Academic Programme

Fundamental Research in Subatomic Physics

Diplôme national de master contrôlé par l'État

Plaquette RPS 2025 (PDF, 410 kB)

General Information

Structure of affiliation
UFR Sciences et Techniques

Location
Nantes, France

Internship
Yes

Language of instruction

The programme is taught in English. A good command of the English language is required (87 TOEFL / 785 TOEIC / 5.0 IELTS / B2).

Skills

Master advanced concepts in nuclear, particle and astroparticle physics.
Perform high-level experimental research, from detector design to data analysis.
Use modern simulation frameworks and statistical tools to model complex physical processes.
Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to large-scale scientific data.
Develop strong problem-solving, programming and project management skills.
Communicate research results effectively in international academic and professional contexts.

Carrer Opportunities

Sectors

Higher education and fundamental research
High-tech industries (detector development, instrumentation, aerospace, medical imaging, nuclear technologies).
Data science, artificial intelligence, and Big Data applied to scientific and industrial challenges.
High-performance computing, modeling, and simulation for physics and engineering.

Occupations

PhD researcher leading to careers as scientist, lecturer, or professor.
Research engineer in large research organizations (CNRS, CEA, etc.).
Detector and instrumentation engineer (medical physics, space technologies, security).
Data scientist or machine learning engineer in high-tech companies.
Project manager in innovative sectors requiring advanced modeling and analysis.

Introduction

Explore the Universe, from the infinitely small to the infinitely large.
The Master’s in Research in Subatomic Physics (RPS) at Nantes Université offers a unique training programme in nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics. Designed to prepare students for PhD research in top laboratories in France and abroad, it also equips them with highly transferable skills in data science, advanced computing, and high-tech innovation. Combining theory, experiments, and cutting-edge data analysis, the program opens the way to careers in both fundamental research and the private sector, from academia to Big Data, nuclear energy, and beyond.

Places

Nantes

Programme Leader(s)

Frédéric YERMIA (Responsable)

Our partners

Research center

Hosting research lab:
SUBATECH, Subatomic Physics and Technologies

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Admission

Entry requirement

Academic requirement

Holder of a Bachelor's degree in Astrophysics or Subatomic physics.

Target audience

To enter this Master's degree in 1st year (1st semester) applicant should hold a Bachelor's degree in Astrophysics or Subatomic physics.
You can also enter the programme in second year (3rd semester).
Applicants should hold a degree equivalent to the first year of a master (i.e. a 3-year Bachelor is not acceptable), for example a 1st year of MSc validated in a field related to the scientific field of the master.

Application

Application procedure

For French students, EU students and international students already studying in France.

Selective access to Master 1:
Application procedure

To find out when the platform opens and closes and to submit your application, go to the Master's application page.
Applications on "Mon Master", the national Masters platform.

Selective access to Master 2:

To apply: go to the Nantes University Master's application website

Additional procedure

Exchange students follow the application procedure for exchange students.
Students coming from a country using the CEF/Campus France procedure must enroll with Campus France.
Students coming from a country not using the CEF/Campus France procedure follow the non CEF-procedure.

Programme

MASTER 1 :

First Semester (27 ECTS)
• Statistical physics (4 ECTS)
• Signal Acquisition and Processing I (2 ECTS)
• Quantum physics (4 ECTS)
• Atomic physics (3 ECTS)
• Subatomic physics (4 ECTS)
• Detector physics (5 ECTS)
• Statistical methods (4 ECTS)
• Knowledge of Organizations (1 ECTS)
• Optionnal: English TOEIC© preparation

Second Semester (33 ECTS)
• Informatics (1 ECTS)
• Experimental project (8 ECTS)
• Signal Acquisition and Processing II (1 ECTS)
• Experimental physics (3 ECTS)
• Standard Model and Beyond I (2 ECTS)
• Nuclei, Astronuclear and Compact Objects
Compact Objects (4 ECTS)
• Cosmology and field theory (4 ECTS)
• Internship (10 ECTS)

MASTER 2 :

Third Semester (30 ECTS)
• PROJECT: Theory and Analysis (3 ECTS)
• Detection (2 ECTS)
• Astroparticles and Multimessengers (1 ECTS)
• Nuclei and Astronuclear (2 ECTS)
• Standard Model and Beyond I (5 ECTS)
• Standard Model and Beyond II (4 ECTS)
• Quantum Field Theory (3 ECTS)
• Soft Skills (3 ECTS)
• Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics (1 ECTS)
• Experimental project (3 ECTS)
• Modelisation (3 ECTS)

Fourth Semester (30 ECTS)
• A 4 to 6 months internship

What's next?

Level of education obtained after completion

Bac+5 (Unknown label)

Competencies acquired

Master advanced concepts in nuclear, particle and astroparticle physics.
Perform high-level experimental research, from detector design to data analysis.
Use modern simulation frameworks and statistical tools to model complex physical processes.
Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to large-scale scientific data.
Develop strong problem-solving, programming and project management skills.
Communicate research results effectively in international academic and professional contexts.

Further studies

After graduating in 2024, 9 students out of 10 started a funded PhD.

Career opportunities

Business sectors