Programmes, diploma and degrees
After four years of study, normalien students graduate with the new ENS Paris-Saclay Diploma. This master's level qualification leads to numerous career opportunities.
New ENS Paris-Saclay Diploma
The ENS Paris-Saclay Diploma structures the programmes of all normalien students enrolled at the School. The diploma is equivalent to a master's degree and leads to careers in higher education and research, the civil service and, more generally, sectors that demand advanced scientific expertise. Enrolment in the diploma programme is compulsory.
Three tracks
The diploma programme covers a common core of scientific skills. These are broken down into activities essential to excelling in one's discipline. Strong interaction between teaching and research is central to all three tracks, which are:
- Research track
- Higher education track
- Interfaces track (multidisciplinary)
An individualized programme
Normalien students can personalize their course of study to suit their career plan by choosing their activities from one or several of the School's 12 academic departments. Certain activities are specific to their chosen track, while others are electives.
International opportunities
The School offers students the possibility to include a year's exploration abroad in their course of study, facilitated by an English for specific purposes programme with no equivalent in France.
Preparation for the agrégation
Traditionally, ENS Paris-Saclay prepares students for the agrégation competitive examinations in 17 different options. At each session, nearly 300 normalien students pass.
In 2010, preparatory courses for the agrégation became degree programmes. Normalien students are advised to take them but it is no longer an obligation.
These programmes are delivered onsite by the academic staff of the School's departments. They are attended by normalien students and students from other universities who have completed at least the first year of a master's programme and are selected through a written application.
Successful completion of this year of study, evaluated through continuous assessment, counts toward earning the new ENS Paris-Saclay Diploma.
A few figures
- 25% of holders of the agrégation nationwide are from ENS Paris-Saclay..
- 70% of holders of the agrégation in engineering are from the School.
- between 74% and 78% pass rate for the last five years.
Orientation towards research
ENS Paris-Saclay doctorates are a path to high-level research and a breeding ground for innovation.
A doctorate generally takes three years to complete after a master's degree.
It is the highest possible level of education before embarking upon professional life.
ENS Paris-Saclay's Doctoral College hosts the PhD students and provides career guidance.