What are the benefits of taking a course to prepare for the agrégation?
Preparing for the Biology Agrégation (BBB or SV-STU) at ENS Paris Saclay is part of a Master’s 2 program in “teaching” known as the Master’s 2 in Higher Education Training (M2 FESup) in life sciences. This M2 program is open to all students who hold an M1 degree in the relevant fields, regardless of whether they have completed the DER in biology. It leads to a Master’s in Biology and Health (starting in 2026, this will be the Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology) from Paris Saclay University.
The primary purpose of the program is to prepare students for the highly selective Agrégation exam administered by the Ministry of National Education. Nevertheless, it allows all students who are curious and passionate about science to deepen their knowledge of biology (and geosciences, where applicable) and to gain a cross-disciplinary and integrated understanding of their field.
This master’s program combines a very high-level scientific education with teacher training.
This program is intended for students with a solid general knowledge base and an interest in the sciences, as well as the ability to synthesize information and think critically.
Aside from a desire to teach, what other reasons are there to prepare for the agrégation?
1. Deepen and consolidate your foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge
This program is therefore naturally geared toward students who wish to acquire a broad range of knowledge with an integrated and interdisciplinary perspective.
2. Acquire essential skills
Develop analytical skills
Develop synthesis skills
Refine written and oral communication skills in both expression and the design of materials.
3. Gain additional career opportunities
Passing the agrégation exam (in addition to completing the M2 FEsup program) qualifies you for a secondary school teaching position (middle school and high school). The agrégation also opens the door to positions in higher education: in CPGE (BCPST or TB), BTS, IUT, and university (PRAG position), for example.
4. Staying Connected to Research
Through numerous lectures led by researchers, as well as through practical workshops, the program remains grounded in research (even if that is not its primary goal). Students are exposed to data, experiments, and the results of recent research.
This is particularly true for the BBB agrégation, through the analysis of scientific portfolios based on recent reviews and articles from international scientific journals.
Conclusion
The FESUp M2 in Life Sciences is therefore intended for students wishing to pursue a career in secondary or higher education with a strong disciplinary focus; but also to future science communicators, faculty members, researchers, or scientists seeking to strengthen their oral, writing, and communication skills.