A 3-year engineering curriculum, 100% work-study
The Nuclear Engineering programme is based on a balance between scientific, technical, managerial and regulatory courses, essential for working in a sector as demanding as nuclear.
It is structured around an alternating school/company rhythm enabling progressive skills development in high-responsibility assignments.
General programme structure
Each year alternates between company periods and school periods according to a progressive rhythm enabling:
- acquisition of fundamentals,
- development of autonomy,
- assumption of responsibilities,
- progressive integration into industrial teams.
The programme is structured into teaching blocks designed in partnership with INSTN (CEA) and ISTP.
📚 Teaching blocks
1. Nuclear sciences and techniques
This block constitutes the scientific and technical foundation of the specialization. It covers all the knowledge necessary to understand, analyze and master nuclear systems.
Courses
- Nuclear physics & chain reactions
- Neutronics
- Thermohydraulics
- Materials and facility aging
- Nuclear measurements & instrumentation
- Radiation protection
- Fuel cycle (upstream & downstream)
- Treatment processes and radioactive waste management
Objectives
- Understand the physical phenomena implemented in facilities.
- Analyze the behavior of nuclear systems.
- Master measurement and control tools and methods.
2. Safety, security and radiation protection
Fundamental block for every nuclear engineer.
Courses
- Nuclear safety (analysis, methods, safety studies)
- Risk management (fire, criticality, radiological, environmental)
- QSSER regulations
- Organizational and human factors
- Accident management & safety culture
Objectives
- Ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Know how to analyze a risk, propose measures and assess impacts.
- Master regulatory tools and authority requirements.
3. Nuclear facility engineering
Block focused on facilities themselves and their evolution.
Courses
- Facility design and architecture
- Reactor technologies (PWR, EPR…)
- Maintenance, modifications and new construction
- Nuclear industrial processes
- Facility operation & control
- Decommissioning and cleanup
- Technical expertise and associated studies
Objectives
- Know how to intervene at all phases of a facility’s lifecycle.
- Propose technical modifications or optimizations.
- Understand the complete operation of a nuclear facility.
4. Management and corporate culture
Cross-functional block designed to develop human, organizational and managerial skills.
Courses
- Communication & expression
- Human resources management
- Business management
- Leadership & change management
- Inter-company relations (EDF, ORANO, CEA, contractors…)
Objectives
- Adopt the posture of a responsible engineer.
- Lead teams, projects and contractors.
- Understand the economic and contractual challenges of the sector.
5. Project management
Block designed for acquiring management tools.
Content
- Project management (planning, costs, risks)
- Site and intervention management
- Functional analysis
- Cross-functional management
- Organizational tools (Gantt, PERT…)
Objectives
- Lead a complex technical project.
- Coordinate multiple stakeholders and interfaces.
- Monitor implementation in a regulated environment.
6. Professionalization
Block enabling progressive integration into the professional environment.
Content
- Practical workshops and real nuclear case studies
- Thematic seminars (safety, decommissioning, operation…)
- Preparation for company assignments
- Development of professional posture
- Work on the engineering thesis
7. Programme operation
Block dedicated to monitoring and structuring the pathway.
Content
- Tutor group meetings
- Summary councils
- Expert conferences (ASN, IRSN, EDF, CEA, Orano…)
- Educational and professional support
🧪 Projects and company assignments
During the three years of work-study, engineering students participate in operational projects contributing directly to the safety, performance and reliability of facilities.
Examples of projects conducted in companies
Technical, processes, environment
- Improve the preparation and execution of “Unit in Operation” maintenance windows.
- Develop radiological investigation techniques and nuclear measurements.
Safety, security, radiation protection
- Implement accident management procedures in the field at a PWR plant.
- Contribute to safety studies, risk analyses and QSSER action plans.
Assignments are supervised by a company tutor, an ISTP advisor and Mines Saint-Étienne faculty according to the topics.
🌍 International mobility
During the three years, each student completes at least 12 weeks internationally, in the form of an internship, company assignment, academic mobility or language immersion.
Objectives: develop cultural openness, strengthen the ability to adapt to multicultural environments and consolidate mastery of professional English.
🎓 Degree validation
The IGN engineering degree is validated after:
- validation of skills blocks,
- company assignments,
- international experience,
- engineering thesis,
- final defense before a Mines Saint-Étienne jury.
The degree is accredited by the CTI (Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur).
Contacts
Academic Director
François Valdivieso – Mines Saint-Étienne
francois.valdivieso@mines-stetienne.fr
Admissions – ISTP
ingeinfo@istp-france.com
🔗 Learn more
Label
Accreditation
The Nuclear Engineering programme is accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI).
The programme is listed in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP 40418).