Master digital systems serving the nuclear sector
What is the Engineer Cycle – Major in Nuclear Energy Systems?
The Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering Program at ECE is a major in the engineering cycle taught in French at the Lyon campus. Over 2 years (4th and 5th year after high school diploma), you will acquire a rare dual skill set: mastery of digital systems applied to nuclear power plants and a deep understanding of the nuclear sector throughout its value chain.
Available full-time or through work-study, this program trains engineers capable of addressing the challenges of extending existing reactors, the digital transformation of the sector, and the development of new nuclear technologies.
The targeted professional certification
This major leads to the title of ECE engineer, a level 7 diploma accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), registered in the RNCP. This diploma is particularly valued by operators in the French nuclear sector: EDF, Orano, Framatome, CEA, and their subcontractors. It certifies a training that combines scientific rigor in nuclear physics and mastery of digital tools applied to control-command systems. ECE is a member of the Conference of Grandes Écoles (CGE).
From the digital reactor to systems safety
Objectives and skills acquired
This program aims to train engineers capable of acting across the entire nuclear value chain, from digital to safety.
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Understand and apply digital systems as tools to simplify the design and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as to ensure their safety.
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Learn how nuclear power plants work and the challenges involved in extending the lifespan of existing reactors.
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Identify the innovations needed for the digital transformation and growth of the nuclear industry across the entire value chain.
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Gain a thorough understanding of the legal framework and regulations governing nuclear activities, as well as the criteria for sustainable development.
From nuclear criticality to the digital reactor
Content
The courses presented below are part of the official program of the major. They may evolve each year before the start of the academic year to stay in line with advancements in the nuclear sector.
Assessment Methods
Progress is evaluated throughout the two years through methods adapted to the requirements of the nuclear sector, where rigor and precision are essential :
- Simulation and modeling projects of nuclear systems using professional digital tools.
- Case studies on real safety issues, fuel management, or dismantling.
- The Multidisciplinary Team Project (PPE) and the Final Year Project (PFE).
- A minimum 4-month technician internship in the 2nd year of the engineering cycle (or alternating throughout the year) with a report
- A minimum 6-month engineering internship (or alternating throughout the year)
- with a report and presentation before a jury.
- An obligatory international academic stay, validated by a partner university of ECE.
A diploma recognized by the State and valued internationally
Yes. This training provides a professional certification registered with the RNCP by France Compétences (Ministry of Labor), confirming the recognition of the diploma and the alignment of job skills with the needs of companies.
State Certified
Validated Skills
Job Ready
Professional Immersion
The Company Experience
The Nuclear Energy Systems major is one of the two majors offered through work-study at the Lyon campus. This rhythm is particularly suited to a field where hands-on experience is crucial for professional integration.
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Projects in collaboration with industrial partners in the nuclear sector in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
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A minimum 4-month engineering internship during the second year of an engineering program (full-time track) or a work-study program at a company in the nuclear industry (EDF, Orano, Framatome, CEA, or subcontractors)
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A minimum 6-month internship or a work-study program during the third year of an engineering program at a company in the nuclear industry (EDF, Orano, Framatome, CEA, or subcontractors), culminating in a final project defended before a panel
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Projects in collaboration with industrial partners in the nuclear sector in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Careers
What are the career opportunities after the Nuclear Energy Systems Engineer Program?
France has the second largest nuclear fleet in the world with 56 reactors in operation, and a construction program for new reactors (EPR2) launched by the State. The sector is actively recruiting qualified engineers to meet the challenges of extending existing reactors and developing new nuclear technologies.
Jobs available after graduation :
Discover
Our campuses in France
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Your engineering school in Lyon
Inaugurated in 2025, the Citadelle building offers spaces fully designed for new ways of learning and collaborating.
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Your engineering school in Marseille
Brand new and fully designed for new educational practices, our campus welcomes you in an ideal setting for your studies.
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Your engineering school in Rennes
Just a stone's throw from the TGV train station, our 3,000 m² campus offers you a warm and functional setting designed for studying in the best conditions.
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Application
How to apply for the Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering Program?
Admission to the 1ᵉʳ year of engineering cycle
Open to students who have completed the first two years after their high school diploma of the Engineering Program at ECE, or in parallel admission for students from the 2nd year of CPGE (thus validating 120 credits) and for holders of a 3rd year undergraduated in scientific and/or technological fields validating 180 ECTS (ATS, BUT, License) in physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science or process engineering.
Admission to the 2ᵉ year of engineering cycle
Open to ECE students who have completed the first three years of the engineering cycle, as well as to holders of a 4-Year degree validated with 240 ECTS in a scientific and/or technical field: physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science or process engineering. A strong interest in nuclear energy and its technological challenges is expected.
How to apply?
- I submit my application online > for the common AVENIR PLUS procedure, if I am currently enrolled in a program within the French educational system (SEF) > on the ECE portal, if I am currently enrolled in a program outside the French educational system and am not of European nationality.
- I go through the selection phase Regardless of the portal: > Mathematics Test for the program under Apprentice status (in alternation)> Motivation interview by another selection jury from the ECE
- I receive the decision
Tuition fees
What are the tuition fees for the Nuclear Energy Systems Engineer Program?
The tuition fees presented below are provided for the year 2026-2027. They are subject to change each year. Several funding options are available to support you in your project.
Students in France 🇫🇷
This category concerns students of all nationalities residing in France.
- If enrolled in a program within the French education system (SEF) 12 months €11 990
Tuition fees for apprentices are fully covered by the host company—the apprentice is an employee
+ 70 €: admission fees
Scholarships: How to finance my studies with state assistance?
ECE offers you several financial aid options
International Students 🌍
This category concerns students of foreign nationality residing outside France.
- If enrolled in a program outside the French education system 12 months €12 990
As an international student, you must pay a deposit of €3,500 upon registration to reserve your spot at our school.
+70€ : admission fees
Scholarships: How to finance my studies with the help of the State?
ECE offers several funding assistance options
Meet us
Discover the events of the Engineering program
Event type
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07/10
Soirée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – mercredi 7 octobre 2026
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19/10
Immersion in Marseille
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28/11
Matinée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – samedi 28 novembre 2026
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16/12
Soirée Portes Ouvertes – ECE – Marseille – mercredi 16 décembre 2026
FAQ
Everything you need to know about the Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering Program
The most frequently asked questions about the Nuclear Energy Systems Engineer program at ECE are gathered here. Can’t find your answer? Our team is available to discuss with you.
Let’s meet
Are you still hesitating? Meet our teams to guide you in your choices!
This program enables engineering students to master digital systems applied to nuclear power plants, to understand the functioning of reactors, and to identify the necessary innovations for the energy transition of the sector.
It also aims to grasp the legal and regulatory framework of nuclear activities, particularly regarding radiation protection and sustainable development.
Yes. This major is one of the two offered in a work-study format on the Lyon campus. This rhythm allows students to combine academic teaching and immersion in real nuclear industrial environments.
The work-study format is particularly well-suited to this sector, where hands-on experience is crucial for professional integration.
Graduates are recruited by major players in the French and international nuclear sector.
- The fields covered are vast: operation, engineering, safety, decommissioning, and digital. EDF, Orano, Framatome, the CEA, Assystem, Tractebel, and their subcontractors are among the main recruiters.
- ECE collaborates with over 1,000 partner companies.
Yes. This program leads to the title of engineer ECE, a level 7 diploma accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), registered in the RNCP. The diploma is recognized in all areas of the nuclear field, from radiation protection to the design of control-command systems.
The nuclear field is an environment where rigor is an absolute requirement. This program allows for the development of essential human skills to evolve responsibly:
- Analytical rigor and precision in the design of high-stakes safety systems
- Sense of responsibility regarding radiation protection and safety imperatives
- Technical communication with varied stakeholders: engineers, safety authorities, operators
- Team spirit in long-term multidisciplinary projects
- Adaptability to regulatory and energy developments in the sector
The major extends over 2 years, in the 2nd and 3rd years of the engineering cycle. It is part of a comprehensive 5-year program post high school leading to an engineering diploma.
- Teaching is conducted in French on the Lyon campus, with a mandatory international academic stay in the 1st or 3rd year of the Engineering cycle.
- The second semester of the 3rd year of the Engineering cycle (semester 10) is dedicated to the engineering internship.
Yes. ECE relies on an active alumni network within the OMNES Education group, which includes more than 215,000 graduates worldwide. Graduates of the major evolve in various fields of the nuclear sector: operations, radiation protection, systems engineering, and control-command.
This network provides access to opportunities in a sector where professional recommendations play an important role.
At the end of the program, you can directly integrate into the labor market in the energy sectors of the nuclear field.
Pursuing a doctorate is also possible in fields such as reactor physics, radiation protection, or control systems, thanks to the network of over 160 academic partners of the ECE.
This pathway also allows you to evolve into project manager or safety manager positions.
Yes. A module dedicated to nuclear waste management and decommissioning (20 hours) is included in the official program of the 3rd year of the Engineering cycle. This education addresses a growing need in the sector: the decommissioning of reactors at the end of their life is a major energy and environmental issue for the coming decades.
The program also covers the analysis of nuclear fuel cycle systems (20 hours) for a comprehensive view of the value chain.
Yes. The program includes modules on nuclear systems engineering, digital reactors (digital twins), and the integration of design, operation, and reactor safety.
These teachings enable an understanding of both current reactors (LWR) and the challenges of the energy transition in the sector, including new reactor architectures and the digital innovations that accompany them.
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