ENS graduate degree in Sciences

The objectives of the ENS graduate degree in Sciences

Through the scientific activity of the ENS and its research teams, training provided in this institution truly consists in training through research, regardless of the career paths students will choose afterwards. Teaching, introductory courses or research seminars are handled by several teacher-researchers who present and include students in their achievements.

The richness, diversity and organisation of the training fields, gathered in departments for training and research in Sciences and Humanities, allow students to explore the boundaries of their disciplines and to develop intellectual approaches with a strong interdisciplinarity, whether in the perspective of the diploma or of cultural opening. Hence, in addition to the classic double curricula (mathematics-computer sciences, mathematics-physics, physics-chemistry, chemistry-biology, etc.), links with literary departments also exist.

With 4 years of academic career at the ENS and, in most cases, 3 more years of doctoral studies, 1st year students in Sciences benefit from 7 training years in order to construct their own scientific career, while interacting with their tutors and being in contact with laboratories and researchers. Within this framework of training through research, the normaliens are led to improve their knowledge in their main discipline. Moreover, multidisciplinarity are strongly promoted, as well as mixed paths, international experiences with research internships and teaching experiences, language learning, openings towards society (high schools, administrations, companies, NGO, etc.), “outside the walls” experiences with civic actions, involvement in student life.

Academic paths for the normaliens in Sciences

The ENS gives priority to fundamental knowledge and combines in-depth study in a discipline with familiarity in many other disciplines, within the framework of the ENS graduate degree. This diploma recognises paths based on research-oriented master’s degrees (main speciality) and on courses outside this speciality, which the possibility of a minor speciality. This diploma course is completed by a wide range of courses, experiences and activities broadening intellectual and cultural horizons.