How long does an MSc in Business Development & Sales Management take?
The MSc in Business Development & Sales Management at EDC Paris Business School is a postgraduate programme at Bac+5 level, designed to train operational experts in sales, negotiation and commercial strategy. Its progressive structure and strong professional focus make it particularly well suited to students looking to enter the business development sector 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 students holding a Bac+3 qualification, who enter the programme in the first year;
1 year for students holding a Bac+4 qualification, who join directly in the second year.
This flexibility enables candidates from a range of backgrounds to join the programme at the level best suited to their previous studies, without unnecessarily extending the duration of their education if they already have a solid foundation. The MSc therefore lasts 12 or 24 months depending on the student's profile, with an internship or work-study placement integrated throughout the programme.
The programme leads to an RNCP Level 7 certified qualification, equivalent to a Bac+5 degree and recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. It is available as a full-time programme with internships or as a work-study programme through a professionalisation contract.
Academic calendar and programme structure
The MSc in Business Development is organised over four semesters, with a clear progression from core management teaching to specialised commercial studies.
The academic calendar for the MSc is structured as follows:
Semester 1 — Core curriculum: students study the fundamentals of management as part of a common core shared with the other MSc programmes at EDC Paris. This semester covers key modules such as project management, strategic management, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, corporate finance, strategic marketing, ethics and responsible management, Business English and soft skills;
Semesters 2, 3 and 4 — Specialisation: the following three semesters are entirely dedicated to Business Development and Sales Management, with a focus on negotiation, key account management, sales strategy and international business development;
Semester 4: the final semester includes a career and professional projects workshop, the preparation and presentation of the final dissertation before a panel of two professors, as well as a professional experience report.
The programme is built around four fundamental pillars: strategy (CSR, HR, finance and marketing), team and career management, commercial expertise (negotiation, complex sales and key accounts) and an international dimension.
Internships and practical projects
Experiential learning is at the heart of the MSc in Business Development & Sales Management. The programme offers two forms of professional immersion, adapted to each student's profile and career objectives.
On the full-time programme, students complete internships integrated throughout their studies. These MSc internship periods enable students to apply the skills acquired in class directly in a professional environment, working on practical assignments related to business development, prospecting, key account management or negotiation.
On the work-study programme, students follow a schedule of three weeks in a company followed by one week of classes. This format creates a continuous and structured link between education and the professional world: each week of classes directly enhances the assignments carried out in the workplace, while each hands-on experience feeds into subsequent academic learning.
The practical projects integrated into the programme take a variety of forms:
Real-world case studies submitted by industry professionals and solved in teams within strict deadlines;
Hands-on assignments designed to develop core sales skills, customer relationship management and active prospecting;
Final dissertation**, presented before a panel of two professors, bringing together the academic and professional experience gained throughout the programme.
EDC Paris Business School's network of corporate partners supports students in finding internships or work-study placements, helping to ensure a smooth and high-quality transition into employment after graduation.
The MSc in Business Development & Sales Management at EDC Paris Business School offers a structured one- or two-year programme, combining rigorous academic progression with continuous professional immersion. To view the programme calendar in detail and effectively plan your academic and professional journey, download the full brochure or contact the EDC Paris Business School admissions team.