The Béziers University Institute of Technology is betting on the digital economy
The Béziers University Institute of Technology, a little-known branch of the University of Montpellier, places new technologies at the heart of its identity. It is a hub of dynamism, focused on the economy of the future.
Plaza in front of the Béziers University Institute of Technology
Digital technology is its hallmark. From the very first glance, the high-tech identity ofthe Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT) is immediately apparent. The ultra-modern building generates electricity via solar panels and recycles rainwater. At night, its facade—symbolizing networks—glows blue. Inside, a lecture hall with light wood paneling and seminar and lab rooms sit alongside a learning lab, a welcoming collaborative learning space housed in a vast gallery of colorful rectangles, like a reimagined Mondrian.
The facilities available to the approximately 500 students are clearly state-of-the-art: a film studio, motion capture equipment, virtual reality headsets, 3D scanners, drones, cutting-edge software… Starting in the 2017 academic year, a learning center will open its doors—a modern, education-focused library equipped with digital tablets and soundproof partitions. The IUT even has a department dedicated to educational innovation, constantly on the lookout for new techniques to offer to faculty members.
Here, the selective program is firmly focused on information and communication technologies. This is the common thread linking its three DUTs (university technology diplomas), which are two-year post-secondary programs: multimedia and internet professions, marketing techniques, and networks and telecommunications. Various three-year degree programs round out its educational offerings. These include a professional bachelor’s degree in networks and telecommunications, as well as two university diplomas (DU): a DU in entrepreneurship in new technologies, and the DUETI, which allows students to spend a year studying abroad after earning their DUT.
A testament to its dynamism,the Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT) was one of the first to host a Fab Lab, now in its fourth year of operation. With its 3D printer, connected devices, and botanical space, this facility fosters mutual support and the exchange of skills among people from diverse backgrounds and generations. To round out the educational experience, international outreach is a reality here. Each year, around twenty students go abroad, while the IUT welcomes about twenty international students.
The IUT as seen by a student
Romain Torres, a first-year student in multimedia and internet studies
“I’m from Toulouse, and I chose this program because I’m interested in communication, audiovisual media, and programming. The IUT is a small, intimate school, and the building is brand-new and nice to look at. The atmosphere is good, even though there isn’t much interaction between students from different programs.”
In the first year of the DUT program, we take a wide variety of courses; we haven’t specialized yet, but I feel like we’re learning a lot, especially about creative, audiovisual, and graphic design software. Another highlight, in my opinion, is the extensive range of equipment available.
The student union, or “corpo,” which organizes events and parties, is very active. Since the start of the 2016 school year, there has been a student radio station that broadcasts online every Thursday evening. There are two of us running it, and five or six people are participating in the shows for now. We cover all kinds of topics, and it’s open to everyone. We hope the radio station will grow with more participants next year.”
Key Figures
- 8,400 square meters
- 487 students
- 35 affiliated teachers
- 19 administrative staff members
- 6 degrees
- 1992: Establishment of the Department of Marketing Techniques, a branch campus of the Montpellier University Institute of Technology (IUT)
- 2008: Establishment of the Béziers University Institute of Technology as a fully-fledged university institute
- 2011: Inauguration of the new HQE building on Place du 14 Juillet
The initiative: 48 hours to mentor startups!
The Béziers business incubator asked them to do it, and they did. Students from the marketing technology department organized an entrepreneurs’ fair from June 8 to 10 on the IUT campus. The goal: to enable the Innovosud business incubator to mentor about ten project leaders from the Béziers region over the course of two days. This is sure to get the most promising future entrepreneurs from Béziers off to a strong start.