Master’s Degree in Life Sciences

The Master’s Degree in Life Sciences at Université PSL is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare scientists, engineers, and medical professionals for advanced research in biology, ecology, biodiversity, and environmental sciences. Developed through collaboration between École Normale Supérieure–PSL (ENS–PSL), École Pratique des Hautes Études–PSL (EPHE–PSL), Institut Pasteur, Institut Curie, Collège de France, and other leading research institutions, the program combines theoretical scientific education with extensive laboratory-based research training. The two-year curriculum comprises 120 ECTS credits and offers three principal pathways: Interdisciplinary Master in Life Sciences (IMaLiS), Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP), and Biodiversity–Environment (BE). IMaLiS is taught entirely in English, while BioP and BE offer instruction in French and English. Students benefit from individualized academic mentoring, international research partnerships, and access to specialized laboratories.

Curriculum, Research Specializations, and Career Opportunities

The curriculum covers quantitative biology, neuroscience, fundamental biology for health, ecology and evolution, biodiversity, cancer biology, infectious diseases, microbiology, and environmental research. Students select specialized pathways and participate in mandatory research internships, with internship durations varying by track and study year. IMaLiS students complete a four-month internship in Master Year 1 and a five-month internship in Master Year 2, while BioP and BE students undertake research placements according to their specialization. Applicants generally require a Bachelor of Science or equivalent qualification in life sciences or a related scientific discipline, with additional requirements depending on their chosen track. The program also provides access to competitive scholarships, including €10,000 per year opportunities for eligible international IMaLiS students and excellence scholarships for BioP students. Graduates are prepared for doctoral research, academic and medical research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and development, environmental management, and biodiversity conservation careers.