Business Sustainability – Master of Business Administration

Specialisation

Massey’s Master of Business Administration (Business Sustainability) equips you to lead where business success and sustainability align. You’ll learn how to build resilient organisations, drive sustainable practices and turn global challenges into opportunities for long-term advantage.

Where you can study
Auckland campus
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 MBA (Business Sustainability) focuses on building organisations that are resilient, responsible and future-ready in a rapidly changing world.

Driven by customer expectations, stakeholder pressure, environmental challenges, regulation, and or profitability, organisations are investing heavily in sustainability. This specialisation equips you to:

  • Develop governance structures that support sustainability
  • Lead the identification and implementation of innovative, sustainable practices
  • Manage risk while leveraging sustainable products and services.

You’ll connect with businesses and experts who have successfully navigated sustainability challenges. The qualification covers both strategic and operational approaches to building sustainable enterprises.

You will complete a management project with a New Zealand organisation. This real-world experience strengthens your employability and gives you practical examples to showcase in interviews.

There are two specialisation courses for Business Sustainability:

  • 115792 – Business Sustainability explores how organisations build resilience and sustainability to turn threats into opportunities and achieve long-term success. You’ll examine organisational culture, crisis response, and sustainability as a competitive advantage, including the circular economy and practical frameworks. Case studies and analysis provide tools to measure outcomes and lead future-ready strategies.
  • 1157984 – Balancing Innovation and Risk Management examines why successful companies fail, exploring internal and external factors alongside practical risk management tools. You’ll then focus on managing disruptive innovation through organisational structures, market orientation, and new product development, concluding with integrative case study.
  • Register your interest

Insights

Massey’s business qualifications are internationally recognised:

  • Top 150 globally – Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
  • Tier One CEO Magazine
  • AACSB ranks Massey in the top 5% of business schools in the world
  • Accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)

AMBA accreditation is recognised globally by employers as a mark of quality and excellence.

Your Massey MBA will help you to:

  • make a meaningful impact on business and society
  • think critically and lead with integrity in a global, diverse environment
  • master cross-functional and strategic decision-making
  • stay career-ready and committed to lifelong learning.

Related qualification: EMBA

Are you a senior professional with 7+ years’ work experience and at least 3 years in management? Our Executive MBA could be your next step. It's delivered face-to-face over just 10 weekends in under 2 years.

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

  • Have at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate work experience
  • Are ready to fast-track your degree with a full-time MBA in just one year
  • Are interested in creating  sustainable enterprises.

Planning information

Planning information

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

If you study part-time, you’ll take 180 credits over 2 years and have up to 5 years to complete your study, subject to visa restrictions, if applicable. 

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 2 courses (15 credits each) plus the Action Learning Project (30 credits) in Business Sustainability.

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

Courses you can enrol in

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

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

Application closing dates 

  • 2026 Second intake application closing date
    • International students:  27 April 2026
    • Domestic students:  22 June 2026
  • 2026 Third intake application closing date
    • International students: 24 August 2026
    • Domestic students: 19 October 2026
  • 2027 First intake application closing date
    • International students: Mid December 2026
    • Domestic students: Mid February 2027 

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, having achieved at least a B- grade average in the highest level courses, or equivalent
  • your CV showing at least 3 years’ relevant postgraduate practical experience work experience
  • an application statement covering supplied questions
  • a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.  

Application statement

Questions to address in your application personal statement:

  • 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

A minimum of 3 years’ work experience is required. This ensures you can contribute meaningfully to discussions and group work. Applicants with less experience are unlikely to be accepted.

English language requirements

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

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Master of Business Administration tuition fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the mode and start date of study.

Indicative 2026 MBA tuition fees

  • 2026 Domestic on-campus: NZ$52,300 (12 months)
  • 2026 International full-time (onshore): NZ$65,150 (12 months)

Fees include eBooks and study materials but exclude non-tuition fees, insurance and living costs.

Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each year. The tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as fees can increase each year. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

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

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

Careers and job opportunities

Careers and job opportunities

Regardless of your background, the MBA can help you progress into leadership and management roles across private, public and non-profit sectors.

The Massey MBA builds on your existing experience, adding practical skills and strategic insight you can apply immediately giving you a strong advantage in competitive job markets in New Zealand and internationally.

An MBA specialising in Business Sustainability positions you for roles that combine commercial performance with responsible practice. Employers increasingly seek leaders who can link profitability with sustainability, particularly in industries where it is both a regulatory requirement and a competitive advantage.

Massey Career Centre

Access career support, skills development, and networking opportunities during your studies and after graduation.

MBA alumni network

Stay connected through exclusive events, networking opportunities, and ongoing learning as part of the Massey MBA alumni community. You can also join the AMBA network with over 60,000 members.

International students

International students

New Zealand offers a supportive and welcoming environment for international students. Massey is rated 5-Star Plus by QS World University Rankings and is known for approachable staff, small classes, and faculty who bring industry expertise to their teaching.

Graduates may be eligible for a 3-year post study work visa (conditions apply).

Important for international students on campus:

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.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

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

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

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

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CEO Magazine Tier One Global MBA Ranking badge

CEO magazine MBA ranking

This international magazine for executives ranked Massey's MBA in its top MBA qualifications for 2026.

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