ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The IEGB master's program is described on the website for the Master's in Environmental and Biodiversity Management: www.ingénieurs-ecologues.fr
Students in the IEGB master’s program are trained in environmental and ecological engineering, as well as in the management of biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. They integrate ecological, sociological, and environmental perspectives into programs for the management and preservation of natural resources and environments, the holistic management of natural or protected areas, and the protection and conservation of species, as well as in programs aimed at reducing the vulnerability of regions to climate and global changes and increasing their resilience; protecting populations from environmental risks, including floods; and implementing land-use planning, adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives.
This program is career-oriented and trains generalist environmental engineers and managers in the fields of environmental engineering, ecology, biodiversity, and hydraulic engineering. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, this master’s degree and its curriculum are recognized and supported by the UNESCO Center for Water and the Environment in Montpellier (IciReward).
Courses are delivered in a variety of complementary formats designed to foster learning, creativity, and student engagement in their education: ranging from online lectures to real-world case studies conducted alongside professionals, as well as fundamental scientific disciplines, field techniques, numerical modeling, and operational group projects. The numerous opportunities for interaction among students, and between students and professionals, help future graduates build the professional network essential for successful integration into the workforce, while also fostering an interdisciplinary approach—which is indispensable for the environmental, ecological, and societal management of territories, ecosystems, and species.
The IEGB program is available as part of initial and continuing education, as well as through professional training contracts and apprenticeship contracts. The IEGB program has been available as an apprenticeship since 2010.
Fields of study: Main: environmental sciences, agronomy, plant biology, ecology, environment, evolution, biodiversity, science and technology, water sciences.
Generally, a 100% success rate.
Success Rate
Objectives
The professional fields covered by the IEGB master’s program fall within the scope of societies’ ecological, energy, and agricultural transitions, ranging from the study and management of biodiversity for conservation purposes to ecological engineering and naturalist expertise, as well as the sustainable use of biological and aquatic resources.
As the impacts of climate and global changes (climate disruption, biodiversity loss, systemic pollution, growing inequalities, etc.) degrade our environments and societies, public policies aimed at implementing sustainable development are driving all social and economic actors in both developed and developing countries to expand and accelerate the ecological transition. European and national legislative frameworks and regulations are driving a balance between meeting user needs on the one hand and protecting and preserving the environment, biodiversity, and water resources on the other. GEMAPI, the Water Act regulations, and the “Avoid, Reduce, Compensate” framework are just a few examples. Management, conservation, and protection efforts must therefore be carried out in a holistic, interdisciplinary, and inclusive manner, combining scientific, technical, and societal approaches.
The Master’s program in Ecological Engineering and Biodiversity Management (IEGB) aims to train future executives and engineers in the fields of the environment, ecology, and biodiversity, with specializations ranging from integrated environmental management to naturalist expertise, biodiversity conservation, and natural hazard prevention. The primary career path is a managerial position requiring a five-year post-secondary degree in environmental project engineering.
Expertise and Skills
Graduates of the IEGB master’s program share a scientific and technical background in general and applied ecology during the first year of the program, and a focus on the environment, biodiversity, and hydrology during the second year, with an emphasis on applications in the management of natural areas (reserves, protected sites, wetlands, anthropogenically altered watersheds, etc.), regional sustainable development, the prevention of natural hazards—including floods—biodiversity conservation, and the resilience of communities and regions in the face of change.
Trained in both terrestrial and aquatic ecology, they study all ecosystems while having the opportunity to gradually specialize in taxa (fauna/flora) and/or environments (land/water). They acquire not only research tools (inventories, mapping, monitoring stations) and diagnostic methods (statistics, modeling) but also project management, teamwork, and communication skills dedicated to the enhancement, restoration, preservation, protection, and applied research of biodiversity, habitats, and the environment.
- Master the methods and techniques of naturalist surveys and assessments, as well as the survey of vegetation, populations, and rare species
- Define and conduct experimental, inventory, identification, observation, and hydrometric studies for diverse environments using technical approaches
- Analyze, evaluate, prioritize, and synthesize the diverse data and information collected in the field
- Analyzing sites: taking biodiversity into account in construction projects, integrating the project into its surroundings, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of waterways
- Perform statistical analyses of data
- Be proficient in specialized software, as well as common office, mapping, database, and statistical analysis software
- Master the tools, techniques, and methods for enhancing, preserving, protecting, or restoring biodiversity
- Independently apply techniques and methods for the study and restoration of species and habitats
- Model the impacts of development projects or measures on the aquatic environment (dynamics, sediment, erosion, hydraulic structures, flooding, etc.) as well as the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects
- Develop measures to reduce or offset impacts
- Conduct environmental studies: ecological impact assessments, regional assessments, and impact assessments for Natura 2000 sites.
- Formulate recommendations (proposed development plans, restoration work).
- Develop management plans for natural areas (reserves, natural areas, wetlands, etc.).
- Manage projects (including administrative and financial management and team management).
- Communicate scientifically and technically, both in writing and orally, adapting to the audience
- Facilitate meetings
- Draft technical data sheets, summary sheets, scientific and technical reports, regulatory submissions, responses to requests for proposals, and technical specifications
- Be able to implement consultative or participatory methods and techniques
- Be able to advise stakeholders on the conservation of ecosystem services
- Monitor scientific and technical developments, analyze them, and prepare a literature review
International Dimension
Students may choose to complete their end-of-year internships abroad, whether in the first or second year of the master's program.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
See EU fact sheets
Special Features
Contact the program coordinators to discuss each case specifically (elite athletes, students with disabilities, working students, etc.).
Open on an alternating basis
Contract Type | Apprenticeship Contract, Professional Training Contract |
|---|
The work-study schedule is available from the CFA for the M1 and M2 programs (see the "Contacts" tab)
Program
The first year of the master’s program in this track is the “Environmental and Biodiversity Management” program, which is offered as a full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship program. It is common to the Rainet’, ComBiodiv, AQUADURA, and IEGB tracks. This year allows students to acquire a scientific foundation, particularly in ecology and biostatistics. Optional course units also allow students to begin specializing.
The Master 2 program is open only to IEGB students.
Classes follow a schedule that spans the entire academic year and may take place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on Saturdays, when classes are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, the Saturday time slot is rarely used.
These time slots do not apply to fieldwork or on-the-job training.
Select a program
M2 - Ecological Engineering and Biodiversity Management - Apprenticeship Program
Eco Fair-1
2 credits1hRiver Modeling
2 creditsEcological Engineering and Restoration (ERC Track)
2 creditsNew Technologies for Studying Biodiversity
2 creditsM2-GE Learning Project
6 creditsEU OPTION 1
10 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
EU OPTION 3
10 creditsChoose 5 out of 13
Use and Assessment of Marine Resources
2 credits15hUrban Ecology
2 creditsTOIC/TOEFL Preparation
2 creditsAgroecology
2 creditsLaw of the Maritime Public Domain and the Sea
2 credits15hMethods and Analysis of Surveys in the Social Sciences and Humanities
2 creditsMediation and Territorial Governance
2 creditsEco Fair-2
2 credits1hProject Management
2 credits15hImpacts of Climate Change on Organisms,
2 creditsAdvanced GIS
2 creditsIndividual Project in GE 1
2 creditsOrganizational Communication
2 credits15h
EU OPTION 2
10 creditsIndividual Project in GE 2
4 creditsEU CHOICE 4
6 creditsChoose 5 out of 13
Use and Assessment of Marine Resources
2 credits15hUrban Ecology
2 creditsTOIC/TOEFL Preparation
2 creditsAgroecology
2 creditsLaw of the Maritime Public Domain and the Sea
2 credits15hMethods and Analysis of Surveys in the Social Sciences and Humanities
2 creditsMediation and Territorial Governance
2 creditsEco Fair-2
2 credits1hProject Management
2 credits15hImpacts of Climate Change on Organisms,
2 creditsAdvanced GIS
2 creditsIndividual Project in GE 1
2 creditsOrganizational Communication
2 credits15h
Global Changes: Characterization, Impacts, and Adaptations
2 creditsGEMAPI (Aquatic Environment Management and Flood Prevention)
2 creditsTools for Regional Consultation
2 credits
End-of-Study Internship through the M2 GE GG Apprenticeship Program
26 creditsCOGITHON
4 credits
Admission
Registration Procedures
Applications are submitted through the following platform:
- French and European students: Applicants must submit their application through the e-candidat portal:https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature
Target Audience
Students in initial training, continuing education, apprenticeship programs, or vocational training who have earned 180 ECTS credits for admission to the first year of a master’s program (M1) and at least 240 ECTS credits for admission to the second year of a master’s program (M2)
Mandatory Prerequisites
180 ECTS credits required to apply for the Master 1 in Environmental Management
240 ECTS credits required to apply for the Master 2 in Ecological Engineering and Biodiversity Management
Students who wish to enroll in the apprenticeship track must have an apprenticeship contract
We would like to point out that this program is extremely popular, which requires a rigorous selection process.
Recommended Prerequisites
To apply for the Master 1 in Environmental Management: applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or environmental sciences that includes at least 5 ECTS credits in biology and ecology
To apply for the Master 2 in Ecological Engineering and Biodiversity Management (IEGB):
- have successfully completed the first year of the Master’s program in Environmental and Biodiversity Management (in which case, direct admission to the second year is granted)
- Have completed the first year of a Master’s degree in environmental sciences that includes coursework in sustainable development, ecology, hydrology, or biology (limited enrollment—see also the Dual-Competency Master’s track within this same program)
And then
Continuing Education
Graduates of the IEGB Master’s program hold a master’s degree and have earned 300 ECTS credits during their graduate studies, which qualify them to pursue a doctoral degree, a university diploma (DU) requiring 300 ECTS credits (or fewer), or another master’s degree...
Continuing Your Education Abroad
Awarded by the government, the master’s degree is one of the four levels of higher education recognized throughout Europe; it grants 300 ECTS credits and allows students to continue their studies abroad.
Transition Programs and Reorientation
At the end of the first year of the Master’s program in Environmental and Biodiversity Management, students who have earned 180 ECTS credits may request to transfer to a different second-year track within the Environmental Management track than the one to which they originally applied for admission to the first year (choosing from Rainet’, ComBiodiv, IEGB, or AquaDura). However, this change of track will be subject to the student’s career goals aligning with the desired track, the fulfillment of the necessary prerequisites, and the availability of spots in the desired track.
Employment Placement
Graduates of the IEGB master’s program typically go on to hold managerial positions requiring a master’s degree in project engineering focused on the environment.
The career paths targeted by the IEGB Master 2 program are:
- Environmental engineers specializing in environmental engineering, ecology, and biodiversity;
- Managers and stewards of biodiversity or protected areas;
- Environmental Program Coordinators; Naturalist and Ecological Research Specialists; Biodiversity Project Managers
- Environmental engineers;
- Environmental Research Specialists; GEMAPI Program Officers; Aquatic Environment Management Program Officers;
- Program Officers: Environment, Natura 2000, Green and Blue Infrastructure, National Action Plan, Fauna, Flora, Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Landscapes, …
- Engineers specializing in environmental management, biodiversity management, sustainable development, integrated water and environmental management, and associated risks; or research engineers, researchers, and faculty researchers (provided they are pursuing doctoral studies);
The representatives of the professional sectors who are given priority for inclusion are from:
Ecological and Environmental Engineering:
- Consulting firms specializing in the environment, ecology, ecological transition, and naturalist expertise: most of these firms are members of UPGE and/or AFIE, two partner organizations of the GE master’s program.
- Consulting firms specializing in sustainable development or the environment and water: balancing environmental and risk management through the implementation of GEMAPI with a more holistic view of the environment (ecology, hydroecology, hydraulics, renaturation, hydrogeomorphological restoration, infrastructure, hydrobiology, etc.): CEREG, Philia Ingénierie, Champalbert Expertises, INGEROP…
- Companies in the environmental, agricultural, energy, water, transportation, and construction sectors, etc.: EGIS, VEOLIA, TOTAL, BOUYGUES, EDF, ENGIE, CDC-Biodiversité, SNCF, OTEIS, BRLi, SUEZ Consulting, etc.
Agroecology: Federation of CIVAMs, Federation of GABs, chambers of agriculture, etc.
Biodiversity and Environmental Management:
- Nature conservation organizations: the CEN Federation, the LPO, the hunting federation, the fishing federation, and a whole host of local organizations …
- Public agencies responsible for nature and environmental protection: the OFB, national parks, regional nature parks, national and regional nature reserves, water agencies, the environmental agency, etc.
- Local governments and their EPCIs (joint management associations): regions, departments, metropolitan areas, urban agglomerations, communities of municipalities, and municipalities, as well as river basin associations and joint river basin associations.
- Decentralized government agencies: DREAL, DDTM, DRAF, etc.
Applied Research for Biodiversity Conservation:
- Public Scientific and Technical Establishments (EPSTs) engaged in applied research: INRAE, IRD, CNRS, etc.
- EPICs: CIRAD, IFREMER, etc.
- Public and administrative agencies: OFB (formerly ONCFS and ONEMA), ONF, EPTB
- The R&D departments of major companies in the environmental, agricultural, energy, water, transportation, and construction sectors, among others: VEOLIA, PINK LADY, TOTAL, BOUYGUES, CNR, EGIS, ANTEA, etc.
Graduates’ transition into the workforce is facilitated by the program’s close alignment with students’ needs, through:
- ARTIO—the GE Master's Student Association,
- The Ecology Fair, organized annually by the GE master’s program,
- Company visits,
- The relationship with the IEGB alumni network (700 graduates since 2006),
- Open House and Career Days at the University of Montpellier.
Since this program has a strong international focus, graduates have the opportunity to join similar organizations abroad, where the University of Montpellier’s “reputation” is well-known and recognized due to its leading position in the Shanghai Ranking for the scientific discipline of ecology and its I-SITE accreditation through the MUSE Foundation. Similarly, the international subsidiaries of major French companies are also attracted to the program.
The results show that, out of 48 graduates, 53% are employed in their field of study, and 96% of them are in jobs that align with their career goals! On average, it takes 2.8 months to find their first job. The median salary is €1,495 net for jobs that are predominantly on fixed-term or permanent contracts. 7% continued their studies (including those pursuing a doctoral degree).
Employment outcomes for students who completed their IEGB training through an apprenticeship show that, overall, 90% of IEGB apprentices are employed after completing their apprenticeship, with about half of them remaining with the employer where they completed their apprenticeship.
The figures presented here pertain to the employment outcomes of the IEGB class of 2014–2015. The survey results are available at: https://sciences.edu.umontpellier.fr/entreprises-et-insertion/insertion-des-diplomes/les-enquetes-dinsertion/