Physics

The International Center for Fundamental Physics and its interfaces at Ecole normale supérieure - PSL (ENS - ICFP) offers an English-speaking two-year master's program in Physics. The curriculum provide a thorough understanding of the theoretical and experimental basis of Fundamental Physics.
It spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, including high energy physics, statistical physics, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and physics for biology.
This master's program is part of PSL Physics graduate program.

5-years fully funded PhD Tracks in Physics

The master’s degree in Fundamental Physics is led by the department of Physics - International Centre for Fundamental Physics and its interface at the Ecole normale supérieure - PSL. Courses are jointly organized with the following partner universities and institutions:

•    Sorbonne Université
•    Université de Paris (previously Paris Diderot)
•    Université Paris-Saclay
•    Institut Polytechnique de Paris in Year 2 (previously Ecole Polytechnique)

Program

The program is spread over two years and 120 ECTS, requesting full-time studies. The academic year is divided into two semesters:
•    course activities during the first semester (30 ECTS) for both Year 1 and 2
•    second semester dedicated to:
- an internship in France or abroad, for Year 1
- short research internship and optional courses, for Year 2

Content

The first year of study provides a general introduction to fundamental physics, particularly in statistical physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
In the second year of study, students can specialize in an area of their choice. The research internship, which takes place at the end of the second semester, is often the opportunity for students to complete their first scientific publication.
The second year includes four separate tracks:

• Condensed matter physics
• Soft matter and biological physics
• Quantum physics: from atoms to the solid state
• Theoretical physics

Who should apply?

The Master’s in Fundamental Physics is available to students with Bachelor’s degrees (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering) who have received a solid basic education in fundamental physics and mathematics.

Opportunities

This Master provides a general course of study during the first year and opportunities for specialization in the second year. Students have the opportunity to work in laboratories covering most of the fields of fundamental physics, including the most highly applied forms.
Upon completion of a dissertation, students have mainly access to careers in academia or with major research agencies (CNRS, CEA, IN2P3). Students can also leverage their hands-on research experience to proceed along a different professional path, ranging from teaching, public administration and consulting, to industrial or business careers.
The second year includes a seminar dedicated to research professions.

Note bene : This degree primarily leads to careers in public or industrial research.
Students interested in teaching careers at secondary education level are advised to follow a more suitable curriculum, in order to prepare the French Ministry of National Education’s competitive hiring exams (CAPES and Agrégation).