MSc Mechanical Engineering
Energetics and Propulsion (M-ENG EP)

Programme Objectives

This specialism in 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's programmes in Mechanical Engineering are fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

► See our other Master's programmes in Mechanical Engineering

Contribution to sustainable development goals

 

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

Course Content

30 ECTS Credits per semester.
Language of instruction: English
 

M1 Year

M1 Year 2025/26

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS	Spring Semester Courses	ECTS
Continuum Mechanics	5	Energetics	5
Fluid Mechanics 1	5	Propulsion	5
Algorithmics for Engineering Modelling	4	Marine Hydrodynamics	5
Numerical Methods	5	Fluid Mechanics 2	5
Vibrations	5	Mechanical Design	5
Tools and Methods for Research 1	4	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 2025/26

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

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

Download syllabus | Mechanical Engineering - Energetics and Propulsion

• M1 year
• M2 year

Facilities and Partnerships

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, MAN Energy Solutions, 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

Admissions

 

• Apply online on the eCandidat platform
• 2025/26 intake:
  M1 applications open on 30 October
  M2 applications open on 15 February

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.

Deadlines for the 2025-26 intake

	M1 | Round 1	M1 | Round 2	M1 | Round 3	M2 | Round 1	M2 | Round 2
Submit your complete application by	15 Dec	23 Feb	28 Apr	31 Mar	28 Apr
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by	17 Jan	21 Mar	23 May	25 Apr	23 May
Accept your place by	17 Feb	21 Apr	15 Jun	25 May	15 Jun
Pay your first tuition installment by .... to qualify for a reduction in tuition fees (international non-European students)	17 Feb   *	21 Apr **	N/A	25 May ***	N/A
Pay your first tuition installment by .... with no reduction in tuition fees	17 Mar	21 May	15 Jun	15 Jun	15 Jun

Early Bird Applications

• * A reduction of €1,500 for the M1 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the first admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.
• ** A reduction of €500 for the M1 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the second admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.
• *** A reduction of €1,500 for the M2 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the first admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.

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, TOEFL Home edition is accepted,
  • Cambridge B2 First Test - 173 or higher,
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Test - 160 or higher,
  • IELTS - 6.5 or higher, IELTS Online test is accepted
  • 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. Applicants must 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, TOEFL Home edition is accepted,
  • Cambridge B2 First Test - 173 or higher,
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Test - 160 or higher,
  • IELTS - 6.5 or higher, IELTS Online test is accepted
  • 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.

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 - at least one of which must be from an academic professor.
  Letters must be provided on letterhead paper, signed, stamped and with the official contact details of your referees.
• 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

admission326fe159-79d1-422b-b2ec-ce5092fb7d2a@ec-nantes.fr
Tel: +33.2.40.37.68.36 / 33.2.40.37.68.51

Tuition fees and financing

Tuition Fees

International students (non-European)

M1 Year | 2025 - 2026	€12,000 - (students starting their M1 year in 2025) *
M2 Year | 2025 - 2026	€8,000 - (students starting their M2 year in 2025) **
M2 Year | 2026 - 2027	€12,000 - (students starting their M2 year in 2026) **

Early Bird Applications

• * A reduction of €1,500 for the M1 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the first admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.
• * A reduction of €500 for the M1 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the second admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.
• ** A reduction of €1,500 for the M2 study year is granted to non European international students who apply during the first admissions round and make their first tuition payment within one month of being offered a place on the programme.

European students

€243 per year
 

Financing your studies

Centrale Nantes Elite Tuition Fee Waivers

 

• A limited number of excellence-based partial tuition fee waivers are available for the most promising non-European students accepted into the first-year of an MSc programme at Centrale Nantes. The amounts awarded range from €3,000 to €8,000 per year. Conditions apply.
• Other funding opportunities may be available via government or industry scholarships for example. 

► Learn more about Elite tuition fee waivers and scholarships

Other ways to help you finance your way through your studies:

 

• Paid 6-month internship
  You will be paid for your 6-month Master's thesis / internship in France. For internships undertaken in France 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.
• Work alongside your studies
  You are entitled to work part-time alongside your studies, to earn some extra money. This option is available for both European and non-European students, but different rules apply. Learn more
• Help with your rent
  French and international students are eligible to receive financial support (known as APL in French) from the CAF (Caisses d'Allocations Familiales). The CAF is a French government organism that covers part of the monthly cost of rent paid for student accommodation – the allocated amount depends on the type of accommodation and on your income. Learn more (in French)

Meet our Mechanical Engineering Graduates

Why choose this MSc?

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

 

• 1 - A wide scope of expertise: from fundamentals to practical applications and varied fields: energy conversion, propulsion (ground, marine, aeronautics, etc.)
• 2 - Top class training in propulsion systems
• 3 - Fully taught in English for a cohort of international students
• 4 - Centrale Nantes is ranked 125th in the world for Mechanical Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
• 5 - Accredited Master of Science (MSc) preparing for a PhD in France or abroad or for direct entry into the workplace

After the MSc

Where are they now?

Of the last five MSc Energetics and Propulsion cohorts, 75% of programme graduates currently work in France and 15% pursued their studies with a PhD.

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
• Positions: Thermofluid Engineer, Design engineer, Calibration Engineer, Modelling Engineer, Business engineer, Research Engineer (post PhD)
• Companies: Stellantis, Renault, Alpine F1, Ferrari, Alstom, Safran, Airbus, Naval Group, .MAN-ES, Caterpilar, Valéo, Bosch, Phinia, IFPEn, Technip, AVL, FEV, Magnetti Marelli, Sherpa, Akkodis, Expleo, Altran, Vitesco, Vaillant, Arcelor Mittal, Eiffage, Vinci, Engie

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.

What our students / 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."

Meet the Programme Supervisors

Xavier Tauzia, M2 Programme Supervisor EP

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, M1 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-supervisior399fc300-9aa1-4a63-b584-2b24fdc23a56@ec-nantes.fr

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 13 research platforms, some of which are unique in France, and modern and varied sports facilities, the Centrale-Audencia-Ensa incubator and vibrant student life. Facilities on the Centrale Nantes campus:

Watch the video for a bird's eye view of campus:

Video transcript

Welcome to one of France’s most prestigious engineering schools.

This is where we prepare the world of tomorrow - a sustainable world where research and teaching inspire each other, where we contribute each and nervy day to meeting the challenges of energy transition, the factory of the future and healthcare.
Welcome to a school which offers more than 400 course combinations, q school where students play an active role in decision making, a diverse school with over 70 nationalities on campus.
Welcome to Centrale Nantes.

Virtual Tour