What is the duration of the MSc in Business Development & Commercial Management?
The MSc in Business Development & Commercial Management at EDC Paris Business School is a Master’s-level programme (Bac+5) designed to train operational experts in sales, negotiation, and commercial strategy. Its progressive structure and strong professional focus make it particularly suitable for students wishing to enter the field of business development quickly.
Total programme duration
The duration of the MSc in Business Development varies depending on the applicant’s entry level. The programme lasts either one or two years:
2 years for applicants holding a Bac+3 qualification, who enter in the first year of the programme;
1 year for applicants holding a Bac+4 qualification, who join directly in the second year.
This flexibility allows students from diverse academic backgrounds to join at the most appropriate level, without unnecessarily extending the duration of study for those who already have a strong foundation.
Overall, the MSc lasts 12 or 24 months, depending on the entry profile, and includes an integrated internship or work-study placement throughout the programme.
The degree awards a Level 7 RNCP-accredited qualification, equivalent to a Master’s degree (Bac+5), recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The programme is available either as an initial training pathway with internships or as a work-study scheme under a professionalisation contract.
Academic calendar and programme structure
The MSc Business Development academic calendar is organised over four semesters, following a clear pedagogical progression from core management principles to commercial specialisation.
The structure is as follows:
Semester 1 — core foundation: students study fundamental management disciplines within a shared core curriculum alongside other MSc programmes at EDC Paris Business School. This semester includes key modules such as project management, strategic management, entrepreneurial ecosystems, corporate finance, strategic marketing, ethics and responsible management, Business English, and soft skills;
Semesters 2, 3, and 4 — specialisation: the following three semesters are fully dedicated to Business Development and Commercial Management, with teaching focused on negotiation, key account management, commercial strategy, and international business development;
Semester 4: the final semester includes a careers workshop and professional development activities, the writing and defence of the final dissertation before a panel of two academic supervisors, as well as a professional experience report.
The programme is structured around four core pillars: strategy (CSR, HR, finance, marketing), team and career management, the commercial dimension (negotiation, complex sales, key accounts), and international business development.
Internship periods and practical learning
Experiential learning is central to the MSc in Business Development & Commercial Management. The programme offers two professional immersion formats, adapted to students’ profiles and objectives.
In the initial training pathway, students complete internships throughout the programme. These placements allow them to apply academic knowledge directly in professional settings, working on concrete assignments related to business development, prospecting, key account management, or negotiation.
In the work-study pathway, the programme follows a rhythm of three weeks in company and one week in academic training. This format creates a continuous link between theory and practice: each academic week informs workplace missions, while professional experience directly enriches subsequent coursework.
Practical projects integrated into the programme include:
real-life case studies provided by industry professionals, completed in teams under time constraints;
field missions aimed at developing core sales skills, client relationship management, and active prospecting;
a final dissertation, defended before a panel of two academic supervisors, synthesising the student’s academic and professional journey.
The partner company network of EDC Paris Business School supports students in securing internships or work-study placements, ensuring a smooth and high-quality transition into employment upon graduation.
The MSc in Business Development & Commercial Management at EDC Paris Business School offers a structured programme lasting one or two years, combining rigorous academic progression with continuous professional immersion.
For a detailed overview of the academic calendar and to plan an effective study and career pathway, students may download the full brochure or contact the admissions office of the institution.