The Functional Materials and Applications (FMA) track includes a supervised project course, “personal initiative project,” in which students apply the knowledge they have acquired to a topic chosen in consultation with the teaching team, allowing them to develop autonomy and analytical skills.
The Computational Materials Science (CMS) track incorporates guided projects to put theoretical knowledge and acquired skills into practice. These projects enable students to work on real-world problems in materials simulation and modeling under the supervision of experienced instructors and researchers. The year also includes a minimum two-month internship in either industry or an academic laboratory. This immersive professional experience allows CMS students to master digital tools (including AI and Big Data), modeling software (VASP, Quantum Espresso, LAMMPS, among others), and scientific computing methods, while FMA students apply experimental methods covered in coursework in the laboratory. These practical experiences foster autonomy, teamwork skills, and preparation for research projects or industrial positions.
The M1 Functional Materials is a graduate program offering two complementary pathways Functional Materials and Applications (FMA) and
Computational Materials Science (CMS).
Both pathways provide a solid foundation in materials science, covering a broad spectrum of skills, from the chemistry and physics of materials to their functional properties and advanced characterization techniques. The FMA pathway is experimentally focused, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on training on state-of-the-art laboratory platforms. The CMS pathway is unique in France, bridging solid-state physics, chemistry, and scientific computing, enabling students to develop expertise in Python programming, artificial intelligence, and advanced multi-scale modeling at the electronic and atomic levels.
Informations
Objectives
The Functional Materials and Applications (FMA) track is designed to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation and essential practical tools to master the field of materials science. It prepares students to adapt effectively to the evolving careers in materials science, whether in industry or academic research. The first year is intentionally generalist, offering broad disciplinary exposure and allowing students to freely choose their orientation in the second year (M2). The curriculum is organized around three main pillars:
- Structure–property relationships of materials;
- Characterization of materials’ structures and properties, with strong support from advanced teaching and research platforms;
- Applied computing in materials science.
By the end of the pathway, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of both the experimental and theoretical fundamentals of materials science. They can pursue a Master 2 focusing on materials physics and/or chemistry, or join materials science and engineering programs in leading engineering schools.
The Computational Materials Science (CMS) track trains specialists in a rapidly expanding field at the interface of physics, chemistry, and scientific computing. This program combines solid foundational knowledge with advanced practical skills, preparing students for Master 2 CMS, a PhD, or an industrial career.
Students first gain an in-depth understanding of solid-state physics and chemistry, then develop competencies in:
- Scientific programming (Python);
- Management and analysis of large datasets (Big Data);
- Artificial intelligence applications in materials science;
- Atomistic numerical modeling at the electronic and atomic levels.
Training is supported by the use of state-of-the-art tools, such as VASP, Quantum Espresso, and LAMMPS, which are widely employed in both academic research and industry.
The objectives are the following:
- Build a strong foundation in materials science and scientific computing;
- Develop advanced skills in programming, database management, and AI;
- Master multi-scale modeling with professional software;
- Meet the increasing demand for numerical simulation expertise in academic and industrial environments.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Après un Master ou Master + Doctorat : ingénieur (R&D, contrôle, production…)
Après Master + Doctorat : chercheur ou enseignant-chercheur
Ingénieur d'études industrie / recherche publique
Further Study Opportunities
École d’ingénieur
Les étudiants de cette mention peuvent se tourner vers la recherche à l’issue du M2
Fees and scholarships
The amounts may vary depending on the programme and your personal circumstances.
Admission Route
Capacity
Available Places
Public visé et prérequis
La formation est accessible à partir d'une licence de sciences à dominante physique, chimie ou sciences des matériaux, ou à l'interface de ces disciplines. Pour les candidats d'origine non francophone, un niveau minimal B2 en français est très fortement recommandé.
Le parcours Sciences des Matériaux Computationnelles s’adresse plus spécifiquement à des étudiants souhaitant développer des compétences en simulation numérique et en modélisation appliquées aux matériaux. Les candidats doivent posséder une bonne maîtrise des concepts fondamentaux en physique et en chimie générales, des connaissances solides en mathématiques appliquées, ainsi que des notions de base en programmation et informatique. La curiosité scientifique, la rigueur analytique et la capacité à travailler sur des projets multidisciplinaires sont également essentielles.
Application Period(s)
From 30/01/2026 to 03/05/2026
Supporting documents
Compulsory supporting documents
Motivation letter.
All transcripts of the years / semesters validated since the high school diploma at the date of application.
Curriculum Vitae.
Detailed description and hourly volume of courses taken since the beginning of the university program.
Additional supporting documents
Certificate of French (compulsory for non-French speakers).
VAP file (obligatory for all persons requesting a valuation of the assets to enter the diploma).
Supporting documents :
- Residence permit stating the country of residence of the first country
- Or receipt of request stating the country of first asylum
- Or document from the UNHCR granting refugee status
- Or receipt of refugee status request delivered in France
- Or residence permit stating the refugee status delivered in France
- Or document stating subsidiary protection in France or abroad
- Or document stating temporary protection in France or abroad.