The Master in Quality, Health, Safety (QHSE) at Aix-Marseille University is a long-established program designed to train experts in QHSE management systems. It offers a transversal, multidisciplinary, and managerial approach, suitable for students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. The program focuses on developing managers who can drive continuous improvement and contribute to sustainable competitiveness within organizations. This Master's degree prepares students to become proactive leaders in various management systems, including energy, business continuity, and quality of life at work, in addition to traditional QSE domains. Graduates will be equipped to advise management on QHSE strategy, set objectives, implement initiatives, and ensure continuous improvement across different sectors and company types. The program is offered exclusively as an apprenticeship, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying. It is structured around a competency-based approach, emphasizing active learning through problem and project-based modules (APP) combined with essential core knowledge and transversal skills development.
The Master QHSE follows a unique path, 'Management Systems and Operational Excellence' (SMEOP), delivered exclusively through an apprenticeship model. The curriculum is structured around a competency-based approach, with most teaching units (UEs) organized into Problem and Project Based Learning (APP) sequences. These APPs enable students to actively discover new concepts by solving real-world problems. Complementary modules provide foundational knowledge and transversal skills essential for QHSE professions, such as communication and methods. The program also includes UEs related to the professional world and research preparation. The rhythm is one month in the company, one month in training.
Graduates of the Master QHSE program are well-prepared for a variety of roles across all sectors that require expertise in quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems. The program's focus on developing management and operational excellence skills ensures graduates are highly sought after in the job market.
Admission is competitive and based on application file review, potentially a written exam, and an interview. Securing an apprenticeship or professionalization contract with a company is mandatory for enrollment in this program. Candidates are expected to actively search for their contracts, though the Master's team shares offers from partner companies and assists selected candidates in their search. All mission proposals must be validated by the pedagogical team before contract signing.
Tuition fees for apprenticeship programs in France are typically covered by the employer and/or the regional government, meaning students may not pay tuition directly. However, it is crucial for international students to verify their specific fee status and funding conditions directly with the university's admissions office for the Master QHSE program, as rules may vary.
The Master program is part of Aix-Marseille University's Faculty of Sciences.
The application deadline for the first session is March 16, 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will follow in late March or early April.
The programme is not explicitly stated as being taught in English, however, English language test results are required for admission, suggesting proficiency is necessary. Students should confirm the language of instruction directly with the university.
For M1 entry, completion of 180 ECTS credits (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, humanities, or exact sciences is required. For M2 entry, a scientific M1 degree, a degree in management, or an engineering school diploma is needed. Professionals in paramedical and medical fields are also eligible for M2.
This program is exclusively offered as an apprenticeship. Students must secure an apprenticeship contract with a company, and the rhythm is one month in the company followed by one month of training.
Tuition fees for this apprenticeship program are often covered by the employer or regional government. International students must verify their specific fee status and funding conditions directly with Aix-Marseille University's admissions office.
Graduates can pursue roles such as Quality Manager/Engineer, QHSE Manager, Integrated Management Systems Manager, or Consultant in QHSE across various sectors.