Doctoral training
Doctoral studies are started after passing a master's degree or an equivalent degree, which has validated the candidate's research ability. It takes three years to obtain a doctorate; three years of research, finalised by a thesis, which is submitted publicly to a jury of specialists, who authorise the issuance of the doctoral degree. This qualification corresponds to studies of eight years in higher education and is equivalent to the PhD of the English-speaking countries.
Where to prepare?
Doctoral school 432 "Engineering sciences" organises and supervises the training of doctoral students. In particular, it ensures the quality of students' work and supervises theses. Research is conducted under the direction of a University Professor, a Research Director or a teacher-researcher holding a research supervision authorisation (HDR).
The thesis provides an initial paid professional experience through a doctoral contract, a research contract or an industrial contract, or through a doctoral grant.
An exhaustive programme
Doctoral studies provide training in research and innovation. The work is conducted at an Arts et Métiers laboratory, although in some cases it can be done within an organisation or at the facilities of an industrial partner. Doctoral students are required to attend research seminars and must make presentations during the Doctoral Students' Days. They must also present their work at an international conference and write at least one article in an international journal.
At Arts et Métiers, as well as daily research, 120 hours of mandatory initiation classes must be chosen from the courses taught (or numerous other formulas intended to promote the initiation of doctoral students): 60 hours of scientific initiation classes, i.e. outside the student's thesis topic, and 60 hours of classes for an initiation into the world of business. These courses are designed to facilitate high-level professional integration.
Every year:
- Two induction days (J1A days), with first-year PhD students from all Arts et Métiers campuses meeting in Paris
- Two days (J2A days), with all second year ED SMI doctoral students meeting in Paris to raise awareness of the need to address their professional careers as soon as possible after the thesis.
