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Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Business Administration Sustainable Leadership

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

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

Locations

CDU Sydney, CDU Waterfront Darwin, Online
CDU Sydney, CDU Waterfront Darwin, Danala - Education and Community Precinct

Credit points required

160

Course code

SBASL1
SATAC codes

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.



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 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 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
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:

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

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

Advanced Business Research Specialisation  (no longer available)
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)

Discipline-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 Total160cp 

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

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 1SE
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Year 2
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 7SE
Specialist Elective 4SESpecialist Elective 8SE
Specialist Elective 5SEBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
Specialist Elective 6SE  

Standard Part-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
Year 2
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 1SE
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Year 3
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 7SE
Specialist Elective 4SESpecialist Elective 8SE
Year 4
Specialist Elective 5 BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
Specialist Elective 6   

Standard Full-time Study Plan for students completing the 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 ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 1SE
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Year 2
WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication SEWIB602 Professional Practice 1SE
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)COWIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp)SE
Specialist Elective 4SESpecialist Elective 7SE

 

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
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
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
 


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 StrategyCOSpecialist Elective 3SE
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 4SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 5SE
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 6SE
Year 3
Specialist Elective 7SE  
Specialist Elective 8SE  
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  

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
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOSpecialist Elective 1SE
Calendar Year 3
ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCOSpecialist Elective 3SE
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 4SE
Calendar Year 4
Specialist Elective 5SESpecialist Elective 7SE
Specialist Elective 6SESpecialist Elective 8SE
Calendar Year 5
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO  
    

Standard Full-time Study Plan for students completing the Professional Placement Specialisation

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
 COBUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
 COBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO
 COBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO
 COECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Calendar Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOWIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication SE
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)CO
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 4SE
Specialist Elective 2SE  
Calendar Year 3
WIB602 Professional Practice 1SE  
WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp)SE  
Specialist Elective 7SE  

 

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
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
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
 

 

Students Commencing in Summer Semester

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and enrolling in a standard full 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 the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
    ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO  
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO  
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE  
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 4SE  
Year 3
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)COSpecialist Elective 7SE  
Specialist Elective 5SESpecialist Elective 8SE  
Specialist Elective 6SE    

Students Commencing in Summer Semester - Professional Placement Specialisation

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    BUS504 Sustainable EnterpriseCO
    ECO505 Economics of SustainabilityCO
Year 2
BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability StrategyCOBUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable InnovationCO  
MAN514 Management for the ExecutiveCOBUS508 Business AnalyticsCO  
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE  
Specialist Elective 2SE    
Year 3
WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication SEWIB602 Professional Practice 1SE  
BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp)COWIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp)SE  
Specialist Elective 4SE    

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 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.

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 Leadership
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)
1CM659
CDU Waterfront Darwin (FF)
1CM621
Online (FF)
1CM621
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
CDU Sydney
107256J
CDU Waterfront Darwin
107256J
Danala - Education and Community Precinct
107256J

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