Inter-institutional programmes allow students to train within an expanded academic ecosystem, benefiting from shared teaching, resources, and networks among several institutions. At Mines Saint-Étienne, they take various forms (shared curricula, co-accreditations/co-habilitations, double degrees, joint programmes), with a constant objective: strengthening curriculum coherence and expanding opportunities for students.
Why Choose an Inter-institutional Program?
These programs are for those seeking:
- a broader multidisciplinary approach (sciences, engineering, digital technology, environment, management, design, health, etc.);
- exposure to complementary expertise (faculty, laboratories, platforms);
- formative experiences (mobility, projects, internships) and strengthened networks;
- a clearer path towards certain career opportunities: R&D, innovation, industry of the future, technology management, consulting, entrepreneurship.
Understanding the Formats
Depending on the programmes, inter-institutional programmes can take several forms.
- Shared Curricula
Teaching and resources are shared among several institutions. Students benefit from a common framework and a broader educational offering, while maintaining a structured curriculum progression. - Co-accredited Master of Science in Engineering programs
The national degree is jointly awarded by several institutions. The pedagogical coordination aims to ensure consistency of learning outcomes, while providing access to complementary teaching units and expertise. - Co-habilitated Master’s Degrees
The Master’s degree is awarded by Mines Saint-Étienne with a partner university, within a shared framework (organization, content, instructors, potentially sites and equipment). - Dual degrees
An integrated pathway, defined by agreement, leads to the awarding of two degrees, according to academic conditions specified by the programme. - European Joint Programs
Master’s degrees developed within an international consortium, often with integrated mobility, multi-campus training, and a particularly structured European approach.
Double Degrees
Dual degrees respond to a clear ambition: combining two educational cultures and building a strengthened profile at the interface of complementary skills (for example, engineering + management, engineering + data, engineering + design, etc.).
Our Objectives
- A dual perspective on problems (technical, organizational, economic, strategic).
- An enhanced ability to manage complex projects.
- Integration into complementary networks (alumni, companies, international partners).
Points to Anticipate
- A demanding structure (pace, academic milestones).
- Occasional periods of mobility or immersion.
- Close integration with professional experiences.
Discover Double Degrees
Erasmus Mundus European Joint Programs
Some curricula fall under European joint programmes (such as Erasmus Mundus), designed in consortium and generally integrating multi-campus mobility. These programmes are distinguished by:
- strong international exposure (teaching, multicultural cohorts);
- structured mobility, planned from the programme’s design;
- an academic and, frequently, industrial network at the European level.
Discover European joint programmes
Co-accredited / Co-habilitated Master’s Degrees
Inter-institutional Master’s degrees allow students to consolidate a specialization while benefiting from an expanded academic environment.
What You Gain
- An enriched course offering (courses, options, instructors).
- Access to complementary resources (platforms, equipment, partner ecosystems).
- A clear academic experience, backed by recognized skills.
Definition
- Co-accreditation: a Master’s degree jointly offered by several institutions (coordinated organization, complementary courses).
- Co-habilitation: a Master’s degree developed with a partner university (shared governance and content).
Lyon–Saint-Étienne Engineering College
The Lyon–Saint-Étienne Engineering College provides a framework for inter-institutional cooperation, aiming to synergize training and research expertise in service of major transitions. This dynamic allows for the development of shared curricula, facilitates pedagogical exchanges, and opens up an expanded academic environment for students.
Benefits for Students
- An opening towards complementary skills (fields, methods, pedagogical cultures).
- A collective dynamic fostering curriculum development and resource sharing.
- An expanded ecosystem, in connection with local socio-economic stakeholders.
CHELS Inter-Institutional Diploma – 2026-2027
Major Transitions: Measure and Understand to Act
The ‘Major Transitions’ DIE is a one-year transdisciplinary program accessible during a gap year or post-graduation (Bac+3 to Bac+5 level).
Program Flexibility
This program can be undertaken during a gap year or as a post-graduate program.
Without specific disciplinary prerequisites, this program is designed to offer a systemic vision of current challenges through three major axes:
- measure and monitor impacts;
- understand major transitions;
- act to drive change.
Educational Objectives
- Mastering transdisciplinarity.
- Develop a systemic vision of transition challenges.
- Master the rules of change management.
Program Structure
The program relies on the complementarity of CHELS schools:
- Immersion
Discovery weeks within the various partner institutions. - Courses
Cross-disciplinary and theoretical courses until February. - Practical Application
Group projects and a final internship.
Applications 2026-2027: Opening February 9!
Are you looking to develop your skills in Major Transitions?
Application Period
From February 9 to April 22, 2026.
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How to Choose the Right Program?
Before applying, it is useful to consider your main objective:
- Deepen a scientific specialization → co-accredited / co-habilitated Master’s degree.
- Build a hybrid profile (e.g., engineering + management) → double degree.
- Train at a European level → joint programme (e.g., Erasmus Mundus).
- Enrolling in a regional ecosystem of excellence → inter-institutional dynamic (Engineering College, shared programmes).
Practical advice: compare programs based on 4 simple criteria: target skills, organization (pace, locations), role of projects/internships, career opportunities.