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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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)
Admission to the Programme
Every applicant shall have been admitted to a bachelor's degree with an average grade of at least B, or have obtained a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Business with an average grade of at least B, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
Structure of the Programme
The programme of study shall consist of one of the following options:
Coursework Option: approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 180 points, selected from the papers specified in the Master of Sustainable Business schedule; or
Project Option: approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 180 points, selected from the papers specified in the Master of Sustainable Business schedule, including a project to the value of 40 points; or
Dissertation Option: approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 180 points, selected from the papers specified in the Master of Sustainable Business schedule, including a dissertation to the value of 60 points.
may, with the approval of the Head of Department or Programme Co-ordinator concerned, include papers worth up to 40 points from 400- and 500-level papers other than those specified in the Master of Sustainable Business schedule.
A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma in Business shall be exempted from those papers in the Master of Sustainable Business schedule which have previously been passed for the certificate or diploma.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Duration of the Programme
A candidate for the degree shall normally follow a programme of study for not less than one year (12 months) of full-time study. The distance programme shall normally be completed on a part-time basis, requiring a minimum of 24 months.
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 Business or determine which papers shall be credited towards the diploma.
Examination of the Project
The applied project shall normally be assessed by the supervisor and one other internal examiner, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the final manuscript report as submitted
Where there is a disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.
Examination of the Dissertation
The dissertation shall normally be assessed by the supervisor and one other internal examiner, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the final dissertation as submitted.
Where there is a disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
