What is an MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
The MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution prepares students for careers in trade, distribution network marketing and business development. It is RNCP level 7 certified by the French Ministry of Employment. The first year lays the foundations in sales strategy, sales force management and customer relations. The second year develops expertise in sales engineering, distribution and the digitalisation of business models. This professionally-oriented programme prepares students to manage sales activities and steer distribution strategies in all sectors.
Professional certification
Level 7 (EU) Business Development Manager professional qualification, NSF code(s) 312, awarded by INSEEC MSc, registered under number 39884 on the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of the Director General of France Compétences.
Objectives and skills
The aim of the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution is to train professionals capable of managing commercial development and distribution strategies. You will learn to manage sales teams, negotiate with distributors and optimise commercial performance in distribution channels.
The programme develops the following key skills:
- Designing the sales strategy.
- Steering and securing the sales strategy and its operational deployment.
- Managing sales teams.
- Managing the performance and excellence of commercial activities.
- Managing innovation processes.
The courses
The courses presented below are given as examples and may vary slightly depending on the teaching campus. Course content is adapted each year to take account of changes in distribution, new business models and digital innovations.
The pace of courses may differ from campus to campus and depending on whether the course is being run under a work placement agreement (initial) or a professionalization/apprenticeship contract (continuing).
The work-study contract must be signed for the entire duration of the MSc 1 + MSc 2 or MSc 2 program.
1ʳᵉ year – Cross-disciplinary and foundation courses
60 ECTS credits
This first year develops the managerial and commercial skills that are essential for any business development professional.
- Business English
- Software and decision-support tools
- Budget management and dashboards
- Professional tools and methods
- Corporate strategy and business plan
- Negotiations
1ʳᵉ year – Specialised courses
Specialised courses develop skills in sales management, trade marketing and customer relations.
- Sales force management
- Commercial law
- Customer relationship management
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Customer journey (Boostcamp)
- Distribution strategies
- Team management and leadership
- B2B Marketing
- Digital marketing and CRM
- TA prompt engineering
- Innovation and change management
- Sales techniques and commercial excellence
- Purchasing and logistics
2ᵉ year
60 ECTS credits
The second year deepens expertise with advanced modules in sales strategy, trade marketing and digital distribution.
Commercial strategy
- Business strategy and commercial development
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Market research and business development
- Applied research dissertation
Steering and operational deployment
- Acquisition and loyalty techniques
- Management of calls for tender and negotiation
- Complex sales and BtoB sales techniques
- Key Account Management
- Category management
Team management
- Team and talent management
- Methodology and decision-making tools
- Professional tools and methods
Commercial excellence
- Distribution strategies
- Customer engineering and CRM
- Legal and contractual aspects of the sale
- Drawing up budgets and reporting
- E-commerce and M-commerce
Steering the innovation process
- Marketing innovation
- Launching new products
- TechAway NLP & LLM
Assessment procedures
The two years of the programme combine theoretical learning with practical work experience, whether in initial or sandwich training.
Course validation
- Each year of training requires the validation of 60 ECTS credits.
- The MSc degree is obtained by successive validation of the two years, representing a total of 120 ECTS credits.
- Certification is awarded by full capitalisation of blocks of skills.
- Each block must be validated in full, with a minimum mark of 10/20 for all skills.
- Partial validation of a block is not possible.
Conditions for obtaining certification
- Mastery of all cross-disciplinary skill blocks shared by all courses.
- A minimum of 132 days in a company during the second year (MSc 2) for initial training programmes.
Assessment procedures
Throughout the course, your skills development is regularly measured via :
- Ongoing assessment and face-to-face final examination sessions.
- Practical case studies carried out individually and/or in teams.
- Individual and/or group oral presentations.
- Individual and/or group written work.
- Work placements and in-company projects.
- An applied research dissertation.
Is this diploma recognised by the State?
Yes, it is an official certification from the Ministry of Labour. France Compétences guarantees the quality of INSEEC and its training courses.
- A demanding quality label appreciated by companies
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Key figures for class 2024
For RNCP title n°39884
“Business Development Manager
Rate of presentation for certification
National pass rate
Overall integration rate
Hot satisfaction rate
Rates updated on 16/10/2025
Professional experience
Work-study training and internships
Internships or work-study schemes will enable you to steer trade marketing strategies and manage relationships with distributors. You’ll manage sales teams, optimise sales performance and develop your expertise to accelerate your integration into the world of business development.
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INSEEC supports you
Personalized support in your search for a work-study program or internship in business development and trade marketing.
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Job dating
Monthly meetings to meet with our partner companies in distribution, retail, and business development.
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Match'Up Platform
Thousands of work-study programs and internships in trade marketing, sales force, and distribution management.
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Corporate and Alumni Relations Department
A network of 10,000 partner companies and 115,000 alumni to help you find a job in sales.
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Coaching workshops
Weekly group or individual workshops: stress management, self-confidence, professional posture, cover letters, interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, etc.
Business
What are the career prospects after an MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
After completing INSEEC’s MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution, there are many opportunities for you to join the professions of business development, sales management and trade marketing. You will benefit from rapid career development prospects towards sales management or sector manager positions.
Application
What are the entry requirements for the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
Admission to 1st year
- Accessible to holders of a minimum of 3 years’ higher education in the fields of commerce, marketing, management, distribution or economics: university degree, professional degree, Bachelor’s degree from a business school or BUT.
- Apply using the online application form.
Admission to 2nd year
- Open to holders of a validated Bac +4 in the fields of commerce, trade marketing, business development or management: university Master 1, 1ʳᵉ year Master’s degree in a business school or equivalent.
- Apply using the online application form.
Your application
- Submitting your application
- Admission test
- Eligibility results
Tuition fees
What are the tuition fees for the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
Tuition fees for the INSEEC MSc vary from year to year. Several sources of finance are available to help you.
- 3rd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1 year11 390€
- 2nd year 1 year13 450€
- MSc's degree
Financial aid
INSEEC offers a number of financial aid schemes:
Alternating work placements or work-study contracts
Banking partnerships and their advantages
- 3rd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1 year10 990€
- 2nd year 1 year13 490€
- MSc's degree
Financial aid
INSEEC offers a number of financial aid schemes:
Alternating work placements or work-study contracts
Banking partnerships and their advantages
- 3rd year undergraduate
- 1st year 1 year11 390€
- 2nd year 1 year13 450€
- MSc's degree
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FAQ
All you need to know about the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution
Answers to frequently asked questions about the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution. Need further clarification? Our teams are always available to talk to you!
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What are the objectives of the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
This Master of Science in Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution aims to train professionals capable of :
- Steering sales development and distribution strategies.
- Manage sales teams and negotiate with distributors.
- Optimising sales performance in networks.
- Digitalising distribution models and managing supplier relationships.
This specialization prepares students for careers in sales management in the retail sector.
Is the INSEEC MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution recognised by the State?
Yes, the diploma awards the RNCP 339884 level 7 title “Business Development Manager”, which is recognised by the State and registered on the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles. This RNCP qualification gives you easier access to professional opportunities and validates your skills with major retailers and commercial companies.
Is there an active INSEEC alumni network to help with professional integration?
Yes, you benefit from access to the network of 115,000 former INSEEC graduates in all sectors. This network facilitates exchanges with trade marketing, distribution and business development professionals. Thanks to this active network, you’ll find out about career paths and opportunities in major retailers and international companies.
Which languages are used for courses and exams?
Courses on the Master of Science Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution are taught in French. English is integrated into the programme through Business English courses to strengthen your language skills. This dual-language approach prepares candidates for working with international distributors and partners.
Is it possible to do work experience during the INSEEC MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
Yes, the course can be followed on a sandwich course over 12 months (MSc 2) or 24 months (MSc 1 + MSc 2). This work-study programme gives you the opportunity to gain professional experience in a large-scale distribution, franchise network or sales department, and to develop practical skills that can be applied directly in strategic sales functions.
What is the admission process for the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
Admission is in three stages: an online application, a review of your academic and professional record, and a personal interview. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in business development and distribution. Consult the main content of the admissions page to find out the detailed terms and conditions of this business science specialisation.
What is the duration of the INSEEC MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
The course lasts 2 years (MSc 1 + MSc 2) for those with 3 years’ higher education, or 1 year (MSc 2 only) for those with 4 years’ higher education. The aim of this course is to develop comprehensive expertise in business development, enabling students to build their career path according to their career plans in distribution.
What are the challenges of sustainable development in trade marketing?
The programme integrates sustainable development issues into commercial strategies:
- Responsible practices in distribution and logistics.
- Short circuits and sustainable sourcing.
- Responsible communication and transparency.
- Innovation in sustainable distribution models.
Students learn how to design responsible sales strategies and integrate sustainable development practices into their trade marketing activities, thereby meeting the expectations of the major brands.
How is the programme preparing for new distribution models?
The specialisation incorporates developments in the sector through modules on :
- Digitalisation of distribution models and new players.
- E-commerce and omnichannel.
- Data marketing and personalising the customer experience.
- Innovation and change management in networks.
Students discover innovative practices and develop hands-on experience through partnerships with companies at the cutting edge of business transformation.
What soft skills are developed as a result of the MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution?
The soft skills acquired during this MSc Business Development – Trade Marketing & Distribution include :
- The ability to persuade and the art of commercial negotiation.
- Leadership and management of sales teams.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision.
- Resilience and managing business objectives.
- Adaptability to different distribution channels.
These soft skills are essential for success in sales development and trade marketing careers. The course also develops your ability to steer strategic projects and manage relationships with distributors in an international environment.
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