ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training structure
Faculty of Economics
Language(s) of instruction
English
Presentation
The Sustainable Economies and Societies program is part of the IDIL – Interdisciplinary In Lab graduate program at the University of Montpellier, which brings together excellent courses based on research and interdisciplinarity. Taught in English at the Faculty of Economics, this master's program aims to train students to analyze and support economic and social transformations related to the major challenges of sustainability.
The program is fully integrated into the University of Montpellier's thematic areas: Feeding, Caring, and Protecting. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to economic research, structured around the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy.
In-Lab pedagogy places students at the heart of research projects conducted in collaboration with laboratories and in interaction with socio-economic actors. This approach encourages experimentation, multidisciplinary teamwork, and learning through research.
Open to an international audience, the program prepares students for doctoral studies as well as professional careers in business or public and private organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable development and innovation policies in relation to territorial and societal transitions.

The advantages of the training program
- ENGLISH TRAINING
- INTERDISCIPLINARITY
- VERSATILITY OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Objectives
- Understanding and analyzing economic and social transformations related to sustainability.
- Adopt an interdisciplinary approach and develop modeling and economic analysis skills.
- Acquire skills through research projects developed within research laboratories ("#In-Lab#").
- Prepare for research (doctorate) and careers in sustainable development, innovation, and societal transitions.
Know-how and skills
Know-how
- Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods in economics.
- Develop economic analyses on sustainability issues.
- Design and manage interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with socio-economic actors.
- Work in a multidisciplinary team and communicate results effectively.
Skills
- Ability to understand and solve complex issues related to sustainable development and innovation.
- Mastery of tools and methods for evaluating public policies and regional projects.
- Adaptability to international and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Preparation for research (doctorate) and professional careers in business and organizations.
International dimension
This program is taught entirely in English. This allows students to enrich their education and actively participate in research projects conducted in laboratories and in collaboration with the teams' and institution's international partners. With the aim of also improving the attractiveness of Montpellier University's programs to international students, a financial support program has been set up to assist international students upon their arrival.
Organization
Knowledge assessment
The Master's program at the Faculty of Economics is structured over two years and four semesters, based on an assessment system designed to measure students' learning progressively and comprehensively. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each teaching unit (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through several forms of evaluation: supervised assignments, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analysis, and active participation in class.
The final exam consists of a written or oral test held at the end of the semester. It aims to assess the student's overall mastery of the concepts taught and their ability to apply their knowledge in a structured and in-depth manner.
Special facilities
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and high-level athletes can benefit from personalized support.
This may take the form of study arrangements, educational adaptations, or specific rights, in order to enable them to best balance their personal or professional constraints with their university education. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted schedule, adjusted assessment methods, attendance facilities, individualized monitoring, or dedicated support services.
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Mandatory |
|---|---|
Duration of the internship | Maximum 924 hours, or 6 months |
The primary objective is to train students through research and for research in laboratories affiliated with the University of Montpellier. Six-month internships are planned for this purpose, not only to introduce students to the research environment as early as possible, but also to enable them to learn some of the concepts usually covered in class through contact with researchers.
All Master's 1 and Master's 2 internships are remunerated.
In addition to this program, "In Lab" teaching units, delivered by research teams over several days, are organized in laboratories with the aim of providing immersive learning of a specific technique, method, or concept.
Admission
Admission requirements
- For Master's 1: Holder of or currently pursuinga bachelor's degree (or equivalent, three years of higher education) in economics or a similar field, recognized in France or Europe.
- For the Master 2: Have completed at least 4 years of higher education (Bac +4 / 240 ECTS) in fields related to economics or similar. A strong academic record and, in some cases, professional experience are valued.
Registration procedures
First year of master's degree
To apply for admission to Master 1, you must submit your application on theMon Master platform.
Second year of master's degree
To gain equivalent access to the second year of the master's program, the ecandidat procedure is mandatory.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/applications/applications-and-admissions/
Target audience
Students from the Montpellier Academy, the Occitanie region, France, and internationally
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set each year by the Ministry of Higher Education. They are accompanied by the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC). Both are exempt for students receiving scholarships.
Capacity
And after
Continuing education
The program prepares students for both immediate entry into the workforce and for pursuing a doctoral degree, which is possible under certain conditions.
Professional integration
- Ecological transition and sustainable development
Local authorities, public agencies, NGOs, consulting firms. - Businesses and CSR/ESG
Large companies, consulting firms, sustainable finance. - Economic analysis and public policy
Public institutions, think tanks, international organizations. - Cooperation and international organizations
Projects related to climate, development, and inequality. - Research and doctoral studies
In economics, sustainable development, or social sciences.
Possible careers
- Sustainable Development Officer
- Ecological transition project manager
- CSR/ESG Project Manager
- Economic or socio-economic analyst
- Public policy researcher or evaluator
- Junior Sustainability Consultant