Pharmacy-Engineering Double Degree

Target Audience

Pharmacy students in France or internationally, who wish to develop engineering skills to rethink pharmaceutical industry production processes.

Prerequisites

Validation of the PASS or LAS with a scientific major.

The Programme, Step by Step

The programme runs over 4 years, combining distance learning and on-campus teaching at Mines Saint-Étienne.

1. Health–engineering preparatory programme (2 years, remote, 3 hrs/week) alongside pharmacy studies (between the 4th and 6th year). Each course is validated by examination.
2. Integration into the ICM programme (2 years, in Saint-Étienne) at the end of the 5th or 6th year, depending on your faculty — with the possibility of mutualizing the 6th year by equivalence (according to the rules of the home faculty).
3. After the ICM diploma: internship and/or pharmacy thesis defense, depending on your project.

Note: the preparatory programme application is submitted from April to end of August for a September intake

The health–engineering preparatory programme

Lasting 2 years, it is delivered via distance learning through a series of 7 micro-certifications in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Each micro-certification represents approximately 30 hours (1 ECTS credit), at a pace of 3 to 4 hours per week over a period of one and a half to two months.

Year 1: Python Programming · Thermodynamics · Linear Algebra · Statistics
Year 2: Mathematics for Physics · Mechanics · Fundamentals of Big Data

Validation

Each micro-credential is assessed by an exam taken online via a dedicated proctoring tool (grade ≥ 10/20 to obtain the secure digital badge).
Obtaining all 7 micro-credentials is required to apply to the ICM cycle.
The micro-credentials obtained can be used to showcase skills even if the full programme is not validated.
Passing the first-year exams is a condition for progressing to the second year of the preparatory programme.

Cost

€100 per micro-certification, totaling €700 for the complete preparatory program.

Discover the PSI Remote Learning Platform

Admissions & Calendar

Step 1 — Application for the preparatory program (April → end of August)
Applications are possible for the full program or for a single micro-certification.
Application file: CV · cover letter · transcripts (Baccalauréat and 1st year of pharmacy studies).

Application form

Step 2 — Eligibility phase for the ICM cycle (April, in 2nd year of preparatory program)
Application file to be completed in April: choice of ICM courses, pharmacy study transcripts.
Eligibility is based on academic excellence and the coherence of the professional project, evaluated from the application file. Successful completion of the preparatory program is necessary but not sufficient.

Step 3 — Admission to the ICM cycle
Videoconference interview in May/June before a jury.
Presentation of the professional project in connection with the ICM program.
Issuance of a summary certificate of micro-certifications obtained for admitted students.

Career Opportunities

The pharmacist–engineer dual degree prepares you for three main careers:

production engineer: study of processes and production systems for medicines/medical devices.
process and methods engineer: management and optimisation of the design supply chain for medicines.
R&D engineer: research and development of new treatments and medical devices.

Testimonials

Interview with the Head of Academic Affairs for the ICM cycle

Interview with a graduate

Why Choose Mines Saint-Étienne?

A selective and recognized dual degree at the heart of a leading Grande École for health-engineering pathways.
An integrated programme for your pharmacy studies, with 2 years of remote preparation, followed by 2 years within the Ingénieur Civil des Mines (ICM) programme.
An excellent healthcare ecosystem supported by the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering (CIS) and a vast alumni network.

Key Strengths

A prestigious, bicentennial engineering school, a leader in health-engineering dual degrees for 25 years.
Engineering training integrated into the pharmacy curriculum, completed over two years after the gap year following the 5^th or 6^th year of pharmacy studies.
World-class health research environment with the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering (CIS).
Personalized pathway in the 2^nd and 3^rd years of the ICM cycle, adapted to each student’s professional project.
Training aligned with the scientific, societal, and industrial needs of future healthcare.
Opportunities for international and industrial experiences lasting several months.
Vast alumni network.

FAQ

Can I follow the preparatory programme in parallel with my 5th or 6th year of pharmacy?
Yes, the preparatory programme is designed to be followed remotely in parallel with studies (3 hrs/week).

Can the 6th year of pharmacy be mutualized?
According to the equivalences defined by your faculty, the 6th year can be mutualized with the 2 years of ICM. Inquire with your faculty and the school.

What are the admission steps and calendar?
Preparatory application from April to end of August; then ICM eligibility application (April, in 2nd year of preparatory programme); admissions panel in June.