Foundation Master's programme

Programme Objectives

Our one-year Foundation Master Programme is designed to fully prepare students to meet the complex challenges of our Master of Science (MSc) Programmes.

The programme is ideal for students who need to improve their academic English and study skills before embarking upon an MSc programme at Centrale Nantes. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Master programme are guaranteed a place on one of our MSc programmes for which they will be awarded an Elite scholarship.

There is also the option to apply for the Fast-Track engineering programme or one of our Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes.

All the essential disciplines are covered so that students acquire the requisite range of scientific and language skills. The language of instruction throughout - as for our MSc Programmes - is English.

Two tracks are available within the Foundation Master programme: 'Mechanics & Environment' and 'Signal Control & Robotics'.

Course Content

The programme comprises 160 hours of face-to-face teaching per semester, as well as 60 hours of project-based learning. Scientific courses focus on technical vocabulary as well as course fundamentals.  Each student benefits from the support of a personal academic tutor.

All students will follow the core curriculum courses and the courses for their choice of track, either 'Mechanics & Environment' or 'Signal Control & Robotics':
 
Autumn Semester

Teaching hours ECTS
Core Curriculum Courses
Mathematics 20 3
Energetics and Environment 20 3
Computer Programming and Data Analysis 20 3
Project 60 9
English, Cultural and Business Environment 30 3
French Language 30 3
and Mechanics & Environment Track
Engineering Materials 20 3
Basics of Continuum Mechanics 20 3
or Signal, Control & Robotics Track
Robotics 20 3
Control Systems 20 3
Total 220 30
Spring Semester
Teaching hours ECTS
Core Curriculum Courses
Mathematics 20 3
Project 60 9
English and Business Environment 30 3
French Language 30 3
 and Mechanics & Environment Track
Mechanics for Civil Engineering 20 3
Design of Special Structures 20 3
Design of Building Materials 20 3
Dynamics and Vibrations 20 3
or Signal, Control & Robotics Track
Control Systems 20 3
Digital Image Processing 20 3
Robotics 20 3
Industrial Automation Systems 20 3
Total 220 30
 

Download Syllabus | Foundation Master's

Choice of track

Mechanics & Environment

Specifically prepares students to follow:
 

Signal, Control & Robotics

Specifically prepares students to follow our MSc Control and Robotics with a specialism in:
 
There is also the option to apply for the Fast-Track engineering programme or one of our Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes.

Admission requirements

  • Students (free-movers) must either hold a bachelor degree in Science, Technology or Engineering, or be in their final year of a bachelor degree, which must be completed prior to the start of the Foundation Master Programme.
  • Students from partner universities with whom we have a Foundation Master programme agreement may apply in the penultimate year of their bachelor degree.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

  • Tuition for the one year programme stands at €6,000.
  • Successful completion of the Foundation Master programme guarantees the student a place on one of our MSc programmes with the benefit of an Elite scholarship award of €6,000 for the MSc.

How to apply

Submit your complete application using the links below by 15 May with the following documents:
 
  • Bachelor Diploma (Bachelor Degree holders in Science, Technology & Engineering) if already obtained
  • Copies of transcripts documenting your grades for your Bachelor Studies
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A statement of purpose
  • English proficiency (proof/test certificate): IELTS 5.5
► Apply here Mechanics & Environment: https://vu.fr/mlxDS
► Apply here for Signal, Control & Robotics: https://vu.fr/eGpXS
Published on June 23, 2020 Updated on February 6, 2024