These are the Best Universities in the World to Study a Master’s in Luxury Management

The luxury sector has experienced steady growth over the years, attracting students and professionals interested in specializing in the management of high-end products and services. Studying a Master’s in Luxury Management offers the opportunity to understand the specifics of this exclusive market and acquire the skills to lead prestigious brands.

Below are some of the best universities in the world to pursue a master’s degree in this specialty.

1. ESSEC Business School (France)

ESSEC Business School is globally recognized for its academic excellence and innovative approach to business education. Its MSc in Luxury Management and Marketing program is offered in partnership with LVMH, Richemont, and Kering, providing students with a direct connection to top luxury brands. The program combines theory with practical experience through live projects and industry internships.

2. SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy)

Located in Milan, the fashion and luxury capital, SDA Bocconi offers the Master in Fashion, Experience & Design Management (MAFED). This program is designed for those seeking a career in luxury, fashion, and design brand management. SDA Bocconi stands out for its industry network and focus on innovation and creativity.

3. London Business School (United Kingdom)

London Business School offers an MBA with a concentration in Luxury Management. This program allows students to tailor their educational experience by choosing specific luxury modules. The school’s location in London, a global hub for luxury brands, provides students access to a vast network of professionals and industry events.

4. HEC Paris (France)

HEC Paris is one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe and offers an MSc in Marketing with a specialization in Luxury. Its proximity to Paris, a world luxury epicenter, gives students the advantage of being at the heart of the industry. The program includes company visits, lectures with industry leaders, and live consulting projects.

5. Université de Genève (Switzerland)

The Université de Genève offers a Master’s in Luxury Goods and Services Management in collaboration with the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM). This program is designed to provide a deep understanding of management and marketing in the luxury sector, with a particular focus on watchmaking, jewelry, and high-end products.

6. NYU Stern School of Business (United States)

NYU Stern offers an MBA in Luxury Marketing, focusing on the management and marketing of luxury products and services. The program benefits from its location in New York, one of the most influential cities in the world of fashion and luxury. Students have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and participate in collaborative projects with renowned brands.

7. Polimoda (Italy)

Polimoda, located in Florence, is one of the leading institutions in fashion and luxury. Its Master in Luxury Business program offers a comprehensive approach that combines theory, practice, and direct industry experience. Polimoda is distinguished by its student-centered teaching methodology and close ties with Italian luxury brands.

8. ESSEC Asia-Pacific (Singapore)

ESSEC’s extension in Asia offers the Global MBA with a specialization in Luxury Brand Management. This program is ideal for those interested in the growing luxury market in Asia. With a focus on the internationalization and digitalization of luxury, the program prepares students for emerging trends and market demands in Asia.

Evaluation Criteria

To determine that these universities are the best options for studying a Master’s in Luxury Management, we have considered a number of key factors that ensure the quality and relevance of the programs offered. Below, we detail how we evaluated each university:

1. Academic Reputation

The academic reputation of a university is a crucial indicator of the quality of its education. We have considered international business school rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings and the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, to evaluate the overall and specific reputation of luxury management programs.

2. Industry Connections

Direct linkage with the luxury industry is essential for a successful program in Luxury Management. We have valued partnerships with leading brands such as LVMH, Richemont, and Kering, as well as the university’s ability to offer internships, live projects, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

3. Location

The location of the university plays a fundamental role in immersion and access to the luxury industry. Cities like Paris, Milan, New York, and London are global luxury centers, providing students with a dynamic environment and direct contact opportunities with brands.

4. Curriculum and Specialization

The depth and specialization of the curriculum are vital aspects for comprehensive training in Luxury Management. We evaluated the programs for their focus on key areas such as marketing, brand management, innovation, and sustainability in the luxury sector.

5. Alumni Network

A strong alumni network in key positions within the luxury industry can provide significant advantages for graduates. We have considered the strength of the alumni networks and the mentoring and professional development opportunities they offer.

6. Practical Experience

The integration of theory and practice through projects, case studies, and professional internships is crucial. We have valued programs that offer a balanced combination of classroom learning and direct industry experience.

7. Focus on Innovation and Emerging Trends

The luxury sector is constantly evolving, with emerging trends in digitalization, sustainability, and global markets. We have evaluated the programs for their ability to prepare students for these contemporary challenges.

University Evaluation

ESSEC Business School (France)
- Academic Reputation: Highly ranked in global rankings.
- Industry Connections: Partnerships with LVMH, Richemont, and Kering.
- Location: Paris, a global luxury hub.
- Curriculum: Focused on luxury marketing and management.
- Alumni Network: Strong presence in the industry.
- Practical Experience: Live projects and internships.
- Innovation: Focus on digitalization and sustainability.
SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy)
- Academic Reputation: High ranking in management programs.
- Industry Connections: Strong links with Italian brands.
- Location: Milan, the fashion and luxury capital.
- Curriculum: Combination of fashion, design, and luxury.
- Alumni Network: Extensive international network.
- Practical Experience: Projects and industry contacts.
- Innovation: Emphasis on creativity and design.
London Business School (United Kingdom)
- Academic Reputation: Leader in business education.
- Industry Connections: Relationships with luxury brands in London.
- Location: London, a global luxury hub.
- Curriculum: Flexibility to customize education.
- Alumni Network: Global network with strong presence in the sector.
- Practical Experience: Real projects and access to industry events.
- Innovation: Programs adapted to emerging trends in luxury.

HEC Paris (France)
- Academic Reputation: Consistently high in European rankings.
- Industry Connections: Partnerships with leading companies and company visits.
- Location: Proximity to Paris, the luxury epicenter.
- Curriculum: Specialization in luxury marketing.
- Alumni Network: Extensive and active alumni network.
- Practical Experience: Live consulting projects and internships.
- Innovation: Strong focus on trends and digital technologies.
Université de Genève (Switzerland)
- Academic Reputation: Recognized for excellence in management and economics.
- Industry Connections: Focus on watchmaking and jewelry, key sectors in Switzerland.
- Location: Geneva, a global high-end products center.
- Curriculum: Integration of luxury management and marketing.
- Alumni Network: Specialized network in luxury goods and services.
- Practical Experience: Collaborations with prestigious Swiss brands.
- Innovation: Focus on sustainability and responsible management.
NYU Stern School of Business (United States)
- Academic Reputation: High in MBA rankings.
- Industry Connections: Access to New York’s vibrant luxury industry.
- Location: New York, a key luxury market.
- Curriculum: Concentration in luxury marketing.
- Alumni Network: Influential network in the global industry.
- Practical Experience: Projects and collaborations with renowned brands.
- Innovation: Preparation for digitalization and innovation in luxury.
Polimoda (Italy)
- Academic Reputation: Leader in fashion and luxury.
- Industry Connections: Close ties with Italian brands.
- Location: Florence, the cradle of artisanal luxury.
- Curriculum: Focus on luxury business and design.
- Alumni Network: Strong network in fashion and luxury.
- Practical Experience: Student-centered methodology and real projects.
- Innovation: Focus on creativity and sustainability in luxury.
ESSEC Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
- Academic Reputation: Part of the prestigious ESSEC Business School.
- Industry Connections: Partnerships with global and Asian brands.
- Location: Singapore, gateway to the Asian luxury market.
- Curriculum: Specialization in global luxury brand management.
- Alumni Network: International network with a focus on Asia.
- Practical Experience: Projects and internships in the dynamic Asian market.
- Innovation: Focus on digitalization and internationalization of luxury.

The selection of these universities is based on a comprehensive assessment that considers their academic reputation, industry connections, strategic location, specialized curriculum, alumni network, practical experience, and focus on innovation. These institutions offer robust and well-connected programs that prepare students to lead in the competitive and exclusive world of luxury. Choosing any of these universities will provide a solid foundation and exceptional opportunities for a successful career in Luxury Management.