MSc - Master of science

Why should you pursue ESDES Business School’s MSc programs?

Discover the 3 good reasons to join ESDES Business School’s MSc programs in Lyon, France!

A rigorous program entirely taught in English

ESDES Business School’s Masters of Science are entirely taught in English, for a truly global environment and a learning experience that transforms your curriculum:

• Teachings by lecturers, researchers and working professionals in the sector,
• A tangible and applied teaching: real case studies, field projects, collaborative work,
• Regular experts intervention to explore current company issues,
• Foreign language immersion to develop fluency and legitimacy in an international professional context,
• Development of strategic, analytical and operational skills that can be immediately leveraged in a company,
• Truly multicultural cohorts to build your global network from day one and learn in an inspiring international environment.

An ethical and responsible approach to management

Choosing ESDES if choosing a school that trains managers who can bridge the gap between economic performance and positive impact:

• Integration of governance, ethics, and social responsibility issues into all teachings,
• Raising awareness about the environmental and social challenges organizations face,
• Development of a global and sustainable vision of management,
• Preparation for responsible decision making in complex and uncertain contexts,
• Training leaders who act with conviction in a transforming world.

Niche specializations at the heart of market needs

ESDES Business School’s MSc programs have been designed with specialized professionals for a maximum employability:

• Top expertise in a strategic and developing field,
• Skills that align with recruiters’ expectations,
• Creation of a consistent and differentiated professional project that will be valuable as soon as you graduate,
• Access to responsibility positions in rapidly evolving sectors,
• World-recognized diploma.

1-year Master of Science

The 1-year Master of Science Program starts mid-September (with the possibility to start the year in November) for a duration of 13 months, entirely taught in English.

MSc programs designed with sector professionals

Designed in collaboration with academic experts and professionals from key sectors, the program allows you to develop an advanced expertise and operational skills that you can use directly in a company, to address today’s economic, social and environmental challenges.

A unique international and human experience

From the first day, you will join a multicultural cohort with students coming from all around the world, a rare opportunity to build a solid international network and enrich your professional vision in contact with other cultures.

A recognized diploma, a high standard experience

With their accreditation from the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, our Masters of Science offer a rich and high-standard learning experience that blends academic rigor, field expertise and hands-on application.

2-year Master of Science

MSc programs help develop advanced managerial skills while integrating ethics, intercultural awareness, governance and risk management to provide a transformative learning experience that blends practical expertise with research-based learning. Students gain solid fundamentals in finance, especially in financial results analyses and in company data management to support strategic decision making.

At the end of the program, each student chooses a niche specialization carefully designed with sector experts, in direct link with their professional ambitions.

Year 1 – Building solid fundamentals in management and strategy

The first year focuses on developing a solid foundation in general management and strategic thinking. This is essential for making informed decisions in complex, constantly evolving environments.

The objective is to train future managers and leaders with a responsible, analytical and international mindset, who can act with conviction in a globalized world.

Main teachings

• Development of a responsible managerial culture
• Resolution of complex problems and strategic analysis
• Governance and risk management
• International development and global trade issues
• Data consolidation and decision assistance

This first year provides the intellectual and methodological foundations necessary for success in advanced MSc specialization programs and for thriving in international professional contexts, in truly multicultural cohorts.

Year 2 – Specialization in Master of Science, with an applied expertise

The Master of Science programs are structured around 5 teaching blocks, spread over 13 months, for a total of 460 hours in class.

Experienced teachers and sector professionals lead classes through innovative teaching methods and real-life case studies to develop expertise that can be applied directly in a company.

A limited number of merit-based grants are available.

Master of Science Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation

Become an expert in innovative and sustainable solutions

With its 35 years of experience, ESDES Business School offers its MSc Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation program, taught entirely in English to train professionals who can develop and implement the transformation of an organization’s or company’s economic model by proposing innovative and sustainable solutions in accordance with the concepts and challenges of circular economy.

Immersed in a multicultural cohort in the heart of France, you will develop tangible expertise and an international network from day one.

Discover the Master of Science Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation.

Download the brochure of the Master of Science Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation

Master of Science Impact Finance & Fintech Management

Become an expert in sustainable financial management

The Master of Science Impact Finance & Fintech Management program, taught entirely in English, has been carefully designed with experts in the financial and fintech sectors, to train professionals able to work in high-stakes positions in sustainable financial management.

A transformative learning experience, with practical expertise and research-based learning, around key subjects: sustainable risk management, advanced financial modeling, IA and financial predictions, sustainable investment analysis, in a truly international and multicultural environment.

Discover the Master of Science Impact Finance & Fintech Management.

Download the brochure of the Master of Science Impact Finance & Fintech Management

Master of Science Sustainable Tourism & Event Management

Become an expert in sustainable tourism and event management

The Master of Science Sustainable Tourism & Event Management program, taught entirely in English, is designed to train managers who can develop innovative solutions to the pressing environmental and social challenges faced by the event and tourism sectors.

Developed with input from international tourism and event management professionals, this program provides firsthand knowledge of the skills required to succeed in these transforming industries.

Discover the Master of Science Sustainable Tourism & Event Management.

Download the brochure of the Master of Science Sustainable Tourism & Event Management

This program runs from October each year as of October 2025.

• The candidate must:
  be finishing or have already completed a four-year degree (equivalent to 240 ECTS) in France or abroad
• have at least a B2 level in English (5.5 IELTS)

Applications will be received once all documents are submitted.
Applicants will also be invited to a personal interview online and in English, as part of the admission process.

Applications are evaluated as follows:

English native speakers and applicants who have been studying in English for at least two years are exempted from the mandatory English test. In this case, applications are evaluated as follows:

Application checklist

Documents required for your application:

• Application file
• photocopy of identity document ;
• CV + cover letter ;
• photocopy of the baccalaureate or equivalent;
• any post-baccalaureate diplomas already obtained;
• all transcripts of grades obtained during the years of higher education;
• proof of English level B2 or English-speaking student or 2 years of courses 100% in English;
• letter of recommendation (professional or academic);
• application fee.

FEES

See Rates.

Please note that an Early Bird rate is available for non-EU international students. A 10% discount on the annual tuition fees applies if the €3,000 deposit is paid five months prior to intake.

You have questions about the Early bird? Ask our team: join@esdes.fr  

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Available for non E.U international students : Discover more

Scholarship available : click here to get a scholarship

Do you have a question about ESDES? Contact us!

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What is ESDES Business School’s 2-year MSc program?

ESDES Business School’s two-year MSc program, entirely taught in English, is available after a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (180 validated ECTS credits). It is divided into two years: the first will teach you the common fundamentals in management, followed by a the second year, with a specialization in three fields:

• circular economy and sustainable innovation,
• impact finance and fintech,
• sustainable tourism and event management.

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a graduate diploma accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.

What is the difference between the 1-year MSc and 2-year MSc?

The duration of the program depends on your academic level:

• the 2-year MSc requires a three-year degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS) completed in France or abroad,
• the 1-year MSc requires a four-year degree (equivalent to 240 ECTS) completed in France or abroad,
• a third option exists for professionals with a three-year degree and 5 years of effective work experience.

What specializations are available in the 2-year MSc?

ESDES Business School offers three MSc specialization programs in Lyon, France:

• MSc Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation,
• MSc Impact Finance & Fintech Management,
• MSc Sustainable Tourism & Event Management.

All programs are taught entirely in English and are designed to closely meet the needs of the market.

How do the two years of the program work?

The first year is dedicated to the acquisition of a responsible management culture, strategic analysis, governance, international business issues and decision support. The second year focuses on MSc specialization and is structured into 5 teaching blocks, spread over 13 months, for a total of 460 hours in class, completed by a 4-month professional internship.

Is the MSc program internationally recognized?

ESDES Business School’s Master of Science is accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), one of the most prestigious recognitions for a business school program in France.

ESDES Business School is also accredited by the AACSB, an internationally recognized label of academic excellence.

These accreditations ensure the global value and recognition of your MSc among recruiters.

What are the admission conditions for the 2-year MSc?

The applicant must have or be completing a three-year degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS) in France or abroad and have a minimum B2 level in English (IELTS score of 5.5 minimum). The expected documentation includes a CV, cover letter, transcripts of grades, letter of recommendation and a proof of English level. The application process also includes a personal online interview in English.

Is the program actually entirely in English?

Our MSc programs in Lyon are indeed entirely taught in English, allowing for a total linguistic immersion and strengthening fluency in an international professional environment. This is one of the distinctive features of ESDES Business School’s Masters of Science, designed for international level profiles.

What jobs after ESDES Business School’s 2-year MSc?

Depending on their area of study, graduates can access positions in sustainable development strategy, responsible financial management, tourism management, and innovation project management. The ESDES alumni network and its close ties with partner companies facilitate professional integration in France and abroad.

Does the program include work experience in a company?

Yes. The MSc blends academic teachings, practical projects and a 4-month professional internship that allows to develop hands-on experience related to the chosen specialization.

Is this MSc in France available for international students?

Yes, the Master of Science program is open to students from the entire world. Limited merit-based grants are also available.

Why is Lyon a great place to pursue your Master of Science?

The program is taught at the Saint-Paul campus in Lyon (10, place des Archives, 69002, Lyon). Lyon is one of the best cities in France to pursue a Master of Science. It is one of the most attractive to students and international companies alike. Thanks to its international airport, Lyon is easily accessible, and its thriving economy offers many opportunities to students who want to learn in an innovative and dynamic environment.

Studying in Lyon will also allow you to enjoy a high quality of life with the Old Lyon’s streets and the dynamic Part-Dieu business district’s high-rise buildings. With its many public parks, especially the Parc de la Tête d’Or, you will have the opportunity to experience the best of France while studying at a world-class institution.