The Master 1 in Physics and Applications (M1PA) is the first year of a programme covering the major interdisciplinary fields of applied research and engineering sciences, as well as advanced instrumentation. In addition to fundamental theoretical teaching, a significant number of teaching units enable students to acquire experimental and digital expertise from the first year onwards
The theoretical and experimental teaching of the M1 Physics and Applications takes place between September and March. It is organised into several thematic tracks which allow students to pre-specialise in the first year of the Master's programme with a view to the M2 year. The thematic areas offered are as follows:
• Energy
• Nuclear Energy
• Medical Physics
• Condensed Matter and Nanosciences
• Instrumentation for Optics and Space
• Instrumentation - Large Instruments
• Physics and Environment
The programme includes a core curriculum (33 ECTS) and a wide range of options (21 ECTS) made possible by the exceptional scientific environment of the Orsay campus and, more broadly, the Saclay Plateau.
A compulsory internship in a laboratory or company, lasting a minimum of 8 weeks, completes the course and allows students to earn 6 ECTS credits.
Information
Skills
Use specialised knowledge of physics with the necessary scientific rigour. Master the tools of the physicist.
Objectives
The M1 Physics and Applications programme aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the major fields of physics and its interfaces with engineering sciences (energy, nuclear science, the environment, nanoscience, medical physics), as well as in cutting-edge instrumentation (optics, lasers, detectors and associated electronics, particle accelerator construction and instrumentation for astronomy).
The core curriculum corresponds to 33 ECTS credits. It includes fundamental instruction in optics and lasers, condensed matter physics and nuclear physics, supplemented by instruction in physics tools (Python programming, signal processing, detection chains, English). Several practical assignments are offered to illustrate fundamental concepts or in connection with the acquisition of tools for physicists. Depending on their thematic track, students choose options relevant to their course of study for a total of 21 ECTS credits.
The M1PA programme gives students access to a dozen M2 specialisations at Paris-Saclay University. Upon completion of the M1, career opportunities include engineer, project manager, researcher and associate professor in physics, medical physician, etc
Career Opportunities
Further Study Opportunities
Master STePE et autres masters en Sciences de la Terre
Doctorat
École d’ingénieur
Thèse de doctorat
Ingénierie études, recherche et développement
Master en physique appliquée
Master en ingénierie ou génie mécanique
Ecole d’ingénieur généraliste
Ecole d’ingénieur généraliste par apprentissage
Ecole d’ingénieur par apprentissage mécanique, génie mécanique et production
Ecole d’ingénieur par apprentissage matériaux et mécanique
Ecole d’ingénieur par apprentissage génie énergétique
domaines de l’apprentissage statistique, de l’intelligence artificielle ou de l’analyse de données avancée
Cette orientation prépare en particulier aux activités de recherche appliquée, généralement exercées après un doctorat, que ce soit dans le milieu académique ou en R&D.
Chercheur/chercheuse en R&D ou expert·e en modélisation et analyse de données dans des entreprises ou laboratoires de pointe.
Master 2
Chef·fe de projet/de mission
Chargé·e d’études
Fees and scholarships
The amounts may vary depending on the programme and your personal circumstances.
Admission Route
Capacity
Available Places
Target Audience and Entry Requirements
Students admitted to the M1 Physics and Applications (M1PA) programme must hold a bachelor's degree in general physics or physics and chemistry. They must have a solid foundation in the following general physics subjects: electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics and statistical physics.
The M1PA enrols students who follow the standard curriculum and students who can complete a year of study abroad after establishing a course programme in consultation with the M1 programme coordinators. The programme occasionally welcomes research laboratory staff who are returning to study.
Application Period(s)
From 01/02/2026 to 30/04/2026
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.