Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The Photonics, Microwave, and Telecommunications Systems (PHyS) program is a theoretical and practical course of study designed to provide students with mastery of cutting-edge technologies for generating, transmitting, detecting, processing, and converting electromagnetic waves—such as radio waves, microwaves, terahertz waves, infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet light, in a wide variety of applications ranging from biomedicine to telecommunications, including defense, industrial processes, and environmental monitoring.
This is a sector with tremendous technical and economic potential, characterized by numerous applications in both industry and research.
From a theoretical standpoint, the program will first provide the knowledge necessary to understand the physical principles associated with various components, such as diodes, transistors, lasers, optical fibers, waveguides, antennas, and so on. Building on this foundation of knowledge, students will then move on to designing complex systems such as radars, lidars, imagers, and, in particular, telecommunications systems.
From a practical standpoint, a central role is given to hands-on lab work, which will allow students to become familiar with the equipment commonly used in companies in this field, thanks to state-of-the-art and professional-grade equipment.
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The PHyS course is a theoretical and practical training program designed to provide students with expertise in future technologies for generating, transmitting, detecting, processing, and converting electromagnetic waves—such as radio waves, microwaves, terahertz waves, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light—in a wide variety of applications ranging from biomedicine to telecommunications, including defense, industrial processes, and environmental control.
This is a business sector with tremendous technical and economic potential, characterized by numerous applications in both industry and research.
On a theoretical level, the training will initially provide the knowledge necessary to understand the physical principles associated with various components such as diodes, transistors, lasers, optical fibers, waveguides, antennas, etc. This knowledge base will then lead to the creation of complex systems such as radars, lidars, imagers, and, in particular, telecommunications systems.
On a practical level, significant emphasis is placed on teaching practicums, which will allow students to become familiar with the equipment commonly used by companies in the field, thanks to the state-of-the-art and professional-grade equipment available at the university.
The success rate calculated for the LMD4 program is approximately 90%. The success rate calculated based on previous years is approximately 90%.
Success Rate
Objectives
The program aims to train students to become independent professionals capable of designing and developing optoelectronic and microwave technologies and systems for the society of the future, in which information and communication technologies play an increasingly important role.
He or she will be able to integrate the subsystems that make up a complex system by applying all of his or her intellectual skills and the knowledge necessary for its design, implementation, and management.
He will be able to work as a researcher, designer, production engineer, systems and processes manager/maintenance specialist, quality engineer, or technical sales representative for marketing and user support.
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The course aims to train independent students capable of designing and developing optoelectronic and microwave technologies and systems for the future society, in which information and communication technologies play an increasingly important role.
He or she will be able to integrate the subsystems that make up a complex system, using all of his or her intellectual skills and the knowledge necessary for its design, implementation, and management.
He or she will be able to work as a researcher, designer, production engineer, manager or maintenance specialist for systems and processes, quality engineer, or technical sales representative for marketing and user support.
Expertise and Skills
Upon completion of the master's program, the candidate will have acquired the following skills and competencies:
- Understand the physical principles and operation of the main active and passive photonic and microwave components (couplers, mixers, amplifiers, oscillators, etc.)
- Specific knowledge of systems (technology and hardware) related to wireless networks and optical telecommunications networks
- Proficiency in common systems and instruments in photonics (imagers, sensors, lidars, etc.) and microwave technology (radars)
- Master's degree in Photonic and Microwave Systems, with experimental experience in these fields
- Proficiency in professional computer simulation software for the design of components and systems
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Upon completion of the master's degree, the candidate will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
- Understand the physical principles and the operation of the main active and passive photonic and microwave components (couplers, mixers, amplifiers, oscillators, etc.)
- Knowledge of systems (technical and material) specific to wireless networks and optical telecommunications networks
- Proficiency in common systems and instruments in photonics (imagers, sensors, lidars, etc.) and microwave frequencies (radars)
- Experimental proficiency with photonic and microwave equipment, and experimental experience in these fields
- Mastery of professional numerical simulation tools for the design of components and systems
Organization
Special Features
The program is open to work-study students in the first and second years of the master's program.
The program offers the option of a dual degree with the IAE (Institute of Business Administration).
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The course can be taken as an apprenticeship (alternating periods of classroom instruction with periods of on-the-job training)
Program
The PHyS track of the EEA Master's program is a two-year (four-semester) program.
The first year of the master’s program consists of two semesters. The first semester is common to all tracks of the EEA Master’s program and provides basic theoretical knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the EEA disciplines. In the second semester, students in the PHyS track take two specific course units: “Physics of Electronic Components” and “Free and Guided Propagation.” The program also includes course units in English and the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). Students complete a project that may extend into the first semester and must complete an internship or a final-year project.
The second year of the master’s program consists of two semesters. The first semester—the academic semester—includes both professional and research-oriented courses based on the specific focus of the research laboratory associated with the master’s program, thereby rounding out the curriculum. The second semester is devoted to a final project and an industrial or research internship.
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The PHyS master's program is a 2-year program (4 semesters).
The first year covers more general topics and includes two modules directly related to the course: "Physics of Electronic Components" and "Free and Guided Propagation."
In the second year, all modules are required and directly related to the program; there are no elective modules.
Select a program
M1 - Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Automation - Photonics, Microwave, and Communication Systems Track
Automatic Multivariable
5 creditsSignal Processing
4 creditsAnalog Electronics
6 creditsDigital Electronics
6 creditsEnergy Conversion Systems
5 creditsComputer Engineering for the EEA
4 creditsLogic Synthesis / VHDL
3 credits
English
2 creditsProject
5 creditsInternship or Final Project
10 creditsCommunication Techniques
3 creditsPHOTONICS, MICROWAVES & COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
10 creditsChoose 2 out of 2
Free and Guided Propagation
6 creditsPhysics of Electronic Components
4 credits
M2 - Photonics, Microwave Technology & Communication Systems
Project
10 creditsInternship
15 creditsEmployment Placement
3 creditsEnglish
2 credits
Admission
Registration Procedures
Applications can be submitted through the following platforms:
French and European students:
- For the M1 program, follow the “My Master’s” procedure on the website:https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/
- For the M2 program, students must submit their application through the e-candidat portal:https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature
International students from outside the EU: Follow the “Études en France” procedure:https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html
Target Audience
A student with a bachelor's degree in electronics or applied physics.
It is a possible extension of the EEA Bachelor’s degree and any other scientific or technological program in the fields of EEA, applied physics, applied computer science, mathematics, etc.
Individuals undergoing career transition through continuing education or work-study programs.
Individuals enrolled in a promotional training program, continuing education, or a work-study program.
International student with a bachelor's degree in science or technology.
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Students with a bachelor's degree or equivalent (3 years) in electronics or physics.
Students with a master's degree or equivalent (5 years) in a related field (telecommunications, photonics, microwaves).
Mandatory Prerequisites
For the M1
Fundamentals of Classical and Quantum Physics
Microwave Fundamentals
For the M2
Physics of Materials and Semiconductor Components
Knowledge of wave phenomena (free and guided propagation, Maxwell’s equations, interference, diffraction, waveguides and wave lines, Smith chart)
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For the first year (M1)
Fundamentals of Classical and Quantum Physics
For the second year (M2)
Physics of Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Knowledge of wave phenomena (free and guided propagation, Maxwell’s equations, interference, diffraction, telecommunications lines and waveguides, Smith chart)
Recommended Prerequisites
Fundamentals of Analog Electronics
Fundamentals of Signal Processing
Programming Basics
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Fundamentals of Analog Electronics
Basis of Signal Processing
Fundamentals of Programming
And then
Continuing Education
After completing the Master 2 program, students who wish to do so may pursue a doctoral degree in an academic or industrial setting in a field related to their studies, which will lead them to a level equivalent to eight years of higher education.
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After completing the Master 2 program, students can pursue a doctorate in an academic or industrial setting in a field related to their training, which will lead them to a PhD.
Continuing Your Education Abroad
After completing the Master’s 2 program, students who wish to do so may pursue a doctoral degree in an academic or industrial setting abroad in a field related to their program of study, which will lead them to a level equivalent to eight years of higher education.
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After completing the Master 2 program, students can pursue a doctorate in an academic or industrial setting in a field related to their training, which will lead them to a PhD.
Transition Programs and Reorientation
Students who have completed one year of a Master’s 1 or Master’s 2 program in the field of EEA or applied physics may apply for the Master’s 2 program. Admission is subject to approval by the program’s academic selection committee.
A first-year master’s student may switch to another program with the approval of the program director or to another national program.
Employment Placement
Graduates will be able to find employment in many industrial and research sectors; a few examples are listed below:
- broadband telecommunications (fiber-optic and wireless)
- security (detection of hazardous materials and drugs, detection of offenses)
- environment (gas and pollutant detection, water analysis)
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- defense (radar, night vision, mine detection, guidance)
- space (satellite telecommunications)
- aeronautics (radar, gyrometers)
- Optoelectronic and microwave instrumentation and metrology,
- living (biological sensors, blood tests)
- agriculture and agri-food (measurement, detection, decision support, plant stress)
- consumer goods (RFID, barcode scanners, remote controls, DVD players)
- Medicine and Health (ophthalmology, surgery, diagnostics, treatments)
- production of manufactured goods (cutting, welding, drilling)
- buildings (laser measurement, defect detection, lighting, communications)
- etc.
ROME codes, most closely related job descriptions:
H1202: Design and Drafting of Electrical and Electronic Products
H1206: Management and Engineering—Design, Research, and Industrial Development
H1209: Technical Support in Electronics Research and Development
H1210: Technical Support for Studies, Research, and Development
H1504: Technical Work in Quality Control and Testing for Electrical and Electronic Systems
H2501: Production Management for Electrical and Electronic Equipment
H2502: Production Management and Engineering
H2603: Management of Automated Production Facilities for Electrical, Electronic, and Microelectronic Systems
H2604: Assembly of Electrical and Electronic Products
I1102: Industrial Maintenance Management and Engineering
I1305: Electronics Installation and Maintenance
I1307: Telecommunications and Low-Voltage Systems Installation and Maintenance
K2108: Higher Education
K2402: Research in the Sciences of the Universe, Matter, and Life
M1802: Information Systems Expertise and Support
M1803: Information Systems Division
M1804: Research and Development of Telecommunications Networks
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Professional opportunities will be available in many industrial and research sectors; some examples are listed below:
- high-speed telecommunications (via optical fiber and wireless)
- security (detection of hazardous materials and drugs, detection of crimes)
- environment (gas and pollutant detection, water analysis)
- defense (radar, night vision, mine detection, guidance)
- space (satellite telecommunications)
- aeronautics (radar, gyrometers)
- Optoelectronic and Microwave Instrumentation and Metrology
- living beings (biological sensors, blood analysis)
- agriculture and agri-food (measurement, detection, decision support, plant stress)
- consumer goods (RFID, barcode readers, remote controls, DVD players)
- medicine and health (ophthalmology, surgery, diagnostics, treatments)
- production of manufactured goods (cutting, welding, drilling)
- buildings (laser measurement, fault detection, lighting, communication)
ROME codes corresponding to the closest job titles:
H1202: Design of Electrical and Electronic Products
H1206: Management and engineering studies, research, and industrial development
H1209: Technical Support for Electronic Research and Development
H1210: Technical Support for Studies, Research, and Development
H1504: Technical procedures for quality control testing in the electricity and electronics sectors
H2501: Oversight of the Production of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
H2502: Production Management and Engineering
H2603: Operation of automated electrical, electronic, and microelectronic production lines
H2604: Assembly of Electrical and Electronic Products
I1102: Industrial Maintenance Management and Engineering
I1305: Electronic Installation and Maintenance
I1307: Telecommunications and Low-Current Installation and Maintenance
K2108: Higher Education
K2402: Research in the Sciences of the Universe, Matter, and Life
M1802: Expertise and Support in Information Systems
M1803: Information Systems Management
M1804: Study and Development of Telecommunications Networks