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

Contribution to sustainable development goals

Learn more about Centrale Nantes' commitment to the 17 sustainable development goals

Download syllabus | Mechanical Engineering - Energetics and Propulsion

• M1 year
• M2 year

Facilities and Research

Faculty and Research Facilities

This Mechanical Engineering programme relies on the Centrale Nantes’ faculty, staff and research facilities of the Research Laboratory in Hydrodynamics, Energetics & Atmospheric Environment (LHEEA).
Learn more: Decarbonization & depollution of energy systems (D2SE research group)

Partnerships

Renault, Stellantis, Mann+ Hummel, Everllence, Bosch, Total, Forvia, Honeywell Garett, Siemens, CMA-CGM, Bureau Veritas, Zéphir&Borée, GTT, OSE, CWS

Focus on unique resources

Vehicle test bench

This test bench provides the capacity to test a whole 4-wheel drive vehicle in dynamic operation. It can be used to replace road tests with reproducible tests in a controlled environment. It can test vehicles with a power output of 260 kW per axle.

Learn more

Engine and fuel cell test benches

H2 ICE Engine on test bench

The D2SE research group has 7 test cells for up to 400 kW thermal machines such as IC engines or fuel cells. They can run on carbon free or carbon neutral fuels, such as Hydrogen, Methanol, Ethanol or HVO and are equipped with top level measurement devices for detailed performances, efficiency and emission assessment.

Learn more

Campus facilities

Centrale Nantes houses 17 buildings on a 40-acre green campus.
In addition to the standard facilities of a university campus (classrooms, media library, computer rooms, etc.), it is home to a total of 13 research platforms, some of which are unique in France, and modern and varied sports facilities, the Kivo incubator and vibrant student life.

► Learn more about the campus

After the MSc

Where are our Mechanical Engineering graduates now?

Survey conducted in 2024 of our 2022 MSc Mechanical Engineering graduates, 76% of whom are currently in employment and 15% pursuing a PhD.

Image transcript

Job/PhD search duration:

• 74% find their first job in 3 months or less
• 100% secured their PhD in less than 3 months

Country of origin

• France - 19%
• Asia Pacific - 32%
• Europe other - 10%
• Middle East - 32%
• Africa - 6%

Current country of residence

• France - 90%
• Europe other - 6%
• Americas - 3%

 

• 64% earn a starting salary in excess of €40K
• 25% are undertaking their PhD in the laboratory where they interned for their Master's thesis
• 100% have a permanent work contract
• 70% recommend the programme

Career Prospects

• Sectors: Automotive, stationary and marine engines, Aeronautics, Transportation, Power plants, Energy, HVAC for buildings
• Fields: Engine design & calibration, Modelling and Simulation, Research and Innovation, Thermofluid Engineering, HVAC engineering

Examples of companies where our 2022 EP graduates are working:

• Capgemini 
• Vulcain
• AVL LMM
• Davidson Energy
• Eiffage
• OP Mobility (formerly Plastic Omnium)
• EHM-Efficient hydrogen motors
• ABMI Group
• Saipem
• TotalEnergies

And of the positions they hold:

• Thermal & Fluids engineer
• Senior mechanical engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Technical support for after sale pumps and turbine
• Safety Calibration engineer
• Senior mechanical and physical engineer
• Lead HVAC engineer in a nuclear project EPR2
• Design engineer
• Customer service engineer
• Hydrogen Propulsion system - Development and Validation Engineer
• R&D Engineer
• System simulation engineer
• Routing Engineer
• SURF Pre-Commissioning Engineer
• Strategy Manager
   

PhD Prospects

Recent graduates have pursued their studies after the MSc programme with a PhD in various French research institutes including: LHEEA in Centrale Nantes, CORIA (Rouen), PRISME (Orléans), ESTACA, FEMTO, Université Paris Saclay.

Why choose this MSc?

Five reasons why you should choose the MSc in Energetics and Propulsion at Centrale Nantes:

 

• A wide scope of expertise: from fundamentals to practical applications and varied fields: energy conversion, propulsion (ground, marine, aeronautics, etc.)
• Top class training in propulsion systems
• Fully taught in English for a cohort of international students
• Centrale Nantes is ranked in the top 250 in the world for Mechanical Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
• Accredited Master of Science (MSc) preparing for a PhD in France or abroad or for direct entry into the workplace

What our graduates say

• 
  Sudnya | MSc Energetics and Propulsion, Class of 2019

  September 2, 2024

  "The crescendo of the program is a six-month internship that allows you to apply what you learned in your coursework, I was really lucky to have the opportunity to validate this learning with Renault's research center in Paris, the offers are often distributed in the career pages of ECN, or by Professors internally to students. The course genuinely prepares you for future career aspirations whether in the automotive domain or thermal / energetics background."
• 
  Sobhan, PhD student | MSc Energetics and Propulsion, Class of 2022

  March 25, 2024

  "In today's rapidly changing landscape, students often face challenges in selecting their academic paths among evolving trends. My advice to prospective master's students is to prioritize their interests while also considering the future trajectory of their chosen field. It's crucial to ensure that the path they embark upon aligns with their passions and has potential for growth and expansion in the coming years. When it comes to pursuing a PhD, passion is essential. Throughout the journey, one encounters moments of both disappointment and happiness."