| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Audencia's 2-Year MSc in Management for Sustainable Business trains proactive professionals to drive sustainability in organizations. The program integrates social and environmental systems into business, equipping students with holistic strategies, technical expertise in CSR and sustainability practices, and skills for change leadership. Graduates can pursue roles in sustainability management, consulting, and other sustainability-related fields, addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
Program Outline
The program focuses on situating business within social and environmental systems, exploring complex global challenges and their relation to various business functions. Students develop holistic, inclusive, and sustainable strategies and business models, integrating stakeholders and sustainable development into core business practices. The curriculum equips students with technical expertise in CSR certification, auditing, reporting, and the latest sustainability developments across strategy, supply chain, finance, and accounting. It cultivates skills for proactive, innovative, and forward-thinking leadership and change instigation. The program explores critical issues like waste, circularity, diversity, and inclusion through interdisciplinary perspectives from experts and field actors. It fosters a critical, inquisitive, and creative spirit. The program director, Dr. Jennifer Goodman, highlights the urgency of sustainability challenges and the crucial role of business in addressing them. The program benefits include a broad sustainability vision combined with cutting-edge knowledge, specific tools and skills, insights from experts and practitioners, a professionalizing orientation (including external carbon footprint assessment certification), an interdisciplinary approach, learning-by-doing, place-based pedagogy through consulting and city projects, and attention to personal development, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and eco-anxiety management. The program is designed for those seeking to understand business's role in addressing complex grand challenges, develop holistic and sustainable strategies and business models, gain insights into functional area innovations, engage with diverse stakeholders, and acquire technical expertise in areas like carbon footprint assessment and CSR certification. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes personal development, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and essential soft skills such as stress management, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and empathy. A learning-by-doing approach encourages collaboration and active participation in real-world projects and case studies.
Outline:
The 2-year MSc program comprises 465 hours of training. The first year is compulsory and takes place in Nantes. The program includes:
- Advanced Management Courses (First Semester): Financial Analysis, Management Control, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurial project & business plan, Business Simulation, Customer Experience & Branding, Financing an International Project, Managing and leading a Team, Cyber Security, Foreign language, Sport.
- GAIA Courses (Ecological & Social Transition Management): Ecology and biodiversity, Climate science for business, Geopolitical strategies of energy and technology, Impact finance, Nature inspired innovation & marketing, Strategizing and ethical challenges, Spreading impact, Consulting project for sustainable business, Introduction to research methods, Foreign language, Sport.
- List of Courses: Systems Thinking and Sustainability, Sustainability across cultures, Sustainability Strategies, Building Sustainable Supply Chains, Leading Change for Sustainability, Materiality, Reporting and Auditing, Sustainability Certification, Financing for Sustainable Impact, Multi-capital accounting and ESG rating, People, Diversity and Rights, Recycling, Materials and Waste, Sustainable Design, Marketing and Consumption, Business Consulting Project, Sustainable Cities Project.
- Internship or Work Experience (4-6 months): A pre-professional experience in France or abroad, allowing practical application of acquired knowledge and skills.
- Master's Thesis: An in-depth study of a sustainability-related topic, combining theoretical and practical elements.
Assessment:
The program uses continuous monitoring, written exams, and a final dissertation.
Teaching:
The program uses a mix of theoretical and practical sequences (face-to-face or distance learning), employing business simulations, case studies, and interactive lessons.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for sustainability-related roles such as Sustainability Manager, CSR/Sustainability consultant, Head of CSR, CSR Analyst, and Social Entrepreneur. The MSc is also complementary to specializations in sustainable finance, circular economy, law/compliance, human resources, and the public sector. The Career & Corporate Relations Center provides support for internships, CVs, cover letters, and other career development needs.
Other:
The program has a satisfaction rate of 79%, an average annual salary of €41,000, and an average promotion age of 25. The program is taught in English and has a maximum duration of 26 months. There are 30 places available. The program is not accessible via Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE). Entry level is BAC +3, BAC +4. The program is located at the Audencia Atlantic Campus in Nantes. The program starts September 1st, 2025. After graduation, students can pursue the Agile Manager Certificate. The Knowledge Hub provides support for documentary research, database consultation, and bibliographic management. The degree is recognized as Grade Master, Visé BAC+5, with RNCP number 37936 and 120 ECTS credits. Audencia is committed to accessibility for students with disabilities.
Audencia Business School, located in Nantes, France, is a prestigious institution with over 120 years of history. It holds the esteemed "triple crown" accreditation—AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB—placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
Academic Excellence
Audencia offers a diverse range of programs, including:
- Master in Management (Grande École): Ranked 27th globally and 7th in France by the Financial Times Masters in Management 2023.
- Master in Management-Engineering Program: Combines engineering and management studies for a multidisciplinary approach.
- Master of Science (MSc) Degrees: 19 specialized programs in fields such as Supply Chain and Sustainability, Digital Marketing, Finance, and International Business.
- MBA Programs: Including a Full-time MBA and an Executive MBA.
International Exposure
With a student body of 7,200 representing over 130 nationalities and campuses in France, China, and Brazil, Audencia provides a truly global educational experience. The school maintains partnerships with over 300 universities and organizations worldwide, fostering cross-cultural competence and global networking opportunities.
Commitment to Sustainability
Audencia integrates corporate social responsibility and sustainable development into its curriculum and research activities. This commitment is reflected in partnerships with leading sustainability organizations and the emphasis on ethical leadership within its programs.
Campus Life
Students at Audencia benefit from a vibrant campus life, including:
- Student Clubs and Organizations: Over 50 groups covering interests such as sports, culture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural and Social Events: Festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and networking events throughout the year.
- Sports and Fitness Facilities: A modern sports center with a gym, fitness studio, and various sports facilities.
- International Diversity: A multicultural environment with students from over 100 nationalities.
- Student Services: Comprehensive support including career services, academic advising, counseling, and health services.
Entry Requirements:
Eligibility requirements for the 2-year MSc programs:
- Proficiency in English as demonstrated by one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT 84
- TOEIC 655
- IELTS 6.0
- Duolingo 100
- English-taught undergraduate program
- Native speaker
- 3-year or 4-year undergraduate degree in any field. Note that you can apply during the last year of your Bachelor’s studies.
- It should be noted that this is not an introductory course in sustainability. Candidates should already have an active interest and reasonable knowledge of the topic and should be prepared for courses to progress quickly. Participation, collaboration and proactive inquiry are highly encouraged and valued.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Proficiency in English is required, as demonstrated by one of the following: TOEFL iBT 84, TOEIC 655, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 100, an English-taught undergraduate program, or being a native English speaker.
