Academic career
The programme of study takes four years, from the final undergraduate year to completion of a master's degree or degrees.
This programme, which leads to the ENS Paris-Saclay Diploma, is organized into three tracks, all of which feature significant interaction between teaching and research:
Research track
For those aiming to pursue a doctorate. Between the first year of the master's programme (M1) and the M2, students are strongly advised to do a year of pre-doctoral research abroad (ARPE).
Higher education track
For normalien students intending to concentrate on teaching at university level. This track offers the opportunity to spend a year preparing for the agrégation (FESup) between the M1 and M2.
Interfaces track
For students seeking to develop multidisciplinary expertise. After their M2 year, they can choose either to do an extra year at the School in another discipline or to join a graduate programme* at a one of the partner institutions of ENS Paris-Saclay or Université Paris-Saclay (see useful links).
Three tracks, five skill sets
The three tracks share a common core, to which five skill sets (with key strengths) are added. The relative weight of these skill sets within the programme varies according to the chosen track:
- International: international experience, Cambridge English certificate
- Research: only certification in France in English for research purposes, immersion experiences in laboratories within and outside the School
- Multidisciplinarity: ENS Paris-Saclay’s unique spectrum of disciplines, multidisciplinary bachelor's and master's programmes
- Higher education: France's leading institution for the number of holders of the agrégation with a 90 percent first-time pass rate
- Breadth: broader capabilities (administration, scientific consulting, entrepreneurship and innovation, involvement in nonprofits or student representation, familiarity with industry)
Disciplinary mobility
The School's multidisciplinary nature promotes normalien students' mobility between disciplines.
Several systems are in place to facilitate it
“Joker” Year
Normalien students who have passed the entrance examination may choose to begin their studies without being paid the first year.
If they fail that year, they are able to start the programme over without losing their right to four years’ study with pay.
Interfaces track
The Interfaces track is multidisciplinary by nature and includes a year of study in a subject other than the chosen major, either within the School, at one of the School's partner institutions (link to "Three tracks, five skill sets") or at one of Université Paris-Saclay's partner institutions.
ARPE Year
In the Research track, normalien student can choose to do their year of research abroad in a discipline other than their chosen major.