Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
As a graduate of this course, you will have developed business skills to run organisations of all sizes, in ways that are future focused and not solely profit-driven.
The Master of Business Administration Sustainable Leadership allows you to study a broader range of specialist elective units based on your career interests over 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
You will have a deep understanding of genuine sustainable business practice. This course will guide you through how business can operate both profitably and in a manner that supports society, the economy and the environment. In addition to the traditional core MBA business competencies, this course will provide the essential knowledge and skills required by the sustainable enterprises and businesses of the future, including developing effective sustainability and CSR strategy, designing and implementing sustainability initiatives, as well sustainability disclosure and reporting. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an applied professional business placement, or select specialist electives that support your chosen career pathway.
Career opportunities
The Australian Government predicts strong industry demand for business degree graduates from a wide range of sectors. As a Master of Business Administration graduate, you will be qualified to pursue a range of exciting domestic and international career opportunities, which include business planning and management, brand management, marketing, market research, business analysis, e-commerce, human resource management, and many others.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $34,720.00. This equates to $ $4,340.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
What will I study?
The MBA Sustainable Leadership will provide you with the opportunity to develop serious understanding of sustainable business practice in our rapidly changing world. You will complete units focusing on leadership, sustainable enterprise, design thinking for sustainable innovation, business analytics, global megatrends, economics, finance, investment, entrepreneurship, strategy and management through a framework of sustainability theory and practice. You will gain significant experience through a social enterprise and consulting project.
Course structure
Your specialisation will allow you to choose to focus on professional placement, or select elective units that support your professional future.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (7 units) | 80cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below: BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy BUS508 Business Analytics ECO505 Economics of Sustainability MAN514 Management for the Executive BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) |
| Specialist Electives (8 units) | 80cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 80 credit points. Students can complete a prescribed specialisation or select units from the discipline-focused unit list below: Discipline-focused electives Accounting & Law Indigenous Engagement & Policy Development Emergency and Disaster Management Environmental Management Public Health and Health Research Information Technology |
| Course Total | 160cp |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES - 2025
WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication has been added as a specialist elective in the Sustainable Business Specialisation.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective 5 | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | |
| Specialist Elective 6 | |||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | SE | WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | SE |
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting BUS506 Global Megatrends DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts LAW514 Commercial Law PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 (20cp) | ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management LAW513 Corporate Law LAW514 Commercial Law MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership PHM559 Health Policy WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 (20cp) | BUS506 Global Megatrends (INT-5) ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship (INT-6) FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability (INT-2) | ACT501 Accounting Principles LAW514 Commercial Law |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | ||
| BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | ||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 8 | SE | ||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| CO | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | |
| CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | |
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Calendar Year 3 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Calendar Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Calendar Year 5 | |||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| CO | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | |
| CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | |
| CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | |
| CO | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | |
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | SE |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||
| WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | SE | ||
| WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting BUS506 Global Megatrends DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts LAW514 Commercial Law PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 (20cp) | ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management LAW513 Corporate Law LAW514 Commer cial Law MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership PHM559 Health Policy WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 (20cp) | BUS506 Global Megatrends (INT-5) ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship (INT-6) FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability (INT-2) | ACT501 Accounting Principles LAW514 Commercial Law |
___________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | ||||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | ||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||||
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT SPECIALISATION
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | ||||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | ||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||||
| Year 3 | |||||
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | SE | WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | SE | ||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree or equivalent international qualification in a business related field.
Applicants who have one of the above qualifications in a non-business-related discipline and who have at least six months business/management experience will also be considered. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) that includes a statement of purpose addressing how the course will help you achieve your career aspirations.
International entry pathway
International Pathway Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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