A unique program in France dedicated to pyrotechnics and propulsion
As a school under the supervision of the Directorate General of Armament (Ministry of the Armed Forces), ENSTA has close ties with the defense sector (public organizations and companies) in terms of training and research.
In this specialized master's program, you will learn to understand the phenomena of combustion, deflagration, and detonation, which are characterized by high temperatures and high pressures in very short periods of time. This expertise will enable you to master the integration of these phenomena both at storage and production sites and in complex mechanical systems. Techniques specific to the manufacture, implementation, and practical use of energetic materials are at the heart of this year's specialization program.
Key points
- A unique program in France that allows you to acquire original, high-level expertise in pyrotechnics and propulsion
- Courses taught by faculty members and experts in the field from the socio-economic world
- Numerous related fields of application: aerospace, defense, automotive, etc.
- Projects and a thesis applied in a professional environment to put your knowledge into practice
- A stimulating living and learning environment linked to engineering training and research
- Access to a large network of graduates and government and industrial partners
A comprehensive program over two semesters
First semester: Academic training
The first semester is dedicated to theoretical courses (refresher courses, fundamental principles of pyrotechnics and propulsion), knowledge of the field (general culture), and applications (integration into various mechanical systems).
Courses run from September to February on the Brest campus. They cover:
- Pyrotechnic systems (internal ballistics, solid propulsion, pyrotechnic safety)
- The mechanics of energetic materials (shocks, life cycle, modeling of rapid dynamics problems)
- Combustion and detonation
The semester's teaching program is punctuated by company visits and practical work and ends with a one-month tutored project.
Lecturers who are experts in their field
All courses are taught at ENSTA either by permanent faculty members or by engineers who are specialists in their field and come from industry: Ariane Group, CNES, MBDA, DGA, CEA, Thales, etc.
Second semester: Company assignment
The second semester, from March to September (minimum 18 weeks), is dedicated to a thesis project in a professional or academic setting (in France or another country), with a defense in September.
Here are a few examples of past assignments:
AEROSPACE
- Preliminary design of an innovative propulsion architecture (ArianeGroup)
- Architecture studies for a multipulse engine (SAFRAN)
- Study of pressure oscillations in a solid propellant engine (ONERA)
RESEARCH
- Interaction of a detonation wave in nitromethane with a gas cavity (CEA)
- Study of the propagation of metastable deflagrations (McGill University, Canada)
SAFETY AND PREVENTION
- Compliance of the pyrotechnic safety study for the Lann-Bihoué Naval Air Base
- Application of a digital fire simulation tool in underground railway stations (Central Laboratory of the Paris Police Prefecture)
ARMAMENT, DEFENSE
- Characterization of percussion in pyrotechnic systems (ALSETEX)
- Influence of aluminum particle size on the effects of high-velocity explosives (Institut de Saint-Louis)
Sought-after profiles
In a context of heavy investment in defense and aerospace programs, industrial companies are rapidly recruiting these pyrotechnics and propulsion specialists to meet the demands of discerning customers in France and abroad.
The main employment sectors:
The techniques studied in this specialized master's degree® are used on a very large scale in all sectors of industry:
- Aerospace (rocket propulsion, satellites, etc.)
- Armament, defense (missiles, military explosives, ballistics, etc.)
- Safety and prevention (site decontamination, fires, explosions, etc.)
- Automotive (airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, etc.)
- Energy (nuclear, thermal, etc.)
- Civil engineering (mines, construction sites, quarries, etc.)
- Applied research
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. A minimum level of B1 is recommended: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portfolio/self-assessment-grid
What is the schedule and admission procedure 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's in Pyrotechnics and Propulsion Application fee Tuition fees for students Tuition fees for organizations
€30 €8,000 €12,000
| Advanced Master's in Pyrotechnics and Propulsion | Application fee | Tuition fees for students | uition fees for organizations |
| | €30 | €8 000 | €12 000 |
Payment deadlines
The application fee must be paid no later than the application deadline (end of online pre-registration). Any incomplete applications will not be presented to the Jury.
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 and 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.
