Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)

Overview

The Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus) is an interdisciplinary programme providing students with an advanced qualification in sustainability and its relevance to the business community.

Drawing upon emerging research in the field, this programme will position graduates for a wider range of career options in the public and private sectors as practitioners and policy makers in fields such as sustainability management for industry, business analysis, sustainable business consulting and sustainable development management.

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 relevant 300-level papers, or
      2. normally have achieved an average grade of B+ in the papers satisfying the final year requirements for that major subject; or
   3. In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be had 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. The programme of study shall consist seven 20-point papers, together with a 40-point project. (See table above).
   2. A candidate may be exempted from some of the required described on the basis of previous study. Alternative papers will be required at an equivalent level of study.
   3. A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the project, secure the approval of the Programme Director for the topic, the supervisor(s) and the proposed course of the investigation.
   4. A candidate may not present a project which has previously been accepted for another degree.
   5. A candidate must pass both the papers and the project components of the programme.

3. Duration of the Programme

   A candidate must normally complete the requirements for the programme in 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study.

4. Withdrawal from the Programme

   1. A candidate whose paper results are not satisfactory shall be required to withdraw from the programme.
   2. Where a candidate withdraws from the programme, whether voluntarily or otherwise, after completing the prescribed papers, 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 Research or Applied Project

   1. The project shall be assessed by two examiners internal to the University of Otago, neither of whom is the candidate’s supervisor.
   2. Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark or grade on the basis of the project, as submitted, and an overall result.
   3. Where examiners cannot agree on a result, the Head of Department should so report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) or nominee, who shall arrive at a decision after consulting a referee, who should normally be external to the Department of Management.

6. Level of Award of the Degree

   The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.