ENTPE Engineering Curriculum and Academic Programs
The ENTPE provides a comprehensive three-year engineering program specializing in civil engineering, town and country planning, and sustainable development. Regardless of the admission path, all students follow a standardized curriculum designed to build foundational scientific knowledge before progressing toward professional specialization.
Key Facts
- Duration: 3-year engineering training program.
- Core Focus: Civil engineering, urban planning, and sustainable development.
- Specializations: Available in fields such as Transportation, Buildings, and Risk Management.
- Practical Experience: Mandatory internships in the first, second, and third years.
- Advanced Research: Ability to earn a PhD through six internal laboratories.
The Three-Year Academic Journey
The curriculum is structured to transition students from theoretical science to applied engineering and professional management.
First Year: Foundational Sciences
The first year focuses on the core scientific principles required for all engineering disciplines. Students engage in continuum mechanics (the study of the mechanical behavior of materials modeled as a continuous mass) and the mechanics of materials. The curriculum also covers geology, hydrology, economics, and sociology, complemented by sports and foreign language studies.
Students must also complete a four-week internship, which can be served as a construction worker, a temporary worker in a state service (within metropolitan France or overseas), or as a volunteer in a humanitarian mission abroad.
Second Year: Technical Application
In the second year, the focus shifts toward infrastructure and governance. Common courses include road and rail infrastructure, geotechnical engineering, statistics, public law, and government procurement. Students also work on planning projects designed to benefit local areas.
During this year, students begin specializing in one of five primary fields: Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation, Buildings, or Environment and Risk Management. The year concludes with a five-month internship as an engineer assistant.
Third Year: Professional Specialization
The final year emphasizes management and advanced technical expertise. Common courses cover human management and management control systems. Students further refine their expertise in one of six specialized fields: Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation, Buildings, Risk Management, or Rivers, Coasts, and Waterways.
The program culminates in a six-month period dedicated to either a Master's thesis or a professional internship as an engineer.
Curriculum Summary Table
| Year | Core Focus | Key Subjects | Practical Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | Foundations | Mechanics, Geology, Hydrology, Sociology | 4-week internship |
| Second Year | Application | Infrastructure, Geotechnics, Public Law | 5-month assistant internship |
| Third Year | Professionalism | Management, Advanced Specializations | 6-month thesis or internship |
Double Degree Opportunities
To enhance professional versatility, ENTPE offers complementary courses that allow students to earn a second degree through partnerships with other prestigious institutions:
- Architecture: A double curriculum as an engineer and architect via the École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Lyon, in collaboration with INSA de Lyon and École Centrale de Lyon.
- Geology: A double curriculum as an engineer and geologist through the École nationale supérieure de géologie of Nancy.
- Management: A double curriculum as an engineer and manager in partnership with the Institut d'Administration des Entreprises of Lyon.
- Political Science: A double curriculum in political sciences via the Institut d'études politiques de Lyon.
Doctoral Studies and Research
Beyond the engineering degree, ENTPE is authorized to grant PhDs. The school houses six specialized laboratories that support advanced research, delivering up to 20 PhDs annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the ENTPE engineering program?
The program takes three years to complete, regardless of the student's method of admission.
What are the available specializations in the third year?
Students can specialize in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation, Buildings, Risk Management, or Rivers, Coasts, and Waterways.
Are there opportunities to earn more than one degree?
Yes, ENTPE offers double curriculum options in Architecture, Geology, Management, and Political Science through various partner institutions.
What practical experience is required during the course?
Students must complete three distinct practical experiences: a 4-week initial internship, a 5-month assistant engineer internship, and a final 6-month internship or Master's thesis.
Does ENTPE offer postgraduate research opportunities?
Yes, ENTPE has six laboratories and is entitled to deliver PhDs, with approximately 20 PhDs awarded each year.