Integrated Master-PhD Track

Applying for one of our Master of Science (MSc) programmes and looking to maximise your potential for an international career in a leading academic institution or company? Take a look at our Integrated Master-PhD Track

Follow an Integrated Master-PhD Track at Centrale Nantes

Centrale Nantes offers high-potential students the opportunity to join our 'two plus three'-year Integrated Master-PhD Track. This track draws on the areas of excellence of our research institutes and our existing MSc programmes. It is designed to give students wider exposure to research activities during their two-year Master's programme - ideal preparation for those who wish to pursue their studies for a further three years at PhD level.

Years one and two are designed to equip students with the skills and facilities they need to tackle a challenging research project alongside their MSc courses.

After successful completion of the Master's degree, students on this track would naturally progress towards PhD studies within the school, subject to final acceptance by the ad hoc committee and the award of a PhD grant. The student is, of course, also free to pursue other avenues in academia or industry.

• Integrated two-year Master's plus three-year PhD programme*
• Fully taught in English
• Reinforced research activities right from year one: research projects, access to research facilities
• Close supervision by a member of faculty
• Funding opportunities available for international PhD mobility
• Next intake in September 2025

*NB Progression to PhD subject to conferment of the Master's degree, acceptance by the ad hoc committee and award of a PhD grant.

What is an Integrated Master-PhD track?

Watch the interview with Patrice Cartraud, Head of the Engineering and Systems Graduate School at Centrale Nantes

Video transcript

Integrated Master-PhD Track
With Patrice Cartraud, Head of the Engineering and Systems Graduate School, Centrale Nantes

1. What is the integrated Master-PhD track?
This track is a 2 + 3 year programme starting at the beginning of the Master’s and ending at the end of the PhD. These programmes are taught in English and will open next fall.
These programmes are offered through the graduate school 'Engineering and Systems', which is coordinated by Centrale Nantes and is one of the four graduate schools of Nantes Université.

2. Integrated Master-PhD track or Master’s plus PhD? What’s the difference?
The integrated Master-PhD track is based on our existing Master’s programmes. But while a Master’s programme is geared towards both industry and research, the integrated Master-PhD track focuses on research. So, it’s designed specifically for students who plan to pursue a PhD after their Master's programme.
That’s why, as a student on this programme, you’ll be assigned to a research institute from the first year of your programme. As such, you’ll have access to the research platforms, you will attend scientific seminars and benefit from the supervision of a member of faculty. You will work on a research project in the first year of the programme and on the Master’s thesis in year two. This gives you the opportunity to explore the topic envisaged for your PhD well in advance. In addition, you’ll be able to choose a number of courses based on your research topic.
 
3. Is progression automatic in the track from Master’s to PhD?
Progression to PhD is subject to approval from an admissions committee and the award of a PhD grant. This is why we’ll be selecting high-potential candidates. Of course, you are to pursue other avenues in academia or industry after the Master’s degree.

4. In which fields is the track available?
Programmes are available in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Robotics, and Signal and Image Processing. You can find the programmes on our website.

5. How do I apply?
We have an online application platform. You apply for a Master’s programme and you will be considered both for the Integrated Master-PhD programme and the Master’s programme. Don’t forget to checkout availability of scholarships on our website!

 

Our Master of Science (MSc) programmes eligible for the Integrated Master-PhD Track in 2025/26:

Civil Engineering

Materials and Structures in their Environment - C-ENG MSE

► Learn more

Marine Technology

Hydrodynamics for Ocean Engineering - M-TECH HOE

► Learn more

Control and Robotics

Advanced Robotics - CORO IMARO

► Learn more

Control and Robotics

Data Science, Signal and Image Processing - CORO DASSIP

► Learn more

There is no need to apply for the track before arriving at Centrale Nantes for your Master's programme. Your choice will be taken into account during the first year of the Master's programme so as to orient your laboratory research activities and the choice of elective modules towards the PhD thesis subject.

Why opt for an Integrated Master-PhD Track?

The Integrated Master-PhD Track is designed for high potential students looking to get maximum exposure to research activities during their Master's studies with a clear view to pursuing their studies at PhD level.

Is the course content the same for an Integrated Master-PhD Track and an MSc Programme?

The curriculum during the first two years of the Integrated Master-PhD Track is based on one of the corresponding MSc Programmes with the following differences:

• According to the Master's programme a limited choice of modules may be available.
• Students will have the opportunity to explore potential PhD subjects by getting involved in research projects during their Master's programme.

Is progression automatic from Master to PhD within the Integrated Master-PhD Track?

No. Progression to PhD is subject to conferment of the Master's degree, acceptance by the ad hoc committee and award of a PhD grant. The student is also free to pursue other avenues in academia or industry.

Can I apply for both an MSc and the Integrated Master-PhD Track?

A single admissions process applies to both the MSc programmes and the Integrated Master-PhD Track. On the eCandidat application platform simply select the MSc programme for which you are applying. Students who are interested in the Master-PhD track will be selected during the first year of the Master's programme.