Preparing for your studies in France, and succeeding after, involves having a solid understanding of how your degree is defined.
The decision to study abroad implies immersion in a new academic environment, with increased chances of contrasting with one’s past educational experiences in multiple ways. There is, most probably, a different language of instruction, a new pedagogical approach, and a cohort of classmates with diverse cultural backgrounds.
The structure of French engineering education is unique. Understanding how it works is key to making the most of your studies here. In France, the term “engineer” can refer to both a professional activity (technical expertise) and a formal academic qualification.
About the “Diplôme d’ingénieur”
The Diplôme d’ingénieur is the official French engineering degree, protected by law and granted only by schools accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI): the national engineering accreditation authority created by the law of July 10, 1934, and placed under the tutelage of the Ministry of Higher Education. The title of qualified engineer awards the Master’s degree, and includes, in order, the mention of the school that has issued it.
Some key facts about this degree include the following:
- The Diplôme d’ingénieur is awarded after five years of higher education (equivalent to 300 ECTS credits).
- It is officially recognised as a Master’s degree in the European Higher Education Area.
- It carries the EUR-ACE label, the European standard for quality in engineering education.
- Graduates earn the title “Ingénieur diplômé” (Graduate Engineer).
In France, this title is more than an academic confirmation; it’s also a professional qualification, certifying both advanced technical competence and readiness for the engineering profession.
About the Engineering curriculum at ESILV
Since 2003, ESILV has been authorised by the CTI to issue the title of Qualified Engineer to graduates of the ESILV Engineering School. This title is given to graduates of the Master in Engineering-Grande Ecole Programme, a 5-year programme with 14 majors to choose from.
With an emphasis on acquiring solid bases in engineering, years 1 and 2 of the Grande Ecole Programme (known as cycle préparatoire in the French system) are dedicated to a generalist education, enabling students to acquire all the scientific foundations needed to enter the engineering cycle (cycle ingénieur), which begins in year 3. Years 4 and 5 (the Master Cycle) are dedicated to a chosen specialisation, to acquire expertise and build a career plan.
ESILV consistently updates its programmes in response to evolving economic trends, ensuring that students acquire the most current skills and knowledge. Each course and major is designed with industry and job-market demands in mind, serving as a direct pathway to the student’s chosen career field.
ESILV International programmes: a global opportunity
If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, and maybe even a previous Master programme, an alternative method to acquire academic credits that will be recognised globally is the Master of Science (MSc) programme.
Accreditations such as the Master of Science label, awarded by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE) validate the programme’s rigour and standards in an international level.
ESILV offers 6 MSc programmes taught entirely in English, all accredited by the prestigious CGE Master of Science label, which recognizes the degree as a master ‘s-level postgraduate qualification in France and internationally.