ISMIN - Master's Degree in Microelectronics and Computer Science

ISMIN – Master’s Degree in Microelectronics and Computer Science

The ISMIN engineering degree was initiated at École des mines in 2003. From the beginning, it has been associated with the Centre of Microelectronics in Provence (CMP). The CMP has four cutting-edge research departments, Manufacturing sciences & Logistics, Bioelectronics, Digital hardware security and Flexible electronics.

An “Ingénieur ISMIN” will be qualified to innovate, design, set up, organize and manage industrial projects in the global environment of microelectronics, computer science and new technologies.

The ISMIN engineering programme is a degree in engineering mostly taught in French, and accredited by the national “Commission des Titres d’Ingénieurs”. ISMIN offers an educational program focused on four different majors. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on projects, development of management and communication skills through international experience and practical training in partner companies. Small-classes teaching and close educational supervision are essential features of the program.

A course tailored to meet the needs of both students and industry

In order to meet the demands of industry and to anticipate the development of technologies and innovations in microelectronics design and computer science, ISMIN provides a learning environment which enables future engineers to:

Master the sciences and techniques in this highly-specialised field;
Understand the working methods of associated companies both from a human and economic point of view;
Develop the skills needed to study and work abroad, notably through practical involvement (particularly in English and other foreign languages).

In their final year (Master 2) students can major in one among 3 fields:

Computer Science
Embedded Systems
Micro-electronics design

and choose one of the following specialisations:

Mobility and Security
Electronics and Energy
Information Technology and Supply Chain
Bio-Medical Devices

The third year courses can be offered in English.

Engineering students in uniform during the graduation ceremony

Requirements

International students can be admitted in this programme either as:

Visiting or exchange students: as exchange students for a semester or a year, they will get credits for their studies at MINES Saint-Étienne, CMP Campus, but will not be eligible for a MINES Saint-Étienne’s degree. These credits can be recognised by their institution of origin for graduation.
Graduating or full degree students (including Double degrees): as regular students for the programme these international students will follow the same curriculum as local students. They are expected to graduate from MINES Saint-Étienne, CMP Campus, with the Master’s degree in Microelectronics Engineering and Computer Science, and can be eligible to their home university’s degree as well under a double-degree agreementCandidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering or computer science can join the School as first-year students.

Candidates holding a Bachelor degree plus a first year of graduate studies or equivalent in the above mentioned disciplines, electronics, computing, mathematics and engineering can be directly enrolled into the second year.

The graduate course in microelectronics — ISMIN (ingénieur systèmes microélectronique et informatique) also welcomes international exchange students from partners or non-partner universities as auditors for one or two academic semesters or for lab internship in its 2nd or 3rd year (4th or 5th year of higher education).

French Summer School and integration programs for international students are available.

French Summer Schools :

Academic requirements

Bachelor of Science or engineering with honors either equivalent with a minimum 4 -year education at the University (possession of 240 equivalent european credits) or admission under the framework of an agreement (contact your office of international relations).

Language requirements

What level are you expected to have in French ?

If you are applying for :

Degree seeking students: a B1 level is mandatory.
Credits seeking students: a B1 level is highly recommended,

In all cases, classes of French as a foreign language are available from October to May with different level groups and 2 to 3 hours per week.

Administrative procedures

Step 1

Check our list of international academic partners

Step 2

If your university of origin is an Mines Saint-Étienne partner

You have to be approved by your university to apply for studies at École des Mines. The study abroad team of your university or the contact faculty in charge of the partnership will inform you about the application process, the course choice, as well as the funding opportunities.

If you want to apply as an independent candidate please contact:

incoming@emse.fr

Academics: courses and calendar

M1

The M1 year focuses, from a scientific and technical point of view, on EEA subjects and industrial computing. A large proportion of the course is devoted to general engineering studies.

At the end of the year, (15 March to 30 June) students undertake a 16-week in-house industrial project, on behalf of and financed by partner companies. The strict framework in which the ISMIN teachers/researchers work enables the students to gain practical experience and valuable insight into their future profession.

M1 common-core syllabus	Hours
Mathematics and Physics	110
Computer Science	110
Electronics	110
Management	85
Languages (English + 2^d language)	72
Industrial Project	400
Civic and Associative Activities	55
Sports	100

M2

In the M2 year of the ISMIN course students choose to major in one of the three options. Each option represents 10 ECTS. The courses for the major take place from September to end of November.
From December to end of March, they choose among one of the 4 specialisations (10 ECTS each).
The two core courses: Engineering Methods (4 ECTS), English and another foreign language (4 ECTS), and a one week workshop (2 ECTS) in February complete the semester.

The third year course finishes with a 6-month placement period. The advantage of scheduling it at this time is that upon graduation, students are better equipped to undertake engineering tasks and appreciate the work of a professional engineer. In addition, the placement period can be seen as a final stepping stone between the academic and business world.

Following their final year placement over 50% of our students receive full-time job offers from their host companies.

M2 Majors

Computer Science
Embedded Systems
Micro-electronics design

In addition to the major students choose one of the four following modules:

Mobility and Security
Electronics and Energy
Information Technology and Supply Chain
Bio-Medical Devices

Syllabus

Consult the ISMIN syllabus website

Tuition fees, etc…

Course registration fees:
- €2,900 per year for EU students – fee waived in the case of Mines Saint-Étienne partners.
- €4,550 per year for non EU students- fee waived in the case of dual degree agreements.
Living expenses: approximately €700/month.
Payment is generally offered to students during their internship periods (4 to 6 months per year).
If you own the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the SE401Q106 (Quebec), or any proof of international student insurance coverage, you don′t have to be affiliated to the French Student′s Social Security. In every other case, the affiliation to the French Student′s Social Security is compulsory. The minimum annual cost for the basic insurance is approximately 200 €, to be paid at EMSE office of the registrar during Welcome days (optional supplementary benefit coverage between 60 and 400 € annually).

Student Life

Residence Hall on Gardanne Campus – « Maison des Elèves »

Please contact: hebergementsgc@mines-stetienne.fr