BESIGN The Sustainable Design School
Master’s Degree Designer in Sustainable Innovation
Nice, France
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2027*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 12,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Blended
* Applications are open ! Deadline on June 30 for non EU applicants due to the visa procedure. EU applicants can apply until August 30.
** For non-EU citizens | 11.000 € per year for EU citizens.
Key Summary
About: BESIGN’s Master’s 'Designer in Sustainable Innovation' trains designers to make sustainable solutions. The interdisciplinary, project-based programme blends design, sciences, business and humanities with company and stakeholder projects. Work-study alternates one week at school and three weeks in company; tuition is covered by the host company and students receive a monthly salary. Access requires French nationality or prior study in France and a valid residence permit.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as Sustainable Innovation Designer, Strategic Designer, Systems Designer, UI/UX Designer, and Experience Designer in product and service design, design strategy, innovation teams, startups, public-sector roles, NGOs, consultancies and agencies.
The Master’s Degree “Designer in Sustainable Innovation” at BESIGN The Sustainable Design School trains a new generation of designers capable of creating global, sustainable solutions with a positive impact on both people and the planet.
The program is built on a deeply interdisciplinary pedagogy, combining design, sciences, technologies, humanities, business and innovation. Students develop a systemic approach to contemporary challenges such as ecological transition, emerging uses, organizational transformation, evolving consumption models and societal issues.
At the core of the curriculum, projects developed in partnership with companies, institutions and local stakeholders play a central role in the learning experience. Students work on real-world challenges, guided by design professionals, and learn to structure sustainable innovation processes from research and analysis to design development and the implementation of concrete solutions.
The Master’s program enables students to deepen their expertise in areas such as systems design, product design, experience design, branding, social innovation and creative strategy, while strongly integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This program aims to train responsible designers, strategists and leaders, capable of supporting organizations and society in the transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and meaningful models.
Alternative Work-study Master’s Degree
The work-study Master’s Degree “Designer in Sustainable Innovation” at BESIGN The Sustainable Design School combines academic excellence with professional immersion in order to train engaged, job-ready designers capable of leading sustainable innovation projects within companies and organizations.
Conditions for Access to the Work-Study Program:
Access to the work-study Master’s program is subject to regulatory requirements. Applicants must hold French nationality or have completed at least one year of studies in France prior to the start of the program, and must possess a residence permit allowing participation in a work-study contract, in accordance with current regulations.
This program enables students to develop advanced skills in design, creative strategy, and responsible innovation, while being continuously exposed to the realities of the professional world. The work-study format fosters the acquisition of practical know-how, the development of a strong professional posture, and a deep understanding of economic, organizational, and environmental challenges.
The work-study Master’s degree also offers a major financial advantage: tuition fees are fully covered by the host company, and students receive a monthly salary.
The work-study schedule consists of one week of coursework at the school followed by three weeks in a company, providing an optimal balance between theoretical learning, creative experimentation, and professional practice. This structure allows students to become deeply involved in their host organization’s projects, quickly gain autonomy, and make a concrete contribution to sustainable innovation initiatives.
At the school, students deepen their knowledge of systemic design methodologies, biomimicry, life cycle assessment, user experience design, branding, and project management. Within companies, they actively participate in innovation projects, contribute to the design of sustainable products, services, or systems, and strengthen their ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with various stakeholders, and carry a strategic vision.
This work-study Master’s program is intended for students seeking to give a strong professional dimension to their education, accelerate their entry into the job market, and become committed contributors to sustainable transition within organizations.
Our institutional partners
Year 1: Specialization in Sustainable Design and Applied Research
The first year provides in-depth training in user-centered design, design thinking, biomimicry, creativity, and sustainable service development. Students acquire advanced skills in applied research methodologies and explore innovative approaches to addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Year 2: Final Project, Professional Development, and Leadership
The second year is dedicated to the development of the final capstone project, which is defended before a jury and closely linked to the research thesis completed in the first year. Supervised by experts in sustainable design, project management, and responsible innovation, students refine their ability to lead complex projects that integrate environmental and social impact.
This program is available in a work-study format, a preferred pathway that allows students to alternate between academic coursework and professional experience in a company. The work-study structure fosters hands-on immersion in sustainable design practices and accelerates professional integration through the regular application of acquired skills.
The program is also offered in a full-time (initial) format for students who wish to focus exclusively on academic coursework and projects.
Scholarships for international students
You want to study at BESIGN The Sustainable Design School, but you need financial help? Our scholarship, granted by The SDS Friends endowment fund, is based on social criteria and excellence. The scholarship is limited to 1.500€ per study year, for a maximum of two years. To apply, you will need to provide us with your former degrees, the transcript of records, your CV and cover letter. For more information, please book a call with us.
With a postgraduate degree from BESIGN The Sustainable Design School, you are presenting the required skills for different job profiles:
- Sustainable Innovation Designer
- Strategic Designer
- Design Consultant for Sustainable Transition
- Smart Cities Designer
- Systems Designer
- UI/UX Designer
- Experience Designer


