Master of Business Administration - Sustainability

The MBA programme

The MBA programme fosters the development of reflective, responsible, and strategic leaders. It combines academic grounding with practical relevance, connecting you with a diverse community of peers, alumni, academics, and industry professionals. By undertaking the Masters in Business Administration postgraduate degree, you will learn the fundamentals and key decision-making that take place in business functions within the business environment and then apply this at a strategic level.

Postgraduate Certificate

The initial stage of the programme, the Postgraduate Certificate, provides the foundations of organisational and strategic management. You will undertake a number of modules focused on core business functions including finance, marketing, people management and strategy. You will develop a critical understanding of key theories, principles, and practices across strategic management areas within complex and evolving global business environments. 

Postgraduate Diploma

In the Postgraduate Diploma stage, you will engage with specialist modules that address leadership, strategy and management concerns within specific sectors or professional contexts. For students on the MBA Sustainability, you will study areas including Business Economics, Managing for Global Sustainability, and Energy Policy, Sustainability & Transitions. Developing knowledge in these areas will uniquely position you for the global demand for professionals who can navigate sustainability challenges and drive sustainable innovation.

All pathways on the MBA are brought together through Leadership Week, this week-long conference facilitates cross-sector dialogue and the sharing of leadership insights and challenges amongst all cohorts and with a broader community of industry professionals and MBA Alumni. 

The modules you study are designed to support you in applying learning directly to your own workplace—whether leading projects, managing teams or driving innovation, giving you the skills and confidence required to navigate change and lead effectively.

Masters Stage

In the final stage, you will undertake a consultancy project within an area relating to Sustainability, applying your learning to a live business challenge and demonstrating your capability as a strategic leader.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, Moodle which provides you with access to classes and course materials, allowing you to study from any location The MBA team use a wide range of approaches to support your learning. Lecturers introduce key concepts in leadership, management, and organisational functions. Seminars, tutorials, and discussions reinforce learning through  case studies, debate, and collaborative activities. 

Activity Summary

• Lectures - Up to 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Seminars - Up to 40 students per group will engage in seminar activities and talks during Leadership Week, 25 hours in total
• Tutorials - Up to 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1:1 supervision, 12 hours in the final term only
• Practical class or workshop - Up to 40 students per group will engage in a Business Simulation during Leadership Week, 8 hours
• Independent Study - 250 hours per term

How long is the MBA Sustainability course?

This MBA can be successfully completed within 12 - 28 months when you start in September or 28 - 32 months if you start in January.

Independent Study

In addition to working with your lecturers and classmates, you will be expected to work independently completing further research and reading to support your learning.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Full Time

• 4 written assignments, including essay
• 1 report
• 3 portfolios
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessments and/or presentation

Part Time

Year 1

• 1 written assignments, including essay
• 1 report
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessments and/or presentation

Year 2

• 3 written assignments, including essay
• 2 portfolios
• 1 project output

Staff Delivering on This Course

The MBA programme is taught by industry experts and leading academics, bringing together academic knowledge and a diverse range of professional experience. Staff on the programme are members of the Energy Institute and other professional bodies, ensuring the teaching on the course is of the highest standard and relevance to industry.

We work closely with senior figures in industry to design and continuously develop our MBA offering and ensure the curriculum is relevant and appropriate to the needs of the senior managers of the future.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

Within the Consultancy Project you will act as a consultant for an organisation on an agreed issue relating to its operations. It allows you to apply your knowledge, leadership and strategic thinking skills within a practical context, face challenges of working within new settings, apply learning to new problems and earn valuable experience of working at a senior level.

All projects are strategic in nature and focus on real opportunities facing an organisation or government department/agency. Previous projects have included: business start-up viability assessments, development of sustainability strategies and implementation plans, and projects supporting digital transformation. You can use the Consultancy Project as an opportunity to produce a business plan for your own entrepreneurial ventures.

Job Prospects

Is studying for the MBA a good career choice?

An MBA is an internationally recognised qualification which will help you to capitalise on your experience to date and build on your previous qualifications. On completion, you will be able to take the next step in your career to a senior leadership position either within your existing organisation, a new organisation or setting up your own business.

Previous graduates have filled roles such as:

• Marketing Manager
• HR Manager
• Launched their own business 
• Business Consultant
• Lead multi-national organisations 
• CEO 
• Senior Vice President 
• UK Country Manager

Standard Entry Requirements

What is required for the MBA Sustainability course?

• Applicants must normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject discipline.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• The cost of travel, accommodation and further expenses during Leadership Week.