MA Sustainable Business
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: September 2025
Unlock your potential in the growing field of sustainability with MA Sustainable Business. Gain hands-on experience, industry connections, and the critical skills to make a genuine change.
This course helps you prepare for a career where you can drive real-world solutions in sustainability, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and environmental policy. Your future in sustainable leadership starts here.
With the global shift towards sustainability, more and more businesses are seeking professionals who can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. MA Sustainable Business is designed to equip you with the expertise and skills that are increasingly essential in today's job market. This degree prepares you to meet the growing demand for sustainability leaders, making you a valuable asset to employers focused on long-term environmental and social impact.
Graduating from this course opens doors to careers where you can make a significant difference. Whether you aim to work in corporate sustainability, NGOs, or policy-making, the course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to tackle complex challenges. You'll be prepared to lead initiatives that drive meaningful change, helping organisations meet their sustainability goals while addressing global environmental and social issues.
MA Sustainable Business offers more than just academic learning—it connects you with the industry. Through partnerships with leading companies, guest lectures from sustainability experts, and networking events, you'll have direct access to industry insights and professional opportunities. These connections not only enhance your learning experience but also provide a strong foundation for your career after graduation.
The course offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges theory and practice. You’ll explore topics like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, sustainable entrepreneurship, and strategic sustainable leadership. This approach ensures that you gain a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in sustainability, and are prepared to apply this knowledge in real-world business settings.
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, the ability to lead and innovate is crucial. This program emphasises developing these skills, empowering you to become a change agent within your organisation. You'll learn to lead sustainability initiatives, foster innovation, and influence strategic decision-making, equipping you with the tools to drive organisational transformation towards sustainability.
What will I study?
MA Sustainable Business explores a diverse range of topics that blend theory with practical application to prepare you for the dynamic field of sustainability. You’ll delve into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, understanding their critical role in shaping sustainable business practices. The course also focuses on Strategic Sustainable Leadership, where you'll learn how to develop and implement strategies that drive sustainability within organisations, with an emphasis on leadership and innovation. You'll examine global challenges and opportunities through the lens of Global Sustainability in Business, equipping you with the knowledge to help businesses respond effectively to these issues.
Additionally, you’ll explore Sustainable Entrepreneurship, gaining insights into creating and managing ventures that prioritise sustainability, whether they are start-ups or established businesses. The program also covers Sustainable Business Strategy, helping you develop the skills to design and implement strategies that align with sustainability goals. A significant part of your studies will be the Independent Professional Project, where you will conduct in-depth research on a sustainability issue of your choice, applying your knowledge to solve real-world problems. Lastly, through Business Consultancy and Work Placement opportunities, you’ll gain hands-on experience by applying your learning directly in a professional setting, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a career in the sustainability sector.
How will I be taught and assessed?
This course uses a dynamic and interactive approach to teaching, ensuring that you engage with the material. You’ll participate in interactive lectures and seminars that encourage discussion, group work, and practical exercises to enhance your understanding of key concepts. The program emphasises hands-on learning through projects that simulate real-world challenges, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
You will also benefit from guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts, providing insights into current trends and best practices in sustainability. Additionally, organised industry visits and field trips will give you a first-hand look at how sustainability operates in professional environments, enriching your learning experience.
Assessment is designed to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and your ability to apply what you've learned in practical scenarios. You’ll complete a variety of assessments, including analytical essays, detailed reports on specific projects, and live briefs where you’ll develop and present solutions to actual business problems. Presentations and pitches, both individual and group-based, will also form a key part of your assessment, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas effectively to peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
What are the course entry requirements?
The University’s general entry requirements will apply to admission to this programme.
Applicants should normally have obtained a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (or equivalent). A minimum of a 2:2 is required for consideration.
If applicants’ first language is not English or their language of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English, they must demonstrate English proficiency. The required overall score for IELTS (International English Testing Service) is 6.5, with no score below 6.0 in any category.
Flexibility will be given for senior and experienced learners who lack formal academic qualifications. Consideration may be given via portfolio preparation and interview. During the interview, applicants must demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course.
Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £10,990 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,500 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
After graduating with an MA in Sustainable Business from BNU, you'll be ready for a range of impactful careers. You could work as a Sustainability Manager, CSR Manager, or Environmental Consultant, helping companies and organisations become more sustainable. You'll also be qualified for roles in policy-making, NGOs, and government agencies, where you can influence broader sustainability efforts. The practical experience and industry connections you gain during the course will make you a strong candidate in a growing job market, giving you the skills to make a real difference in the world of sustainability.
Course leader
- Lecturer in Leadership and Management
- Associate course director for the IMBA Programme
