Optimization is a field at the crossroads of mathematics, computer science, and economics, whose importance is steadily growing both academically and in its applications to socio-economic problems. The M2 program “Optimization, Games, and Control” covers all components of optimization in a broad sense, with particular focus on those specific to the research context of the Saclay area.
The program is organized into three trimesters of coursework, followed by a long internship in an academic or industrial research laboratory. The topics covered are diverse: optimal control (discrete and continuous time, deterministic and stochastic), game theory (theory, modeling in economics and networks), calculus of variations (and more generally optimization in analysis and PDEs), stochastic optimization and stochastic methods for optimization, operations research. A significant portion of the courses is shared with other tracks and specializations in mathematics, computer science, and economics.
Information
Skills
Understand and mathematically model a problem in order to solve it
Objectives
The M2 program "Optimization, Games, Control" aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and numerical aspects of mathematical optimization, covering topics from fundamental principles to advanced research developments. The program trains students to understand, model, and solve complex problems at the interface of mathematics, computer science, and economics. By combining rigorous theory with practical applications in areas such as optimal control, game theory, calculus of variations, machine learning, and PDE methods, it prepares graduates for cutting-edge research and high-level careers in both academia and industry.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Après un Master ou Master + Doctorat : ingénieur (R&D, contrôle, production…)
Après un Master ou Master + Doctorat : chercheur ou enseignant-chercheur
Après un Master ou Master + Doctorat : ingénieur (recherche-développement, contrôle, production…) dans les domaines santé, pharmacie, agroalimentaire, biotechnologies, instruments et réactifs, cosmétique, dépollution et environnement
Après un Master ou Master + Doctorat : ingénieur (recherche et développement, contrôle, production…)
Après un Master : Ingénieur (analyste financier, économiste, statisticien)
Après un Master : Data scientist
Après un Master : Spécialiste en intelligence artificielle (IA)
Après un master : Chargé(e) d’études
ingénieur étude conception
Ingénieur d'études industrie / recherche publique
Ingénieur.e recherche & développement
Enseignant.es dans le secondaire
Fees and scholarships
The amounts may vary depending on the programme and your personal circumstances.
Capacity
Available Places
Target Audience and Entry Requirements
M1-level in mathematics or applied mathematics.
Application Period(s)
From 01/03/2026 to 17/07/2026
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.
Additional supporting documents
Supporting documents (TOEFL, TOEIC, certificate of a teacher ...) of a level of a foreign language.
VAP file (obligatory for all persons requesting a valuation of the assets to enter the diploma).
The application procedure, which depends on your nationality and your situation is explained here : https://urlz.fr/i3Lo.
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.