MSc Sustainability Transformations

Programme objectives

The MSc Sustainability Transformations aims to provide first-class training in sustainability to students wishing to give meaning to their careers, to contribute to a sustainable future and create a better world for tomorrow.

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Lead both CSR and ESG transformations: Define and steer the implementation of a wide range of corporate policies aiming at reducing environmental and energy impacts, carbon footprints and improving social and societal impact of organisations.
• Diagnose, monitor, innovate, and improve: Conduct an ESG audit and make a clear diagnosis, identify the right levers for action, drive change and transformation, create new green business models within and across an organisation with key stakeholders and introduce new criteria to evaluate non-financial organisational performance.
• Manage both CSR and ESG compliance: Lead the compliance process of the firm in a context of ever tightening CSR and ESG regulatory frameworks.

Skill sets

The programme MSc Sustainability Transformations, awarding an advanced higher-education degree in international management (DESSMI) provides the skills to:

• Perform a functional analysis and implement an action plan that incorporates digital, sustainable and international components
• Conduct a scientific study and formulate a recommendation
• Develop ethical leadership abilities to strengthen one’s manager posture

The skills blocks of the certification may not be acquired separately. The proposed curriculum covers all skills blocks.

Programme highlights

An experience-based, immersive approach

One element that sets this programme apart is its hands-on approach to learning that mobilises students around real-world business cases. The structure of this course enriches the traditional academic model by engaging students like consultants to apply knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and solve real, cross-sectoral challenges. Over the two semesters, students will work on a transversal business case with EY to brainstorm sustainable solutions.

Key industry training and certifications

Throughout the course, candidates will be able to train for and obtain key industry certifications, such as the Sulitest, a cutting-edge sustainability literacy training course and certification in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Professional experience (4-to-6 months)

The programme includes an internship or other practical experience where theories and skills are applied in a professional environment. Students are free to do their internship in France or abroad, subject to approval by the internship director and based on its relevance to the programme and course content.

Adapted programme for high-level athletes and artists

High-level athletes and artists may benefit from an adapted programme in order to pursue both their studies and their passion.

Evaluation procedures

Students are evaluated in two distinct ways:

• For the DESSMI diploma: By validating the various course assessments.
• For the RNCP level 7 certification: By validating the key competency requirements.

If certain courses or modules have not be validated and therefore the credits not obtained, the student may re-sit the evaluation during the periods set up for this purpose.

The MSc Sustainability Transformations prepares students to tackle all dimensions of CSR and ESG challenges.

In tomorrow’s business world, what will make the difference is that every manager incorporates sustainability challenges into his or her own goals and practices in order to drive necessary transformations.

Today companies are looking for leaders who can embrace stakeholder perspectives and create common solutions while maintaining an ongoing discussion with senior management to better address the strategic changes that need to be undertaken.

Targeted professions

The MSc Sustainability Transformations prepares graduates for careers with roles as Consultants, Managers, Coordinators or Directors in:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)
• CSG, Sustainability & ESG reporting
• Corporate Sustainability & Social Impact
• Environmental & Social Responsibility
• Social Sustainability
• Corporate Sustainability
• Corporate Sustainability & Innovation
• Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change
• Sustainable Supply Chain
• Circular Economy and New Business Models
• Sustainable Business Development

Graduates may also pursue managerial positions within organisations that aim to accompany and support CSR and ESG policies (circular economy, green supply chain, sustainable finance, tech for good, etc.).

Admissions Requirements

1-year course:

• Completion of a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (in business, economics, sciences, etc.) or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of professional experience
• Proof of English language proficiency is required during the application process (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, Duolingo)*

2-year MSc option:

• Completion of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree (Open to all backgrounds)

Proof of English language proficiency is required during the application process (TOEIC, TOEFL ibt, IELTS, Cambridge and Duolingo).*

*Contact us to learn more about the scores required for each test. 

Admissions process

• Complete the online application: apply.neoma-bs.fr
• Provide scanned copies of all original documents in English or French (CV, motivation letter, transcripts, etc.)
• Candidates who meet the admissions requirements will be asked to complete a deferred interview
• Admissions results are sent by email within two weeks of the interview.

Application fee : €100

Admissions calendar

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, from September 2023 with a final deadline for submissions in mid-July 2024. Applicants will be informed of the admission jury’s decision two weeks following the interview.

However, given the limited number of places, candidates are advised to apply as early as possible.

Additional recommendations

To ensure a rich multicultural environment, the MSc Sustainability Transformations welcomes students with diverse backgrounds in business, engineering, sociology and other social sciences, law, political sciences etc., who are driven by a desire to lead high-impact initiatives to transform companies in the face of climate change and social issues.

Candidates should demonstrate interest in pursuing a future career in sustainability issues via certifications, courses, etc. They should have at minimum an introductory knowledge of ESG and CSR concepts and some notions of business.

Candidates should be able to communicate with confidence in English, participate in group work, demonstrate initiative, strong interpersonal skills, enjoy meeting people and having new experiences.

2-Year MSc Option

Discover the 2-year MSc option, the extended course that makes a Master of Science accessible to students holding a 3-year bachelor’s degree!

Delivered on the Rouen campus, this programme serves as a gateway to a Master of Science for students with a three-year higher education qualification (French Licence or Bachelor’s degree). The programme is also open to students with academic backgrounds in non-business-related fields. This first year of study in the International Pre-Master provides an overview of the core areas of business studies and culminates with the selected Master of Science in the second year. Please indicate your preferred Master of Science programme when preparing your application.

Layout of the programme

This course was designed to…

• Open access to MSc degrees for profiles missing qualifications for direct entry
• Guarantee success at the MSc level by laying strong foundations during the Pre-Master year
• Diversify career orientation by switching to a new field of specialisation
• Overview the main areas of knowledge included in an undergraduate business degree

Evaluation procedures

The programme is recognised through a dual validation:

• Ongoing assessment: evaluations conducted throughout the length of the programme in the form of individual or collective reports to be submitted
• A final evaluation: performed at the end of the course, it can be done under different forms – it is, for the most part, individual

At the end of the programme, the programme participants have to validate 60 ECTS credits.

If some modules were not validated and thus no credits were earned, the programme participant can redo the evaluation during a period set up for this purpose.

Professional experience

The two-year programme includes two mandatory professional experience, one at the end of the International Pre-Master year (min 4 months) and one at the end of the MSc year (min 6 months). Professional experiences can take place in France or abroad, subject to approval by the programme director and based on the relevance to the MSc programme and course content.

5 good reasons to join the programme

Prepare your entrance to a prestigious MSc by consolidating and sharpening your knowledge of business and management, in an intensive, one-year International Pre-Master programme.

Access a Master of Science degree in a field that is different from your undergraduate degree.

Familiarise yourself with and adapt to the pace and rigour of studies at a top French business school before starting your Master of Science.

Obtain the necessary academic qualifications to enter a Master of Science programme.

Gain professional experience through two internships in two years.

Develop an international outlook and cross-cultural communication skills.

Marina BASTOUNIS

Head of programme

Expand your professional horizons and reach for a Master of Science from a top French business school.