Master s degree Life Sciences

Life Sciences

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Life Sciences

Program type Continuing Education, Initial Training

Degree Master's

Graduate program(s) Earth Science and Biodiversity, Life Sciences

Domain(s) Fundamental Sciences

Discipline(s) Sustainable development, Life Sciences

Teaching language(s) French, English

Place Paris

PSL host school

Other PSL school(s) contributing to the curriculum

Description

Admissions

The PSL Master in Life Sciences is an interdisciplinary Master’s programme that aims to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and physicians to address emerging questions in contemporary biology, ecology and environmental sciences.

The Master is developed in partnership by world-renowned institutions: Ecole normale supérieure (ENS - PSL), Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE - PSL), Collège de France, Ecole Supérieure de Physique Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris (ESPCI - PSL), Mines Paris - PSL, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), Institut Curie and Institut Pasteur. The recruitment of competitively selected students, an exceptionally high researcher/student ratio, individual study programs and the quality of close tutoring are a hallmark of the different teaching institutions within PSL. In addition, research training through research practice is a defining feature of these institutions.

IMaLiS is managed by the Department of Biology at the ENS
Integrative Biologie and Physiopathology (BioP) and Biodiversity Environment (BE) are managed by the Life and Earth Sciences section at the EPHE.

This Master's degree is affiliated with two PSL graduate programs: Earth Science and Biodiversity & Life Sciences.

Tracks

Master year 1

3 tracks
- Interdisciplinary Master in Life Sciences (IMaLiS)
- Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP)
- Biodiversity and Environment (BE)

Master year 2

IMaLiS : 4 tracks
- Quantitative biology
- Neurosciences
- Fundamental biology for health
- Ecology and evolution
Biodiversity and Environment (BE) : 1 track
Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP) : 3 tracks
- Normal cells, cancer and therapy
- Neurobiology and cognition
- Infectiology and microbiology

→ IMaLiS aims to nurture both interdisciplinary cross-pollination as well as the development of formalized, quantitative approaches. IMaLiS courses generally take place in the Department of Biology of the ENS. Learning opportunities within IMaLiS are further expanded by close-knit partnerships with several leading French teaching and research institutions , including Sorbonne University, AgroParisTech, the Institut Pasteur and the Institut Curie, and foreign universities (University of Arizona). Within the framework of the PSL Q-Life Institute of Convergence, a scholarship programme offering competitive stipends to students following IMaLiS has been established to support both international students (10,000 €/year) and French students with a degree in a scientific discipline other than biology (6,000 EUR/year). For more information, see the . In line with our philosophy to train for research through the practice of research, the second semester of year 1 and 2 is entirely dedicated to long internships of four (M1) or five (M2) months in France or abroad.

→ BioP and BE aim at forming scientists involved in environmental or physiological research projects, either applied or academic. Internship opportunities are available within a large network of partners in and around top-ranked universities throughout French territories and abroad. These structures provide the most appropriate research training by immersing students in a research programme and with their own research topic. Thus, most BioP and BE courses take place at EPHE labs located in Paris, Montpellier, Lyon, Bordeaux, Caen, Dijon, Perpignan, Dinard and Moorea (French Polynesia).

Training objectives

IMaLiS

IMaLiS offers a high-level, generalist study program in Life Sciences that incorporates key interdisciplinary content (including optional training in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geosciences and computer sciences).

students are free to select a variety of courses in cellular and developmental biology, neurosciences, cancer biology, genetics, epigenetics and genomics, virology and microbiology, immunology, systems biology, computational biology and informatics, evolution and ecology. Specific combinations of courses can be selected in consultation with faculty, for instance to prepare the specialization during the Master 2 year, and to align with the student’s individual professional objectives. In addition, during both years optional training in career skills (foreign languages, scientific communication, statistics, grant- and resume writing, ethics, etc.) are offered.

, students specialize by choosing one of the four curricula listed above.
The program partners with world-class laboratories to offer opportunities for internships and is highly international in scope, with international recruiting, courses taught in English, and internship opportunities abroad.

Biodiversity and Environment (BE)

BE offers training in professions related to the research in ecology and the environment, the science-society interface and the management of natural spaces. Each semester, students immerse themselves in four pillars of skills (Specialized thematic knowledge, Data cycle, Professional environment, Applications), with a regular progression of knowledge and skills embodied by a set of project-based lessons. From the first week of M1, students go into the field and then complete an internship in M1 and M2. Internships can be carried out in academic research organizations, local authorities or government agencies, NGOs, associations and companies. The lessons are spread over several sites in order to be as close as possible to ecological issues and research centers. In M2, the course offers the possibility of strong thematic customization, particularly on the themes of molecular ecology, analysis of biodiversity data, the science-society interface and the global problem of forest fires (taught in English).

Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP)

BioP offers multidisciplinary training to understand humans in all their complexity, drawing on a wide range of approaches, from molecules to behavior. The first year of BioP offers training in general skills and know-how (English, scientific communication, statistics, etc.) in the first semester, then pre-specialization courses, guiding towards one of the 3 M2 courses (Neurobiology and cognition; Infectiology and microbiology; normal cells, cancer and therapy). The courses, taught in French, take place on different sites depending on the expertise of the organizers. Students participate in a research or R&D project, backing up the main training with a long internship in M1 and M2, to provide context within the framework of their learning. The internships, which take place throughout the year, are spread across the country and can be carried out internationally.

Curriculum and tracks

The study program comprises M1 year (60 ECTS) and M2 year (60 ECTS).

IMaLiS
- M1: A common curriculum with optional courses + one 4-month internship (mandatory)
- M2: 4 available tracks + one 5-month internship (mandatory)
Biodiversity and Environment (BE)
- M1: Core curriculum + Specialized options + one 2-month or more internship (mandatory)
- M2: Core curriculum + Specialized options + one 5-month or more internship (mandatory)
Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP)
- M1 : Core curriculum + Specialized options semester 2 + one 6-month internship (mandatory)
- M2: Core curriculum + Specialized options semester + one 6-month internship (mandatory)

Please note: For the academic year 2025–2026, M2 Life Sciences Master's students at EPHE-PSL will enroll in the track. M2: Core curriculum + Specialized options + one 6 or 5 month internship (mandatory)

Who should apply?

Master year 1

IMaLis : The IMaLiS M1 year is open to French and international students with a degree equivalent to a Bachelor of Science (Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences, etc.) and to students from French engineering schools, who have demonstrated interest in the Life Sciences. IMaLiS is also suitable for students who have completed the first two to three years of medical/pharmaceutical studies in France and who would like additional training in the Life sciences (see also our ) before choosing their area of specialization.
BioP and BE : BioP et BE M1 year curricula are open to students with a Bachelor of Science, or equivalent. Research experience through internships or professional activity is a plus. These curricula are particularly conducive to continuous training.

Master year 2

IMaLiS, BioP and BE : The IMaLiS, BioP and BE M2 year is open to students with a Master 1 degree in Science (Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences, etc.) or equivalent (minimum 4 years of studies), and to students from French engineering schools who have received basic education in Life Sciences. Different selection procedures apply to each curriculum.

Subsequent career opportunities

The PSL Master in Life Sciences primarily prepares students for careers as researchers, academic teachers/researchers, research physicians or research engineers in the public sector, or as Research and Development professionals in the private sector, particularly the pharmaceutical and innovative biotechnology industries. Career opportunities also exist in the management of parks and nature reserves, local authorities, as well as in the private or semi-public sectors in biodiversity or environmental management.

Benefits

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Interdisciplinarity: Solid training in biology, ecology and related fields (for exemple : mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, geosciences).
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Generalist education with specialization in a cutting-edge field
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Training in research and in innovation through research: Students will complete two internships in academic/industrial research laboratories, private organizations, and/or design offices/regional authorities/nature reserves in France or abroad.
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; International exposure: The Master offers curricula taught exclusively in English (IMaLiS), or in French and English (BioP et BE). French language classes are available to international students. International internships benefit from existing networks with partner institutions.
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Expert teaching: The programme is implemented by the leading specialists from world-renowned institutions.
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Mentorship: A faculty mentor is assigned to each student to help guide her or him in choosing courses, finding an internship, and preparing a study contract. Students in the Medicine/Science tracks will receive dual mentoring in science and medicine.
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; High quality of PSL laboratories
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Access to scholarships : €6.000/year or €10,000/year (selection based on application).
•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Access to pre-professional contracts and eligibility for continuous professional training.

Prerequisites

The IMaLiS curricula of the Master’s in Life Sciences are open to students with a Bachelor of Science degree and basic training in molecular and cellular biology. Applicants can equally be graduates of or currently enrolled in Frenche engineering schools, or can be currently enrolled in medical/pharmaceutical studies, as long as they have completed the first three years.
- Recommended Bachelor’s degrees for applying to the Year 1: Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences.
- Languages: At least a C1 level in English (reminder: courses in the IMaLiS Master’s program are generally taught in English, including the M1 year).
The BioP and BE curricula are open to students with a Bachelor of Science or equivalent in addition to a research experience through internships or research positions.
- Recommended Bachelor’s degrees for applying to the M1 year: Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences.
- These courses are particularly conducive to pre-professional contracts and further education. ()

2025 Admissions process

IMaLiS

→ Online application (Master Year 1 and Year 2) . January 14 to March 13, 2025.

M1 and M2 applications include the possibility, for eligible candidates, to apply for .
Based on applications, selected candidates will be invited for interviews (remotely) with faculty representatives.

In preparing your M1 application, please include the following:

A cover letter explaining your interest in the program
A detailed CV, transcripts for the 3 years of your Bachelor’s degree and certificate of successful completion of the Bachelor’s degree (if the degree is still in preparation, transcripts for the ongoing academic year are sufficient at the time of application, a certification will be required at the time of registration)
Certification of English language proficiency (optional but recommended if English is not your mother tongue). Accepted certifications: TOEFL iBT, CAE, TOEIC, and IELTS
Two letters of recommendation (preferably, one from a university professor and one from an internship or project supervisor; exceptionally, two academic references). Letters of recommendation by referees are required to be submitted via the Admission Portal prior to the closing date March 13, 2025, otherwise your application will be considered as incomplete.

For your M2 application, in addition to above documents, the following are also required:

M1 transcripts and certification of successful completion (if the M1 degree is still in preparation, transcripts for the ongoing academic year are sufficient at the time of application, a certification will be required at the time of registration)
Copy of Bachelor’s degree diploma or equivalent. For a four-year Bachelor's degree, still in the process of completion at the time of application, a document certifying the successful completion of the first three years of study can be added instead.

→ PLEASE NOTE: Letters of recommendations need to be provided at the latest by the online application deadline.
For additional information, please consult our FAQ sites.

BioP and BE

→ Online application : from February 25 to March 24, 2025

Master year 1:
- Depending on your profile (nationality, etc.), applications must be submitted on the new French platform "" OR on the .
- Please consult e to learn about the 2025 modalities and according to your profile.
Master year 2:
- Applications must be submitted on the , for all candidates (French and international).

→ Your application file for Master’s Year 1 must include the following materials:

A cover letter specifying your interest in the program, the track you wish to apply for, and your professional project.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
A copy of complete undergraduate academic transcripts. For foreign degrees, please include a French translation
A recommendation letter from an academic and/or professional referee is appreciated.

→ Additional Documents Required for Master’s Year 2 Applications:

A copy of the complete Master’s Year 1 academic transcript. For foreign degrees, please include a French translation
A copy of the Bachelor's degree or equivalent. If unavailable, you must submit the Prior Learning Validation (VA) form, which is included in the application file. Your previous academic achievements will only be considered valid if the programme's selection committee gives a favorable opinion on your VA form.

PSL PhD track in Life sciences or Earth sciences & biodiversity

Highly selective and entirely taught in English, PSL PhD tracks are 5-year fully funded programs intended for high-potential students hoping to become top level researchers, in France or abroad. Through its PhD Track Grants, PSL will support outstanding students for the entire duration of their graduate studies, from their Master’s to the completion of their PhD. Application procedure based on an application package (the application process for the PSL PhD tracks has closed).

Given the very high selectivity of the PhD Tracks, it is strongly recommended that you apply for the Master’s degree (IMaLis) in parallel if you are interested in both programs. More information

PSL PhD track : How to apply ?