Why Master of Business Administration?
The impact of global warming is changing the international business landscape. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint, they are using their purchasing power to favour sustainable companies.
For financial reasons – as well as environmental – it’s crucial that future leaders embrace sustainable business practices. Adelaide University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Sustainable Futures prepares you for this systemic shift.
Gain essential business knowledge and sustainability expertise. Advise companies on how to transition their business models to minimise environmental impact – and lead them to a brighter future without compromising profits. Enhance your job prospects and be ready for your next career move. Study a degree that offers invaluable networking opportunities with both your peers and industry executives. You will even get the opportunity to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course as part of your studies. With your advanced skills in business and sustainability, you’ll be ready to think and act as a global business leader, while building a better world.
Overview
Learn to navigate modern business challenges and advance your career as a senior manager or leader. Our Master of Business Administration specialising in Sustainable Futures is a 1.5 year degree that builds your knowledge across diverse aspects of business. Study courses on advanced accounting, finance, leadership and ethics.
Your specialisation in Sustainable Futures will teach you about climate science, carbon footprint and responsible business conduct. Graduate ready to assess a company’s environmental and social impact and identify opportunities for change.
As part of your studies, you’ll get to expand your industry networks. Connect with a cohort of professionals with diverse backgrounds in management. Experience mentorships with industry experts. If you choose to complete the unique directorship course by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, you’ll build the connections you need to succeed.
Key features
Learn from industry experts and leading sustainability researchers.- Connect with businesses through case studies, guest speakers and mentorships.
- Be part of a diverse professional cohort of students.
- Complete an industry project in your last six months tailored to your individual needs.
- Complete a leadership course delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
- Study specialised courses in Sustainable Futures.
What you'll learn
Our MBA specialising in Sustainable Futures comprises of seven core courses (including a capstone), three specialisation courses and two electives.
Core courses will advance your business knowledge. Study evidence-based marketing, explore cultural diversity, leadership, accounting and finance.
Over the course of your degree, you’ll have opportunities to diversify your business knowledge and explore topics of interest. Choose from a range of business electives to customise your learning.
In the last six months of your degree, you’ll study topics specific to your specialisation in Sustainable Futures. You’ll learn about sustainable business practices and be ready to provide advice to companies across a range of sectors.
Your final course will be a capstone industry project, which you can tailor to suit your needs.
Specialisations
Did you know that you can also choose a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialisation in one of the following:
You can also complete an MBA with no specialisation.
What courses you'll study
Complete 72 units for either of the following:
- All of the following:
- 42 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 to 30 units for Electives, or
- All of the following:
- 42 units for all Core courses, and
- 18 to 24 units for all Specialisations, and
- 6 to 30 units for Electives
Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
|
Course code
BUSI5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategy
|
Course code
BUSI5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI6066
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
|
Course code
BUSI5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategy
|
Course code
BUSI5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Circular Economy
|
Course code
BUSI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Impact
|
Course code
BUSI6024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI6066
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Circular Economy
|
Course code
BUSI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Impact
|
Course code
BUSI6024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
|
Course code
BUSI5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategy
|
Course code
BUSI5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Circular Economy
|
Course code
BUSI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Impact
|
Course code
BUSI6024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI6066
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 30 units comprising:
- 6 to 30 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Finance
|
Course code
BAFI5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business and Climate Change
|
Course code
BUSI5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Value Chains
|
Course code
BUSI5009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
|
Course code
BUSI5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
|
Course code
BUSI5034
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
AICD Company Directors Course
|
Course code
BUSI6008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Organisational Dynamics
|
Course code
BUSI6054
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Behavioural Economics
|
Course code
ECON5031
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
|
Course code
BUSI5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategy
|
Course code
BUSI5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Circular Economy
|
Course code
BUSI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Trends and Issues in the World Food System
|
Course code
ECON5011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Impact
|
Course code
BUSI6024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI6066
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Use your knowledge of sustainable business practices to lead companies to better outcomes. Transition companies to modern business models that will stand the test of time.
As an MBA graduate specialising in Sustainable Futures, you’ll unlock a range of careers in senior business management and leadership. You could be a sustainability consultant, advising companies on strategies and supply chains to minimise their environmental impact. You might be a social entrepreneur, building organisations that provide clean energy solutions.
You’ll be qualified for roles in:
- Chief and executive leadership
- Senior management for businesses, not-for-profits and government
- Board directorship
- Entrepreneurship.
Industry trends
In 2023, the World Economic Forum projected the biggest net job creator will be transitioning businesses to greener business models. They also anticipated the broader application of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards would drive job growth. With your advanced business knowledge and Sustainable Futures specialisation, you’ll be a desirable leader. Get ready to harness your skills and future-proof your career.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
