MSc Control and Robotics
Data Science, Signal and Image Processing (CORO DASSIP)

Programme Objectives

The Data Science, Signal and Image Processing* Master's programme focuses on understanding and developing state-of-the-art methodology for data analysis, signal and image processing, and machine learning.

The acquired knowledge concerns both theoretical foundations and practical applications of data science and information retrieval, essential for the development of cutting-edge numerical methods. The courses delve into advanced data analysis techniques, encompassing computational statistics, applied mathematics, information theory, and scientific computing. Practical implementation is explored across various domains, including biomedical engineering, computational imaging, audio processing, industrial manufacturing, or remote sensing.

A distinguishing feature of the program lies in its emphasis on designing mathematical solutions tailored to the specificity of the data. Both model-based (taking into account physical models and sensing devices) and data-based (relying on statistical and deep learning) approaches are considered, ensuring that the numerical implementation aligns with the specific requirements of the application context, data volume, and available computational resources.

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 Data Science, Signal and Image Processing is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
 
Students applying for this programme can also apply to join the Integrated Master-PhD track, which brings together the two years of the Master's degree and three years of PhD studies. The Integrated Master-PhD track is designed to give high-potential students exposure to research activities from the M1 year.

► Learn more about the Integrated Master-PhD track in Data Science, Signal and Image Processing

Contribution to sustainable development goals

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

*previously entitled Signal and Image Processing

Course Content

30 ECTS Credits per semester.
Language of instruction: English
 

M1 Year - 2024/25

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS	Spring Semester Courses	ECTS
Signal Processing	5	Group Project	6
Classical Linear Control	5	Optimization Techniques	5
Artificial Intelligence	6	Image Processing	5
Algorithmics and programming	4	Systems Identification and Signal Filtering	4
Mathematical Tools for Signals and Systems	4	Computer Vision	4
Embedded Computing	4	Spectral and Time Frequency Analysis	4
Modern Languages *	2	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 - 2024/25

Autumn Semester Courses	ECTS
Stochastic Methods	4
Design of signal and image representations	4
Machine learning, data analysis and information retrieval	4
Signal and image restoration, inversion methods	4
Mathematical tools for signal and image processing	4
Biomedical signals, images and methods	4
Bibliographical research 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:

 

• Analysis and visualization of physiological signals
• Inverse problems for lens-free imaging of nanostructured surfaces
• Survival analysis and graph representations
• Early fusion of multiple MRI sequences for enhancing pathologic case retrieval systems in radiology
• Coherence-based denoising for ultrasound small vessels imaging
• Target detection and segmentation algorithm based on deep learning and application of big data technology in satellite remote sensing
• Automatic reading recognition for pointer meters based on machine vision
• Synthetic data generation for privacy purposes
• Recognition of infrared protocols for AC systems using machine learning
• 3D and 4D data processing with quaternion tensor decompositions
• Simulation study of linearized weighted least square estimation for inverse polynomial model
• Joint sparse decomposition of multivariate signals based on optimal transport

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

• Understand the basic concepts underlying modern data processing methods (assumptions, limitations)
  ► Informed user: make the best choice for analyzing a given data set (choose a method, set the parameters, implement)
• Master the fundamentals and identify how advanced data processing knowledge can raise new challenges
  ► Research: develop novel methodological tools and make scientific progress
• Acquire a solid background on real-life applications of signal and image processing in research and innovation
• Be aware of latest trends in AI-based techniques and become an expert in data science

 

In addition to the above specialism-specific skills, students will also develop more general skills:

• Identify models, perform simulations and analyse results
• Undertake a literature survey of existing works on a scientific problem
• Communicate comprehensive results in a meaningful way
• Manage and supervise research and innovation projects

Download syllabus | Control and Robotics | Data Science, Signal and Image Processing

• M1 Year
• M2 Year

Facilities and Partnerships

Faculty and Research Facilities

The Data Science, Signal and Image Processing programme relies on Centrale Nantes’ faculty and the research facilities of the Laboratory of Digital Sciences in Nantes (LS2N) and, in particular, of the SIMS (Signal, Image and Sound) research group. The activity of the SIMS group is in the field of statistical signal and image processing. The research work carried out by the team members is based on methodological questions most often inspired by applied problems from a wide variety of fields, such as physics, biology, health, engineering and industrial instrumentation.

Collaboration

• Examples of companies with whom the programme has internship links: Airbus, Netatmo, Reliev, Octopize Mimethik Data, Changlan Technology Group Co.
• Examples of laboratories with whom the programme has internship links: Laboratory of Digital Sciences in Nantes (LS2N), Center for Research in Acquisition and Signal Processing for Health (CREATIS), Paris Institute of Earth Physics (IPGP), Centre for Studies on Risks, the Environment, Mobility and Urban Planning (CEREMA), The computer science department, Laboratory of Informatics Paris Descartes (LIPADE), Institute of Research in Astrophysics and PLanetary Science, Toulouse, (IRAP), Nancy Centre for Research in Automatic Control (CRAN)

 

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

admissionfe9a1174-cac8-4f12-aa3e-e0c47f401897@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)

Why choose this MSc?

Five reasons why you should choose the MSc in Signal and Image Processing at Centrale Nantes:
 

• 1 - Master advanced data processing techniques used across multiple sectors: health, biology, industrial manufacturing, audio, etc.
• 2 - Become an expert in AI-based techniques and data science 
• 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

Career Prospects

• Sectors: health, communication, instrumentation technology, computer science, research and development
• Fields: biomedical engineering, industrial imaging, medical imaging, telecommunication engineering, audio engineering, data science, applied mathematics

Where are they now?

Some examples of companies where our programme graduates are working: French Wine and Vine Institute, Netatmo, unabiz,  RF-TRACK,  Ellcie-Healthy, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

PhD Prospects

Examples of PhD theses pursued after the programme:
 

• Technical University of Munich, Germany,
  'Artificial Intelligence in Medicine'
• ENS Paris Saclay,  Laboratory of Signals and Systems
  'Data fusion and reconstruction algorithms in non-destructive testing of manufactured parts'
• Centrale Nantes, Laboratory of Digital Sciences of Nantes
  'Branch-and-bound algorithm for efficient resolution of sparse optimization problems'
  'Ultrasound image reconstruction with deep learning and optimization'
  'Development of the digital twin of a thermal-hydraulic system for predictive maintenance and supervision by machine learning'
  'Development and deployment of anonymous synthetic data solutions'
• Université de Rennes, Laboratory of Signal and Image Processing
  'Detecting and analyzing physical activity in older adults using wearable sensors towards frailty trajectory assessment'
• INSA Lyon, Center for Research in Acquisition and Signal Processing for Health (CREATIS)
  'Passive imaging of ultrasonic cavitation'

What our students / graduates say

• 
  Minghao | MSc Signal and Image Processing, Class of 2024

  September 25, 2023

  "I like the teaching style here. Professors teach from the easier to the deeper and they can talk hours about their fields confidently while fully open to doubts and questions as well."
• 
  Yuxin, PhD student | MSc Signal and Image Processing, Class of 2021

  January 3, 2024

  "After graduation, I hope to join a company specializing in medical ultrasound imaging, where I can actively contribute by addressing specific challenges and solving real-world problems for end-users."
• 
  Gargee, MSc Signal and Image Processing, Class of 2023

  May 13, 2024

  "Without the training and practical experience gained through this programme, I would not have been adequately prepared to contribute effectively to the project I am currently engaged in."

Meet the Programme Supervisors

Sébastien Bourguignon, M2 Programme Supervisor SIP

Sébastien Bourguignon is a professor in Signal and Image Processing at Centrale Nantes. His interests concern inverse problems methodology, statistical inference and optimization algorithms, with applications in ultrasonic imaging, nondestructive testing, hyperspectral imaging, and astronomical and planetary data analysis.

Contact: sebastien.bourguignonf393fb74-4f12-4e8f-80c6-f0269e466029@ec-nantes.fr

Elwan Héry, M1 Programme Supervisor Control and Robotics

Elwan Héry is an associate professor at Centrale Nantes and at the LS2N (Laboratory of Digital Sciences of Nantes) in the ARMEN team (Autonomous Robots and Control of Interactions with the Environment). His main research interests are in perception, localization and mapping for autonomous vehicles and mobile robots.
 

Olivier Kermorgant, Programme Supervisor Control and Robotics

Olivier Kermorgant is a graduate of Centrale Paris, with a PhD from Inria Rennes-Bretagne Atlantique. His career history includes a teaching position at Télécom Physique Strasbourg and a research engineer position at IRT Jules Verne, working on the prototyping of an autonomous mobile robot in the ship industry. Since 2015 he has been an associate professor at Centrale Nantes and a researcher in the LS2N in the ARMEN 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:

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