A modular programme for the transition
The Master of Science in Engineering 2 GEOSPHERES is a one-year specialization programme (60 ECTS) designed to train experts capable of synthesizing engineering, environment, and territorial planning. The curriculum is built around a unique modular approach and concrete immersion in fieldwork and research.
Programme Structure
The Master of Science in Engineering consists of one semester of core and specialized courses, followed by an extended professional internship.
| Semester | Period | Content | Objective |
| Semester 1 | September to January | Core curriculum (tools, methods, scientific foundations) 30+ Modules (theoretical courses, methods, practical work, field trips). | Acquisition of tailored expertise through the network of 4 institutions. |
| Semester 2 | February to June | Master’s Thesis (Extended Internship) of 6 months in a company or laboratory. | Application of skills in real-world conditions and preparation for research. |
The Modular Approach: 4 Areas of Expertise
Students build a customized pathway by choosing from approximately thirty shared modules across the four partner institutions. Each thematic area provides the specific competencies of its research ecosystem:
| Area of Expertise | Network Expertise | Sample Modules (Indicative) |
| 1. Georesources & Geosciences | Mines Saint-Étienne expertise: environmental management, non-renewable resources. | Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Environmental Geology, Soils and Ecosystem Functioning. |
| 2. Tools & Spatial Analysis | Université Grenoble Alpes expertise: modeling, mapping, territorial analysis. | Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (GéoTelA), 3D Modeling, Advanced Statistics (IMOTEP®). |
| 3. Risks & Environment | IMT Mines Alès expertise: crisis management, vulnerability, environmental law. | Natural Risk Management, Vulnerability and Territorial Assessment, Environmental Law, Geography of Risks. |
| 4. Societies & Territories | Université Savoie Mont-Blanc expertise: planning, mountain environments, environmental governance. | Sustainable Planning, Landscape Planning, Human Geography and Social Issues. |
Main Thematic Areas
Environment & Geosciences
- Hydrology and Hydrogeology
- Geology and Terrain Structure
- Geochemistry and Soils
- Biodiversity & Functional Ecology
Risks & Global Changes
- Natural Hazards (floods, avalanches, landslides)
- Climate Change Impacts
- Territorial Vulnerability
Territories & Planning
- Territorial Dynamics
- Public Policy & Consultation
- Sustainable Planning
Digital Tools
- Advanced GIS
- Remote Sensing & Satellite Imagery
- Environmental Data Science
- Hydrological and Spatial Modeling
Projects & Field Courses
- Educational field trips (glaciers, watersheds, etc.)
- Interdisciplinary practical work
- Supervised projects related to real territorial issues
Field Immersion and Practical Work
The Master of Science in Engineering GEOSPHERES emphasizes experiential learning to develop an operational understanding of key challenges.
- Signature field courses
Study trips are organized to directly observe the effects of climate change, anthropogenic pressures, and planning solutions, particularly on alpine glaciers, watersheds, or mining sites. - Interdisciplinary workshops and practical work
Courses are complemented by intensive practical work in mapping, geophysics, and environmental analysis, enabling hands-on mastery of digital and analytical tools.
Final Project (Master’s Thesis)
Semester 4 is dedicated to a long-term research or engineering project (6 months). This Master’s thesis, conducted in a laboratory (CNRS, etc.) or company, is the cornerstone of the programme.
It enables students to:
- apply acquired knowledge in a professional or R&D context;
- develop specialized expertise on a specific topic related to ecological transition;
- pave the way for pursuing a doctorate (PhD).
🔗 Syllabus
❗️ Applications are open from January to April.
Contacts
Master of Science in Engineering Programme Director
Administrative contact
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