Admission Pathways
At the L3 level, through the ENS Paris-Saclay entrance exam.
After completing a BCPST or TB preparatory class for the grandes écoles (CPGE), admission through the entrance exam grants the status of “normalien-élève.” Paid during their studies, “normalien-élèves” are required to succeed and are bound by a ten-year commitment.
At the M1 level, through application based on academic records and an interview, for the Master’s in Design Research.
Several types of admission to the M1 program are possible and result in different student statuses.
- To become a student at the École Normale Supérieure (and earn the master’s degree from the University and the ENS), use the e-candidature platform.
- To become a student (and earn the University’s Master’s degree only), use the Mon Master platform.
For the M2 level, admission is based on application materials and an interview.
For the M2 level, all admissions are processed through the Inception platform of Paris Saclay University. You can apply for the M2 Research in Design program, which is research-oriented, or the M2FEsup program, which is focused on design education.
Prerequisites
At the third-year Bachelor’s level: admission is exclusively for students coming from BCPST or TB preparatory classes for the grandes écoles (CPGE).
Admission to the Master’s program is open to holders of a DN MADe, the national diploma in arts and design from applied arts schools (bac +3), a DSAA, the advanced diploma in applied arts (bac +5), a DNAT (National Diploma in Art and Technology) or a DNAP (National Diploma in Visual Arts), a diploma from higher schools of art and design (bac +3), or a DNSEP (National Diploma in Visual Expression from higher schools of art and design) (bac + 5).
Candidates are trained in art and design and in project-based practice: graphic design, spatial design, product/object design, textile design, interaction design, service design… It is also open to students who have completed a third-year bachelor’s degree or a first- or second-year master’s degree at a university.
Desired Profiles
Students with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts must demonstrate a solid practical background and/or interest in design. The program’s research-oriented focus means that so-called “commissioned” work is not sufficient for admission.
The program also admits a small number of students with other backgrounds, such as graduates with a master’s degree in architecture or engineering, primarily through the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
Students are expected to already have:
- Solid practical experience in design within a specific field (graphic design, product design, textile design, etc.)
- An understanding of what design research entails is also required.
Applicants must be capable of developing a design project from start to finish in accordance with deadlines.
Curiosity is sought in candidates given the diversity of the program and its academic partnerships.
Independence and motivation are qualities sought in candidates.