Since 1741, ENSTA has been training naval architects and enjoys a strong reputation and recognition among major players in the maritime field in France and internationally. For the “Ship Design” option, ENSTA has partnered with the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-la-Villette (ENSA PLV) to offer a dual degree program.
Objective of the program
To develop skills in naval architecture, team and project management in an international environment, taking into account the functional, organizational, and regulatory specificities of the industrial sector.
Key points:
- A program unique in France that allows you to acquire high-level expertise in naval architecture
- Courses taught by faculty members and experts in the field
- A choice of two options and the possibility of obtaining a dual degree
- An introduction to major innovation challenges: autonomy, system security, decarbonization, etc.
- Projects and a professional thesis to apply your knowledge
- A stimulating living and learning environment
- Access to a large network of graduates
Lecturers who are experts in their field
Courses at ENSTA are taught either by permanent faculty members or by engineers who are specialists in their field and come from the maritime sector, such as DGA, MARIN (NL), BUREAU VERITAS, Naval Group, STX, SAIPEM, SUBSEA 7, PRINCIPIA, SBM, GTT, or smaller organizations such as AZUR OFFSHORE (UK), SHIPST, VPLP, HDS, CPA, and Peter Heppel Associates
The program is structured in two semesters:
A one-semester academic program to acquire the essential skills for maritime engineering
The first semester is dedicated to theoretical courses. It runs for a period of six months from September to March.
The first part of the program is common to both options. It takes place from September to December on the Brest campus and covers:
- The different types of naval platforms and their specific features
- The fundamentals of naval architecture: resistance to forward motion, propulsion, seaworthiness, maneuverability, naval structure
- Implementation during a ship design loop project, bringing together all knowledge and skills.
The training includes company visits and practical work. The ship design cycle is taught in the form of a project. Based on realistic specifications, students must design a ship using software commonly used in the industry and in compliance with regulations.
Then, depending on the option chosen, the courses differ for the sequence from January to March.
- Students who have chosen the “Naval and Offshore Architecture” option continue their studies in Brest. They can opt for further study in naval structure or naval hydrodynamics. A number of hours are also dedicated to a sailboat design project.
- For the Ship Design option, students attend classes from January to March at Paris La Villette (ENSA PLV). These focus on the architecture and overall coherence of the ship: sketches, spatial quality, developable surfaces, and ship techniques. Sailboat design is also studied, and a project, which serves as a common thread throughout the program, is defined and carried out by the student.
Applying skills with a professional thesis in a company
The second semester, from March to September (minimum 18 weeks), is dedicated to the professional thesis in a professional or university environment (in France or another country) with a defense in September.
Examples of projects carried out in the second semester:
- Project monitoring and study for boat electrical refits, Naviwatt (ShipDesign option)
- Study and integration of a foil system for a personnel transport catamaran, VLP Design (Naval and Offshore Engineering option)
- Creation of tools to assist in the dimensioning of naval structures for ship optimization, CMA-CGM (Naval and Offshore Engineering option)
- Development of a foil for a professional boat, MerConcept (ShipDesign option)
- Design and development of a maintenance barge for tidal turbines, Inyanga Marine Energy Group (ShipDesign option)
- Design of a sailing cargo ship and validation of sailing performance, Mauric Design Office (Naval and Offshore Engineering option)
Career opportunities
Graduates of this specialized master's degree® hold positions as naval architects, project managers, design engineers, research engineers, business engineers, and shipyard managers.
They apply their skills in sectors related to the naval industry (naval and offshore architecture, design, production, and maintenance) in large groups, SMEs, naval architecture firms, offshore companies, and research centers.
Who is this program for?
To enroll in this specialized master's degree, you must have one of the following:
- a French bac+5 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 (MSc)
Each candidate's level of French must enable them to follow courses in French. A minimum level of B1 is recommended: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portfolio/self-assessment-grid
What is the schedule and admission requirements for the 2026 academic year?
Here is the procedure for applicants:
- Pre-register online at https://formation.ensta-bretagne.fr/ from December 5, 2025, to March 22, 2026. The platform allows you to create your applicant account and browse the list of supporting documents and other required items. The application must be complete by March 22, 2026, at the latest.
- To validate your application, you must submit your complete application before March 22, 2026, and pay the €30 application fee.
- International students: We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible (possible visa application procedure).
- Selection interviews and level tests may be organized.
- Admission results will be sent to you by email.
- Final registration: In order to confirm your enrollment, a non-refundable deposit of €500 must be paid.
* The application period may be extended on an exceptional basis for applicants from partner institutions
Fees for the 2025/2026 academic year
| Advanced Master in Maritime Engineering / Naval and Offshore Architecture | Application fee | Tuition fees for students | Tuition fees for organizations |
|---|
| | €30 | €8 000 * | €12 000 |
* For students who have chosen the “Ship Design” track of the specialized master's degree in Marine Engineering/Naval and Offshore Architecture, tuition fees amount to €6,000 (€3,000 to be paid to ENSTA and €3,000 to ENSA PLV).
Payment deadlines
The application fee must be paid by the application deadline (end of online pre-registration). Any incomplete applications will not be presented to the Selection Committee.
Deposit payment: Candidates admitted to the main list must confirm their registration within one month, and candidates admitted to the supplementary list within 15 days. These are the default deadlines; they should not be taken into account if another deadline is communicated by the school. To confirm their registration, candidates must pay a non-refundable deposit of €500. Payment is made online (see link below).
Tuition fees must be paid no later than the day before the start of the academic year.
Payment methods
You can pay:
Financing
Specialized master's students are not eligible for social criteria scholarships awarded by the CROUS. Financial assistance may be available from your region or employment center.
