Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
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.
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 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 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 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: Accounting & Law Indigenous Engagement & Policy Development Emergency and Disaster Management Environmental Management Public Health and Health Research |
| Course Total | 120cp |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| 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 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | ||
Semester 1 Commencement Professional Placement Specialisation
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| 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 | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 | SE | ||
| WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 | SE | ||
Standard Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective 4 | 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 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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO |
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | ||
1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Part-time Study Plan (with block credit)
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
Study Plan for Students studying in ALICE SPRINGS or KATHERINE (not available for entry in 2024)
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 |
| Year 1 | |||||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | BUS507 Global Marketing and Sustainability Strategy | BUS506 Global Megatrends | BUS508 Business Analytics |
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECO506 Economics of Sustainability | FIN503 Finance, Investment and Sustainability | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership | ENT501 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 Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| 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 | BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
Semester 2 Commencement Professional Placement Specialisation
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | ||
| BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | ||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | WIB602 Professional Practice Experience 1 | SE |
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | WIB603 Professional Practice Experience 2 | SE |
Standard Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| CO | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | |
| CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | |
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Calendar Year 3 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Calendar Year 4 | |||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | ||
1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Full-time Study Plan (with block credit)
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | ||
| BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO | ||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | ||
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | ||
| BUS610 Sustainable Enterprise Consulting Project (20cp) | CO | ||
1 YEAR FAST TRACK - Part-time Study Plan (with block credit)
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| CO | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise | CO | |
| CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | |
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| BUS507 Global Market and Sustainability Strategy | CO | BUS505 Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation | CO |
| MAN514 Management for the Executive | CO | ECO505 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
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
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.
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
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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