2-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management

Program Overview

Audencia's 2-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management trains leaders in the luxury industry to integrate sustainability into all business aspects. The program emphasizes responsible leadership, environmental protection, and profitability. Students specialize in three segments: personal luxury goods, experiential luxury, and luxury transportation. Graduates are prepared for careers in marketing, retail, purchasing, and other luxury industry roles, combining luxury management with sustainability practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The 2-Year MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management is the first program of its kind in France, designed by a business school to train future leaders in the luxury industry. The program's core objective is to equip students with the skills to integrate sustainable thinking into all aspects of the luxury business, a growing strategic priority for luxury houses. Audencia, a leading and pioneering school in sustainability (first French school to sign the UN Global Compact in 2004), partnered with organizations like the WWF and established Gaïa, a school focused on ecological and social transition, to develop this program. The curriculum professionalizes students in 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 real-world luxury practices. The program aims to prepare the next generation of leaders for successful careers in the luxury industry across all segments, integrating sustainable thinking into every aspect of the business. It provides in-depth understanding of the luxury industry, expertise in sustainability and social/ecological transition, and develops responsible leadership for the future.

Outline:

The two-year program is structured as follows:

• Year 1 (Nantes): Focuses on general management.
This includes 10 advanced management courses (September-January) and 10 courses in ecological and social transition management (February-June) at the Ecole Gaia by Audencia. An optional internship (July-August) in France or abroad is available. Students with a B+4 level can directly enter Year 2.
• Year 2 (Paris): Specializes in sustainable luxury management.
This includes specialized courses (September-March) in the field, followed by an internship or work experience (April-November) in France or abroad. The year concludes with a Master's thesis (January-November). Students with a 4-year undergraduate degree can directly join Year 2. The program covers the anthropology and history of luxury, luxury across cultures, human resources and financial management in luxury companies, and the luxury value chain. Significant emphasis is placed on sustainable and responsible marketing and supply chain management in luxury, using the latest research, case studies, and projects. The transformation of the luxury industry and its integration of social and environmental considerations throughout the value chain (sourcing to distribution) are also studied. The program addresses all three main luxury sectors: Personal Luxury Goods (apparel, fashion, accessories, perfume, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, shoes), Experiencial Luxury (hospitality, gastronomy, travel, wellness, wine & spirits, art & design), and Luxury Transportation (cars, ships/yachts, planes/jets). The program is built on three pillars: PEOPLE (responsible leadership, holistic socio-economic and ecological focus, integrating sustainable thinking), PLANET (prioritizing sustainability across operations, responsible change agents, respecting and protecting the planet), and PROFIT (exploring all facets of the luxury sector, making sustainable decisions while maintaining profitability, enhancing quality through circularity).

Assessment:

The program uses continuous monitoring, written exams, and a final dissertation as assessment methods.

Teaching:

The program blends theoretical and practical learning. Teaching methods include face-to-face and distance learning, business simulations, case studies, interactive lessons, group projects, and practical exercises. The program emphasizes experiential learning through real-world 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. The program is led by highly experienced professors and professionals in the luxury industry, advised by a board of luxury managers from leading luxury houses (including LVMH). Dr. Michaela Merk, Professor of Marketing at Audencia and Director of the school’s expertise in Sustainable Luxury, is the program director.

Careers:

Graduates will be prepared for various positions in the luxury industry at all levels, combining luxury management with sustainability practices. Potential roles include: Marketing, Retail and Sales (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 (Supply Chain & Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager); and all transversal positions in the luxury industry. The program's partnership with LVMH allows students to participate in the INSIDE LVMH talent search and recruitment program.

Other:

The program is based in Paris, home to many international luxury houses. Audencia offers career support services to help students with internships, CVs, cover letters, and job searching. The program has a strong alumni network (37,000 alumni and 7,200 students from 100 nationalities) with numerous events and communities worldwide. The program leads to a Master of Science degree (Grade Master, Visé BAC+5; RNCP 37936; 120 ECTS credits). After graduation, students can pursue the Agile Manager Certificate.