1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Discover our program

The MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management is the first program designed by a business school in France to train the next generation of leaders in all facets of the demanding luxury industry and preparing them to integrate sustainable thinking into every aspect of the business, which has become the biggest strategic focus for luxury houses in the coming years. 

Audencia is a leading school and pioneer in sustainability. In 2004, Audencia became the first French school to sign the UN Global Compact, demonstrating its commitment to global sustainability. It has partnered with organizations such as the WWF and established Gaïa, the first French business school exclusively focused on social and ecological transition.

In order to professionalize students in all 3 segments in sustainability, the courses focus both on issues to improve the condition of people, our planet and the concern of profit. 

In a global and international approach, students are trained in all main luxury segments: Personal Luxury Goods (fashion, beauty, watches & jewelery etc.), Experiential Luxury (hospitality, gastronomy, wine & spirits, art and travel) and Luxury Transportation (cars, ferries, jets).

The courses, developed by highly experienced luxury industry professionals, cover a wide range of topics from product development to marketing, communications, digital management, finance, logistics, law and entrepreneurship.  

Supported by the most iconic luxury groups like LVMH, Richemont Group or Chanel and a professional board of luxury experts, the program's teaching is experiential,  engaging and close to the luxury reality. 

Overall, this future focused master program, held at the new Audencia campus in Paris, is the first Master of Science in France to train students both in Luxury and Sustainable Management.

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Summary
  • Rhythm:
    Full time
  • Total duration:
    14 months maximum
  • Degree:
    Master of science - Grade Master, Visé BAC+5
  • Language(s):
    English
  • Format:
    In person
  • Campus:
    Paris Campus - Paris
  • Start Date:
    2024-09-02
  • Number of places:
    30
  • VAE accessible:
    No
  • Entry level:
    BAC +4
  • Duration of internship / Work experience:
    4-6 months
  • Training schedule:
    The 1-year MSc program offers a total of 408 hours of training

Program Benefits

Based in Paris, home to most international luxury houses, what makes this Master so special?

Sustainability focus
First ever created Master of Sciences in France which provides students with luxury and sustainability expertise

Transversal Business Approach
More than any other luxury program, this master trains students in all luxury relevant business areas in a highly diverse approach: Personal Luxury Goods, Experiential Luxury sectors and Luxury Transportation.

Leadership and Management focus
A perfect balance between courses in soft and hard skills make students responsible leaders in the luxury industry. 
During the entire first year, students will be trained in all fundamental management areas.

Proximity to the Luxury Industry
The program is headed and taught by highly experiences professors and professionals in the luxury industry. It's advised by a board of luxury managers uniting leading luxury houses and trusted by the biggest luxury corporations including LVMH.

Experiential Learning
Students will not only learn in the classroom but will also have the chance of visiting luxury companies, exhibitions, ateliers. They will have a chance of working on real business cases given by luxury houses.

Close Relationships with LVMH

Logo Inside LVMH

The MSc Sustainable Luxury Management is considered by LVMH, the biggest luxury corporation worldwide, as a partner program. This allows students to participate in the company’s major talent search and recruitment program, INSIDE LVMH. This program operates across all luxury houses at LVMH on a corporate level and allows students to obtain a deep insight into the luxury business world and its unique best practices. Students who successfully accomplish the Inside LVMH online training will obtain a certification by LVMH, which represents a huge advantage for applying both within the group and outside.

A word from the Program Director

Michaela MERK

"With an annual turnover exceeding 1.38 trillion euros (Bain & Company 2022), the global luxury industry stands as one of the most influential economic sectors worldwide. Renowned for its capacity to cultivate iconic, coveted brands, its relentless pursuit of excellence, and its remarkable resilience during significant periods of transformation, the luxury industry now finds itself at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. Visionary corporations such as LVMH, Richemont Group, Kering, Hermes, and Chanel are spearheading this movement, placing sustainability at the core of their innovations. Drawing on the values of transmission and local craftsmanship, numerous luxury houses aspire to set an example for other industry sectors."

Dr Michaela Merk is German and has lived and worked in Paris for over 20 years. She is Professor of Marketing at Audencia and Director of the school’s expertise in Sustainable Luxury. Michaela Merk holds a PhD in Marketing and is a recognized specialist in Luxury Brand Leadership and Relational Intelligence in Business. She held top management functions at L’Oréal Luxe (Marketing Director), Marionnaud AS Watson (Retail Director) and Estée Lauder Companies (General Manager) and has consulted, trained and animated motivational keynotes for many well known premium and luxury brands, including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany Co, Chanel, Vacheron Constantin, La Prairie, Hermès and Four Seasons Hotels. 

A highly demanded speaker and trainer in English, French and German, Michaela Merk speaks at conferences around the globe. She is the only woman in France to own the highest international award for public speaking. In her dynamic keynotes and highly interactive trainings, she engages the audience through in-depth know how and hands on content. She has written many publications including the book “Luxury Sales Force Management Strategies for Winning Over Your Brand Ambassadors” and owns the Podcast “Luxury Leadership Talks” in which she discusses the vision and future of luxury with inspiring CEOs of various luxury segments.

1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Program Objectives

Prepare the next generation of leaders to a successful career in the luxury industry across all segments, allowing them to integrate sustainable thinking in every aspect of the business.

In depth understanding of the Luxury Industry
Gouttes d'eau sur une feuille
Expertise in sustainability, social and ecological transition
Escaliers luxueux
Development of responsible Leadership for the future

The Program

You'll study the anthropology and history of luxury, or luxury across cultures, to gain a global and multicultural vision of the industry.

You'll review the functional aspects of human resources and financial management as they apply to luxury companies and become specialists in the industry's economic models.

Overall, you will examine the entire luxury value chain. The focus will be on the different modules of sustainable and responsible marketing and supply chain in luxury through the latest research, case studies and projects. 

You will also study the transformation of the luxury industry and its move towards better integration of social and environmental considerations throughout the value chain - from sourcing to product distribution.
 

List of courses

  • Introduction to the Luxury Culture: Evolution, Codes, Characteristics
  • Luxury Organizations, Family Businesses and their Environment
  • Luxury Client Expectations and Sustainable Consumption
  • Sustainable Luxury Creation: Aesthetics, Art & Design
  • Sustainable Innovation and Value Creation in Luxury
  • Social and Sustainable Luxury Entrepreneurship
  • Managing Complex Business Relationships & Ecosystems in Luxury
  • Luxury Retailing and Customer Experience
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Luxury
  • Digital Transformation and New Technologies in Luxury
  • Luxury Digital and Social Media Marketing
  • Sustainable Luxury Leadership and Performance
  • Principles of Finance and Law for Brand Managers
  • Sustainable Brand Creation Workshop
     

A Global Luxury Approach

The MSc Sustainable Luxury will touch on all 3 main sectors of luxury: Personal Luxury Goods, Experiential Goods and Luxury Transportation. Students will learn about these sectors and its brands in numerous real life case studies, testimonials and company visits.

Montres de luxe

Personal Luxury

  • Apparel & Fashion
  • Accessories
  • Parfum & Cosmetics
  • Watches & Jewellery
  • Shoes
Une voiture phare allumé

Luxury Transportation

  • Cars
  • Ships / Yachts
  • Planes / Jets
Verre de vin rouge

Experiencial Luxury

  • Hospitality
  • Gastronomy
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Wine& Spirits
  • Art & Design

Program Structure

Program Structure

This program is based on 3 luxury pillars:

PEOPLE – How to become responsible leaders or employees?

  • Shape responsible leaders to guide the industry towards a sustainable future
  • Develop talents with holistic socio-economic and ecological focus
  • Train students in integrating sustainable thinking(inclusion, diversity, etc.)

PLANET - How to make luxury brands sustainable champions?

  • Prioritize sustainability across all luxury business operations.
  • Equip students to become responsible change agents in the industry
  • Learn to respect and protect the planet in all business actions

PROFIT – How to create value in the luxury industry?

  • Explore the luxury sector with all its facets
  • Learn to take sustainable decision by maintaining and enhancing profitability
  • Learn to enhance quality by integrating circularity

Learn more about the Program Structure

Learning Methodology

Building the bridge between academics and business , this master places high importance on preparing students to professional expertise and teamwork in international contexts. Learning through real cases, visiting places and companies which unite luxury and sustainability and inviting external speakers and industry experts allow students to learn first hand.

Château

Cultural sites

Caves à vin et champagne

Manufacturing sites

Retail Environments

Lustre de luxe

Palace Hotels

Examples of possible visits: Château de Versailles or luxury related exhibitions, Champagne wine cellars, luxury ateliers, La Samaritaine or Le Bon Marché, Hotel le Meurice or Le Ritz...

Pedagogical methods

The program is based on alternating theoretical and practical sequences (face-to-face or distance learning) using business simulations, case studies and interactive lessons.

Assessment Terms

Continuous monitoring, Examens sur table, Final dissertation

Teaching methods

  • Theoretical Courses 
  • Case Studies
  • Practical Exercises
  • Group Projects
1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Admission criteria

Eligibility requirements for the 1-year MSc programs:

Proficiency in English as demonstrated by one of the following:

TOEFL iBT 84, TOEIC 650, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 100.
English-taught undergraduate program
Native speaker

4-year degree in business or engineering, or exceptionally, a 4-year degree in another field with business experience or academic honours

The 2-year MSc or Master in Management program is strongly recommended for applicants without a degree in business.

Note that you can apply during the last year of your Bachelor’s studies.

Admission period

Up to 3 weeks

Key dates

Admissions are open until May 31st, 2024, but may close early if class is full. Due to the limited number of seats available, candidates are strongly advised to apply before the Early Application deadline of March 1st, 2024.

Admission terms

Applications are accepted until May 31 for the September intake or until the program is full. We encourage you to submit your application by the Early Application deadline of March 1.

To apply, please visit apply.audencia.com

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

  • CV and Cover Letter in English
  • Copies of undergraduate degree transcripts
  • High School Diploma
  • English language test results less than 2 years old (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
  • Copy of identification (passport or ID card)

International admission criteria

Students who have obtained (or are in the process of obtaining) a diploma outside French territory must contact the International Recruitment Service to apply through this admission route: international@audencia.com.

Equivalences and Bridges

It is possible to transfer to a university or other business school (rare, but possible). Equivalencies are determined by the institutions to which you choose to apply.

The procedure

Essential student qualities

  • True interest for diverse luxury sectors and business units
  • Consciousness of sustainability within luxury
  • Curiosity and open mindedness
  • High developed level of relational intelligence & soft skills
  • High academic standards and quest for excellence
  • Creativity and innovative thinking
  • Ability to think out of the box
  • Adaptability to French culture
  • Proficiency in English; competence in French is a plus
  • Preferably, internship experience in premium or luxury industry
  • Excellent cultural knowledge
1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Financing terms

Thanks to our strong partnerships with public and private institutions, there are a number of scholarships available to international students,

Learn more about the scholarships offered by Audencia, as well as external funding options.

International financing terms

International students can contact Campus France to check their eligibility for the scholarships offered.

School fees

18 400€

1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Further studies

Once you've earned your diploma, and to add an extra hook to your career, we offer: The Agile Manager Certificate

Career Support

Are you looking for an internship? Do you need advice on your CV, cover letters or any other action to help you become more professional?

The Career & Corporate Relations Center teams can help. We are here to serve Audencia's students, graduates and recruiters, and develop tailor-made support packages for all Audencia programs.

Our goal is to help you develop your skills and enhance your employability, both in France and abroad.

Job opportunities

Upon completion of the MSc in Sustainable Luxury, students will be able to apply for a wide variety of positions at all levels in the luxury industry. They will have learned to perfectly merge Luxury management with sustainability practices.

Marketing, Retail and Sales

  • Marketing and Communications Manager
  • Brand and Product Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Trade Marketing Manager

Merchandising and Digital Marketing

  • Digital Transformation Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Omnichannel Manager
  • Visual Merchansiding Manager

Luxury Industry Specifis Purchasing and Logistics

  • Supply Chain & Procurement Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • All transversal positions in the luxury industry

Supported by leading luxury houses

A trusted board of leading professionals in the luxury industry

Highly experienced professionals of leading luxury companies form an expanding board which contributes to the level of excellence we want to guarantee through the Master of Science in Sustainable Luxury Management The board is composed of successful Audencia Alumni, Academics, influencial luxury professionals.

Logos des entreprises
  • Xavier Kutalian, Director of Digital Academy EMEA, Chanel Fashion / Jewellery / Beauty, Audencia Alumni
  • Camille Tachoires, Communication manager at Swarovski, Audencia Alumni
  • Maxime Germe, Director of Finance at Breitling, Audencia Alumni
  • Charles Dubos, IWC Schaffhausen Brand Director/ Richemont, Audencia Alumni
  • Maxence Baudier Melon, CFO at REAWAKE, Audencia Alumni
  • Françoise Hernaez, Head of Luxury at Kantar
  • Pierre Gomy, Global Head of Luxury and Sustainability at Kantar
  • Cécile Lochard, Author of the book “Luxury and Sustainable development: the new alliance” and Chief Sustainable Officer at Guerlain

More than a school, a global network

When you join Audencia, you're not just joining a school, you're joining a large network of 34,000 alumni and 7,200 students, from a hundred different nationalities.

A dynamic network with its ambassadors who offer you numerous exchanges, discussions and meetings wherever you are in the world (internship, travel or expatriation).

Audencia Alumni, it's 200 communities and more than 250 events per year in France and internationally.

34K
graduates
+250
events/year
+170
communities
1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Student life at Audencia

Coming to Audencia often means settling into a new city, a new environment.

Here are our practical tips, our good plans for getting around, eating out, and staying in one of our campus cities.

Search an accommodation

Student Well-Being

Well-being @Audencia is a comprehensive service, designed to help you succeed in your personal, academic and professional life.

The entire scheme is based on values of caring. It is completely confidential.

The Knowledge Hub

Throughout the year, the Knowledge Hub team welcomes, educates, and trains students in documentary research methodology, database consultation, bibliographic formatting, and plagiarism avoidance.

A team of 9 documentalists is available to students and teachers to assist students and teachers with their research.

In this way, each student can be received in individual appointments to be assisted in their research or to be trained in bibliographic reference management tools. Teachers also benefit from the support of the librarians for their teaching projects (identification of tools, enrichment of courses with bibliographic references).

Contact : knowledge-hub@audencia.com

1-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Your future degree

  • Degree recognition: Grade Master, Visé BAC+5
  • RNCP title number: 37936
  • Graduation level: Master of science
  • Number of ECTS credits: 60

Target Skills

  • Developing strategies for the businesses and implementing an innovative, entrepreneurial approaches
  • Developing and implementeing marketing strategies (particularly based on user behavior)
  • Managing business activities and assessing the financial performance of businesses and the associated risks
  • Managing projects and teams in an international context
  • Managing energy and social change
  • Directing management activities in specific professional fields (Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Energy and Social Transition, Communication, etc.)