Combining theoretical and professional studies, the IUTs (University Institutes of Technology) attract many students each year.
They train students in several diplomas such as the University Bachelor of Technology (BUT), Professional License (LP) but also University Diploma (DU)...
What is an IUT?
The initials IUT stand for
University Institute of Technology
.
It was in 1966 that this new teaching structure saw the light of day, on the initiative of Christian Fouchet who then held the position of Minister of National Education.
France is then in the midst of a period of growth, both economically and demographically.
The job market is therefore booming, and France is seriously lacking in senior technicians.
In 1965, the first four IUTs were created on an experimental basis.
They are located in Nancy with a specialty in applied biology, Paris (electronics), Rouen (chemistry) and Toulouse (mechanical construction).
The objective of these IUTs is to create a national diploma
combining theoretical, practical and methodological knowledge,
similar to what is done in the United States in community colleges and junior colleges.
Thus, teaching is not only provided by traditional teachers but also by
teacher-researchers and working professionals
.
At a time when technical education is little valued, this training combining studies and concrete professional learning is a small revolution.
Allowing both rapid access to the job market or the pursuit of higher studies, the IUTs have achieved great success.
Since their creation,
more than two million graduates
have graduated from this course.
As for the number of IUTs, structures attached to universities, as their name indicates, it has continued to increase, with today more than a hundred establishments spread throughout France.
Training offered by the IUTs
The BUT is the best-known diploma and represents the most students trained.
But other diplomas are offered.
Here is the list of major diplomas offered by the IUTs.
University Bachelor of Technology (BUT)
Professional license (LP)
University Diploma (DU)
State diploma (DE)
Professional Qualification Certifications (CQP)
No exams but compulsory attendance
Unlike traditional training, the BUT is not obtained by passing final tests (partials or final exam), but by daily work, evaluated by continuous assessment.
It should also be noted that the internship in a company is taken into account in this evaluation.
The University Institutes of Technology (IUT) thus allow you to benefit from the advantages of studying at the University (moderate price, research, means, recognition)... with additional support for all students wishing to be “supervised”.
Lectures are compulsory unlike the traditional license.
BUT, star diploma of the IUT
Since its creation and for more than fifty years, students joining a University Institute of Technology embarked on a course of only two years, at the end of which they could obtain
a DUT (University Diploma of Technology)
.
Although the formula appealed to many candidates, it posed a small problem when it came to continuing their studies.
In fact, these two years did not subsequently allow direct integration into the LMD university system, namely License, Doctorate, Master.
Indeed, although some graduate students choose each year to enter the world of work directly, they are far from being the majority, and most continue their studies after obtaining the DUT.
It was therefore necessary to complete a professional license allowing them to obtain a Bac+3 level, the gateway to a Master's degree.
Read alsoBac +3: License, Bachelor, BUT... which diploma to choose?
In 2021, the IUTs underwent a major reform with the
creation of a three-year cycle at the end of which students can obtain a BUT
(University Bachelor of Technology).
Note that the DUT does not disappear from the landscape.
It can still be obtained in two years and serve as an intermediate diploma, provided that you have validated at least 120 ECTS, an Anglophile acronym meaning European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, which can be translated as European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. accumulation of credits.
As for the BUT, obtaining it requires accumulating at least 180 of these ECTS credits.
This transition to a Bac+3 level
is therefore equivalent to a classic Bachelor but also to a University License.
It has two major advantages.
On the one hand, it better corresponds to the demand of companies looking for new employees if you opt for professional integration as soon as you graduate.
On the other hand, it allows you to directly enter a Master's degree if you wish to deepen your studies.
In addition, and this is not insignificant, it is also recognized at European level, which can leave the door open to additional studies abroad.
Also note that the IUTs can offer work-study training which further accentuates the professional aspect of these studies.
How to join an IUT?
Joining a University Institute of Technology
first involves passing the Baccalaureate
.
It can be a general Baccalaureate but also a professional Baccalaureate.
Depending on the desired sector, a professional Baccalaureate can even be a plus for your application file, since the IUT also combines theoretical training and professional training.
As a result, the internships carried out during your Baccalaureate, and even more so if they are coupled with apprenticeship training, can prove to be real assets.
Read also Parcoursup: 10 steps to register and enter your wishes
For the rest, as for entry into the university, you will have to
go through the
Parcoursup platform
to register
.
The preparation of application files begins in April and it is important not to fall behind.
This is all the more true as
applications for admission to IUT are much greater than the number of places available
, proof of the attractiveness of this sector combining theory and professional practices.
If you are not taken directly, be aware that you may find yourself on a waiting list, as withdrawals are possible along the way, until September.
Your
application file
must include your school file which includes all your first grade reports as well as the first two of your final year.
Grades are therefore important, but it is not the only criterion taken into account.
The behavior in class, the progress of the student, the seriousness in his work throughout these two years are particularly scrutinized.
A hard-working student with lower grades than another can easily be retained.
Motivation is also a very important criterion
, hence the importance of taking good care of the cover letter which must be attached to your file.
If you have precise objectives and a coherent professional project, you greatly increase your chances of being selected.
You can also attach other documents to this file that will help you stand out.
Community involvement, passions, small jobs done here and there, or internships are important elements that allow you to bring out your personality and see if it corresponds well to the targeted studies.
In summary, academic attitude, desire, motivation, clarity of objective are key factors which will allow you to integrate the IUT of your choice.
Opportunities after going to IUT
Even if it depends on the chosen sector, some being more promising than others in terms of employment,
a transition to IUT facilitates access to the job market
.
Indeed, companies greatly appreciate the profile of these students who have had professional education in addition to theory.
In addition, the creation of the BUT makes it possible to obtain a Bac+3 diploma equivalent to a License.
A real plus for recruiters and which allows you to enrich your CV.
Technicians, assistant engineers, middle managers…
the profile of IUT students is attractive
.
Professional integration directly upon leaving the IUT is therefore entirely possible and it is therefore advisable to prepare well for your job interview.
This is also possible for those who stop after two years of obtaining their DUT.
They can therefore directly choose the world of work or opt for a professional degree.
Also read: GOAL or bachelor?
Budget, teaching method… how to choose your future Bac + 3 training
Nevertheless, a large number of students, even the majority, choose to continue their studies.
Among them, many choose to stay within the university system to complete a Master's degree and reach a Bac+5 level.
Engineering schools also readily welcome students who have gone through the IUT course, as do business and management schools.
It is also possible to continue your studies abroad, an experience that is particularly attractive to companies.
It is even possible to integrate this experience abroad during the BUT.
Thus, a student can spend a semester, or even a full year in another country or carry out their internships there, knowing that it is necessary to complete 22 to 26 weeks of internships during a BUT.
The different University Bachelors of Technology (BUT)
As indicated above, there are more than
108 IUTs attached to French universities
.
A large network which makes it possible to cover the entire metropolitan territory.
Within these IUTs, there are different sectors, all open to learning, and it is possible to register
for 24 University Bachelors of Technology
, of which here is the complete list:
BUT CJ (Legal Careers)
GOAL CS (Social Careers)
PURPOSE Chemistry
BUT GB (Biological Engineering)
GOAL GCCD (Sustainable Civil Engineering Construction)
GOAL GCGP (Chemical Engineering Process Engineering)
BUT GEII (Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing)
BUT GIM (Industrial Engineering and Maintenance)
GOAL GMP (Mechanical and Production Engineering)
GOAL GACO (Administrative and Commercial Management of Organizations)
BUT GEA (Business and Administration Management)
BUT Info (IT)
GOAL InfoCom (Information-Communication)
HSE GOAL (Hygiene, Safety, Environment)
BUT MLT (Logistics and Transport Management)
GOAL MP (Physical Measurements)
BUT MT2E (Transition and Energy Efficiency Professions)
BUT MMI (Multimedia and Internet professions)
QLIO GOAL (Quality, Industrial Logistics and Organization)
BUT PEC (Packaging, Packaging and Conditioning)
BUT R&T (Networks and Telecommunications)
BUT SGM (Materials Science and Engineering)
BUT SD (Data Science)
BUT TC (Marketing Technique)
Choosing to study at an IUT and thus quickly acquire professional skills is therefore very interesting in terms of employment.
This explains the success of these courses and therefore the need to present a solid application to obtain a place.