MS-IoT Programme – IoT & Cybersecurity | Mines Saint-Étienne

Design, prototype, and secure end-to-end connected systems

The MS-IoT programme offers a comprehensive pathway covering the entire value chain of an IoT system, from embedded electronics to the cloud, including network protocols, cybersecurity, and attack analysis.
The programme is based on project-based learning, hands-on work on technology platforms, and several months of immersion in a company.

General Structure of the Programme

404 hours of training
75 ECTS
4 technical modules

Projects and practical case studies
6-month company internship
Professional Thesis

The curriculum is structured around 4 major technical modules, followed by an in-company assignment and a professional thesis.
Each module develops specific and complementary skills, necessary for designing a reliable, high-performing, and secure IoT solution.

Module 1: Connected Object

98 h – 10 ECTS

This first module forms the technical foundation of the programme. It allows participants to acquire the essential skills to design, prototype, and programme a connected object.

Courses

Electronic Fundamentals (20 h – 2 ECTS)
Prototyping (30 h – 3 ECTS)
Wireless IoT Node Transmission (21 h – 2 ECTS)
Digital Fundamentals (9 h – 1 ECTS)
Microcontroller Systems (18 h – 2 ECTS)

Objectives

Design and assemble a functional prototype of a connected object
Programme a microcontroller and manage sensor/actuator interfaces
Understand the hardware, energy, and environmental constraints
Ensure wireless communication adapted to the usage context

Module 2: Gateway

100 h – 10 ECTS

This module addresses the intermediate layer between the connected object and the cloud.

Courses

Embedded Linux (70 h – 7 ECTS)
IoT Platforms (30 h – 3 ECTS)

Objectives

Deploy a secure embedded Linux system
Configure and administer an IoT gateway
Master industrial and open-source environments for object management
Manage communications between sensors, gateway, and cloud services

Module 3: Networks & Cloud

96 h – 13 ECTS

An essential module for understanding and mastering the network and cloud infrastructures on which IoT systems rely.

Courses

Local Area Network – Level 2 Protocols (33 h – 5 ECTS)
WAN, HTTP/HTTPS, REST, MQTT… (27 h – 3 ECTS)
Cloud, PKI, Databases, Cloud Services (36 h – 5 ECTS)

Objectives

Configure and secure local and remote IoT networks
Deploy cloud services adapted to IoT data
Handle essential communication protocols for data transport
Implement authentication mechanisms and certificates (PKI)

Module 4: Securing the IoT Chain

110 h – 12 ECTS

As the core module of the programme, it provides training in vulnerabilities, countermeasures, and cybersecurity approaches.

Courses

Security through Cryptography (24 h – 3 ECTS)
Physical Attacks (48 h – 5 ECTS)
Cybersecurity (38 h – 4 ECTS)

Objectives

Understand and apply cryptographic mechanisms adapted to IoT
Identify and prevent physical attacks (fault injection, side-channel, etc.)
Develop resilient and secure IoT architectures
Analyze vulnerabilities and implement countermeasures

In-company Assignment

15 ECTS

6 months in a company (student or employee status) to work on:

development of a secure IoT prototype
security audit or vulnerability analysis
deployment of a complete IoT architecture
cyber/IoT integration study in an industrial or service environment

Professional Thesis

15 ECTS

The final phase of the curriculum allows for the application of acquired skills in a professional context.

Written and defended before a jury, it evaluates:

the understanding of technical and security challenges
the ability to solve a real IoT problem
scientific and methodological rigor
the integration of innovative or secure solutions

Summary

Component	Total Hours	ECTS
Module 1: Connected Object	98 h	10
Module 2: Gateway	100 h	10
Module 3: Networks	96 h	13
Module 4: IoT Security	110 h	12
In-company Assignment	—	15
Professional Thesis	—	15
Total	404 h	75 ECTS