The master is necessary as export product

Launched twenty-five years ago by the major schools, specialized masters (MS) were gradually conquered their public: more than 6500 registered, in total, in 2008. They now occupy a place in the range of complementary training. Today, there are more than 400 of these programs - some schools having same fact one of their key development axes.

Ransom of ce success, candidates are struggling sometimes make sense and make their choices, both offering has become bloated. But there are several key reading for these courses. First, we have to distinguish two main types of masters: general practitioners (marketing, finance, for example), or dealing with a sector of activity, and those who instead a highly specialized nature - it is often the case of the MS of engineering schools. Example: Teletypewriters, Telecom ParisTech, or engineering data from medical research, in central Paris. Result, the MS may be the way to build a second jurisdiction or, conversely, to specialize after a general initial curriculum.

Environment, biodiversity

Then, can distinguish full-time (the most numerous) masters, which attract priority for young graduates or frames with only a few years of experience, and the MS in "part time", for more experienced profiles. This second category is in full development.

As to the themes that emerge, it may be noted several trends. First, not surprisingly, environmental issues, biodiversity, sustainable development have the wind in its sails. The Esitc Caen offers a master's degree specializing in écomatériaux and sustainable development. Insa Lyon, a MS of environmental management. However attention to the effects of mode, which can create a bottleneck on the labour market.

Other themes prevalent: complex systems, innovation or even everything that concerns the analysis of the risk, the precautionary principle, security... This is the case of MS risk and reliability of organizations, EM Normandy. Add a few classics: purchasing, logistics, finance, audit... Themes always very requested and popular companies.

A product for export

The crossing of several disciplines within a same curriculum is another trend of the moment. "Some programs combine as mechanics, electronics and computer," notes Eric Parlebas, President of the commission of accreditation of the MS to the Conference of the grandes écoles. Others meet engineer skills and entrepreneurship, processes and materials or biology and agricultural science... "This evolution must be related to the development of complexity, analysis Eric Parlebas.". Everywhere, there is a need to work together from different disciplines: it is a factor for innovation. Enterprises should be able to talk to people from various backgrounds.

For its part, the Conference of the grandes écoles attaches to strengthen procedures for certification of masters programmes. "We have increased the requirements at all levels," said Eric Parlebas. On recruitment, for example: at least 70 of them should be carried out at level postmaster - in other words, to bac 5. On the links with businesses: they must be related to the curriculum, welcome trainees, offer jobs in the output. A MS to launched, finally, a real study of the potential opportunities market must have been conducted.

Note again the increasing international opening of the masters. They welcome more foreign students; they are interested in international issues; They shall cooperate with foreign institutions. Better yet, some MS to relocate. Enac will thus offer China a master's degree in management of airports; the school of mines ParisTech tackles it also to the Chinese market, with two MS in energy management and environment. The master is necessary as export product.

In this context, how his choice More than ever, candidates must enquire on the theme of the program and its articulation with their professional project, but also on the school which offers. Because all institutions do not have the same reputation and recruiters may be attentive to this aspect.