The International Centre for Fundamental Physics and its interfaces at Ecole normale supérieure (ENS-ICFP) offers a two-year master’s program in Physics. The curriculum provides a thorough understanding of the theoretical and experimental basis of Fundamental Physics, covering a broad spectrum including statistical physics, high energy physics, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics and physics for biology.
The program is spread over two years (120 ECTS/full-time). It is also possible to join the program directly for the second year. The academic year is divided into two semesters. Each year starts with the course activities (first semester- 30 ECTS). The second semester of the first year is dedicated to an internship in France or abroad. The second semester of the second year begins with a short research internship and finishes with optional courses.
The first year presents an in-depth introduction to modern physics, particularly in statistical physics, quantum mechanics and relativity. Since September 2012, most courses are taught in English.
The second year offers the student the possibility to specialize in the field of their choice including a mandatory research internship. It often takes place in a foreign laboratory and it represents genuine research work: very often students realize their first scientific publication.
The second year is organized in four programs of study:
- Theoretical Physics (in English)
- Quantum Physics: from atom to solid state (in English)
- Soft matter and biological physics (in English)
- Condensed Matter Physics (in English)
Written examinations usually take place at the end of each semester.
The master’s degree in Fundamental Physics is led by the department of Physics- International Centre for Fundamental Physics- at the Ecole normale supérieure. Courses are jointly organized with the following partner universities and institutions:
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)
- Université Paris Diderot
- Université Paris-Sud
- Ecole Polytechnique (second year)
The degree awarded after two years is a "diplôme national de master" (120 ECTS- equivalent to a Master of Science). It can be delivered by the Ecole normale supérieure and partner institutions, and gives access to doctoral studies.
As part of their studies, students also have access to several courses of foreign languages (French as a foreign language but also English, German, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, etc.).
1st year
The first year offers a wealth of lectures covering a wide range of topics in modern physics, from fundamental interactions to biophysics, and also several aspects of quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics, to name just a few. Students follow those lectures, chosen according to their interests and for a total of 30 ECTS during the first semester. The second semester is devoted to a 6-month research internship in French or foreign laboratories, in any field of physics or its interfaces.
| Morning | Afternoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Fundamental structure of matter | Experimental physics |
| Tuesday | Soft matter and interfaces | Students seminar Computational physics and Numerical analysis |
| Wednesday | Statistical physics : from concepts to applications | Nanophotonics |
| Thursday | Energy transformations | Introduction to General Relativity |
| Friday | Evolution and measurement of quantum states (lecture) Advanced mathematics for physicists |
Evolution and measurement of quantum states (TD) Advanced mathematics for physicists |
| Morning | Afternoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Fundamental structure of matter | Experimental physics |
| Tuesday | Physics of interfaces | Students seminar Computational physics and Numerical analysis |
| Wednesday | Statistical physics : from concepts to applications | Introduction to superconductivity |
| Thursday | Cosmology | Physics for biology |
| Friday | Quantum fluids | Non-linear partial differential equations |
2nd year
The second year is organized around four different programs : Condensed Matter Physics, Soft Matter and biological physics, Quantum Physics and Theoretical Physics.
The first semester is dedicated to courses (30 ECTS). Each student enrolls in a program in wich he/she follows compulsory and optional courses. In exceptional cases, the student can include in his/her program one optional course from another area of study, in agreement with his/her head of studies.
In second semester, four optional courses will be chosen from any program (4x3 ECTS). These optional courses must be approved by the head of the studies.
Students are expected to complete an internship relevant to their course of study (18 ECTS) April to june, in France or abroad.
Condensed Matter Physics
| Head of studies | Marco SAITTA |
| Semester 1 | Three compulsory modules :
|
| Semester 2 | Four courses (4 x 3 ECTS) to be chosen from the list of S2 courses. Recommanded courses :
|
Soft matter and biological physics (ex physique macroscopique et complexité)
| Head of studies | Frédéric RESTAGNO |
| Semester 1 | Three compulsory courses (3x6 ECTS) :
|
| Semester 2 | Four courses (4 x 3 ECTS) to be chosen from the list of S2 courses. Recommanded courses :
|
Quantum Physics
| Head of studies | Alice SINATRA |
| Semester 1 | Three compulsory courses (3 x 6 ECTS)
|
| Semester 2 | Four courses (4x3 ECTS) to be chosen from the list of S2 courses among which we suggest :
|
Theoretical Physics
| Head of studies | Adel BILAL |
| Semester 1 | Three courses compulsory (3 x 6 ECTS)
Timetable compatibility is guaranteed for the following options :
|
| Semester 2 | 4 courses to be chosen from the list of the second semester :
|
The International Centre for Fundamental Physics welcomes applications from highly qualified French and international students with a solid background in physics and mathematics who hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent academic qualification.
Direct admission into the second year is possible for suitably qualified French and international students. As a general rule, students from French engineering schools (for instance Ecole Polytechnique) and students who already hold a minimum of 60 ECTS in the field of interest at post-graduate level are welcomed.
Please note that the Master in Fundamental Physics is part of the study program of the International Centre for Fundamental Physics at Ecole normale supérieure. Admission to each level is highly selective, and an overall assessment will be made of the applicant’s suitability to complete the full curriculum.
Good working ability in English is required for admission. There is no formal French language requirement.
International students can attend courses in French as a foreign language during their studies at ENS.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Registration fees
Registration fees of less than 300 euros per year are to be paid on arrival (add approximately 200 euros for health insurance).
There are no additional tuition fees.
Scholarships
Thanks to the funding support of the French national research agency, the ICFP is pleased to launch a new scholarship program. Each year, 6 to 10 scholarships will be awarded. Awards are available for full-time study in the masters program in Physics at ENS-ICFP.
These scholarships are intended to support students of the highest calibre with outstanding academic record and may be offered to applicants of any country that meet the academic requirements.
The scholarship provides a living stipend (up to 10000 euros/year) and is awarded for one year. It may be renewed once for students following the two-year program depending on their academic achievement.
You may apply to Scholarships via the online application process.
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