Cutting-edge training in autonomous systems for defense
This program prepares you for the design, implementation, and maintenance of drones for defense (air, land, sea). It involves technological devices in a variety of fields: Internet of Things, sensors (selection and use of sensors), inertial measurement units and navigation, geolocation, complex navigation functions, information fusion, functional guidance chains, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intelligence, electronic warfare and optronics (countermeasures, decoys), radar, defense communications, systems engineering, and autonomous systems (air, land, sea).
Key points
- Comprehensive training in the design and dimensioning of autonomous multi-sensor systems
- Courses taught by experts in the field from major French companies (Safran, Thales, Dassault, ONERA, Airbus Defense, MBDA, DGA, Exail, Orange, CNES, Renault)
- Numerous related fields of application
- Projects and a thesis applied in a professional environment to put your knowledge into practice
- A stimulating living and learning environment
- Access to a large network of graduates and partners
A comprehensive two-semester program
First semester: Academic training
The first semester is dedicated to theoretical courses. These take place from late September to April, mainly on the Paris-Saclay campus in Palaiseau and in Brest. The training focuses on the design and dimensioning of autonomous multi-sensor systems in a constrained intelligence and defense context, with a focus on the location-navigation function.
It includes:
- the study of sensor characteristics (accelerometers, gyros, radars, lidar, etc.), including the complete operation of an inertial navigation system and satellite positioning functions (GPS, Galileo), particularly as applied to the aerospace field.
- the determination of devices for autonomous system decision-making through data fusion, artificial intelligence and deep learning, the Internet of Things, and pragmatic signal and image processing. Emphasis is placed on the development of systems in hostile environments (cybersecurity, electronic warfare, ad hoc networks, signature and stealth, etc.).
- Designing durable embedded modules for autonomous systems with a long service life (submarines, aircraft, etc.).
Second semester: Company assignment
The second semester, from April to September (minimum 18 weeks), is dedicated to a thesis project in a professional or academic environment (in France or another country), with a defense in September.
Training closely linked to professionals in the sector.
A company tutor is chosen at the beginning of the year and links with the professional world are strengthened through various company visits. Courses are taught by experts in the field: Safran, Thalès, Dassault, ONERA, Airbus Defense and Space, MBDA, DGA, Exail, Orange, CNES, CS Group, Renault, etc.
Profiles sought for a variety of roles
Graduates of this specialized master's program go on to design:
- Drones, autonomous vehicles and ships, etc.
- Detection and navigation systems
- Electronic warfare systems
- Secure and intelligence systems
They are capable of designing all or part of the system in this field. Based on a set of customer requirements, they propose a system architecture and scale the elements of this architecture. They are able to oversee the implementation and maintenance of this type of system. During their careers, they move into positions as project managers in the field and technical experts.
Who is this program for?
To enroll in this specialized master's degree, you must have one of the following:
- a French degree equivalent to a bachelor's degree (engineering, master's, or equivalent)
- or an M1 level with 3 years of professional experience
- or a Validation of Personal and Professional Experience (VAPP), with 5 years of professional experience
- or an international Master of Science degree (MSc)
Each candidate's level of French must enable them to follow courses in French fluently. A C2 level is recommended: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portfolio/self-assessment-grid
Admission schedule and procedures
Here is the procedure for candidates:
