Major overview
Worldwide, many governments are aiming to considerably reduce their country’s carbon emissions. This is increasing demand for expertise in business transformation and sustainable development.
In this course, you’ll understand how global sustainability challenges are impacting people, the planet and the climate.
You’ll study cross-disciplinary and business topics such as production and consumption, supply chain management, ethical business conduct, innovation, regulation, communication and reporting, all through the lens of sustainability.
By growing your leadership skills in business sustainability, you could build a career helping businesses create products and services that are ethical, sustainable and of value to people and our planet.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Degrees
Some units vary between degrees but provide similar core knowledge and learning experiences.
Career outcomes
Business strategies are increasingly aligning with sustainability objectives.¹ The sustainability leadership expertise you gain in this course is relevant to a diverse range of global industries and roles.
Careers
- Sustainability manager/consultant/analyst
- Sustainable supply-chain manager
- Sustainability policy advisor
Industries
- Manufacturing
- Resources and energy
- Retail
- Finance
- Technology
- Government
- Non-profit
¹ Source: The Future of Jobs Report 2025. (Accessed August 2026.)
Why study at Curtin?
Transformative experiences
Participate in transformative experiences involving cross-disciplinary collaboration and industry-based learning.
Accelerated degree
With a relevant bachelor degree and work experience, you could gain your master degree in just 1–1.5 years.
Triple international accreditation
Curtin Business School is accredited by Associations to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and our MBA is European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)-accredited. With AACSB and EQUIS as the leading business school accreditations in North America and Europe, your business degree will be globally recognised by employers.
Course and career advice
Get guidance on choosing your course and planning your career with advice written to support your next step.
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Major structure
What you’ll learn
In your first year, you will build a foundation in business, leadership and sustainability, while exploring analytics, project management, technology, ethics and research.
In your second year, you’ll focus more deeply on responsible leadership and sustainable business, including supply chains, marketing, green technology and global sustainability.
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop an understanding of the societal, environmental and economic considerations that impact business operations. You’ll also build the essential leadership skills you need to assist with organisational change and help businesses meaningfully support sustainability principles.
This major includes hands-on learning opportunities involving industry engagement. These are called transformative and capstone experiences. Through these experiences, you could take part in practice-based education, study tours and executive education programs to further your experience and confidence. (Note that you can adjust your course plan to include an internship.)
Sustainable Business Leadership is a major in the Master of Commerce. You may also be eligible to exit the course with a Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals or Graduate Diploma in Commerce. This will depend on your study progress, the units you complete, and the requirements of the relevant qualification.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Degrees
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
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