MSc Sustainable Business Management: Environment

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Sustainable Business: Environment at Exeter is designed for students who want to make a real difference in the world of business and sustainability. You’ll learn how to help companies innovate responsibly, integrate environmental strategies, and tackle big challenges like climate change and the circular economy, preparing you for a meaningful career driving positive change.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year program blends theory with practical, hands-on learning. You’ll start with core modules like Environmental Governance, where you understand how businesses navigate complex regulations and stakeholder expectations; Biomimicry and Circular Economy Design Principles, which teaches how nature-inspired solutions can transform business; and Sustainable Business Management, helping you integrate sustainability into company strategy. Alongside these, the Strategic Innovation for Sustainable Business module challenges you to rethink traditional business models, and the Circular Economy Management Consultancy Services module lets you apply your knowledge in real-world consultancy scenarios.

A major highlight is the Major Project, a substantial piece of work where you design and implement a solution tackling one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals. You can also tailor your studies with optional modules like Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, or Themes in Climate Change, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you most.

Focus Areas

Sustainability transformation, circular economy, biomimicry, environmental governance, innovation, project-based strategy for business.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to drive change in any organization: you’ll master sustainable business strategies, learn to apply nature-inspired solutions, evaluate and redesign business models for circular economy principles, and complete a major project that demonstrates your skills in tackling real-world sustainability challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Exeter Business School has earned the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), meaning your degree comes from a globally respected, high-quality institution.

Reputation (Employability & Research)

Exeter is recognized for excellence in research and teaching. In the UK’s REF 2021, 92% of Business & Management research at Exeter was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The Business School is globally recognized, with strong employability outcomes for graduates, and consistently performs well in QS Business Master’s Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning goes far beyond the classroom. In the MSc Sustainable Business: Environment, you’ll get hands-on experience tackling real-world sustainability challenges, working on projects that directly impact communities and businesses. You’ll be supported by world-class research centres, purpose-built facilities, and expert faculty who are actively shaping the future of sustainable business — all designed to help you turn ideas into real impact. Here’s a closer look at how this experiential learning happens:

Major Project: Work on a 45-credit project that challenges you to solve a real sustainability issue, applying what you’ve learned in modules like Biomimicry and Circular Economy and Circular Economy Management Consultancy Services.
Green Consultants Programme: Take part in on-campus consultancy projects or placements with external organisations, gaining practical experience in sustainability strategy and business innovation.
Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE): Collaborate with researchers and industry partners to explore circular economy solutions, bringing nature-inspired innovation directly into business practice.
Sustainable Finance Research: Connect with experts in the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre to understand how finance can be used to drive environmental and social change.
Penryn Campus & Environment & Sustainability Institute (ESI): Study in a campus designed for sustainability, with access to labs, seminar rooms, and networks that support fieldwork and research collaborations.
Field Trips & Research Labs: Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, practical research labs, and projects linked to real sustainability challenges in the community and industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave Exeter ready to make a real impact in the world of sustainable business. Many go on to roles such as Sustainability Consultant, Environmental or CSR Manager, Business Development Manager in green enterprises, or Policy Advisor shaping corporate environmental strategy. With the practical skills, network, and experience you gain, you can step confidently into leadership positions or drive innovation in organisations committed to sustainability.

Here’s how Exeter helps you get there:

University Careers Support: The Business School’s Master Your Future programme provides one-to-one career guidance, employability workshops, and internship support to help you land the right role.
Green Consultants Programme: A unique sustainability consultancy experience where you work on real projects, develop employable skills, and even secure paid placements.
Graduate Business Partnership (GBP): Access graduate-level opportunities with structured support to help launch your career in sustainability or business leadership.
Industry & Research Partnerships: Exeter collaborates with organisations across sectors to embed sustainability in practice, giving you a valuable professional network.
Triple Crown Accreditation: Your degree is globally recognised, holding AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditation — a strong signal to employers of your quality and expertise.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 92% of Exeter graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing, giving you confidence in your future prospects.
Salary Expectations: While roles vary, Exeter notes that UK graduates in this field can expect median salaries of around £34,000, depending on the sector.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc sets you up perfectly for doctoral research (PhD) at Exeter in areas combining business, environment, and sustainability. You could also explore specialised postgraduate certificates or executive programmes in sustainability leadership, corporate governance, or sustainable finance to further deepen your expertise.