
Detailed program of the Grande Ecole Program
The Grande Ecole Program prepares students for successful international management careers in sales, marketing and business development (5-year Master’s degree level studies).

YEAR 1
DISCOVERING & UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD OF BUSINESS
During your first year of studies on the Grande Ecole programme at ICD, you’ll focus on developing an understanding of the fundamentals of sales and marketing. We’ll also offer you a first taste of living abroad and you’ll carry out a short business placement, helping you develop your personal and career projects.
50% of courses taught in France
50% of courses taught in England
OPTION: Franco-Chinese track - 8 to 10 hours of Chinese language tuition per week
Semester 1
- An introduction to the fundamentals of sales and marketing
- Understanding how business organisations interact with their wider environment
- Develop your analytical and professional communication skills
Semester 2 (Immersion in English - Coventry University)
- Develop your language & intercultural communication skills
- Lectures (in English) to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the modules taught in semester 1
- 3 to 4-month sales or marketing placement
YEAR 1 COURSE STRUCTURE
SALES & MARKETING
- Introduction to sales, marketing & business development
- Introduction to economics
- Cross-cultural consumption
- Effective sales techniques
- International marketing
MANAGING A BUSINESS ORGANISATION
- Organisation studies
- Business game (managing a company)
- Introduction to company law
- Effective sales techniques
- Big players of business
- Doing business in Europe
INTERNATIONAL & INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
- Geopolitics
- Modern foreign language 1
- Modern foreign language 2
- Business English
- Preparation TOEFL exam
CULTURE & HUMANITIES
- Debates in contemporary society
- Media power
- Digital culture
- Written communication techniques (Projet Voltaire)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (SOFT SKILLS)
- Coaching
- Finding a business placement
- Digital presentation tools
- Sport & group dynamics
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Art & culture
- Community projects (student clubs & societies)
- Group project
YEAR 2
DEVELOPING MARKETING SKILLS & AN ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
In year 2, you’ll further develop the knowledge and understanding acquired in the first year. You’ll also acquire a global approach to the way business organisations function, enabling you to develop key operational skills.
Choose from
50% of courses taught in France + 50% taught overseas
50% of courses taught in France + Intercultural Management Semester
100% of courses taught overseas with undergraduate double degrees opportunities
OPTION: Franco-Chinese track
Semesters 1 & 2
- Further your knowledge & understanding of the sales & marketing functions
- Develop a global approach to the functioning of a business organisation
- Putting theory into practice via projects and conference events
- Professional networking skills
- 3 to 4-month sales or marketing placement
YEAR 2 COURSE STRUCTURE
SALES & MARKETING
- Strategic marketing
- Consumer behaviour
- Digital sales & marketing
- Marketing research
- Marketing mix
- Sales portfolio
MANAGING A BUSINESS ORGANISATION
- Costs & decision-making
- Commercial & company law
- Micro-economics
- Budget management
- Supply chain management
- Digital project management
INTERNATIONAL & INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
- International business law
- International economics & emerging markets
- Business English
- Preparation TOEFL exam
- Modern foreign language 2
CULTURE & HUMANITIES
- Mythology
- The creative economy
- Anthropology
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (SOFT SKILLS)
- Rhetoric & persuasion (Eloquent speaking competition)
- Career coaching
- Developing a professional network
- Computer-aided design (CAD) & Multimedia
- Sport & group dynamics
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Les Négociales (national sales negotiation challenge for students)
- Event management practice – week-long conferences organised by students (digital transformation, sustainable development, diversity…)
YEAR 3
UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
In year 3, you’ll be able to develop a truly global business perspective thanks to a study abroad semester or a full year following a double degree programme. The opportunities we’ll offer you to explore new cultures and carry out an international business placement will help you develop a different understanding of sales and marketing practices.
Choose from
50% of courses taught in France + 50% taught overseas
100% of courses taught overseas 11 undergraduate double degrees
OPTION: Franco-Chinese track - 1 year of studies abroad in Shanghai at Fudan University
Semester 1
- Developing new markets, working and managing in international business or Study abroad semester at an international partner university
Semester 2
- Intercultural management semester (click here for more information) or Study abroad semester at a partner university
- International business placement (3-4 months)
YEAR 3 COURSE STRUCTURE
SALES & MARKETING
- Communication strategies
- Customer relationship management
- The purchasing functions
MANAGING A BUSINESS ORGANISATION
- Human resource management and employment law
- Management issues
- Corporate strategy & governance
INTERNATIONAL & INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
- European business development
- Business English
- Preparation TOEFL exam
- International semester or Intercultural management semester
- Modern foreign language 2
CULTURE & HUMANITIES
- Intercultural management
- HEP Module (Humanism, Entrepreneurship & Professionalism)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (SOFT SKILLS)
- Management skills
- Microsoft Office Excel skills
- Career coaching
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Exporting a product to an overseas market
YEAR 4
DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER PROJECT & EMPLOYABILITY
In the first year at Master’s level you’ll start specializing in an area of business chosen from the 4 domains of expertise for which ICD is renowned: Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain Management or Business Development. We’ll help you develop your career project and equip you with specific expert skills in your chosen future sector of activity.
Work-study scheme OR Full-time study (100% of courses taught in English + a 6-month international business placement)
OPTION: Franco-Chinese track - 1 year of studies abroad in Shanghai at Fudan University
Semesters 1 & 2
- Defining sales & marketing strategies
- Working in project mode
Choice of 4 specializations
- Sales
- Marketing
- Business development
- Supply Chain Management & Purchasing
YEAR 4 COURSE STRUCTURE
TRANSVERSE MODULES
- Performance management & dashboards
- Rethinking business models
- Business plan
- E-commerce
- Digital marketing & communications
- Management of information systems
- Business negotiations in English
- Modern foreign language 2 (Spanish, German or Chinese)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Business plan
- Code camp
- Masters dissertation
CAREER PROJECT & EMPLOYABILITY
- Careers fairs
- Master class in digital convergence
- Management conferences
- Career coaching
- Final oral exam
YEAR 5
DEVELOPING SPECIALIST SKILLS & PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT
Managers who are capable of combining specific business expertise with the ability to take a global perspective of business issues will be in high demand in the future. The 5th year of the Grande Ecole Programme has therefore been designed to ensure our graduates have a successful start to their careers in business.
Choose from
Work-study scheme
OR
100% of courses taught overseas (choice of 5 Masters-level double degrees)
Semesters 1 & 2
- Writing and presenting an applied Masters dissertation, supervised by ICD faculty members.
YEAR 5 COURSE STRUCTURE
TRANSVERSE MODULES
- Modern foreign languages & TOEIC exam preparation
- Inter-school IGS Group Business Game
- Business challenges
- Soft-skills & personal branding
- Workshops
- Masters dissertation
- Business placement or work-study scheme
MAJOR AND MINOR COURSES SYSTEM
DEVELOP EXPERTISE WITH A MAJOR COURSE
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (in English)
Because many companies are opening up to international business and the conquest of new markets, the International Business Development specialization at ICD Business School trains specialized managers.
The globalized context of companies pushes them to identify new markets, especially international ones, and thus to accompany the growth ambition of companies.
This International Business Development specialization integrates all the added value issues that companies are looking for to be competitive in a globalized context.
It has been designed to train managers who are aware of the major geopolitical and societal issues related to international business development.
PROGRAMME
4TH YEAR
Dealing with administrative and legal constraints on international markets :
- Property Rights Protection
- Contract Law
- Corporate Taxes
Developing and implementing international strategies :
- Managing Complex Sales Projects
- Risk Management,
- Development Strategies
Fundamentals of International Trade :
- International Economics
- International Brand management
- International Trade
5TH YEAR
Mastering a full-fledged package of skills in international trade
- Product Launch
- Custom Duties and Trade Barriers to Internationalisation
- Export Techniques
Developing and fully implementing strategies adapted to targeted markets :
- Negociation Strategies
- International Purchasing
- Innovation Process
Mastering financial aspects for international development :
- International Corporate Finance
- Product Launching budget
- International Corporate Taxes
Managing cultural differences for result optimisation :
- Globalization and emerging markets
- International HR Management
- Company Creation
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
This specialization is designed to train sales managers who are experts in the BtoB and BtoC markets, who master relationships with all the company's stakeholders and who place ethics at the heart of their practices.
This program is particularly well suited to sales profiles wishing to make ethics a winning and effective customer relationship management model. Thus, the proposed courses will aim to develop business expertise in a socially responsible approach with the objective of achieving a positive impact on society.
PROGRAMME
4TH YEAR
- Defining Sales Strategies
- Prospecting and Social Selling
- Business Intelligence
- BUSINESS GAME
- Digitalizing the Customer Experience
- Responsible Purchasing Strategy
5TH YEAR
- Innovation in Sales Strategies
- Change Management
- Leadership and Team Management
- Sales Performance Management
- Bid and Tender Management
- Ethics in Customer Relations
DIGITAL MARKETING IN TRANSITION (in French)
Innovation and digital are an integral part of 21st century marketing. Faced with this fact, the ICD Business School has proposed a specialization in this field.
The major objectives of the specialization :
- Develop marketing strategies
- Implement an eco-innovation policy
- Master the advanced methods and tools of marketing
- Manage and optimize digital marketing programs
- Develop brand value in a digital context
- Use big data in an ethical way
PROGRAMME
4TH YEAR
- Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
- Communication, Advertising, and Media
- Innovation Marketing
- Inbound Marketing and SEA/SEO
- Content Creation
- BUSINESS GAME
5TH YEAR
- Digital Project Management and Growth Marketing
- International Brand Management
- Marketing Ethics, History, and Anthopology and New Consumers
- Data and Advanced Marketing Models
- Digital Transition in Marketing
- Distribution Project
PURCHASING AND SUPPLY-CHAIN MANAGEMENT (in French)
Because the differentiation of companies depends on the competitiveness and performance of purchasing processes, the Purchasing and Supply-Chain Management and Sustainable Development specialization at ICD Business School trains specialized managers.
The globalized context of companies is pushing them to work on their competitiveness. It is through the purchasing, logistics and supply chain processes that the most effective policies are implemented.
This Purchasing and Supply-chain Management and Sustainable Development specialization integrates all the value-added issues that companies are seeking to compete in a globalized context.
It has been designed to train managers in the major societal issues involved in sustainable development.
PROGRAMME
4TH YEAR
- Purchasing Management
- Production Management
- Sourcing and Provider Performance
- International Logistics and Transportation
- Purchasing and Negociation Skills
- E-Procurement and Digital Supply Chain
5TH YEAR
- Responsible Purchasing
- Purchasing Project Management
- Forcasting Demand
- Inventory Management and Optimisation of Logistics Platforms
- Performance for Supply Chain Management
DEVELOP FIELDS KNOWLEDGE WITH A MINOR COURSE
Innovation in Developing Luxury Brands, Services, and Goods (in English)
Faced with market changes and a more sustainable approach to consumption, the luxury industry is no exception and must also learn to deal with new needs and expectations. Innovation has become one of the main focuses of the sector and has allowed the industry to adapt and start reimagining its codes and image. After presenting the specificities of the luxury market in various areas, this minor will allow students to develop innovative and sustainable luxury brands, services, and goods.
- Issues in the Fashion and Luxury Goods Industries
- Luxury Marketing
- Sustainable Fashion and Luxury
Developing an AI Project (in French)
This minor teaches students how to develop AI systems based on Machine Learning while at the same time providing them with an overall understanding of AI and its ecosystem. The objective is to prepare students to work alongside data scientists as field experts and contribute actively to the development of a Machine Learning based AI project.
- AI and Big Data: Applications, Ecosystems, and Career Opportunities
- Practical Application to a Business Case
- Ethical Issues of AI and Big Data
Rethinking the Agri-Food Industry (in French)
Whether through new distribution channels, new food concepts, or environmental transition, innovation is at the heart of the agri-food sector today. This minor offers a different perspective on food and responds to the changes in consumer behavior, needs, and expectations as well as changes in production and distribution. Guided by industry experts, students will reflect on recent changes and offer recommendations for useful, sustainable, and innovative approaches that are also beneficial to the consumer.
- Marketing for the Agri-Food Industry
- Consumer Behavior in the Agri-Food Industry
- Innovations in the Agri-Food Industry
Rethinking the Retail Industry (in French)
The retail industry plays a vital role in both the economic development of individual countries and the lives of consumers. This sector of activity has experienced major changes in recent years. Today we are confronted with an environment that has gone from physical to virtual, from permissive to regulated, from information to knowledge, from authority to ethics, and from functional, product-based organizations to organizations based on processes. The situation requires companies to implement a more creative and dynamic distribution strategy to meet the needs of today’s consumers. As a result, the retail industry has become a major source of innovation.
- Innovation in Retail
- Managing Sales Teams
- Customer Loyalty in Retail Outlets
Festivals! (in French)
Festivals of all sorts, whether music festivals, book festivals, science festivals, movie festivals, circus festivals, or even street performance festivals, bring culture to life! The courses in this minor address designing and organizing festivals, as well as programming and financial management. Students will have an opportunity to organize their own mini-festival, and after completion of this minor, they will know everything there is to know about organizing a successful artistic or cultural festival.
- Organizing a Festival
- Artistic and Cultural Programming, Communication, and Public Outreach
- Financial Management
Healthtech (in French)
This minor aims at bringing today’s industry closer to the future. To do this, students will take a look at the healthcare industry today, and pharmaceutical laboratories in particular, before then learning about the healthcare technology of tomorrow, including e-santé, connected medical devices, and the digitalization of healthcare. The objectives are to understand how to reach target groups in a very specific marketing context and how to sell products that are regulated by the government and can only be marketed to direct consumers in an extremely limited manner.
- Marketing for Healthcare Industries
- Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues