Doctoral Studies

Presentation and objectives

The Ecole des Mines de Nantes provides training through research characterised by a high scientific level coupled with an understanding of economic realities

Co-accredited in 3 doctoral schools, EMN is authorised to award doctoral degrees in 5 fields.

The distribution of PhD students in the doctoral schools is as follows:

  • 41 % STIM
  • 32 % SPIGA
  • 22 % 3 MPL
  • 5 % other

PhD students carry out their research in 15 research teams in two broad fields:

  • Computer science, information and production systems
  • Nuclear engineering, Energy and the Environment

Candidates with a Master’s degree should check out the PhD opportunities with the Doctoral School research teams. Information is available either on the laboratory web sites or via the field of specialisation of the research teams

Recruitment procedure and thesis supervision

  • Conditions of Registration (Decree of August 7, 2006, Article 14)

To be registered for a PhD, candidates must be holders of a national Master’s degree or equivalent and have followed a course of study that has established their aptitude for carrying out research.

International candidates with an equivalent level may be accepted for doctoral study by derogation in accordance with Article L. 613-5 of the Education Code. The list of beneficiaries for exemption is submitted annually to the board of the doctoral school and scientific council.

  • How to apply

A first selection is made on a case by case basis by the research centers. There is no application form.
Students wishing to enroll in a doctoral specialty submit a written application to the thesis advisor of the topic applied for. Topics can be consulted on the laboratory web sites. The application must include a curriculum vitae stating studies, diplomas, professional experience, and desired area of research.
Candidates are then selected after an assessment of their academic record by the scientific research centers, as well as by interview to assess candidate’s ability and suitability for the research project.

The thesis topics offered may be partnership research, based on research contracts between research centers and companies or European or regionally funded projects. Funding may come from the French government, from companies or in some cases from the government of the student’s home country. The school policy encourages co-financing of doctoral studies.

Doctoral studies

The research training is available in 5 areas of specialization