In Year 1, you will acquire a solid grounding in the six fundamental disciplines of aeronautics and space. You will also be introduced to systems engineering, which will enable you to understand from the outset the essential role of the systems architect, particularly critical in these fields.
The course is not limited to the technical and scientific aspects: it is also based on a solid foundation in the human sciences, including the arts, culture, modern languages, and sporting activities. The environmental, societal, and digital transitions, including the challenges of AI, are a central part of the curriculum, and are addressed through courses, practical exercises, and a dedicated project.
To stimulate innovation and develop an entrepreneurial spirit, an intensive period called Problem Solvers allows you to step outside the traditional academic framework to take on concrete challenges linked to real-world issues.
The Multidisciplinary Scientific Core Curriculum
6 Core Scientific Blocks
This scientific core curriculum provides the multidisciplinary scientific foundation of fundamental knowledge and skills required by all engineers working in the aeronautics and space industries, and is based on 6 main blocks:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Signals and Systems
- Fluid Mechanics
- Structural Mechanics
Experimental Practice
In the 1st year, experimental practice takes place in a partially autonomous situation in one of our 6 teaching and research departments. These 20 hours in laboratories - supplemented by methodological teaching - are carried out in small groups. They enable you to acquire the skills needed to develop an experimental approach, to take a critical look at the measurement technique, and to use and communicate the experimental results. Examples of subjects include:
- Wind tunnel measurements around a simplified automobile body
- Analysis of eye movements and head movements in virtual reality
- Astrophysical camera image quality evaluation
Elective Modules
These allow students to explore new topics in greater depth. This is a unique opportunity to explore new fields of study or applications. You are free to choose your modules, with no prerequisites. Some examples: Eco-design, aviation and climate, manned flight, wind propulsion, human factors, quantum engineering, design thinking, consulting, etc.
Aeronautics and Space Block
The Aeronautics and Space block provides all students with a grounding in systems engineering and the specific skills needed to understand the issues and challenges of the systems architect's job in the aeronautics and space sectors, in particular through a preliminary project of the aircraft or space mission type (terrestrial observation, communication network, Mars mission) with specifications to be met.
Humanities, Transition, and Enterprise Core Curriculum
The Transition Environment and Society module enables you to identify current and future environmental and social challenges, understand the links between the sciences, and the need for a systemic approach to the world. You will develop critical thinking skills to tackle these issues.
Projects
- The TES project puts you in the shoes of consultants tasked with thinking about technology and its uses in a societal context, on technologies such as AI, energy, the environment, transport, space, etc.
- Problem Solvers: An intense two-week challenge, in the form of a bootcamp, where teams get to experience the realities of setting up a company. Test your ideas, come up with innovative solutions to real-life problems and create economic, social, or environmental value for customers or users.
Year 2 is the opportunity for you to start shaping your training path according to your personal project!
Ready to broaden your horizons?
- Deepen your knowledge in three of the six subject blocks from the first year
- Explore new subjects thanks to a range of elective modules
- Seize the opportunity of an international academic exchange semester at one of our many partner universities
Science Core: Choose Your Favourite Subjects
Once you have acquired the multi-disciplinary foundations of the aeronautics and space industry, you can choose your favourite subjects and develop enhanced skills in three of the six disciplines in the first year's core science curriculum, either related to the aerospace industry or to other fields. It's the perfect opportunity to go into more depth in the subjects that are right for you!
Choice of 3 blocks from among:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Signals and Systems
- Fluid Mechanics
- Structural Mechanics
Enjoy a Unique Experience Abroad!
Choosing ISAE-SUPAERO also means opening up a range of possibilities by having access to numerous complementary courses in France or abroad. In the second year, take the opportunity to spend an academic semester abroad at one of the most prestigious universities in a wide range of partnerships on every continent! At the end of this year, you also have the option of doing a double degree at one of our partner universities.
The Multidisciplinary Project: Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Student Technical Clubs
At ISAE-SUPAERO, student clubs and associations, particularly technical clubs, are at the heart of our student culture and experience. Driven by their activities and development, this project offers you a unique opportunity to put into practice and evaluate your scientific, technical, and soft skills. Immerse yourself in an innovative multidisciplinary technical project using a systems approach. Some of our leading technical clubs: Supaero Space Section (Scube), Club CubeSat (Tolosat), RevAéro, Supaero Drone Section, and many others!
This project can also be carried out in our research departments or in our InnovSpace Fablab.
In 3rd year, you'll be able to choose an area of expertise based on your experience and future plans. With this in mind, a choice of six subjects and a wide range of pathways makes all the sense in the world! The aim is to develop your own scientific approach in a cutting-edge discipline, and to acquire real expertise with a professional technical or research objective.
To encourage cross-disciplinary thinking and enrich a systems architect approach, we offer 6 areas of application and several different pathway options, linked to aerospace and many other sectors.
Our Areas of Expertise
Fluid Dynamics (FD)
Objectives
The aim of the FD programme is to train specialists in aerodynamics. Through courses, applied sessions and case studies, expertise is developed in the modelling and simulation of turbulent and compressible flows, aeroacoustics and aeroelasticity, the aerodynamics of aircraft, launchers, compressors and turbines, and combustion.
Possible Courses
- External Aerodynamics.
- Turbomachinery and Combustion.
Examples of Possible Careers
Aerodynamic design engineer, simulation methods engineer, and many other opportunities in both the transport and energy sectors. It is also possible to pursue a doctoral thesis.
Computing, Telecommunications and Networks (ITR)
Objectives
The ITR pathway provides an advanced skill set thanks to a choice of pathways. Students on the IT pathway will acquire critical IT skills that are highly valued by industry (particularly in the aerospace sector), while those on the telecommunications and networks pathway will be able to design a communications system comprised of one to several thousand satellites. Cybersecurity issues are integrated into both types of design.
Possible Courses
- Embedded Computing.
- Telecommunications and Networks.
Examples of Possible Careers
IT and network architecture design, critical IT development, major aerospace/automotive/robotics manufacturers (Airbus, Thales, Siemens, Exotec, etc.), space agencies (CNES, ESA), start-ups, etc.
Earth Observation and Sciences of the Universe (OTSU)
Objectives
The aim of the OTSU programme is to provide high-level training that familiarises ISAE-SUPAERO engineers with the technologies, themes and applications used in Earth observation and scientific space missions. It also enables students who wish to focus on research to combine their engineering background with scientific techniques and skills, enabling them to pursue a thesis.
Possible Courses
- Sciences of the Universe
- Earth Sciences
Examples of Possible Careers
Major space manufacturers (Airbus DS, Thales Alenia Space, etc.), space agencies (CNES, ESA, NASA), research institutes (CNRS, CEA, ONERA, etc.), SMEs specialising in space data processing and applications, Newspace startups.
Signals and Systems (SiSy)
Objectives
Cybernetics is a science that uses signal and information theory to analyse and synthesise complex systems, their functional relationships, and control mechanisms in various fields such as engineering, biology and economics. The SiSy programme explores this domain and provides a pathway of excellence dedicated to future engineers, doctoral students, and researchers. It prepares students to work in advanced technological sectors by providing them with the tools to understand the complexity of modern systems.
Possible Courses
- Electronics
- Signal and Image processing
- Automation
Examples of Possible Careers
Graduates of this programme will be able to occupy R&D or project management posts in major industrial groups (THALES, AIRBUS, MBDA, CNES, etc.), leading-edge SMEs, or startups.
Structures and Materials (SM)
Objectives
The aim of the SM programme is to acquire an in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering applied to aeronautics and space through a deeper emphasis on the fundamentals studied in the second year, particularly in structures and materials. This programme prepares students effectively for careers in a wide range of industries (aircraft, launchers, helicopters, land vehicles) for which an R&D component in solid mechanics is relevant.
Possible Courses
- Numerical Mechanids
- Aeronautical and Space Materials
- Aeronautical and Space Structures
Examples of Possible Careers
Design, development, certification, or test and qualification centre jobs.
Decision Sciences (SD)
Three possible courses:
Industrial Engineering (GI)
This course focuses on production management, logistics, industrial strategy, and process optimisation, incorporating current issues relating to climate and resource management. The skills acquired cover production systems analysis, material flows management, project management, and the use of advanced modelling and optimisation techniques.
Examples of Possible Careers
Aeronautics, automotive, energy, industrial strategy consultancy, etc. Graduates work as production managers, logistics engineers, consultants, project managers, etc.
Financial Engineering (IF)
Training for careers in corporate and market finance, auditing, and consultancy, with opportunities in major banks, insurance companies, and investment teams in large groups and strategy consultancies.
Data and Decision Sciences (DDS)
This is the flagship Artificial Intelligence course within the engineering curriculum. It prepares students for the professions of data scientist, data engineer, ML/AI expert, and opens the door to all business sectors requiring automated decision support.
Our Areas of Application
Aircraft Design and Operation (COA)
Objectives
The main objective of the COA field is to train engineers with an overall vision of aircraft architecture and operability, followed by a more in-depth study of two distinct sub-fields: transport aircraft or helicopters, and propulsion systems or electric aircraft.
Possible Courses
- Aircraft Architectures
- Helicopter Architectures
- Electric Aircraft
- Aeronautical Propulsion
Target Sectors
Preliminary aircraft or helicopter projects, production monitoring, aeronautical design, commercial aeronautical sector.
Design and Operation of Space Systems (COS)
Objectives
The COS field trains students in the specific features of the space environment, regulatory and economic frameworks, and methods for the preliminary design of space systems. It comprises a core curriculum focusing on optimisation, space operations (with visits to control centres), and mission analysis (re-entry, rendezvous), followed by a choice of path: Orbital systems (satellite architecture, applications: Earth Observation and Telecommunications) or Space Transport Architecture (launchers, propulsion, aerothermodynamics).
Target Sectors
All companies in the space sector (NewSpace startups, space agencies, research centres, equipment manufacturers, major contractors).
Energy, Transport and Environment (ETE)
Objectives
The energy transition to a low-carbon world is the major challenge of the 21st century, with a massive electrification of our uses, particularly for mobility. In this context, ETE prepares students to take up these immense challenges, as energy production, consumption, and the development of transportation are part of a critical effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hybrid and unconventional technologies are emerging as effective solutions to these challenges, but they have to fit into a sometimes complex economic, regulatory, and social environment.
Possible Courses
- Energy and Climate
- Economics and Ecology
- Energy and Networks
- Transportation and Intermodality
Target Sectors
Energy and electricity networks, transport, climate (modelling and forecasting), building, consultancy.
Autonomous Systems (AS)
Objectives
The Autonomous Systems (AS) course enables students to understand the specific technological features common to autonomous systems by learning theoretical concepts and putting techniques into practice. A strong core curriculum offers the study of functions such as perception, navigation, and decision-making, and their relevance in an on-board hardware and software architecture. The drones, robots, and space systems pathways illustrate the varied uses of an autonomous system through the specific features of these physical platforms. The SA field thus provides a cross-disciplinary and integrative vision of these systems.
Possible Courses
- Robotics
- Drones
- Space Systems and Autonomy
Target Sectors
Startups, SMEs, institutions; the aeronautics industry (drones), the automotive industry (autonomous driving), robotics for exploration and mapping (extra-planetary), robotics for services or rehabilitation (exoskeletons), tech sectors such as advanced aerospace detection and surveillance.
Complex Systems and Simulation (MSXS)
Objectives
The mathematical modelling of physical phenomena of all kinds requires appropriate digital simulation methods and dedicated high-performance computing resources. This is the aim of MSXS, which offers both deterministic and random paths.
Possible Courses
- Numerical Engineering Methods
- Advanced Statistics
Target Sectors
Numerical simulation, scientific computing, climate and risk modelling, high-performance computing.
Neuro AI (NAI)
Objectives
The aim of this field is to train students in neuro-engineering through a multidisciplinary approach at the crossroads of neuroscience, signal processing, experimental science, and AI.
Possible Courses
- Neuroergonomics
- Experimentation, Measurement, and Brain-Machine Interface
- AI Methods and Tools for Neuroergonomics
Target Sectors
Human factors departments in the aeronautics industry (e.g. Airbus, Dassault) and the automotive industry, Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, neurotechnology/neuro-engineering startups, computer engineering service companies.
Our Engineering Company Project
Objectives
Explore the fundamentals of project management and innovation in all its dimensions.
The engineering company project puts you in a real-life situation where you will have to respond to a request from an industrial customer. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to carry out a practical project that will enrich your education through a project and systems approach.
Between years 2 and 3, you can choose to study a particular scientific field in greater depth through personalised research pathways, acquire dual skills in management, management sciences, economics, etc., or explore other cross-disciplinary themes.
These opportunities are a great addition to your CV!
Double Degrees
In France
- HEC
- SciencesPo Paris
- Ecole Polytechnique (MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs and Master Projet Innovation Conception)
- ENS Paris Saclay
- ESPCI Paris
- Ecole Navale
- IFP School
- Toulouse School of Economics
- Toulouse School of Management
Internationally
More than 30 double degree agreements with prestigious universities.
Certificates and Master 2
University of Toulouse Masters
M2 in parallel with 3A:
- Science of the Universe and Space Technologies
- Energy and Heat
- Mathematics and Applications
- Mechanical Engineering
- Networks and Telecommunications
- Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
- Fundamental Physics
Certificates
- Certificate in Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
- Diversity and Citizenship Certificate
With ISAE-SUPAERO, put environmental and social issues at the heart of your commitment
Our policy
Faced with the environmental and social challenges of the 21st century, higher education and research are major levers in the transition to a sustainable society. At ISAE-SUPAERO, environmental issues are at the heart of our commitment. We are mobilising our teaching skills and scientific expertise to help build the aeronautical and space components of this sustainable society, and in particular to invent the low-carbon air transport of tomorrow. This commitment is reflected in our renewed sustainable development strategy, which focuses on 5 key areas:
- Training our students to meet the challenge of the energy transition;
- Placing these issues at the heart of our research and innovation strategy;
- Developing a shared institutional culture around these issues;
- Making our campus a resilient and exemplary place;
- Be recognised as a player in the ecological transition.
The energy and environmental transition as part of our training programme
At ISAE-SUPAERO, we include theoretical and practical elements in our General Engineering course to help studentsunderstand the issues and tools involved in the energy and environmental transition:
- The Climate Fresco as soon as you arrive in your first year;
- A variety of lectures on environmental issues;
- The TES block in Years 1 and 2, to help you identify current and future environmental and social issues, and acquire the tools of environmental engineering and the levers of transition;
- Elective modules to broaden your knowledge of the subject: Circular economy, aviation and climate, eco-design, life cycle analysis, etc.;
- In 3rd year, the 'Energy, Transport, Environment' (ETE) field, with a choice of different pathways.