Students who enter through the preparatory system or via a degree, do a first year to prepare them for the Masters programme.Scientific training, exposure to other disciplines, new ways of learning.The first year lays the groundwork for the whole programme.

A work experience placement

The first year in the School begins with four weeks in a company, in an operational role.The work experience placement represents a clear break with the previous years of education, and focuses learning on its ultimate purpose:entry into working life.

A classroom period

There then follows a six-month period of classes designed to:

• consolidate the basics in the following scientific disciplines:mechanical engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, economics
• provide exposure to other disciplines:humanities, signal processing, ecology, etc.
• implement other learning methods:projects, seminars
• consolidate language learning: English and at least one other language

A scientific placement

The first year ends with a 3-month scientific placement during which students experience life in a research establishment.During this introduction to the experimental method, they test their knowledge on real problems.