PSL University launches a new bachelor's degree in responsible engineering with an international dimension

A dual commitment

In order to bring about concrete energy, environmental and digital transitions, it is crucial to train a new generation of responsible engineers. This need is at the heart of France's 2030 strategy, as well as that of companies, which are looking for candidates capable of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their approach, while knowing how to design and implement solutions that are economically and technologically viable, as well as humanely and environmentally sustainable. The I-BE³ (International Bachelor of Environmentally Engaged Engineering) degree programme is part of this approach: a selective and resolutely international programme, it trains future professionals with a solid scientific background, multidisciplinary expertise and a keen awareness of planetary boundaries. It is based on an innovative teaching approach: starting with real-world challenges and working backwards to the scientific disciplines that can address them. Taught entirely in English, this programme emphasises learning by doing, through concrete projects drawn from the socio-economic world and collaborations with research and industry.

"This new bachelor's degree illustrates our university's ability to innovate and prepare future responsible leaders at the crossroads of science, technology and society. It will mark the launch of the Paris School of Engineering, the second of PSL's Paris Schools to be created, after the Paris School of AI. This structuring and innovative model aims to give greater coherence, visibility and impact to our disciplinary and interdisciplinary strengths by bringing together education and research around major contemporary issues and attracting students from around the world. Through the Paris Schools, PSL University affirms its commitment to combining scientific excellence, international openness and environmental engagement.", El Mouhoub MOUHOUD – President of PSL University.

"The launch of I-BE³ in Sophia Antipolis embodies the ambition of our three engineering schools: to offer high-level training that responds to the challenges of ecological, energy and digital transitions. This programme will enable young talents to acquire a systemic approach to global issues, while benefiting from active and interdisciplinary teaching methods, in keeping with the spirit of innovation and openness that drives our schools.", Godefroy Beauvallet – Directeur Général de Mines Paris - PSL.

For excellence in immersive project-based teaching

The I-BE³ bachelor's degree offers a progressive and attractive curriculum based on project-based learning and focused on the major societal challenges of engineering — energy, water, health, climate, sustainable cities, mobility and responsible industries. Across the board, the programme places a strong emphasis on data science, artificial intelligence and big data processing.
Organised around three teaching blocks — semester-long research projects (PRJ), engineering and data sciences (SI) and challenges and professionalisation (EP) — the programme trains graduates to be operational and committed. It combines an introduction to research, social responsibility, innovation, entrepreneurship and international openness, with a compulsory semester abroad.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to enter the professional world or continue their studies in engineering programmes at Mines Paris, ESPCI, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University Master's programmes, or national and international engineering or Master's programmes.

An international education

The I-BE³ bachelor's degree is aimed at a multicultural audience and requires an excellent level of language proficiency: a B2 level in English and A2 in French for non-French-speaking students. The rigorous selection process is based on a complete academic file (grades, motivation, recommendations) and an interview in English. The first two years will take place at the Pierre Laffitte campus of Mines Paris - PSL in Sophia Antipolis, in the heart of the Côte d'Azur technology park. In the third year, depending on their choice of specialisation, some students will remain at the Pierre Laffitte campus, while others will move to the Paris-based sites of the PSL engineering schools.A final group of these students will pursue a dual degree programme abroad with high-level partner universities.For its first intake in September 2026, the new bachelor's degree programme will recruit 60 first-year students, with the aim of reaching 300 students by 2029, opening the second and third years in 2027 and 2028.

Mines Paris-PSL's strong presence in the Sophia Antipolis area

The I-BE³ Bachelor's degree is part of the strategic development of the Pierre Laffitte campus of Mines Paris - PSL in Sophia Antipolis. It is the first step in a major project aimed at strengthening the School's academic and scientific presence in the region. This comprehensive project also plans to increase the range of Master's programmes on offer and includes a significant research component structured around two projects: medtech (related to cutting-edge medical technologies and health engineering) and hightech (related to plasma technologies for decarbonisation). Financially supported by the South Region and the Sophia Antipolis Urban Community, this development programme illustrates Mines Paris-PSL's desire to consolidate its leading role in the Côte d'Azur innovation ecosystem and to respond to the major scientific, technological and environmental challenges of our time.

The bachelor's degree programme also receives government funding managed by the National Research Agency under France 2030.