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Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Business Administration Sustainable Enterprise

Key details

Duration

1.5 year/s full-time
3 year/s part-time
1.5 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

CDU Sydney, CDU Waterfront Darwin, Online
CDU Sydney, CDU Waterfront Darwin

Credit points required

120

Course code

SBASE1
SATAC codes

Overview

As a graduate of the Master of Business Sustainable Enterprise, you will have developed business skills to run organisations of all sizes, in ways that are future focused and not solely profit-driven. 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 opportunity to undertake an applied professional business placement, undertake significant research experience or select specialist electives that support your chosen career pathway.



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 2024 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.

International students Adele and Zarah

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
International students Adele and Zarah

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
International students Adele and Zarah

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
International students Adele and Zarah

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 Enterprise 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 sustainable enterprise, design thinking for sustainable innovation, economics, global market and sustainability strategy, business analytics and management. You will gain significant experience through a capstone unit social enterprise and consulting project.

Course structure

You will be able to choose to follow a specialisation in sustainable business (with units such as global megatrends, sustainable entrepreneurship, finance and investment, resilience management and leadership) or choose a professional placement specialisation. You will also have the flexibility to instead take elective units that support your professional future from a range of discipline areas.


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core   
(7 units)
80cpCompulsory 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 or ECO506 Economics of Sustainability (for students studying in Katherine and Alice Springs only)   
MAN514 Management for the Executive   
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)   
 
Specialist Electives   
(4 units)   













































 
40cp   














































 

Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points. Students can complete a prescribed specialisation or select units from the discipline-focused unit list below:   

Sustainable Business Specialisation    
BUS506 Global Megatrends   
ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship   
FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability   
MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership   

Professional Placement Specialisation    
Minimum academic performance required    
WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication (unit title change 2022)   
WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1   
WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 (20cp)   

Advanced Business Research Specialisation (no longer available from Semester 2 2023)   
Minimum academic performance required    
BUS801 Business Research Project 1: Literature Review and Research Design (not available from 2023)   
BUS802 Business Research Project 2: Applied Qualitative Business Research (not available from 2023)   
BUS803 Business Research Project 3: Applied Quantitative Business Research (not available from 2023)   
BUS804 Business Research Thesis Proposal (not available from 2023)   

Disciplined-focused electives    
Units can be chosen from across the lists below.

Accounting & Law    
ACT501 Accounting Principles   
ACT502 Management Accounting   
FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance   
LAW513 Corporate Law   
LAW514 Commercial Law
STA510 Business Statistics   

Indigenous Engagement & Policy Development    
IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development   
IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics   
IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation   
IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management   
IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts

Emergency and Disaster Management   
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context   
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

Environmental Management    
ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered 2024)  
ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management

Public Health and Health Research    
PHM523 Health Promotion   
PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation   
PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making   
PHM559 Health Policy   
PHM567 Public Health   
PHM592 Global Health   

Information Technology   
PRT520 Principles of Computing Systems   
PRT541 Information Systems Management   
PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability   
PRT564 Data Analytics and Visualisation   
PRT581 Principles of Software Systems   
PRT592 Project Portfolio and Program Management   
PRT593 Risk Management    
 

Course Total120cp 

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)


Fast-track completion (Advanced Standing)

Students who enter the Master of Business Administration Sustainable Enterprise based on one of the below pathways receive 40 credit points of block credit. Students who have successfully completed a relevant Graduate Diploma may also be able to apply for additional specified credit.

> Successful completion of an AQF Level 8 qualification (honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma) in a business discipline or related field.   
> Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in a business-related field and a minimum of four years full-time professional experience in managerial roles.   
 

Study plan


Students Commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full-time or part-time 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 these as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Standard Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE
Year 2
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO  
Specialist Elective 4SE  
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  

Semester 1 Commencement Professional Placement Specialisation

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
WIB601 Business Skills and Professional CommunicationSE  
Year 2
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO  
WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1SE  
WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2SE  

Standard Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE
Year 3
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
Specialist Elective 4SE  

 

Specialist Elective Availabilities   
Semester 1Semester 2Intensive Periods (INT)Summer Semester
ACT501 Accounting Principles
ACT502 Management Accounting
BUS506 Global Megatrends
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context
FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability
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
STA510 Business Statistics
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
ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship
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
STA510 Business Statistics
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-5)
FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability (INT-2)
MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership (INT-4)
ACT501 Accounting Principles
LAW514 Commercial Law
STA510 Business Statistics


1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Full-time Study Plan (with block credit)

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCOBUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCO  

1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Part-time Study Plan (with block credit)

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO  


Study Plan for Students studying in ALICE SPRINGS or KATHERINE (not available for entry in 2024)

Intensive 1Intensive 2Intensive 3Intensive 4Intensive 5Intensive 6
Year 1
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveBUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationBUS507 Global Marketing and Sustainability StrategyBUS506 Global MegatrendsBUS508 Business Analytics
Year 2
ECO506 Economics of SustainabilityFIN503 Finance, Investment and SustainabilityBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)MAN516 Resilience Management and LeadershipENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship 

 


Students Commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full-time or part-time 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 these as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Standard Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
  BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
  BUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
  ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 3SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 4SE
Specialist Elective 2SE  

Semester 2 Commencement Professional Placement Specialisation

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
  BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
  BUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
  WIB601 Business Skills and Professional CommunicationSE
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOWIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1SE
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)COWIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2SE

Standard Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
 COBUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
 COBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
Calendar Year 2
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 2SE
Calendar Year 3
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 4SE
Calendar Year 4
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  


1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Full-time Study Plan (with block credit)

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
  BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
  BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
  BUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
  ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Calendar Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCO  
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCO  
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  

1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Part-time Study Plan (with block credit)

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
 COBUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
 COBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
Calendar Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOECO505 Economics of Sustainability 
Calendar Year 3
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  

 

 

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, who have at least six months business 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 and documented evidence from your employer detailing roles and responsibilities.

Fast-track (Advanced Standing)

Applicants who hold a qualification in a business-related field and have a minimum of four years full-time professional experience in managerial roles may be eligible for a maximum of 40 credit points of block credit. To apply after an offer is made applicants must submit the CDU eform, accessed through the CDU Portal, and provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) and documented evidence from your employer detailing roles and responsibilities.

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 ProficiencyA 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 moduleA 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

MBA graduate Commander Sachin Sharma

I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.

Ellie

CDU student

CDU International students

Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.

Sachin

CDU student

MBA graduate Commander Sachin Sharma

I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.

Ellie

CDU student

CDU International students

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Business Administration Sustainable Enterprise
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Business

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
CDU Sydney (FF)
1CM658
CDU Waterfront Darwin (FF)
1CM618
Online (FF)
1CM618
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
CDU Sydney
107255K
CDU Waterfront Darwin
107255K

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