Master change management and elevate your leadership with our Master of Science degree in sustainability.
Presentation
The MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations is an 18-month, English-taught program designed to prepare you to lead responsible and effective change in response to today’s pressing sustainability challenges. As sustainable development and corporate responsibility become strategic imperatives, organizations are seeking professionals with expertise in change management and interdisciplinary approaches.
This program goes beyond traditional management education. It explores the intersection of innovation, corporate sustainability, and systems thinking to equip future leaders with the mindset and tools to implement sustainable transformation across sectors.
Through hands-on projects, academic immersion in Europe, and a strong focus on real-world impact, you will develop the critical competencies needed to lead sustainability initiatives, manage change, and foster collaboration across business functions and stakeholder groups.
Whether your goal is to work in sustainable business, consulting, public policy, or the nonprofit sector, the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations offers the interdisciplinary foundation and international exposure to become a catalyst for change.
Key points
- Expertise of a top European business school
emlyon business school combines academic excellence with a strong focus on responsible leadership and sustainable impact.
- Global and interdisciplinary immersion
Study in Paris and London, and engage with diverse sustainability challenges across cultural contexts.
- Curriculum focused on sustainable transformation
Explore topics such as corporate sustainability, change management, and impact measurement through a mix of theory, field work, and project-based learning.
- Career-oriented and impact-driven
Prepare for roles in consulting, CSR, policy, or NGOs by developing the skills and mindset to lead sustainable development initiatives in complex, real-world environments.
Program
This degree in sustainable transformation equips you with the strategic mindset and interdisciplinary skills needed to address today’s complex environmental and social challenges. Through international immersion, real-world projects, and a hands-on learning approach, you’ll learn to design and lead responsible change within organizations and across ecosystems.
Explore a comprehensive curriculum focused on corporate sustainability, change management, and sustainable development to build the practical expertise required for impact-driven careers.
Pre-program
Before the official start of classes, you take a series of brief online courses on sustainability and change: Transformations in the environment (e.g., climate change), in technology, and the society, through emlyon business school digital resources. You will first follow a core syllabus that will enable you to acquire the fundamentals of leadership and to understand transformations.
After the enrolment and before the official start of classes, you will have access to many of the digital resources available to emlyon business school students during the summer:
- emlyon business school apps and platforms (Learning Hub, Career Center, etc.)
- e-learning management fundamentals courses available online
This will help you get to grips with the various tools and ensure that your integration is a success, as you will have a busy schedule once the program begins in September.
Evaluate transformations, sustainability and change
The first period in Paris provides you with the foundational tools to assess and respond to transformation in business environments. You will explore sustainability across key business functions - strategy, marketing, operations, HR, and finance - while learning to evaluate change using methodologies such as carbon footprint analysis and data analytics (Python, R). Through interactive seminars, practical workshops, and leadership development sessions, you will build the strategic and analytical skills needed to design sustainable and competitive business solutions.
Sustainability & Business Fundamentals - Evaluating Sustainability and change
- Sustainability and governance and strategy
- Sustainability in marketing
- Sustainability in business operations
- Sustainability, leadership and HR practices
- Technology (including Artificial intelligence) and sustainability
- Sustainability and finance – “green finance”
- Career evaluation & strategy
- Quantifying carbon emissions: you will learn how to conduct a carbon footprint to integrate sustainable strategies into your organization's activities and anticipate regulatory changes and climate risks. Learning the carbon footprinting methodology will also enable you to meet customer and investor expectations, reduce costs, and improve your organization's competitiveness.
- You will learn to use the Python and R programming languages to effectively evaluate organizational change at any scale and propose sustainable solutions.
Transversal and soft skills for change
- Research methods to diagnose sustainability readiness
- Leadership development
- Storytelling & Public speaking: with the help of Sélène ASSAF, an actress from the Cours Florent, you will learn how to speak in public, defend your ideas and influence your organization in order to carry out effective change management projects in the long term.
Inside the program: Mastering Leadership for Change - Presentation skills - Data visualization
Initiating change - Design sustainable transformations
This period in Paris focuses on designing and implementing sustainable business transformations. Through hands-on methods and collaborative learning, you’ll explore how to integrate sustainability into strategy, marketing, technology, and organizational culture. You will also develop essential soft skills - such as negotiation, agile project management, and behavior change techniques - needed to lead innovation effectively. An international seminar complements the experience, offering first-hand insight into how global companies are driving sustainability and change.
- Strategizing for sustainability – Sustainable futures
- Leveraging technology and Artificial intelligence for sustainability
- Designing sustainable marketing
- Managing cultural change for sustainability through leadership
- Sustainability and the consulting industry
Transversal techniques and soft skills for change
- Creativity for sustainability
- Methods for changing behaviors
- Negotiation techniques for sustainability
- Agile project management
- Self and leadership development for sustainability
International Seminar
This International Seminar in Brussels and Amsterdam is a unique opportunity to visit companies that are leading the way in building sustainability and learn from their top managers how they are implementing change. Finally, it is a way to start building your international network.
Implement sustainable transformations
This term in London focuses on applying interdisciplinary thinking to real-world sustainability challenges. You will explore sustainability as a complex, systemic concept, and learn how to align ethics, behavior, and organizational culture with sustainable goals. Central to this period is the Red Thread Project, a team-based consulting assignment culminating in a professional publication and digital portfolio on a current transformation theme - such as sustainable food systems. Throughout the project, you will gain experience using industry-standard tools (Trello, Slack, Notion) to manage and communicate your work effectively.
- Integrating sustainability in culture and behaviors
- Analyzing sustainability as the interdependence of systems and resources
- Developing ethics for sustainable change
Red Thread Project
Throughout the year, students will study a real-world case study and make connections between the economic, societal, environmental, digital, and organizational transformations of a particular sector (e.g., transformations in the travel industry, or in food & nutrition). Each year will be dedicated to a specific theme to reflect the current socio-economic world. Students will take on the role of consultants and will be expected to produce and disseminate the content of their research in an innovative format: podcast, book, video, etc.
Professional Thesis & Internship
PROFESSIONAL THESIS
To conclude your graduate studies, you will have to write a professional thesis. The topic will be chosen in coordination with your academic supervisor and in line with your missions during your internship or first job.
INTERNSHIP
The professional mission will last from 4 to 6 months and can be an internship, a VIE (international volunteering mission), a fixed-term contract or a permanent contract. This is a great opportunity to put your academic knowledge to the test and acquire tangible experience within the industry. The school will give you all the support and tools you need to find the right job for you.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include case studies, presentations, mock exercises, tests, etc.
CGE Accreditation: a mark of excellence
The Master of Science programs at emlyon business school are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), a prestigious French association that recognizes academic excellence, rigorous admissions standards, and strong professional integration. This label guarantees that the MSc programs meet the highest national and international standards, offering students a high-quality education that is both academically rigorous and closely aligned with the expectations of the global job market. Being CGE-accredited also enhances the value of the degree, providing graduates with strong recognition among employers and institutions worldwide.
Career
Embarking on the Master of Science in Leading Sustainable Transformations at emlyon business school offers comprehensive career support in sustainability leadership and transformative innovation. This program combines knowledge of sustainable practices and strategies with hands-on courses in change management, preparing you for roles such as sustainability consultant, transformation leader, or positions in corporate social responsibility on a global scale.
Jobs after the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- CSR Project Manager
- Sustainable Development Consultant
- Digital Project & Change Manager
- Sustainable Innovation Catalyst
- ESG Analyst
- Climate Risk Analyst
- Sustainable Finance Analyst
- CSR Auditor
- Business Operations Manager
- Transformation Director
- Chief Diversity Officer
About our Career Center
The Career Center provides continual support in identifying career goals and developing action plans. For more information, visit the Career Center page by clicking here.
Main recruiters
- Consulting firms
- Large corporations
Support from leading companies
"We support this program as we are convinced it will contribute to educate a new generation of leaders, able to conduct the transformations needed toward a more sustainable and socially responsible economy... Such profiles are crucial to our business - this is the reason why we support this program."
Schneider Electric Recruiting Department
Alumni network
As a future graduate, you will hold lifelong membership of emlyon business school alumni network, a network of near to 48,000 alumni covering more than 130 countries.
You will benefit from all services it offers, including the online assessment modules. Its members will help you further develop your career regardless of which stage you are at, by providing you with career development information, exchange business information with you and share their experience for you to build on.
Learn more about the alumni network by visiting the dedicated page here.
Admission
Are you eligible?
Students holding at minimum one of the following degrees can apply to the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations:
- A validated Master 1 degree or Bachelor's degree equivalent to Bac +4
- A validated Licence 3 degree or Bachelor's degree equivalent to Bac +3
You can apply while being enrolled in the last year of the degree that makes you eligible for this program.
Admission Process
Next intake in September 2026
Start your application online or go to your applicant dashboard to complete your application file to join this MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open at the beginning of October 2025 (subject to availability).
Application deadline: emlyon business school may close applications earlier, if all the seats in the class are filled, as it happens every year for many of our Master of Science programs. Consequently, we do advise students to apply as early as possible to ensure they secure a seat in the program and maximize their chances!
Mandatory documents - all the documents provided need to be in English or French (except passport and identity card)
- A resume / CV in English
- A copy of an official and valid identity card or passport
- A certified copy of all degrees obtained in a higher education institution (in English or French)
- A proof of enrolment certificate for applicants currently enrolled in higher education
- A certified copy of your transcripts from the first year of your undergraduate education until now
Optional documents
- An official management aptitude test score: GMAT, GMAT online, GRE, TAGE MAGE, CAT
- An English proficiency test: TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo
- Recommendation letters
We kindly remind you that :
GMAT and GRE tests are valid for 5 years
TAGE MAGE tests are valid for 2 years
CAT tests are valid for 1 year
English tests are valid for 2 years
Expected english level
A good level of English is paramount to succeed in the program.
We recommend that students apply only if they have a level of English equivalent to the C1 level. A C1 level is an experienced speaker. This means that you can understand long, demanding texts and grasp implicit meanings. Express yourself spontaneously and fluently without much searching for words.
Application fee
The application fee for the 2026 intake is set at €120, payable directly by credit card through the online application system.
- Students with a French CROUS grant are exempted from paying the application fee if they provide the final notice of allocation of this grant for the current academic year.
- High Level Athletes are also exempted from paying the application fee if they provide a sport resume validated by the director of the Sports department at emlyon business school. If this is your case, please contact Mr Mickaël ROMEZY: romezy@em-lyon.com.
emlyon business school uses a selection process which is in line with today's digital landscape and the practices of major international companies in their search for new talents.
Once your online application file is completed, you will be asked to go through the digital tests. Some key information:
- 1:30 hour long test
- To be done on a computer with a working webcam and a stable wifi connection
- Test includes cognitive exercises, motivation questions and professional role-play in a company setting
- Take the test alone in a quiet environment
- Test can only be taken once
How to best prepare for our digital test
The admissions board will review your application and your digital tests. You will receive an email as soon as possible to inform you that your results are available on your makersboard.
To complete your enrollment and secure your place in the program, you will have 10 calendar days after your admission results to sign the enrollment form on your makersboard and pay the non-refundable tuition deposit of €4,500.
Admission Statistics
The global acceptance rate for Masters of Science and Specialized Programs for the 2024 intake was 48.31% (admitted students on applicants rate).
Financing
Tuition fees
€28,750
The tuition and fee charges are in effect for the 2026-2027 academic year are subject to change for future years
All indicated fees include:
- Tuition
- Enrollment fees
- Career Center services during your program and for 3 years after graduation
- Several hours of individual career coaching during your program
- Lifelong membership of emlyon business school alumni network
Tuition fees do not include:
- Additional fees not payable to the institution, such as CVEC, student social security, sports club enrollment fees, the purchase of personal computer hardware or software, or the purchase of books other than course materials
- Optional courses or certifications
- Accommodation and travel expenses related to the program or work placement
How to finance your program?
emlyon business school helps students finance their MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations by offering scholarships up to 50%.
- Individual Scholarship
Open to all admitted candidates, regardless of their financial background. This scholarship considers a combination of factors such as academic excellence, diversity, and motivation. Applicants must submit the scholarship request form as part of their application file.
- Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based awarded for strong academic profiles:
10% scholarship for GMAT 700+ / GMAT Focus 645+ / GRE or Tage Mage equivalent
5% scholarship for GMAT 650+ / GMAT Focus 595+ / GRE or Tage Mage equivalent
Test scores can be submitted after admission, within a set deadline.
- Early Bird Scholarship
A 10% tuition reduction for candidates who apply during the first application session.
To find out more about the specifics of our scholarship policy and how to benefit from it, we invite you to contact your program advisor. To download the Scholarship Policy information, create or log onto your emlyon business school account.
emlyon business school and its partners are committed to investing in tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders by helping qualified students to further their education:
- Campus France: discover some scholarship options available depending on your country of residence and your eligibility by clicking here.
- Banking Partners: You may obtain a bank loan through emlyon business school financial partners only if you have a fiscal warrantor in France. If not, we advise you to obtain a loan in your country of origin before your arrival.
- Prodigy Finance loan opportunity: Applicants for the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations are eligible to apply for a student loan with Prodigy Finance. Learn more on how to apply for a Prodigy Finance loan by clicking here (please scroll down the page to read about the benefits and conditions). This opportunity is opened to Non-French students only.
- Lendwise loan opportunity: Lendwise is a student loan provider offering funding to international students at competitive interest rates. Learn more on how to apply for a Lendwise loan by clicking here. This opportunity is opened to Non-French students only.
Please note: Master of Science programs at emlyon business school, including the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations, aren’t eligible for either the CROUS scholarships or the following financing schemes: FAFSA, FONGECIF, DIF, CPF or other funding from Pôle Emploi. For further information regarding potential state scholarships, we recommend you contact your region or your department, as some of them have specific scholarships available for students going to another department in France to study.
emlyon business school is committed to investing in tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders by helping qualified students to further their education. Reductions in tuition fees can be offered through needs-based scholarships and may, in certain cases, be granted in addition to guaranteed scholarships.
Student life
The Paris Campus
Our campus is located in the heart of Paris, in the lively 12th arrondissement, right across from the Gare de Lyon. With its central location, students enjoy quick access to top companies, cultural hotspots, and everything the city has to offer. It’s a vibrant place to learn, network, and live Paris to the full.
Student Life in Paris
Paris offers much more than academic excellence, it provides a dynamic, multicultural environment that enriches every aspect of student life.
- An International Business Capital: home to the headquarters of major global corporations and a thriving ecosystem of startups, making it a prime location for internships, networking, and launching an international career.
- Cultural Richness around Every Corner
From world-famous museums and historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and be inspired.
- A Well-Connected City
With its excellent public transport and international rail and air links, Paris makes it easy to travel within France and across Europe.
Meet us during dedicated events
emlyon's Program Advisors are hitting the road to connect with you and discuss your career aspirations. Don't miss the opportunity to meet them at international student fairs for guidance in shaping your future career. You can also stay tuned for information about our campus open days!
Contact our student ambassadors
Want to find out more about student life, program content, campus life or the emlyon business school experience? Connect with our student ambassadors to get a first glimpse of what awaits you. You can ask them all your questions via our dedicated platform.
Disability device
You will find the welcome guide and all the information on how we welcome and support our students and participants with disabilities here.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations
A master’s in sustainability opens up diverse career opportunities in CSR, ESG, sustainable finance, and transformation leadership. Graduates become sustainability professionals in roles like CSR Project Manager, ESG Analyst, or Sustainable Innovation Catalyst - driving change across industries.
The curriculum for master's in sustainable development combines core courses, elective courses, international seminars, and real-world projects. This sustainability degree program covers key topics like sustainable strategy, marketing, operations, finance, and leadership. Students also develop skills in data analysis, change management, and behavior change.
Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary projects like the Red Thread Project, students gain practical expertise to lead sustainable transformation across organizations and systems.
To apply for master's in sustainability management at emlyon business school, you must hold at least a Bac+3 (Bachelor's degree) or Bac+4 degree. Here is the application process:
- Create an online account
- Upload required documents (CV, transcripts, diploma, etc.)
- Pay a €120 application fee (exemptions apply)
- Complete a digital test (1h30)
The requirements for master's admission include English proficiency (C1 level recommended), and optional aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE, etc.).
The benefits of masters in sustainability include strong career advancement opportunities in growing green sectors, the ability to drive real impact on the environment, and the long-term value of a sustainability degree in meeting global business and climate challenges.
The skills gained from a master's in sustainability include strong technical skills in data analysis, carbon footprinting, and sustainable business practices, as well as problem-solving skills to drive transformation across organizations. You'll also develop leadership, project management, and interdisciplinary thinking to tackle complex sustainability challenges.
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