France
ENGINEERING EDUCATION SYSTEM
In France the initial education of engineers is provided by Higher Education Institutions, namely Engineering Schools with a long-standing tradition called the « Grandes Ecoles d’Ingénieurs ».
These institutions of higher learning may be autonomous or integrated within Universities.
Their status is either
- Public (3/4 of the Schools) : they are State funded and are under the supervision of a Ministry : National Education, Agriculture, Equipment or Defence
- Private : they are under the supervision of the Ministry of National Education
- Consular : they are under the supervision of the Chamber of Trade and Industry
The « Grandes Ecoles d’Ingénieurs » offer almost 400 engineering degrees in various engineering fields. They award the engineering degree (Diplôme d’Ingénieur) and title of Graduate Engineer (« Ingénieur Diplômé ») after completion of a five year study and training programme (the level corresponds to five years after the end of secondary studies concluded in France by the Baccalauréat certificate).
As a result of the 2002 French higher education reform (linked to the Bologna agreement), the degree of “Ingenieur Diplômé” is now recognized as a Master level or “grade de Master” corresponding to 300 ECTS.
Description of the engineering education system.
Liste of Master engineering formation