Master Informatique — M1 - Foundations of Computer Science

Institut polytechnique de Paris offers Master Informatique, with its first year, M1 Foundations of Computer Science, taught in French at the institute's Saclay site. This track covers the theoretical foundations of computer science, the field concerned with the mathematical and logical principles underlying computation, algorithms, and programming, forming the basis for more applied areas of computing. Students in a program of this kind typically study algorithms and complexity theory, formal logic, discrete mathematics, and programming language theory, alongside coursework that builds a rigorous understanding of how computation works at a fundamental level. Coursework often includes the analysis of algorithm efficiency, the study of computability and what problems can or cannot be solved by computers, and formal methods for verifying that software behaves correctly. Many programs in this area also introduce students to research-oriented topics in theoretical computer science, preparing them for further study or research careers. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software engineers with a strong theoretical grounding, researchers in computer science laboratories, or roles in fields requiring rigorous algorithmic thinking, such as cryptography, formal verification, or programming language design. Many continue toward doctoral research in theoretical computer science or related mathematical fields, given the research-oriented nature of this kind of foundational training. As the M1, this track represents the first year of a two-year master's degree at Institut polytechnique de Paris, beginning in September, with annual tuition of 250 EUR. Since instruction is conducted in French, students should be ready to study mathematical and theoretical computer science concepts in French throughout their time at the Saclay campus.