Grande École programme
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Our 5-year programme awards a Master's degree accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (grade de master). This gives you the opportunity to follow a 100% English-language curriculum right from the first year.
Duration: 5 years
Degree: Bac +5 qualification, equivalent to a master's degree
Full time
French and English
Grande École programme
Our integrated Grande École programme offers High School leavers a 5-year learning journey. Our programme will help you develop robust management skills and an advanced area of specialisation. You will also have the opportunity to further develop and demonstrate key qualities such as confidence, autonomy, team spirit, openness, and creativity.
The Grande École programme, the Eye-Opener to Progressive Business and Organisational Development!
Prepare yourself for the real world of business
You will begin by receiving a solid grounding in diverse aspects of management and gradually develop an essential understanding of the context within which modern business is conducted.
At postgraduate level in years 4 and 5, you will then be able to draw on this core knowledge and understanding to develop specialist expertise in Finance, Management or Marketing that will prepare you for an international career as a professional manager.
Programme highlights
The Grandes Écoles: the French culture of excellence
At the heart of French higher education, the grandes écoles of France are elite higher-education establishments. The system symbolises prestigious academic pursuit, focusing on specialised and intensive curriculums.
Objectives of the Grande École programme
1
Master all the fundamentals of management
2
Develop your agility and global outlook through enriching international experiences
3
Bring a responsible dimension to your future career
Why choose ESSCA’s Grande École Programme?
Choosing to join our Grande École programme at ESSCA signifies entrusting your future to one of the world’s top-ranking international business schools. Our international accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) position us among an elite group of “Triple Crown” business schools globally, representing less than 1% of institutions.
Our Grande École programme is delivered across 10 campuses, ensuring consistent teaching quality, support, and opportunities, regardless of location.
Grade de Master
The Grande Ecole programme is granted degree status (Grade de master) by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. This accreditation, derived from the European “bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate” (LMD) system, certifies the high standard of professional and academic competencies of the qualification at the national level.
ESSCA is among an exclusive group of only 10 post-baccalaureate business schools that confer a “Grade de master” postgraduate degree for its Grande École programme.
Registered with the French National Register of Professional Certifications (RNCP), under the reference number 36896, Level 7 – equivalent to a master’s degree (Bac+5).
Message from the Programme Director
The Grande École programme at ESSCA is designed to develop responsible managers and leaders who are mindful of the critical economic, ecological, and human well-being issues at hand. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges effectively in your future career.
An international vision central to the programme
In the 3rd year of the Grande École programme, you will engage in courses taught in English and enjoy a semester abroad. This experience is designed to equip you with the essential principles of management and broaden your global outlook.
Based on your English proficiency, you may choose to complete the entire programme in an English-speaking class starting from the first year. Furthermore, study semesters are available at all of ESSCA’s international campuses throughout the programme, providing a truly global educational experience.
Student voice
ESSCA gave me the chance to grow personally and professionally, thanks to a business internship and and academic semester abroad. I gained real-world skills, improved my English, and built a future I am excited about.
Double degree opportunities
ESSCA provides the opportunity to enhance your CV with a second degree, in addition to the Grande École qualification.
We offer a variety of options, including hybrid, highly professional, or international double degrees in collaboration with top-ranked universities from each continent. Here are some possibilities.
These double degree opportunities not only broaden your academic horizon but also significantly increase your global employability.
FAQ for the Grande École Programme at ESSCA
What is the Grande École programme at ESSCA?
The Grande École programme at ESSCA is a high-level management course. It is a five-year programme recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and accredited by international organisations.
The programme combines rigorous academic coursework, practical internships, and international experiences to prepare students for successful careers in various fields of business. It equips students for careers in diverse fields such as management, finance, and marketing through high-quality education, internships, and international opportunities.
The Grande École programme is offered across ESSCA’s 10 campuses in France (Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Bordeaux, Lyon, Paris, Strasbourg) and internationally (Budapest, Luxembourg, Málaga, Shanghai).
What are the entry requirements for the Grande École programme at ESSCA?
Students can join the programme directly after completing their A-levels (undergraduate) or after obtaining a two-year or three-year higher education qualification (postgraduate).
Admission to the Grande École programme is competitive and based on an entrance exam.
Following an assessment of your application, you will be invited to a virtual interview with an ESSCA representative. The panel will consider several factors, including your enthusiasm, fluency in English and/or French, and the coherence of your study plan at ESSCA.
Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance and interest in management and business.
What career opportunities are available after completing the Grande École programme at ESSCA?
Graduates of the Grande École programme can pursue a wide range of careers, including roles such as manager, consultant, financial analyst, and project leader.
Our Career Centre is designed to assist students in developing and achieving their personal and professional goals, regardless of their ambitions. Whether they aspire to join a renowned international company, contribute to an organisation with a public interest mission in France, start their own enterprise, or pursue any other goal, the centre is there to guide them every step of the way.
For those looking to become entrepreneurs, ESSCA provides an incubator to support them in launching their own ventures. This support demonstrates ESSCA’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and nurturing responsible, skilled leaders.
What are the benefits of the Grande École Programme at ESSCA?
Students benefit from the expertise of highly qualified professors, a strong alumni network, personalised career support, and the high academic standards and international accreditations that ESSCA is known for.
International exposure: The programme offers numerous opportunities for international exchanges and internships, allowing students to gain valuable global experience and build an international network.
Innovative learning environment: ESSCA provides a modern and dynamic learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support innovative teaching methods and collaborative projects.
Strong professional connections: The school has established strong partnerships with leading companies and organisations, providing students with excellent internship and job placement opportunities.
Personalised support: Students receive personalised guidance and support throughout their studies, including career counselling, mentoring, and academic advising, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
Campus life: ESSCA offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities and events that enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community.
Focus on soft skills: The programme emphasises the development of essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers.
Is the Grande École programme at ESSCA accredited?
Yes, ESSCA’s Grande École programme is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. This accreditation attests to the high academic and professional quality of the programme, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers.
ESSCA’s triple international accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) places it among the elite group of “Triple Crown” business schools globally, comprising less than 1% of institutions.
