How to register to the Master Geosciences: Earth System Sciences

Made possible by a collaboration between the Ecole Normale Supérieure, MINES ParisTech, the Observatoire de Paris, the EPHE and the ESPCI Paris, this NEW Master Geosciences « Sciences of the Earth and planets, environment » of the University PSL offers state-of-the-art training in the fields of Earth science, Meteorology, Oceanography, Climate science and Biogeoscience, as well as their applications for Environmental science both on Earth and in Space.

It will host about 20 students, including ENS students. Enrollment in Master in 2020 will be open for the 1^st year (M1) and 2nd year (M2) for university students who will be selected based on the provided application materials followed by an oral interview.

The course sets the foundation for the sciences of the planet and provides students with the disciplinary elements that will enable them to move towards top-level research in the specialization of their choice, or to areas of the future industry. It prepares students to tackle key themes such as climate change, the reduction of natural risks, sustainable natural resources and the energy transition.

The master is devoted to:

• students holding a degree in Earth Sciences, Physics or Chemistry
• students who have obtained 180 ECTS from a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent scientific course
• students from PSL’s CPES, ENS Paris, MINES ParisTech, EPHE and ESPCI Paris or other engineering programs wishing to complete their training in the field of geosciences and environment.

Link to the brochure of the Master Geosciences, Earth and Planet Sciences, environment 

Admission criteria

Admission is a selective process in which we seek to identify students who are highly motivated by geoscience research professions and who are able to benefit from training at the highest level. We are particularly interested in students who wish to develop original and innovative professional projects in the field of geosciences.

The selection procedure is done in two steps:

1. First step based on the application materials provided

ADMISSION PAGES

Link to the admission webpage for the Master 1: https://univ-psl.force.com/Candidature/s/candidater?trainCode=M1STEPE

Link to the admission webpage for the Master2 : https://univ-psl.force.com/Candidature/s/candidater?trainCode=M2STEPE

The application materials must include:

• A curriculum vitae
• An application letter explaining the candidate’s motivation for undertaking the research and, if possible, describing a research experiment conducted.
• Two letters of reference from teachers or researchers who followed the candidate’s academic performance in higher education and/or during a research internship are required. You will have to provide the name and contact information/
• A copy of the candidate’s academic transcript or quarterly academic performance reports subsequent to the bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
• A copy of diplomas since the bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent

2. Second stage of oral presentation and discussion

At the end of the 1^st stage evaluations, the selected candidates are contacted for an interview. The objective of the oral examination is to determine the motivation and scientific abilities of the candidates.

Candidates from the L3 geosciences are not subject to this second stage.

This oral will include:

• 15 minutes of oral presentation of the candidate on a research question of his/her choice, in connection with the themes of the formation of the department. This presentation could for example present a scientific problem, its context and its stakes, and present the latest theories or experimental results on this theme. The room in which the audition is held is equipped with a video projection system, allowing powerpoint presentations (or other).
• 15 minutes of questions and discussion with the jury regarding the presentation and any other topic deemed appropriate by the jury to assess the candidate’s motivation and scientific abilities.

This oral could  be made with videoconference.

Schedule of the admission procedure on file 2020

To apply for the 1st (M1) or 2nd (M2) year of the master, there will be two admission phases in 2020.

• 1st session :
  • Complete application file should be received from February 25 2020, and no later than April 17 2020.
  • Interviews with the selected candidates will occur between May 11th and May 15th 2020.
• 2nd session:
  • Complete application file should be received from May 1st 2020, and no later than May 25 2020
  • Interviews with the selected candidates will be between June 10 2020 and June 24 2020

For any question or for additional information, please send by email to: master-psl@geosciences.ens.fr