Business Sustainability – Master of Business Administration

With Massey’s Master of Business Administration MBA (Business Sustainability), you’ll develop leading-edge business skills that are closely connected to business practice including business risk and innovation management.

Where you can study

Auckland campus
Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note: Three intakes per year (March, July, November). Selected entry qualification.

Specialise in Business Sustainability for your Master of Business Administration at Massey

The Master of Business Administration (Business Sustainability) specialisation is about building businesses that last and organisations that are resilient in the face of a fast changing world.

Whether motivated by changing customer demands, stakeholder pressure, environmental concern, regulation or profit, organisations are dedicating significant resources towards creating sustainable enterprises.

This MBA specialisation enables you to build management competence and governance structures that facilitate the identification and implementation of innovative practices, products and services that are sustainable and resilient.

This qualification will expose you to businesses and experts within New Zealand and overseas who have had successes and overcome challenges in building sustainable enterprises. Both the strategic and operational aspects of developing and leveraging innovative sustainable products and services while mitigating risk are addressed in this specialisation. 

World-class online learning

You'll have access to world-class online technology 24/7 and engaging learning methods. This includes online classes and team-meetings, along with forums and group-work. This allows you to network with and  learn directly from your peers and faculty.

Find out more on the Master of Business Administration page.

Insights

The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks Massey in the top 400 universities worldwide in this subject area. Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 ranks Massey in the top 201-300 universities globally.

Our AMBA (Association of MBAs) accreditation encourages our programme to ensure students have:

  • A positive impact on themselves, organisations, and society for the benefit of all stakeholders
  • Understand and respond through sound business practices to the challenges facing the planet  
  • Lead themselves and others in the achievement of organisational goals within the context of  sustainable development, contributing effectively to a diverse and inclusive team environment
  • Think critically and make decisions with integrity based on complex information, understanding the overall impact of managerial decision-making
  • Understand organisations and their stakeholders, and have an awareness of public policy and the regulatory environment  
  • Integrate functional knowledge and apply strategic management skills at a senior level in changing business environments
  • Operate effectively and respectfully in cross-cultural settings
  • Enhance their careers and commitment to lifelong learning

Related qualification: EMBA

If you have 7+ years full-time work experience (with three of those in management) and you are looking for executive face-to-face learning over 10 weekends in less than two years, consider our Executive MBA programme.

International students

New Zealand is a great place to study and live. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international  rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

In the Massey MBA we keep classes to small sizes, and our MBA teaching faculty have extensive international and local experiences. Our staff are very approachable and care about your career aspirations.

As an international student, there are immigration entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so that your application can be processed in time.  The Massey MBA programmes are the only ones in New Zealand with a Licensed Immigration Adviser on staff, so that you can get the most up-to-date information about your student visa and subsequent opportunities for work visa and residence.

A Master of Business Administration in Business Sustainability is a good fit if you:

  • have three or more years full-time work experience and would like to progress into leadership and  management roles
  • would like to study online or would like to complete an MBA full-time in only one year
  • are interested in learning how to create sustainable enterprises.

Planning information

If you study full-time, you’ll take 180 credits over a period of 12 months.

This is a parts-based qualification. For progression to Part Two you must have achieved a B- grade average across the courses completed in Part One.

To complete the Business Sustainability specialisation you must pass 60 credits in Business Sustainability which includes two courses (15 credits each) plus the Action Learning Project (30 credits).

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Core courses for the Master of Business Administration

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Master of Business Administration core courses

Business Sustainability courses

Part One Subject courses

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115784 Balancing Innovation and Risk Management 15 credits

An applied and experiential study of the principles and practices that enable leaders to achieve the balance of innovation and risk management that enables resilient, sustainable businesses.

View full course details
Course code: 115792 Business Sustainability 15 credits

This course examines business practices that make organisations sustainable and resilient, with a particular focus on how to balance continuous innovation with good governance and risk management.

View full course details

Part Two Subject course

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115812 Action Learning Project 30 credits

Supervised team-based project focused on deliverable improvement of practices in an existing business or development of a new business opportunity, drawing on knowledge from multiple business disciplines.

View full course details

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet. 

To enter the Master of Business Administration you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, having achieved at least a B- grade average in the highest level courses, or equivalent
  • have completed at least three years of relevant postgraduate practical work experience
  • have been selected into the qualification on the basis of selection process which may include a written application, references and practical exercises.

Application closing date

There are three intakes each year.

  • First intake: Applications for the first intake close on 19 February 2024 for domestic students and on 22 January 2024 for international students
  • Second intake: Applications for the second intake close on 17 June 2024 for domestic students and on 20 May 2024 for international students
  • Third intake: Applications for the third intake close on 14 October 2024 for domestic students and on 16 September 2024 for international students.

Documents you need to provide

You need to supply with your application the following documentation:

  • copies of official transcripts of all previous university and/or professional qualifications
  • a full CV showing at least three years work experience
  • an application statement covering supplied questions (video or in writing)
  • a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.

Application statement

Questions to address in your application statement (video or written):

  • Compared with other choices you considered for your studies, what made you select Massey?
  • Why have you chosen to do an MBA at this stage in your career?
  • How will you draw on your unique skills and experiences to contribute to your cohort’s MBA experience? 
  • There will be group work during your studies. Tell us about the ways you have managed to perform in groups previously.
  • The MBA will require substantial work in class and out of class.  In the past, how have you managed your time to be effective?
  • What are your career plans following your MBA graduation and how will the MBA help you achieve them?

Work experience

The work experience requirement ensures that you are able to contribute effectively and participate from a position of experience and knowledge. This means that when you have less than the required 3 years’ work experience, we are unlikely to consider you for this MBA.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Fees and scholarships

Master of Business Administration tuition fees

  • The estimated domestic MBA online tuition fee for 2024 is approximately NZ$46,300 with an expected programme completion within two years.
  • The estimated domestic offshore MBA online tuition fee for 2024 is approximately NZ$40,200 with an expected programme completion within two years.
  • The estimated domestic MBA on-campus tuition fee for 2024 is approximately NZ$45,800 with an expected programme completion within 12 months.
  • The estimated onshore full-time international tuition fee for 2024 is approximately NZ$57,800 with an expected programme completion within 12 months.
  • The estimated offshore online international tuition fee for 2024 is approximately NZ$51,500 with an expected programme completion within 2 years.

The above do not include non-tuition fees and living costs. International students also need look at the international student insurance fees tab.
 
Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each  year.

The fees include ebooks and study materials.

Scholarships and award opportunities

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

Domestic students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your tuition fees and non tuition fees.

If you have studied fewer than 60 credits previously, the New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

No matter in which industry you have worked and which prior qualification you hold, the Massey Master of  Business Administration can help you progress into leadership and management roles quickly, and in many sectors, whether in private business, government or non-profit entities.

As a practically trained, globally competent MBA graduate, you are considered a generalist manager and  can position yourself for leadership roles across the board in New Zealand or overseas.

The MBA is specifically designed for emerging managers and leaders who want to broaden their career opportunities  by combining a specialist undergraduate degree with a broad and widely applicable MBA degree. With its  strong practical focus, the Massey MBA builds on your practical work experience and adds new relevant  learnings you can instantly apply at work. This will be a tremendous advantage when you apply for  management and leadership positions.  

The Massey “Career Accelerator”, exclusively offered to MBA and EMBA students and alumni, will prepare  you for identifying the best next career move, excelling in your job interviews - and then moving into exciting new roles.  

Massey Career Centre

Massey Career Centre is here to help you build the skills and knowledge you’ll need in your career. You  can access our services online or in person, both while you study and after you graduate.

MBA alumni network

After you graduate from the MBA, you can access our MBA alumni network for your professional  networking. It also offers opportunities to pursue more learning which will assist you with remaining current as a manager and leader.

International students

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5-star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.

As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.

Accreditations and rankings

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

Learn more

QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.

Learn more

ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

Learn more

CEO magazine

This international magazine for executives ranked Massey's EMBA in its top MBA qualifications for 2023.

Learn more

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