University of Technology of Compiègne

The University of Technology of Compiègne (Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UTC) is a public research university located in Compiègne, France. The university has both the status of public university and grande école. It was founded in 1972 as the first experimental Institute of Technology in France. The university is a founding member of Sorbonne University Association, a group composed of French leading academic and research institutions, which alumni and faculty include 19 Nobel laureates and 7 Fields Medalists. A fundamental principle of the UTC is the education of both engineers and citizens inspired by humanist philosophy. Beyond an education in basic sciences (e.g. Mathematics, theoretical physics) and engineering sciences (e.g. thermodynamics, polymer physics), the curriculum also has a strong emphasise on humanities and social sciences (e.g. philosophy, history of science and engineering, journalism). The overarching goal is to form humanist scientists and technologists capable of solving problems within a conscious and ethical framework of environmental, social, and societal consequences. The university teaching model is a mix between North American and French traditions. The overall curriculum is five years: The first two years are dedicated to basic sciences, while the last three years are focused to engineering sciences. Students typically enter directly after the Baccalauréat, but can also integrate the engineering schools during the third year. Students form their own curriculum by selecting their classes, which are complemented by assisted classwork (French: Travaux dirigés) and applied laboratory work (French: Travaux pratiques). The university is organised into five Schools of Engineering, namely of (in alphabetical order) Biological Engineering, Computational engineering, Mechanical engineering, Process engineering, and Urban engineering. The university comprises 9 Research Units within the different Schools of Engineering and offers around 30 degree programs in twenty fields, leading to different bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.