International Master in Management
CUSTOMISABLE, INTERNATIONAL, FULLY NETWORKED
Join some of the brightest innovators from around the world at Audencia Business School. In our International Master in Management (IMM) programme, you’ll take courses led by global experts within a highly international campus and curriculum. Prepare for career success:
- Learn to do business across cultures.
- Tailor your programme to your interests and goals, including a choice of electives and study abroad options.
- Prove your skill with a practical master’s dissertation on a specific business and management area.
- Connect with our large network of corporate partners through events and internship opportunities.
- Our IMM programme receives applications for our campuses in Nantes, France and Shenzhen, China. You have the option of starting your MSc programme in one of these two locations.
Key information
- Degree earned: Master of Science in International Management
- Language: English
- Programme start: September
- MSc Duration: Classes from September to June followed by a 4 to 6 month internship or professional mission
Tuition:
- MSc: €18,000
- Pre-MSc + MSc: €23,000
Eligibility:
- MSc: 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Pre-MSc + MSc: 3-year bachelor’s degree
- Proficiency in English
Programme
Prepare for your career in any sector of international management at one of the top ranked, triple accredited and most corporately connected business schools in Europe – and in one of the best places to live in France. Complete your core courses, and then determine the focus and format of your education to fit your career goals.
If you have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you can skip this stage and dive into your core MSc programme.
If you have a 3-year bachelor’s degree, you will have to complete the 60 ECTS Pre-MSc programme before entry into your chosen MSc programme. The Pre-MSc programme offers two tracks:
For those with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in a non-business field, the Pre-MSc is the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of the foundational principles of management, improve your soft skills, learn how to work in multicultural teams and acquire knowledge on latest business innovations.
During this year, you will study 8 core business courses that will allow you to acquire a solid foundation for your future MSc programme. You will explore each subject in depth and test your knowledge through extensive business simulations.
Core Courses will include:
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Economics
- Strategy
- Management Control
- Financial Analysis
- Marketing
- Management and Organisation
To help you improve your soft skills, you will follow courses in “Working in Multicultural Teams”, “Learning Skills and Methods” and the “Future of Work” (proposed by field experts and co-constructed with students).
In addition, you will get a glimpse of innovation in business today through your choice of several courses on our list of business electives.
To round your year off nicely, you will benefit from business English or French language courses.
For those with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in the field of business, the Pre-MSc will allow you to deepen your business knowledge, improve your soft skills, learn how to work in multicultural teams and acquire knowledge on latest business innovations.
You will be able to choose from a list of business and soft skills electives that will include:
- Corporate Strategy Analysis
- Going International with a Digital Strategy
- International Trade Negotiation
- EU Commercial Relations and Incentives
- The Impact on Innovation on Global Strategy
- Data Mining and Knowledge Management
- Community Management
- Doing Business in Europe
- Doing Business in Asia
- Global Leadership
- High Performing Multicultural Teams
- Business Communication for Leaders
To round your year off nicely, you will benefit from business English or French language courses.
Period 1 (September to December)
You’ll gain a solid understanding of the foundational principles of international management and develop relevant skills in problem solving and innovation. Core courses include:
- International Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Financial Accounting
- Cost accounting
- Corporate Finance
- International Marketing
- Managing Across Cultures
- Human Resources Management and Business Ethics
- Managerial Coaching
You have the option of completing these courses in China at Shenzhen Audencia Business School (SABS).
Period 2 (January to June)
At this point in the programme, you’ll have built a solid foundation in business management. You’ll then select courses that will either prepare you as a specialist in your area(s) of interest or broaden your managerial knowledge even further.
For elective courses during this period, you may opt to study in Nantes or travel to one of our IMM partner institutions for a term in Asia or Europe.
Examples of electives in Nantes include:
Marketing
- Psychology of Money and Consumer Behaviour
- Business Negotiation
- E-Commerce
- International Retailing and Innovation
- Marketing in the Digital Age
Finance
- Advanced Corporate Finances
- Managerial Accounting
- Financial Analysis
- International Financial Markets
Strategy & Management
- International Business Environment
- Business in Emerging Markets
- Project Management
- Entrepreneurial Business Plan
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Making your Business Sustainable
- Change Management
- Leadership Development
- Business Ethics
- Project in Corporate Social Responsibility
Specialisations may be taken in the domain of marketing, finance or consulting.
*Specialisations are subject to availability. Students may be selected to participate based on prior experience.
Period 3 (July to August)
If during this optional period you’d like to further develop or refine your expertise, work closely with a new group of peer and partner contacts, or sharpen your language skills, an additional Summer Term programme is available in Nantes free of charge. Small group study, projects and company visits are just a small part of these programmes.
Possible options include:
- Intercultural Management
- Media and Communication
- Marketing to Europe
- Field trips and excursions
- French language classes (and if you like, a homestay with a French family!)
You may also select a summer programme offered through our IMM partner university in North America, University of California, Berkeley (tuition varies).
Concurrent with periods 2 & 3 (January to November)
Delve into your real-world international study of a business and management area that will influence the trajectory of your career. This dissertation is both academic and practical, allowing you to showcase what you have learned and how you plan to apply it.
You’ll write this dissertation and can defend it either in person in Nantes or via Skype.
Concurrent with period 3 (July to December)
(Minimum 4 months, maximum 6 months)
This internship allows you to build connections with our network of French and international corporate partners. Apply your knowledge and skills within your sector, and further strengthen your international portfolio and employability. Internships in France are paid; this will vary from country to country, depending on local laws.
You’ll secure your internship with a company of your choice (with the assistance of our career advisors). The internship will be guided by a faculty member, so you’ll gain both a hands-on practical understanding and an academic one – something that looks good on any resume.
While your programme is 100% English-taught, you have the option of adding French to your steadily increasing list of qualifications – for work or for fun!
Intensive week for all levels: total duration of 30 hours; total cost of €140 (starts about one week before your programme)
Weekly classes for all levels: total duration of 22.5 hours; total cost of €105 (September-December)
Prepare French language certificates: Audencia’s French language classes do not prepare you for French language tests such as the DELF or DALF. However, our main campus is situated just across the road from the University of Nantes’ language department. You may choose to attend French as a Foreign Language (FLE) evening classes there. There are a wide range of levels available. Contact the University of Nantes directly to register. Register early to secure your place.
International Partners
Reach your goals – and see the world
Within this programme alone, our student body represents 25+ nationalities from top universities around the world, and our faculty represents 15+ nationalities – with loads of international industry experience. We provide you with a highly international experience, even if you opt to stay in Nantes throughout the programme.
If you’d like to really dig in deep to a particular region or enhance your foreign language skills, choose to study abroad with one of our top international partners. For more information on study abroad opportunities at Audencia, please contact us.
Core or elective courses in Asia
You have the option of studying alongside Chinese and international students for either your core or elective courses to develop an Asia focus within your sector.
Shenzhen Audencia Business School (SABS) is an Audencia campus in Shenzhen, China, supported by Shenzhen University (SZU). SABS is a gathering place for select postgraduate students, accomplished professionals, experienced executives and internationally renowned professors, researchers and industry experts. SABS welcomes IMM students for MSc core courses only.
We’re proud to partner with one of the top 100 in the Asian University Rankings – Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) – where we have a Cooperative Center for Studies and longstanding partnerships. BIT welcomes IMM students for MSc elective courses only.
Tuition for Asia focus: €2,000
- Only one period outside of France is possible (in addition to a summer term abroad, if desired).
Elective courses and/or summer term in North America
Two top North American universities welcome IMM students for elective courses in the 2nd academic year of the IMM programme.
The first, Boston University, is located in one of the US’s largest and most innovative cities and is counted in the top 100 of World University Rankings.
The second, Laval University, located in French-speaking Quebec City, Quebec, is ranked as one of the top 10 universities in Canada (Maclean’s).
If you like, you can also spend your summer in sunny California at the University of California, Berkeley – the no. 1 public university in the US (US News and World Report) and in the world (Shanghai Rankings).
Note:
Only one period outside of France is possible (in addition to a Summer Term abroad, if desired).
Additional tuition fees applied by partner schools in North America: €6,000 to €8,000 depending on the partner school.
Elective courses in Europe
Loughborough University, in the top 25 in QS University Rankings: Top 50 Under 50, is a hotbed of research and has been named a top 10 university in England for research intensity by the Times Higher Education.
One of the best schools in Poland and a top 50 school in Europe in the European Business Schools Ranking, Kozminski University has an internationally renowned management programme and is located in the capital city of Warsaw, one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Tuition: No additional tuition fees for these European destinations.
- Only one period outside of France is possible (in addition to a summer term abroad, if desired).
Elective courses in Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Kuwait University is the first public research university in Kuwait and is recognised as one of the best universities in the country.
Ranked no. 1 in Morocco by Eduniversal global rankings in a range of MBA, management, finance and marketing specialisations, ISCAE Casablanca is located in the largest city in Morocco and one of the most influential cities in Africa.
Both universities welcome IMM students for elective courses during the 2nd academic year of the IMM programme.
Tuition: No additional tuition fees for these MENA destinations.
- Only one period outside of France is possible (in addition to a summer term abroad, if desired).
Career & alumni
Proven career outcomes for international success
With the increasing globalisation of the world’s economies, corporations need highly trained leaders who can tackle complex and challenging issues – and in innovative and socially responsible ways that emphasise ethics alongside profitability. Gain insights and practical experience from leading global experts and corporations in the IMM.
Note: Statistics are based on the number of replies to the question. They relate to all classes to date unless otherwise stipulated.
Industries IMM prepares you for:
- Insurance
- Financial
- Professional services
- Civil engineering
- Chemical
- IT
- Textile
- Mechanical
- Agribusiness
- Energy
- Communication and creative industries
- Consulting
- Accounting
- Retail
- Government
- Non-profit
Functions IMM qualifies you for:
- General management
- Import
- Export sales
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Financial management
- Consulting
- Auditing
Audencia provides you with personalised career services that address your specific experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and goals. We also cultivate close ties with the business world, which benefit you in the classroom and in your future career.
- Individual career coaching and advising
- 15,000+ employment opportunities posted each year on our dedicated intranet
- Employment fairs with 120+ companies
- CV workshops
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Panel discussions with professionals and alumni
- Assessment centre preparation
- Personal development programme on topics including leadership skills, communication skills, ethics, intercultural management and networking
- Auditing sector fair
- Information resources and online tools
- Access to 100+ career events on various topics
Audencia also has a business incubator that supports select graduates in their entrepreneurial work.
Join more than 24,000 Audencia alumni across the globe. Audencia Alumni includes 22+ professional and cultural clubs in France and 29+ international chapters. Furthermore, over 2,000 of our alumni have become CEOs.
The alumni association will help you connect with other professionals and provide additional development and networking opportunities to support your career.
Admissions & finance
Apply now
Join us in Nantes to internationalise your future career! Here is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make it smoothly through the application process.
Admissions are open until the programme is full, however we strongly recommend applying by the early-application deadline of 31 January for the September intake.
MSc:
- 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field*
- Proficiency in English
or
- Completion of Pre-MSc programme
Pre-MSc + MSc:
- 3-year bachelor’s degree in any field*
- Proficiency in English
Note that you can apply during the last year of your bachelor’s studies.
*Specialisations within the MSc are only open to students with a background in that area.
Admissions are based on a point system tied to a set of objective criteria.
GPA conversion (55%)
- Converted to US system of 0-4.0
English proficiency (40%)
- Test (up to 40% possible, depending on score)
TOEFL: 60-120
TOEIC: 600-990
IELTS: 5.0-8.0
- English-taught programme for bachelor’s degree (up to 20% possible)
- Native speaker (40% automatically awarded)
Professional experience in months (5%)
- 1-12 months (1%)
- 13-36 months (3%)
- 37+ months (5%)
We award bonus points for ranked and accredited schools, diversity and high GMAT or GRE scores.
Recognised school (5%)
- Ranked (ARWU/QS/THE)
- Accredited (AACSB/EQUIS/AMBA/ABET)
Diversity (5%)
- Countries not represented in the class in the past two years (contact us to check your eligibility)
French (5%)
- For B2 language levels
GMAT or GRE (5%)
- GMAT: 500+
- GRE: 300+
You may begin your online application any time; you can save it and make changes before submitting. Admissions are open until the programme is full; however, we strongly recommend applying by the early application deadline of 31 January for the September intake.
In addition to the online application you will be required to submit the following documents:
- CV and cover letter in English
- Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts
- English test score (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS)*
- Copy of identity document (e.g. passport)
- Photo (jpeg, 346 x 366)
*English test scores are not required for native speakers or applicants who have completed their undergraduate degrees in English.
Contact us if you have a different English test score or are planning to take a test later in the year.
- Submitting your application
Complete the online application (recommended by 31 January). Upon completion, you’ll pay the €100 application fee using any major credit card. If you cannot use a credit card, you may contact the Office of International Relations for alternatives.
Your application will be evaluated within seven days. If you qualify, step two will also occur within seven days of your application. - Admission interview
At a prearranged time, you will have a 15 - 20-minute exchange with an admissions counsellor to assess your level of English and make sure that you are a good fit for the programme. - Admission decision
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. You should have a decision immediately following your interview. If your application is borderline and requires further review by the programme director, you will have an admission decision within 18 days of your interview. Please do expect some delay during holidays. - Acceptance
Congratulations! If admitted, you’re invited to officially join the programme. You’ll sign a contract and pay the first instalment of the tuition fees (€1,500).
Please contact our admissions office with further questions.
MSc
| €18,000 |
Pre-MSc + MSc
| €23,000 |
For study abroad and summer terms, additional tuition fees may be applied by partner institutions according to the number of credit hours taken. If additional tuition fees apply, these fees will be paid directly to the partner institutions. Contact us with questions.
Other costs linked to school fees
Application fee: €100
Compulsory registration with the student social security system (students under 28 years of age): As an example, the total for 2016/2017 was €215. The fee must be paid at the latest on the first day of the school year and for the subsequent years before 30 September.
Costs such as visa fees, transportation, accommodation and meals are to be paid directly by the student. Visit Student Life to learn more.
There are a range of scholarships you may be eligible for. Please contact us with questions.
Scholarship | Amount | Details |
| Early application | €1,000 | For candidates who submit their application before 31 January |
| Diversity | €4,000 | Nationality-based scholarship for underrepresented countries or regions. |
*The awarding of scholarships is subject to availability of funds and final decision of the Office of International Relations. The scholarships are awarded in the form of partial tuition fee waivers to students who are admitted but have not yet started the programmes. Scholarships, waivers and awards are not cumulative. If two are awarded to the same student, only the one with the highest amount will be kept unless otherwise stated
In addition to an Audencia scholarship, you may be eligible for funding by other public or private bodies. You will find some examples here.
WEIMING OF CHINA
B2B Client Relations Management (CRM) Specialist, Huawei Technologies (France)
All the teamwork and projects at Audencia have helped me function effectively in Huawei’s multicultural work environment.
TAREK OF EGYPT, IMM (2014)
Country Manager at Legos (France)
I knew that Audencia's excellence in teaching in addition to its great local and international reputation would give my career a boost.
Nonso Chukwuma of Nigeria (IMM 2013)
Founder of Chooka-France
"Starting with my project, Chooka-France, Audencia created an incubator that helps young companies with bright ideas take off."
“Nantes offers rich history, beautiful greenery and good proximity to the sea. Its diversity is ideal for student life, and its multicultural profile is good for internationals passing through or hoping to start their career… if I were still a tourist, I would call it one of my favorite destinations, but now I call it home!”
LinkedIn profile Chooka-France
Thibault Guillou of France (IMM 2008)
Centre of Excellence Operations Manager, Customer Financial Services, Nike
"During the IMM, I spent time in France, Poland and Spain – and was always learning in the international environment of IMM students. I’m now able to leverage the skills I gained from that experience.”
Monique Avila of the Philippines (IMM 2010)
Market Manager at Agoda.com
“I chose Audencia because it was more global than the other French business schools. I chose to apply for the IMM programme specifically because it had a diverse student body and faculty. Through the programme, I was able to learn many intercultural skills, and I made many new friends from all around the world. Thanks to the time I spent at Audencia, I was able to land jobs in both France and the Philippines.”
Gabrielle Nicot Berenger (IMM 2012)
Digital Marketing Manager at Music Glue
“Audencia’s career service has been a resourceful support to my internship research from the very beginning. The availability and professionalism of the advisers have enabled me to plan my future career with more focus. Thanks to all of this, I was invited to attend a major group’s assessment centre in London. My advice to future IMMs: make the most of the fantastic opportunity the career service represents!”
