MSc Industrial Engineering (I-ENG)

Programme Objectives

The Master's programme in Industrial Engineering tackles the critical challenges of operations management, with a strong focus on the role of information systems. Students will explore cutting-edge management paradigms driven by advanced information environments, including cyber-physical systems.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped to model and simulate production systems, optimize control strategies, and implement innovative assessment methods. They’ll learn to evaluate systems across multiple key indicators—environmental, social, and economic—and gain the skills to design and develop solutions that enhance interoperability between information systems.

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 programme in Industrial Engineering is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

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 - 2025/26

Autumn Semester Course	ECTS	Spring Semester Course	ECTS
Basics of Computer Science and Mathematics	4	Agile Project Management	4
Discrete-event Simulation	4	Information Systems	4
Financial and Economic Aspects for Industrial Engineering	4	SCM	4
Enterprise Modelling	4	Introduction to Research	4
Introduction to Optimization Methods	4	Operations Research	4
Production Management and Scheduling	4	Lean and Sustainable Processes	4
Introduction to Data Science	4	Strategic Management of Sustainable Enterprise	4
Modern Languages *	2	Modern Languages *	2

* 'French as a 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 - 2025/26

Autumn Semester course	ECTS
Knowledge-based Systems	4
Model-based system engineering for product service systems	4
Sustainable Manufacturing	4
Integrated design and implementation of CPPS	4
Artificial Intelligence for Decision Making in Industrial Engineering	4
Multi-criteria decision making and decision support	4
Project and Conferences	4
Modern languages *	2

* 'French as a 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

Master thesis / internship

Examples of previous internships in industry:

• Supply chain management - L’Oréal (France), ArcelorMittal (France), Nike (Belgium), Ariane Groupe (France), New Look Marine Services (Dubaï)
• Lean Manufacturing - Louis Vuitton (Spain), PSA(France), Airbus (Nantes)
• Data Scientist - Georges Renault (France), Amazon (Luxembourg), Tdf (France), Airbus (France), Alsom (France)
• ERP configuration/migration - Mansa Sugar (Zambia), Imerys (France)
• Systems Engineering – Altran (France), Dassault Systèmes (France), BFL (India)
• Digitalisation of processes – Bouyges Construction (France), Amazon (France), Sanita (Lebanon)
   

Examples of previous internships in research labs:

• Management of a fleet of AGV, CRAN, Nancy, France
• Ramp-up Management in Industry 4.0, Institut Henri FAYOL, Saint Etienne, France
• Knowledge engineering for decision aid to optimize product Lifecycle analysis studies and predict carbon footprint, LS2N, Nantes

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

• Master the new concepts and performance indicators of sustainable manufacturing
• Master modeling, simulation and optimisation of production systems
• Master interoperability of information 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 | Industrial Engineering

• M1 Year - coming soon
• M2 Year - coming soon

Facilities and Partnerships

Faculty and Research Facilities

This Industrial Engineering programme relies on the Centrale Nantes’ faculty, staff and research facilities of the LS2N Research Institute and other faculty members from University of Nantes as well as external speakers from industry.

Focus on unique resources

Smart Factory Platform

"This smart platform offers everything that we could expect from a production system: it is modular, reconfigurable, agile and flexible. It demonstrates the modern concepts of the industry of the future, integrating diversity management, total production traceability and detailed quality monitoring". - Emeritus Professor Alain Bernard

► Learn more

Flexible assembly lines

This experimental platform located on the IUT campus in Carquefou comprises two separate assembly lines and is part of a production unit for research and teaching purposes that includes a Cartesian robot rack and opto-guided conveyors for loading/unloading workstations.

► Learn more (in French)
 

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
• 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

admissionc22bfe8e-7d49-4965-af2e-a7ecfe4fcace@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

Scholarships

Different scholarships are available for students enrolling in a MSc Programme at Centrale Nantes:
 

• Centrale Nantes Elite Scholarship
• Government scholarships
• Inter-government scholarships
• Industry scholarships
• Scholarships from organisations
• European Programmes

• Learn more

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 Industrial Engineering Graduates

Why choose this MSc?

Five reasons why you should choose the MSc in Industrial Engineering at Centrale Nantes:

 

• 1 - Strong links with industry: projects and placements and a curriculum designed to meet industry needs
• 2 - Understand the impact of digitalization on sustainability
• 3 - Fully taught in English for a cohort of international students
• 4 - Centrale Nantes is ranked in the top 300 in the world for engineering according to the Times Higher Education world 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

Pursue your studies

• PhD opportunities at Centrale Nantes - the programme is supported by the Laboratory of Digital Sciences of Nantes - UMR CNRS 6597; ED SIS)
• PhD studies possible anywhere in Europe (international recognition of the master's degree)

Career Prospects

• Sectors: Aeronautics, Automotive,Transports, Naval, Energy, Mechanics,Services, Consulting
• Fields: Industrial engineering, Design engineering, Mechanical engineering,Production management, Information systems design and management, Research and Innovation
• Positions: Continuous improvement manager, Consultant in manufacturing digitalisation, Product owner, Data analyst in manufacturing, Consultant in information systems and PLM, etc.

Companies that hired our recent graduates:

• Capgemini
• Michelin
• Accenture
• Dassault Systems
• Expeleo
• Amazon

Where are they now?

► Find out what our recent MSc graduates are doing now

What our students / graduates say

• 
  Sowmya | MSc Industrial Engineering (AFM), Class of 2024

  June 14, 2024

  "This master's programme has equipped me so well and so deeply to face the real world industry."
• 
  Nomin | MSc Industrial Engineering (AFM), Class of 2025

  June 7, 2024

  "This Master's programme offers a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which is essential for a successful career in this field. With 2.5 years of experience in the manufacturing sector as a cost engineer, I believe this programme is an ideal fit for my professional development."
• 
  Jiangmin | MSc Industrial Engineering (AFM), Class of 2025

  May 30, 2024

  "Centrale Nantes boasts high-quality alumni and state-of-the-art experimental facilities... The program offers a global perspective and comprehensive industry insights, which are invaluable for your future career"
• 
  Mathan Raj | MSc Industrial Engineering (AFM), Class of 2024

  May 30, 2024

  "For new applicants, my advice would be to thoroughly research the program and understand how it aligns with your career goals. Exploit the resources offered by the school, such as networking opportunities with industry professionals and involvement in research projects."

 

Meet the Programme Supervisors

Catherine da Cunha, M2 Programme Supervisor

Catherine da Cunha is a Professor of Industrial Engineering at Centrale Nantes. She heads up the CPS3 research team (LS2N). Her main interests are in the area of modelling and simulation, in production as well as in the organizational field. She is particularly interested in the potential of partial or immature information for Mass Customization.

Farouk Belkadi, M1 Programme Supervisor

Farouk Belkadi (Dr. Eng. HDR) obtained his Ph.D. in automation and industrial engineering from the University of Franche Comte in 2006. He has been a lecturer at Centrale Nantes since 2013. His main scientific interests are data and knowledge management for decision-making, Enterprise X.0, PLM approach, and the new paradigms of socio-economic and environmental sustainability.

International staff make up two thirds of the Industrial Engineering teaching team.

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