1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Program Overview

Audencia's 1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management equips future leaders to integrate sustainability into all facets of luxury business. This program, which was developed in collaboration with the WWF, combines luxury industry knowledge with expertise in social and ecological sustainability. Students engage in real-world learning, including internships, company visits, and case studies, to gain expertise in luxury value chains, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. Graduates are prepared for successful careers across all luxury segments, including marketing, retail, operations, and sustainability roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The 1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management is the first program of its kind designed by a French business school. Its aim is to train the next generation of leaders in the luxury industry, equipping them to integrate sustainable thinking into all business aspects. Audencia, a leading and pioneering school in sustainability (first French school to sign the UN Global Compact in 2004), developed the program in partnership with organizations like the WWF and its own Gaïa school (focused on ecological and social transition). The program professionalizes students across three sustainability segments: people, planet, and profit, covering personal luxury goods (fashion, beauty, watches, jewelry), experiential luxury (hospitality, gastronomy, wine & spirits, art, travel), and luxury transportation (cars, ferries, jets). Courses, developed by experienced luxury industry professionals and supported by LVMH, Richemont Group, and Chanel, are experiential and closely aligned with industry realities. The program is held at Audencia's new Paris campus and is the first Master of Science in France to combine luxury and sustainable management training.

Outline:

The program covers the anthropology and history of luxury, including cross-cultural perspectives, to provide a global vision. It also examines the functional aspects of human resources and financial management within luxury companies, specializing in their economic models. The entire luxury value chain is analyzed, focusing on sustainable and responsible marketing and supply chain modules through research, case studies, and projects. The transformation of the luxury industry and its integration of social and environmental considerations (from sourcing to distribution) are also studied. The curriculum includes modules such as: Introduction to the Luxury Culture; Luxury Organizations; Luxury Client Expectations; Sustainable Luxury Creation; Sustainable Innovation; Social and Sustainable Luxury Entrepreneurship; Managing Complex Business Relationships; Luxury Retailing; Sustainable Supply Chain Management; Digital Transformation; Luxury Digital and Social Media Marketing; Sustainable Luxury Leadership; Principles of Finance and Law; and a Sustainable Brand Creation Workshop. The program also includes a 4-6 month internship in France or abroad, providing real-world professional experience, and a Master's thesis allowing for in-depth study of a relevant topic. The program adopts a global luxury approach, encompassing Personal Luxury Goods (apparel, fashion, accessories, perfume, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, shoes), Luxury Transportation (cars, ships/yachts, planes/jets), and Experiential Luxury (hospitality, gastronomy, travel, wellness, wine & spirits, art & design). The program structure is based on three pillars: PEOPLE (responsible leadership development), PLANET (sustainable business practices), and PROFIT (value creation within the industry).

Assessment:

The text mentions continuous monitoring, table exams, and a final dissertation as assessment methods.

Teaching:

The program bridges academics and business, emphasizing professional expertise and teamwork in international contexts. Learning involves real-case studies, company visits (e.g., Château de Versailles, Champagne cellars, luxury ateliers, high-end hotels, retail environments), and guest speakers from the luxury industry. Teaching methods include theoretical courses, case studies, practical exercises, group projects, and potentially distance learning components (although this is not explicitly stated).

Careers:

Upon completion, graduates can pursue various positions across the luxury industry at all levels, combining luxury management with sustainability practices. Potential roles include Marketing, Retail, and Sales positions (Marketing and Communications Manager, Brand and Product Manager, Sales Manager, Trade Marketing Manager, Merchandising and Digital Marketing Manager, Digital Transformation Manager, Social Media Manager, Omnichannel Manager, Visual Merchandising Manager); Luxury Industry-Specific Purchasing and Logistics roles (Supply Chain & Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager); and other transversal positions within the luxury industry. The program has close relationships with leading luxury houses, including LVMH's INSIDE LVMH program, which offers students significant career advantages.

Other:

The program is partnered with LVMH, allowing student participation in their INSIDE LVMH talent search and recruitment program. Successful completion of the online training leads to LVMH certification. The program director, Dr. Michaela Merk, is a professor of marketing at Audencia and a recognized expert in luxury brand leadership. She has extensive experience in the luxury industry and is a highly sought-after speaker and trainer. Audencia provides career support services to help students with internships, CVs, cover letters, and job searching. The school also boasts a large alumni network (37,000 alumni and 7,200 students from 100 nationalities) offering networking opportunities. Audencia also offers a comprehensive student well-being service and a Knowledge Hub to support students' research needs. The program leads to a Master of Science degree (Grade Master, Visé BAC+5), with 60 ECTS credits. The program is taught in English, and while competence in French is a plus, it is not a requirement.