The Master of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environment (STPE) – Natural Resources and Risks of Tropical Environments (RNET) offers to train scientists at Baccalaureate +5 level in the applied and fundamental fields of geomatics and remote sensing applied to geosciences for the RNET – Risks, Geomatics and Remote Sensing (RGT) track, or atmospheric and climate sciences concerning the RNET – Atmosphere and Climate (AC) track, always in tropical regions.

The program is linked to the exceptional natural characteristics of Réunion Island and the tropical Indian Ocean, which are particularly vulnerable to geological risks (volcanism, tsunamis, floods), coastal risks (erosion, high swells), and atmospheric risks (cyclones, intense rainfall), as well as climate change (sea level fluctuations, increased frequency of extreme weather events). The objective of the STPE-RNET Master's program is to train experts in the management of these natural risks, as well as in the management of natural resources and sustainable development in tropical environments.

The RNET Master's program, supported by three Joint Research Units (UMRs) within the Réunion Island Observatory of Earth Sciences (OSU-Réunion), draws upon internationally recognized laboratories in the fields of environmental observation and management, risk management, and tropical territories. Regardless of the chosen specialization (Risks, Geomatics and Remote Sensing, or Atmosphere and Climate), the RNET Master's program emphasizes the ongoing connection between observation, measurements (fieldwork, laboratory, observatories, Earth observation satellites), data processing, modeling, and operational integration. For this reason, the curriculum is divided between disciplines closely related to observation and fieldwork, and others that are more quantitative.

Educational goals :

The educational objective of the RNET Master's program is to train students to a high level of technical and scientific skills in the fields of geosciences and atmospheric sciences. Emphasis is placed on cutting-edge operational tools such as geomatics, remote sensing, programming, database management, and numerical modeling, which are essential skills for risk and natural resource management, as well as for environmental planning. To apply these skills to concrete case studies in tropical environments, students will need a thorough understanding of the geological, physical, and chemical concepts underlying the functioning of the Earth and its atmosphere.

Training opportunities:

The STPE RNET Master's program responds to a need in the socio-professional world, locally in the territories of Reunion and Mayotte, and internationally in the Indian Ocean (in Madagascar and the Comoros in particular), to train scientists at the bac+5 level for careers in geosciences, geomatics and atmospheric sciences.

The RNET Master's program also aligns with the strategic objectives of the University of Reunion Island to offer top-tier training in the fields of ecological transition, environmental management, and societal resilience to natural hazards. Finally, our RNET Master's program reflects the University of Reunion Island's commitment to research-based training, through its affiliation with three Joint Research Units (UMRs) and the OSU-Reunion, and to professional development, through its numerous interactions with the local business community.

• A training in geosciences and geomatics or in atmospheric and climate sciences, dedicated to the management of risks, resources and the environment in tropical environments.
• An excellent rate of integration into the local and national socio-professional world, or into the pursuit of studies towards obtaining a doctorate in geomatics, geosciences or atmospheric and climate physics.
• The opening of the RNET Master's program to universities in the Indian Ocean sub-region (particularly in Madagascar and South Africa), via collaboration agreements and a joint degree procedure currently underway.
• A strong commitment to the training of researchers and engineers (National Center for Scientific Research) - CNRS, Research Institute for Development – ​​IRD, Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development – ​​CIRAD, etc.) federated by OSU-Réunion, and stakeholders from the local, regional and international socio-economic fabric.
• A strong interdisciplinary approach, linking geosciences, geomatics and climate scienceThis original integrated approach makes it possible to analyze environmental risks in a tropical context.l, to strengthen the sustainable management of resources and the development of scientific and operational approaches to support the adaptation of societies and territories to climate change.

Total hours worked: 689 hours

M1: 394 hours

M2: 295 hours

Master 1:

The first semester (30 ECTS) is common to both the RGT and AC tracks and aims to teach the core knowledge (geodynamics) and key quantitative tools that will be applied to environmental issues in subsequent semesters (remote sensing, programming, GIS, statistics). This semester includes 60 hours of English, comprising 30 hours of language instruction, 24 hours of disciplinary instruction (geodynamics) in English, and at least 6 hours of seminars in English. A portion of the coursework (14 hours of teaching hours) is shared with other Master's programs.

In the second half (30 ECTS), part of the coursework is common to both tracks and covers fundamental knowledge and tools for engineering applied to natural hazard management in tropical environments (signal processing, modeling, hydrology). The other course units are specific to each track:

• In the RGT course, the emphasis is placed on the prospecting and management of renewable resources in tropical environments (water, renewable energies wind, solar and geothermal) and the associated risks.
• In the AC course, the focus is on atmospheric risks and their evolution in a context of climate change.

An internship validating 6 ECTS credits is planned in the second half of this last semester of M1.

Master 2:

The first semester of the M2 (30 ECTS) – Risks, Geomatics and Remote Sensing (RGT) track,  This course focuses on the assessment, planning, and management of natural hazards (coastal, land-related, and hydrological hazards, environmental planning), using the tools and skills developed in year 1. Emphasis is placed on geomatics and remote sensing tools (satellite image processing, GIS, remote sensing). Part of the "satellite observation" course is shared with the AC track. A research seminar course is partially taught in English (approximately 4 hours).

The first semester of the M2 (30 ECTS) – Atmosphere and Climate (AC) track is dedicated to the development of methods for observing, analyzing and predicting climatic phenomena and atmospheric risks through physical and chemical observation and instrumentation, on the one hand, and through numerical modeling on the other.

The second semester of the M2 (30 ECTS) – RGT and AC tracks is dedicated to the internship.

The skills acquired during this training are in line with those of the RNCP record.

Specific skills for the RNET-Risks, Geomatics and Remote Sensing (RGT) program: 

• Identify a natural risk context based on the geological and hydrological environment and report on it using a geomatics tool.
• Monitoring natural hazards by choosing and managing the implementation of a measurement campaign project adapted to geological characteristics and respecting environmental issues and the needs of society.
• Interpret geophysical, geochemical, geotechnical data and geological information sources by interacting with all stakeholders and mobilizing the necessary team or services.
• Formalize and model the hydro-mechanical behavior of the subsoil in interaction with the planned protection structures.
• To establish technical and economic solutions for the implementation of a protection structure project, incorporating considerations of sustainable development issues and ethics.
• Formalize a call for tenders for the construction of suitable protection works by interacting with all stakeholders and mobilizing a team or the necessary services.
• Contextualize the sample within its environment.
• Knowing how to test the representativeness of samples.
• Interpret and analyze geological, geochemical and geophysical data.
• Providing environmental condition assessments (soil, water) at different territorial scales.
• Build, populate and manage an environmental database.
• Identify and evaluate the potential of geological resources based on geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological data for exploitation.
• To choose, implement and manage a prospecting project adapted to the targeted natural resource by interacting with all stakeholders and mobilizing a team or the necessary services.
• Analyze geophysical, geochemical, geotechnical data and geological information sources, integrate them into a geo-modeler and formalize the problem for the purpose of modeling subsurface transfers and deformations.
• Define an operating strategy and establish technical and economic solutions for the realization of a project by integrating a reflection on the issues of sustainable development and ethics adapted to the local context in France or internationally.
• Interpret geophysical, geochemical, geotechnical data and geological information sources; formalize the problem for the purpose of modeling subsurface transfers and deformations.

Specific skills for the RNET – Atmosphere and Climate (AC) pathway:

• Scientific and technological monitoring: Maintaining active observation of advances and innovations in the fields of meteorology, climate and the environment, by analyzing scientific publications, satellite and in situ data, as well as emerging digital tools, in order to stay up-to-date on current methodologies and issues.
• Climate and environmental diagnosis: Develop comprehensive analyses and assessments of atmospheric and environmental systems by mobilizing various datasets (satellite, field, numerical models) and theoretical and practical knowledge, to quantify and interpret climatic phenomena and their impacts.
• Critical scientific approach: Design and conduct rigorous scientific investigations into atmosphere-surface interactions, climatic processes and environmental disturbances, applying critical thinking to the interpretation of results and the formulation of robust conclusions.
• Modeling and experimentation: Simulating and analyzing atmospheric processes and their interactions with ocean and land surfaces, using numerical approaches (climate models, statistics, machine learning – machine learning algorithm ) and experimental (field observations, laboratory), and by evaluating the relevance and limitations of the methods used.
• Innovation and solving emerging problems: Identify new or complex scientific and technical challenges in climatology and meteorology, and propose solutions based on recent methodologies, including the use of innovative instrumental data and the development of advanced digital tools.
• Societal application and decision support: Translating scientific knowledge and the results of observations or simulations into operational recommendations for public and private actors, in order to contribute to climate risk management, adaptation to climate change and the formulation of informed environmental policies.

• M1: a 2-month internship
• M2: a 6-month internship

Registration fees are set annually by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and are available on our institution's website: Register at the University of Reunion

• Demonstrate academic excellence, or even progression during higher education.
• Demonstrate consistency between the candidate's academic project and their training.
• To promote the diversity of one's experiences and background.
• Demonstrate mastery of scientific concepts and tools, analytical and synthesis skills, writing skills, and proficiency in English.
• To be autonomous, involved, rigorous and punctual.

• Results obtained throughout the entire course since the baccalaureate included (both in the overall average of the course, of each year and of each semester), in courses related to the RNET master's program (Earth sciences, physics, physical geography, engineering, environmental sciences, etc.).
• A career path and professional project consistent with the training are expected.
• Highlight the strengths and unique aspects of your career path. In particular, explain how any gap years, professional experiences, or other training contribute to your career goals.
• Transcripts in the disciplines corresponding to the prerequisites of the course (examples: programming, statistics, Earth or environmental sciences, physics or geophysics).
• Structuring the application file, CV and cover letter, and content of letters of recommendation.

• Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences,
• Bachelor's degree in Physics,
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering,
• Geography degree
• Engineering schools

Depending on the student's situation, applications for admission to the first year of the Master's program (M1) follow three specific procedures (the national platform MonMaster, Études en France, Validation of Acquired Experience). For more information, please consult the university's student services page. Enroll in the first year of a Master's program

Baccalaureate + 3 or equivalent

Baccalaureate + 3 or equivalent

16 seats.

The admission dates for the first year of the Master's degree (M1) are set nationally each year and are available on the platform. My Master

For admission to the second year of the Master's program (M2), the schedule is determined by the institution. It is available on the student services page of the university website: Students re-registering

Success rate for the 2023-2024 academic year:

• M1: 90%
• M2: 90%

Doctorate in geosciences, geomatics or atmospheric sciences

The sectors of activity and types of employment targeted by this training correspond to those listed in the RNCP record

• Engineer in design office or in industry, in the fields of environment, Building and Public Works (BTP), geotechnics, natural resources and risks, renewable energies, hydrology, or hydrogeology.
• Local authorities and government bodies (town halls, groups of municipalities, regional or departmental councils, prefectures, the Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing – DEAL, etc.)
• Science communicator in museums related to geosciences and the environment.
• Research careers (after a Master's or Doctorate) in companies, consulting firms, and environmental or meteorological agencies
• Research and Development in Doctoral Studies
• Research careers (post-PhD) in large organizations: researcher, lecturer-researcher, physicist, research engineer, Universities, CNRS, Observatories, Météo France, IRD, …