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Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)

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Overview

The MSusBus is an interdisciplinary programme providing you with an advanced qualification in sustainability. This is the only course of its type in New Zealand.

Drawing upon emerging research, the MSusBus positions graduates with a range of career options in the public and private sectors, such as sustainability managers, business analysts, sustainable business consultants and sustainability advisors. It provides an in-depth consideration of one of the key issues of our time – how to manage an organisation while maximising social outcomes and minimising impacts on the natural environment.

The Master of Sustainable Business is available on campus (12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study) or by distance learning online (24 months of part-time study).

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Contact details


The Department of Management
Email management@otago.ac.nz

Programme requirements

Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus) On campus

Papers

Five or six compulsory papers:

  • MANT 414  Research Process (20 points)
  • MANT 437  Organisations and Sustainability (20 points)
  • MANT 447  Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Business (20 points)
  • MANT 450  Governance and Social Responsibility (20 points)
  • MANT 451  Strategic Change and Innovation (20 points)
  • Either MANT 501  Applied Project or MANT 580  Research Project (40 points each)

Plus papers to provide a combined total of 180 points from:

  • BSNS 401  The Environment of Business and Economics
  • ECON 405  The Economics of Natural Resources and Public Choice
  • EMAN 410  Energy Policy
  • ENTR 420  Sustainable Entrepreneurship
  • FINC 420  Climate and Energy Finance
  • GEOG 401  Theories of Development
  • GEOG 402  Development Planning and Practice
  • GEOG 472  Developments in Environmental Management
  • MANT 455  Leadership Development
  • MANT 459  Indigenous Management and Organisation (Advanced)
  • TOUR 422  Tourism and Global Environmental Change

Note: A candidate will be exempt from MANT 437 on the basis of having previously passed MANT 337.

Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus) - Online

Papers

The 180 point programme of study shall consist of:

BSNS 401  The Environment of Business and Economics

MANT 414  Research Process

MANT 437  Organisations and Sustainability

MANT 447  Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Business

MANT 450  Governance and Social Responsibility

MANT 451  Strategic Change and Innovation

MANT 455  Leadership Development

MANT 501  Applied Project

Regulations for the Degree of Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)

  1. Admission to the Programme

    1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
    2. Every applicant must either
      1. be a graduate and normally have achieved an average grade of B+ in the papers satisfying the final year major subject requirements for the degree, or
      2. have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
    3. In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant’s performance in the programme.

  2. Structure of the Programme

    1. Every programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Sustainable Business to the value of 180 points.
    2. With prior approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce), papers worth up to a maximum of 60 points in a relevant subject offered by another tertiary institution, may be granted transfer credit for equivalent paper(s) within the programme. Such credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
    3. A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the applied or research project, secure the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator concerned for the proposed course of the investigation.

  3. Duration of the Programme

    1. A candidate must normally complete the requirements for the programme in 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study, and a part-time candidate within four years of commencing the Programme.
    2. The distance programme shall be completed on a part-time basis, and requires a minimum of 24 months.
    3. Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).

  4. Withdrawal from the Programme

    Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing the prescribed papers, whether voluntarily or otherwise, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce or determine which papers shall be credited towards the diploma.

  5. Examination of the Project

    1. The project manuscript shall normally be reviewed by two examiners, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
    2. Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of final manuscript report as submitted
    3. Where there is a disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.

  6. Level of Award of the Degree

    The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

  7. Variations

    The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

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