
MSc Management Sustainability Transition
- Program formatFull-time, Work-study
- Duration1 year to 2 years
- CampusGrenoble
- LanguagesEnglish
- Admission level3-years Degree to 4-years Degree
- DegreeMaster's Degree
- Tuition feesfrom €13,250 / year
- Program formatFull-time, Work-study
- Duration1 year to 2 years
- CampusGrenoble
- LanguagesEnglish
- Admission level3-years Degree to 4-years Degree
- DegreeMaster's Degree
- Tuition feesfrom €13,250 / year
The MSc Management for Sustainability Transitions trains future managers to lead and orchestrate high-impact sustainable transformations within companies, public organizations, and NGOs.
Careers with Sustainable Impact
Graduates typically pursue careers as Sustainability or CSR Managers, Sustainability Consultants, Sustainable Innovation Catalysts, Business Developers, or Social Entrepreneurs, within leading organizations such as Carbone 4, Ecovadis, EY, Greenflex, or Too Good To Go.
The program equips students with the skills to drive innovation, rethink business models, and create lasting economic, social, and environmental value.
Why Choose the MSc Management Sustainability Transition?
- Become a catalyst for sustainable change: This program is designed for students aiming to lead high-impact transformations in the private, public, or non-profit sectors, embedding sustainability at the core of organizational strategy.
- Learn by doing: Work on real-world sustainability projects, business cases, and innovation challenges, guided by experts, faculty, and industry professionals committed to sustainable development.
- Adopt a systemic and strategic approach: Master sustainability frameworks (SDGs, planetary boundaries), analyze future scenarios, and manage complex situations requiring innovative, cross-sector solutions.
- Innovate for a responsible future: Develop and evaluate technological, social, and organizational innovations for sustainability using a holistic and critical approach, including life-cycle assessment and impact analysis.
- Cultivate ethical and inclusive governance: Engage stakeholders, drive collective transitions, and implement transparent, responsible strategies for sustainable impact.
- Thrive in an engaged international ecosystem: Based in Grenoble, a European hub for research and the energy transition, study in a 100% English-taught program within a multicultural cohort, at a triple-accredited business school (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA) recognized for excellence and sustainability leadership.
Understand international standards (CSRD, ESG frameworks) to ensure transparency, compliance, and risk management within organizations.
Explore long-term implications of strategic decisions and envision alternative futures to guide sustainable transitions.
Combine management, science, and innovation to address interconnected social, environmental, and economic challenges
Collaborate with companies, NGOs, public authorities, and civil society to maximize the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Design responsible projects and products that integrate social, environmental, and economic impacts
Manage unpredictable situations, create alternative solution models, and lead change at both local and global levels.
- Required experienceNone
- PRM accessibilityAccessible
Master’s degree. Diplôme visé Bac +5 conférant le Grade de Master : “Diplôme d’études supérieures de management stratégique d’activités internationales”.
RNCP 37252.
6 good reasons to choose GEM
Global recognition
Ranked Top 8 in France and Top 30 in Europe, GEM is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide holding triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA).
Immersive learning
A distinctive learning model combining academic excellence, real-world experience, close ties with companies and international exposure — to learn by doing and experimenting.
Personalized pathways
Progressive and flexible pathways designed to help students build a coherent, ambitious academic and professional project.
International dimension
Exchanges, double degrees, programs taught in English and strong cultural diversity, supported by a network of 230+ partner universities, opening real opportunities for international study paths and global careers.
Sustainable employability
Work-study options, internships and company-based projects to develop skills that are immediately relevant and valued in the job market.
A Trailblazing leadership with pqurpose
Campuses Embedded in leading scientific, technological and industrial ecosystems, shaping curious, engaged minds ready to act in the face of major global transitions.
GEM Grenoble – Alpine Campus
Located between scientific hubs, startups, and the Alpine mountains, GEM’s main campus embodies Grenoble’s DNA: pioneering, committed, and international.
Just steps from the city center, it welcomes a multicultural community representing 120 nationalities in a vibrant building that hosts a rich student life, numerous events, and frequent interactions with local companies. A campus where ideas flow and projects come to life, in an environment that is both stimulating and welcoming. A second Grenoble campus is dedicated to educational innovation, it brings together several cutting-edge immersive platforms where participants experiment, test, and learn by doing.
Answers to all your questions
Grenoble Ecole de Management’s MSc programs are intensive, internationally recognized graduate degrees designed for students who wish to specialize in a specific area of business, such as finance, marketing, innovation, sustainability, or digital technology. These programs combine academic excellence with practical experience to prepare students for international careers.
MSc programs are open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS or equivalent) who have a strong academic record, a solid command of English, and a genuine interest in specializing in management. Whether you come from a background in business, engineering, economics, or science, your motivation and potential are essential.
Graduates of our MSc programs enter the job market with solid expertise and an international outlook. Career opportunities include positions such as financial analyst, brand manager, project manager, data strategist, sustainability consultant, or business development manager—depending on the chosen specialization. Our programs are designed to meet the real needs of the market.
Yes, all MSc programs at Grenoble Ecole de Management are taught entirely in English and are recognized worldwide. The school has triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), guaranteeing high academic standards and excellent international employability. You will also study alongside an international and diverse group of students.
Absolutely. Each MSc includes a mandatory internship or professional experience period as part of the curriculum. Students also benefit from career coaching, networking events, company visits, and job fairs to enhance their professional development and build a strong resume before graduation.
Applications are made directly through our online platform. You will need to provide your transcripts, a resume, proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent), a cover letter, and references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. It is strongly recommended that you apply early as places are limited.
Your academic background
Courses fall semester (september to december)
- Strategic Management
- Research Methods
- Accounting
- Project Management
- Managerial Economics
- International Negotiations
- Corporate Finance
- Marketing Management
- Sustainability Transition in International Business
- Design Fiction
- Languages
Courses spring semester (january to march)
- Corporate Law and Governance
- International Institutions and Governance
- Corporate Geopolitics
- Responsible Leadership
- Managing Global Teams
- Languages
+ Immersive business trip (one week)
Courses fall semester (september to december)
- Advanced Research Methods
- Facing Major Sustainability Challenges
- Corporate Sustainability: History and Geopolitics
- Technological Approaches to Sustainability
- Sustainability Regulations and Reporting
- Fostering Collaboration for Sustainability
- Future Thinking and Scenario Building
- Languages (optional)
Courses spring semester (january to march)
- Critical Perspectives on Technology & Society
- Cultivating Sustainable Supply Chains
- Catalyzing Sustainability Transitions
- Sustainable Innovation: Engaging Tools and Approaches
- Languages (option)
- Professional experience – 3 to 6 months
- Start-Up Project – 4 to 5 months
- Professional certificate
Year 1: April to September
Year 2: March to July and July to December
Program specifics
The MSc Management for Sustainability Transitions combines core modules to master key sustainability concepts and frameworks with experiential modules that allow students to apply and deepen their knowledge.
The program features lectures, hands-on workshops, and real-world business cases, giving students the opportunity to tackle concrete challenges posed by companies.
Innovative thematic workshops — including scenario planning and foresight, design thinking, biomimicry, and critical analysis of sustainability challenges — complement the curriculum throughout the year, fostering creativity and forward-thinking.
Teaching & Assessment
Skill development is assessed throughout the program via continuous evaluation, individual and group examinations, applied projects, and the Master’s thesis.
To graduate, students must complete a minimum of four months of international experience, either academic or professional. For international students, studying in France fulfills this requirement.
In the case of a partial validation of the degree, the validated skill blocks are permanently recognized, and an official certificate of validation is issued.
Immersive Business Trip
First-year MSc students take part in a one-week business trip to a major European capital such as Berlin, London, Amsterdam, or Barcelona.
The trip includes company visits, professional networking events, and meetings with industry experts, helping students expand their network and prepare for future internship and career opportunities.
Students are also actively involved in organizing the trip, strengthening their project management and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
How to ensure your degree is recognized worldwide?
All GEM MSc programs are internationally recognized by the prestigious higher education accreditation bodies, AACSB and EQUIS, and are equivalent to a level 7 degree on the European Qualifications Framework, in compliance with the Bologna Agreement for a master’s degree, comprised of 120 ECTS credits.
What to study after the program MSc Management Sustainability Transition program?
Graduates of the Master of Science program may continue their studies with an Advanced Master.
- Sustainability / CSR Manager – leading environmental, social, and ethical strategies within organizations.
- Sustainability or ESG Strategy Consultant – advising companies on sustainable transformation and regulatory compliance.
- Sustainable Innovation Project Manager – developing and implementing impactful solutions that drive transition.
- Responsible Business or Product Developer – creating market offerings aligned with sustainable principles.
- Social Entrepreneur or Intrapreneur – launching or transforming ventures to generate positive environmental and social outcomes.
- Professional within impact-driven organizations – B-Corps, NGOs, public agencies, or intergovernmental bodies (EU, UN, World Bank…).
- Researcher / Sustainability Analyst – contributing to evidence-based insights and policy evaluation for systemic change.
- Energy and Low-Carbon Transition:
Ørsted · EDF Renewables · Shell · Solvay · Rio Tinto · Verkor - Sustainable Finance and ESG Reporting: BlackRock Sustainable Investing · Mirova · Robeco · Bloomberg ESG Disclosure Scores
- Consulting and Sustainability Expertise: EY · KPMG · PwC · Deloitte · McKinsey & Company · Bain & Company · BearingPoint · Carbone 4 · Greenflex · EcoDev
- Impact-Driven Start-ups and Companies: Ecosia · Too Good To Go · Impossible Foods · FM Logistic
- Sustainability Ratings, Certification and Responsible Supply Chains: Ecovadis · Better Cotton Initiative · Sustainalytics
- International and Public Institutions: ADEME · AFD · French Ministry for the Ecological Transition · United Nations
- Think Tanks and Global Networks: The Shift Project · World Business Council for Sustainable Development · Stockholm Environment Institute · Terra Nova
- NGOs and Foundations: WWF · Greenpeace · Ashoka · Fair Trade International · Max Havelaar
Launch your career
At GEM, the transition to the professional world begins on day one to ensure successful career integration for all students.
- Professional Experiences: At the core of your education, internships and work-study programs provide concrete opportunities to test your skills, boost your employability, and enrich your career path.
- The Career Center: It supports you at every stage of your journey to better understand yourself, refine your career project, succeed in applications, meet companies, and secure your first job. With a team of coaches and consultants, you benefit from personalized guidance, practical workshops, and numerous events to build a professional future that suits you.
- The Jobteaser Platform – 24/7: Access all internship, work-study, and job opportunities, key resources, and upcoming recruitment events anytime, anywhere.
- Access to a Wide Professional Network: With 49,000 alumni and over 600 corporate partners, you enjoy privileged access to a vast network of professionals worldwide and across sectors to expand your contacts, learn about careers, and seize opportunities.
How can you enroll in the MSc Management Sustainability Transition program?
The candidate’s Bachelor degree must be equivalent to at least 180 ECTS (3-year bachelor).
The candidate must prove to hold the equivalent of 240 ECTS to enter the Short track:
4-year Bachelor degree OR 3-year Bachelor degree + at least one year of Masters studies
The candidate must prove to have validated the equivalent of 60 ECTS (1 year of study) in Business studies
- TOEFL IBT: 80. TOEFL Institution code: 8973
- IELTS Academic/IELTS Indicator: 6.0
- Cambridge English (Proficiency/Advanced/Business Higher) level C1: Grade A,B or C
- Duolingo English Test: 100
- English test waiver may be granted if Bachelor’s degree was fully taught through the medium of English (official proof required)
- Not accepted: TOEIC, Institutional/ITP TOEFL
- Official copy of undergraduate degree or certificate of enrollment with an approximate graduation date
- University transcripts: front/back with grading scale
- CV/Resume
- 1 motivation essay to be written directly in the application form (relating to your academic/professional experience, your reasons for choosing this program and your intercultural awareness)
- 1 academic or professional reference. Family members or friends are not acceptable as referees
- Scan of passport
- Internationally recognized passport picture
Tuition fees
Grenoble Campus
2-year program:
- 1st year: €13,250
- 2nd year: €13,950
1-year program (direct entry into the 2nd year):
- 2nd year: €17,950
*Fees cover tuition, project supervision, and access to GEM facilities. They do not cover accommodation, meals, insurance, visas, or personal expenses.
Funding your education
Financial Support, Scholarships, Banking Offers, Student Jobs… Several solutions are available to support you in your study plans and make our programs more accessible.
GEM Financial Advisor is a platform designed to help you navigate financing options and find the solution best suited to your situation. It allows you to:
- Explore all available funding options (loans, scholarships, etc.)
- Identify the financing solution that fits your situation
- Quickly access the relevant contacts for each option
Life in France: A Blend of Culture and Innovation
Studying in France offers a unique opportunity to experience a rich cultural heritage, world-class education, and a vibrant lifestyle. From historic cities and stunning landscapes to cutting-edge research and innovation hubs, France provides an environment that fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and professional opportunities. Students benefit from a high quality of life, excellent public transport, and a thriving student community across the country.
Located in the heart of the Alps, GEM’s Grenoble campus combines innovation, nature, and an outstanding quality of life. Students enjoy close proximity to mountains perfect for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, while studying in a city known as a scientific and technological hub. Grenoble hosts numerous start-ups, research centers, and international companies, offering students ample opportunities for collaboration, internships, and projects. The city’s compact size allows for a lively and accessible student life.
GEM has been awarded the Bienvenue en France Level 3 label for welcoming international students.
GEM has been awarded the state-certified “Bienvenue en France” level 3 label, attesting to the excellence of its welcome and support for international students.
Pursue the program in a work-study format
Work-Study: Excellence in Action
At GEM, the work-study format combines academic rigor with real-world experience — a true accelerator for both career development and personal growth.
Professional Experience
- Gain significant work experience while studying — a strong advantage on your CV and a powerful boost at the start of your career.
- Apply classroom knowledge directly in a professional context, developing your skills, confidence, and network.
Financial Support
The work-study model also allows students to finance their tuition fees, while receiving a monthly salary from their host company.
It’s a smart way to invest in your future — gaining professional experience and financial independence at the same time.
- 1,500 apprenticeship contracts signed in 2023–2024, reflecting the strength and dynamism of our programs
- A network of more than 600 partner companies in France and abroad
Complete an internship during your program
Internships: your professional springboard
Internships are an integral part of all GEM programs, from the Bachelor to the Master level, with placements lasting 2 to 6 months each year, either in France or abroad. These hands-on experiences serve as a bridge between academic learning and the professional world, allowing students to explore different roles, industries, and career paths while developing valuable skills and professional networks.
Internships are a key asset for employability, helping students refine their career goals and often leading to full-time job offers even before graduation.
Bringing your entrepreneurial project to fruition
Turn Your Idea into Action with the GEM Incubator
With IncubaGEM, you can launch your entrepreneurial project while continuing your studies. Support is both personalized, with guidance from experienced mentors, and structured, through workshops, targeted training, and access to a dedicated coworking space.
Since 2011, over 400 projects have been supported, giving rise to notable startups such as Lokki, Wizbii, Détective Box, and Champiloop. Entrepreneurship at GEM means joining a dynamic, committed ecosystem where ideas are tested, nurtured, and grown alongside experts and alumni.
Have questions about our MSc programs?
Connect with our International Recruitment Team to get personalized guidance on programs, the application process, and your future career opportunities. Our dedicated advisors are here to help you choose the program that best aligns with your ambitions and professional goals.
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