HEC Paris MIM Program: Complete Overview

HEC Paris MIM Curriculum

The HEC Paris MIM Program is divided into 2 core structures: M1 (Core Phase) and M2 (Specialization Phase). There is also an option of Optional Gap Year. Let’s discuss each of these courses in details below:

M1: Courses In General Management

The first year of study, or the M1 course, focuses on the broad area of business and management, which is essential for a successful profession with many facets. The curriculum comprises a number of general management required courses as well as a number of elective courses.

Students have access to a waiver program that enables them to take more challenging courses and electives. You can request to have up to 8 courses and 21 credits waived.

An M1 year includes: 

• (48 credits) Mandatory Management Courses.
• (12 credits) Several Electives Courses.

M1 Mandatory Management Courses

The following is a list of M1 Mandatory Management Courses:

• Company Law: The fundamentals of corporate law will be covered in this course for the students. It will discuss the key players in the corporate context, their function, and relationships from a legal perspective, both nationally and in a cross-border setting.
• Contract Law: The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the rules and principles governing contracts. Students will learn to analyze, draft, and interpret contracts, while gaining the necessary skills to navigate legal issues related to contract formation, performance, and remedies.

• Corporate Finance (Capital Structure): The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and principles involved in determining the optimal capital structure for a company. Students will learn how to analyze financial data, evaluate risk, and make informed decisions to maximize shareholder value.

• Corporate Finance (Corporate Valuation): The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and principles used in valuing companies. Through the study of financial statements, cash flow analysis, and valuation models, students will learn to make informed investment and financial decisions in a corporate context.

• Financial Accounting: The purpose of this course is to equip students with the necessary accounting knowledge to comprehend financial statements, as well as the core ideas and procedures of financial accounting.
• Financial Economics: An introduction to the fundamentals of financial economics is provided in this course. It introduces students to the principles of enterprises’ investment decisions, the risk-return trade-off, investors’ portfolio decisions, and the theoretical underpinnings of asset pricing.
• Financial Markets: The fundamentals of financial markets and the financial instruments traded on them will be covered in this course. It encompasses the markets for stocks, bonds, futures, options, and forward contracts. The course builds on the core knowledge of finance required for the M1-level “Corporate Finance” course and other finance classes. It comes after the “Financial Economics” course.
• Leading Organizations: In this course, three alternative viewpoints on organizations are examined, which will aid in your comprehension of the problems associated with managing and being managed at work. It goes over how each lens affects management and gives you the know-how and resources you need to accurately identify organizational issues and deal with them.
• Managing Organizational Performance: You will learn how to establish and retain a competitive advantage through this course. You will gain a thorough awareness of both financial and non-financial performance indicators, a solid understanding of how to translate strategy into operational levels, and the ability to deploy and oversee several control systems in order to successfully lead their organizations.
• Strategic Marketing: This course’s major goal is to give you a framework for approaching marketing management problems in an organized manner in order to function successfully in the business environment of the future. Along with developing a marketing strategy, you will also learn about common implementation strategies for marketing decisions and assess the impact that these decisions have on the society in which firms operate.
• Marketing Science: The objective of this course is to equip students with a deep understanding of the analytical tools and methodologies used to uncover consumer insights and drive effective marketing strategies. Students will learn to apply statistical analysis and data-driven approaches to optimize marketing decisions and maximize business outcomes.
• Management & Cost Accounting: The goal of this course is to increase students’ ability to choose and organize the management accounting data they’ll need to weigh their options. By using costing methodologies and reasoning strategies that may be used for specific management decisions, it is specifically designed to help students convert common management issues into accounting terms. The course specifically addresses various cost kinds, various cost analysis techniques, and their applicability to decision-making.
• Operations & Supply Chain Management: The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in managing efficient and effective operations and supply chains. Students will learn how to optimize processes, improve productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction in a global business environment.
• Statistics & Econometrics: This course will concentrate on inferential statistics, which describes how applying confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, etc. to a sample data set may or may not result in a better understanding of the underlying population. Additionally, students will master multiple linear regression, a straightforward data-based modeling technique. The majority of this course’s class time will be spent working through activities that represent managerial issues or deal with other topics like sociology, politics, etc.
• Strategy: This course’s goals are to review the key ideas, techniques, and instruments used in the processes of strategy analysis, formulation, and implementation; to pinpoint the business contexts in which each can be used most successfully; and to comprehend the limitations of each approach.
• Purpose & Sustainability: The purpose of this course is to educate individuals on the importance of integrating purpose-driven practices and sustainable strategies into personal and professional endeavors. Through interactive lessons and real-life case studies, participants develop a comprehensive understanding of how to create positive impact while ensuring long-term environmental and social sustainability.
• Language courses (including a compulsory French course in the first semester of M1): Since all core courses and the majority of electives are taught in English, MIM students do not need to speak French to enroll in the program. However, to fully experience HEC, become professionally bicultural, and maximize networking with French students and alumni, some knowledge of French is helpful. Because of this, HEC Paris provides free French language instruction to all of its international students, including a January Intensive French Language & Culture Academy. Additionally, in August, students can sign up for the HEC Paris French School (TEF certificate – all levels). This is a unique chance to study French and live in the center of Paris before starting at the college.

Along with all of the above mandatory courses, students also need to select any one of the following courses:

• Financial Accounting 2: The goal of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the accounting and financial data generated by individual businesses or groups. One of the fundamental abilities every employee of a firm, regardless of position, must possess is the ability to read and understand financial records. Students who complete this course will be able to comprehend the financial standing of a company’s clients, partners, and employees.
• Corporate Tax Management: Students who complete this course will have an understanding of the value of the financial component in management and decision-making. Additionally, students will comprehend the fundamental workings of France’s primary taxes.
• Ethics & Sustainability: The objective of this course is to foster critical thinking and awareness of ethical and sustainable practices. Through interdisciplinary discussions, case studies, and practical applications, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, promote responsible behavior, and contribute positively to a sustainable future.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Future managers, business owners, and investors are the target audience for this course. This course will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. Through experiential learning and theoretical frameworks, students will learn to identify opportunities, develop creative solutions, and navigate the challenges of launching and managing successful ventures.
• Management of Information Systems: This course seeks to teach students the fundamentals of information systems and their functions in modern businesses. It will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic role of information systems in organizations. It aims to develop their skills in managing and leveraging technology, analyzing data for informed decision-making, and ensuring effective information system implementation and security.
• Modeling and Data Analysis with Excel: The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills to effectively analyze data using Excel’s powerful modeling capabilities. Students will learn to create models, perform statistical analysis, visualize data, and make data-driven decisions using Excel’s tools and functions.

M1 Electives Courses

The HEC Paris MIM Program provides a wide range of elective courses in the first year of its M1 course. The following is a list of M1 Electives Courses:

1. Finance, Economics

The Finance and Economics course provides a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, economic principles, and their interplay in global markets. Students will learn to analyze economic indicators, evaluate investment opportunities, and assess risks. Here is a list of courses under the Finance and Economics course:

• Bayesian Decision Analysis
• Credit Rating
• Financial Geography in Central and Eastern Europe
• Inside Venture Capital
• International Banking
• Mergers & Acquisition and Due Diligence
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Financial Analysis 
• Modeling and Data Analysis
• Project Finance

2. International Business

The International Business course explores the complexities of conducting business on a global scale. It covers topics, such as international trade, cross-cultural communication, market entry strategies, global supply chains, and multinational operations. Students gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the global marketplace and develop skills to navigate them successfully. Here is a list of courses under the International Business course:

• Business Strategy for the Digital Age
• Comparative Politics of Latin America
• Euro-American Comparative Politics
• Geopolitics of the Arctic
• Implementing Strategy
• Understanding The Middle East: Economic and Strategic Fundamentals

3. HR, Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development

The HR, Social Responsibility, and Sustainable Development course explores the intersection of human resources management, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development. It covers topics, such as ethical business practices, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, equipping students with skills to promote responsible and sustainable business practices. Here is a list of courses under the HR, Social Responsibility, and Sustainable Development course:

• Ethics and Sustainability
• Global Human Resources Management
• Introduction To 21st-Century Energy Challenges
• Intercultural Management & HR
• Leading Change: Winning Hearts and Minds
• Technologies, Climate Change and Future of Energy

4. Marketing

The Marketing course provides a comprehensive understanding of key marketing strategies and principles. It covers topics, such as market research, consumer behavior, branding, advertising, and digital marketing. Students will learn to develop effective marketing plans and campaigns to reach target audiences, build brand awareness, and drive business growth in competitive markets. Here is a list of courses under the Marketing course:

• International Marketing
• Marketing Models for Practical Decision Making and Consulting
• New Product Development
• Sports Marketing
• Wine Marketing

5. Other

These courses refer to educational programs outside of the regular academic curriculum that students can participate in to enhance their skills and pursue their interests. These courses offer students opportunities for personal growth and exploration. Here is a list of them:

• Debating
• Philosophy of Liberalism

Consulting Projects and Live Case Studies

Students will have numerous possibilities through this program in the first year to collaborate with businesses on active situations and projects from real-world consulting, such as with TBWA, Roland Berger, L’Oréal Paris, EDF, PwC, Procter & Gamble, etc.

M2: Acquire an expertise in a specific field

You must customize your expertise and talents according to the second year’s curriculum. Here, you’ll use the abilities and extensive knowledge you gained during your first year to decide how to move forward with your career. There are more than 20 specializations available, and each one will give you the highest level of education and training needed to enter this sector with ease.

A research paper (20 ECTS credits) and specialized coursework (about 350 hours or 40 ECTS credits) make up the second year of studies, which leads to a portfolio of nine optional diplomas at the conclusion of M2. Seven separate Grande Ecole master’s degrees are available to students in seven different specialization groups.

Management

There are numerous Management specializations available to students. The majority of these speciality courses are taught entirely in English and students who complete them are awarded the HEC Master in Management degree.

1. Specializations in Management offered on the HEC campus

HEC MIM Program offers a range of specializations in management courses on its campus. Students gain in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen field, preparing them for leadership roles in various industries. These are the options available:

• International Finance
• Strategic Management
• Marketing
• Quantitative Economics and Finance
• Managerial and Financial Economics
• Accounting & Financial Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Data Science for Business
• Digital
• Sustainability and Social Innovation
• Project, Innovation, Conception (taught in French)

2. Specializations in Management offered within the CEMS Alliance

30 top-tier academic institutions, 70 globally famous multinational corporations, and 7 NGOs make up the global coalition known as CEMS. Students can earn a diploma from the CEMS alliance in addition to their HEC degree, which is highly sought after by employers all over the world.

Students that specialize in International Business can most often obtain the MIM-CEMS Joint Degree. Additionally, there are certain positions available for students specializing in Managerial and Financial Economics as well as Accounting & Financial Management.

You must finish a business project, go to skill seminars, have an international internship, pass two language tests, and receive a degree from HEC Paris in order to receive a CEMS diploma. Students enrolled in the MIM Program must complete CEMS Courses totaling 45 credits. These are split between the first and second semesters, with 30 credits of work being completed in the first semester and the final 15 being completed in the second.

CEMS courses come in four different varieties:

• Mandatory Courses: Courses on Global Leadership and Global Strategy.

• Elective Courses: Courses offered by the school itself.

• Exclusive Courses: Courses built especially for CEMS students.

• Research Project: A Research Project may be substituted for up to 7.5 ECTS of the CEMS Electives.

3. Specializations in Management offered with HEC Paris’ partners

These specialization courses in Management provide students with the opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas of business. Through partnerships with renowned institutions and organizations, these specialized management courses enhance students’ career prospects and equip them with the necessary tools to succeed in their respective industries. These two are the options available:

• Master Exchange Program (within the Major International Business) 
• International Double Degrees in Management

Business Law

The Business Law specialization course offers in-depth knowledge and skills in the legal aspects of running a business. Students will learn to navigate legal challenges and make informed decisions to protect and optimize business operations. There are two options available:

• The Double Degree in Business Law with Paris 1 – Panthéon-Sorbonne (taught in French)
• Stratégie juridique et fiscale internationale (taught in French)

Graduates will receive the HEC Master in Management & Business Law degree with these two options.

Public Affairs

The Public Affairs course focuses on the study of government systems, policies, and the interaction between governments and the public. Students gain an understanding of how public decisions are made and their impact on society. There are four choices in this category. The HEC Master in Management & Public Affairs degree will be given to graduates for each of these choices.

• The double degree in Public Policy HEC Paris / Freie Universität Berlin
• The double degree in Public Policy HEC Paris / Georgetown University
• The double degree in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) HEC Paris / Fletcher
• The double degree Corporate and Public Management HEC Paris / Sciences Po Paris

Media, Arts, and Creation

The Media, Arts, and Creation course explores various forms of media and artistic expression, including visual arts, photography, film, music, and literature. Students will learn about creative processes, critical analysis, and cultural context while developing their own artistic skills. Graduates of this specialty program receive the HEC Master in Management, Media, Arts & Creation degree.

• Médias, Art et Création

Cognitive Science

The Cognitive Science course is an interdisciplinary field that explores the study of the mind and intelligence. It integrates principles to understand how humans perceive, think, learn, and communicate. Graduates of this program receive the HEC Master in Management & Cognitive Science degree.

• Double Degree in Sciences Cognitives

Journalism

The Journalism course prepares students for careers in media and communication by providing essential skills in researching, reporting, writing, and editing news stories across various platforms. Graduates of this specialization program receive the HEC Master in Management & Journalism degree.

• Double Degree with the Centre Français du Journalisme

Master’s Degree

The HEC MIM Program has received a Master’s Visa and Grade as well as accreditation from the French Ministry of Education to give master’s degrees to students who have completed 120 ECTS.

Optional Gap Year

Students have the option to take a year off between M1 and M2. Students have the option of allocating a year to a personal or professional project. In order to be excluded from the professional gap year, students must have 8 weeks (for those admitted directly to M1) or 16 weeks (for L3 students) of professional experience under their belts by the start of M2.

Certificates

Certificates, sponsored by a business, consist of a number of interdisciplinary courses totaling about 100 contact hours, as well as business projects and other fieldwork associated with a certain industry. Only students who are already enrolled in a master’s program at HEC Paris are eligible for the certificates.

Double Degrees

Dual degree programs in management have been created by HEC Paris in collaboration with renowned universities in Europe and around the world. Students gain from traveling abroad since it broadens their horizons and enhances their possibilities for future employment.

These double degree agreements can also be wonderful chances for students to enhance their academic programs with in-depth knowledge in important fields like law or public affairs in order to develop a varied resume that is in high demand with employers.

The HEC Paris MIM Admission Requirements

The HEC Paris MIM program has specific admission requirements that applicants need to fulfill. Here is an overview of the requirements:

• Education:

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree that has been earned over a minimum of three years and has 180 ECTS in any subject of study (engineering, social sciences, sciences, arts, etc.). Candidates may submit an application the same year they graduate.

• Work Experience:

At the time of application, a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience after completing the Bachelor’s degree is required.

• GMAT/GRE:

Applicants are required to submit a valid GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score. These standardized tests assess an applicant’s verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. The average GMAT score for admitted students at HEC Paris is typically around 710, but there is no minimum score requirement.

• English Proficiency:

As the program is taught in English, non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language. Applicants can do so by submitting scores from standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English). HEC Paris typically requires a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS or a score of 100 on the TOEFL.

• Letters of Recommendation: 

Applicants are typically required to submit two or three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess their academic or professional abilities. These letters should be written by professors, employers, or supervisors who can provide insight into the applicant’s qualifications, potential, and suitability for the program. You can review HEC Paris MIM letter of recommendations to get an idea of what to look out for. 

Meeting these admission requirements is essential to be considered for the HEC Paris MIM program.

HEC Paris Campus and Location

Location and Regional Benefits

The HEC Paris MIM Program benefits from its strategic location in Paris, a global finance hub. Here are the key advantages:

1. Global Financial Hub: Paris is a major global financial center, attracting numerous multinational corporations, investment banks, and financial institutions. HEC Paris benefits from its proximity to these organizations, allowing students to access internship and job opportunities in the finance sector.
2. Networking Opportunities: The city of Paris is a hub for networking events, conferences, and industry gatherings. HEC Paris leverages this environment to connect students with professionals, alumni, and thought leaders from various industries. These networking opportunities facilitate internships, mentorships, and potential career placements for students.
3. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Paris has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, attracting startups and innovation centers. HEC Paris benefits from this ecosystem by fostering partnerships and collaborations with startups and providing students with exposure to entrepreneurship.
4. Strong Alumni Network: HEC Paris has a vast network of alumni who are active in various industries, both nationally and internationally. Being located in Paris strengthens the connection between the school and its alumni base, facilitating mentorship, career guidance, and job placements.
5. Vibrant International Community: HEC Paris benefits from this cosmopolitan atmosphere, providing students with exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and global networks. The diversity of the city fosters a multicultural learning environment, preparing students for a globalized business world.

Overall, the location of HEC Paris in the dynamic and culturally rich city of Paris offers numerous advantages. These benefits contribute to the holistic development and success of HEC Paris students.