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Masters of Business Administration

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One Planet MBA Programme

Overview

The global economy is fundamentally changing. The One Planet MBA is the definitive programme for leaders who refuse to manage yesterday’s business models.

Designed from the ground up to embed sustainability, climate literacy, and ethical practice, this is a transformative 12-month journey that equips you to deliver commercial success while creating regenerative outcomes for the planet.

This is not a traditional MBA with a sustainability module; it is a business master’s degree for environmentally responsible leaders.

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Contact

  •   12 months full-time, in-person
  •   Streatham Campus, Exeter
  •   Triple Crown (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS)
  •   £34,500 (UK/International)
  •   Generous scholarships available, including the UN SDG Scholarship.

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Accreditation and rankings

The University of Exeter Business School is proud to be triple accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). These accreditations are the highest possible standards for business schools, and they demonstrate our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and student outcomes.

Globally recognised for sustainability

Our MBA is particularly recognised for its sustainability, responsible business, and social impact content - placing 1st in the UK and 10th globally in Corporate Knights' Better World MBA Ranking. We are also an approved university partner of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

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UK's No. 1 Sustainable MBA

Ranked 1st in the UK and 10th globally in Corporate Knights’ Better World Ranking.

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Five Real-World Projects

Strategic consulting projects in partnership with external organisations covering Local, Global, and Circular Economy challenges.

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Triple Crown Accredited

The highest global standard (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), guaranteeing quality and rigour.

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World-Leading Faculty

Learn from researchers with 92% of Business & Management research rated as world-leading.

Trophy icon

UK's No. 1 Sustainable MBA

Ranked 1st in the UK and 10th globally in Corporate Knights’ Better World Ranking.

Earth icon

Five Real-World Projects

Strategic consulting projects in partnership with external organisations covering Local, Global, and Circular Economy challenges.

Rosette with tick in icon

Triple Crown Accredited

The highest global standard (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), guaranteeing quality and rigour.

Research icon: a mortarboard and a cog

World-Leading Faculty

Learn from researchers with 92% of Business & Management research rated as world-leading.

Programme core: strategy, sustainability, and scale

We integrate environmental responsibility into every core discipline, ensuring that concepts like the Circular Economy, climate risk, and social governance are central to your leadership practice.

  • Future-focused: Built around the latest thinking and techniques in regenerative business models, ethical finance, and purposeful leadership.
  • Holistic rigour: Acquire a solid grounding in core business disciplines – from  Finance and Operations to Strategy and Marketing – all redefined through a sustainable lens. 
  • Elective specialisation: Tailor the programme to your ambitions with specialist modules that deepen your expertise in high-demand areas, or stretch your capabilities into new territory. 

Experiential learning: real impact, real clients

Your learning is defined by action. The One Planet MBA is built around a practical, project-based model that sees you deliver high-value consultancy work for external clients.

You will complete five diverse, hands-on projects with external organisations, culminating in the capstone MBA Consultancy Project, a 12-week individual assignment with a client partner. 

Project examples include:

University of Exeter undergraduate students kayaking in the nearby Exeter Canal and Quayside.

Global Sustainability Challenge

Address a major international issue for a global corporate organisation, working collaboratively with MBA students at other global business schools.

A drone-footage shot of Washington Singer, the home of the Department of Psychology, and the view of Prince of Wales Road.

Circular Economy Challenge

A five-day sprint project to develop innovative, waste-minimising solutions for a major corporation.

University of Exeter students walking together on Magdalen Road, named one of the ‘10 coolest shopping areas in the whole world’ by The Guardian.

Local Community Impact Challenge

Apply your skills to solve specific problems for a third-sector organisation.

Your career, transformed

We are committed to helping you pivot, accelerate, and define your career as a purposeful global leader.

  • 1-to-1 careers support: Receive dedicated, personalised career development throughout the programme and beyond.
  • Corporate partnerships: Benefit from strong links with enlightened corporate partners who co-deliver modules and offer real-life business challenges, ensuring the curriculum remains industry relevant.
  • Alumni Power: Join a unique global network of over 30,000 alumni who are driving positive change across every sector. 

Meet the One Planet MBA academics

The University of Exeter Business School's first-class academic reputation attracts internationally renowned researchers and skilled educators, with 92% of Business and Management Studies research rated as world leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

On the One Planet MBA, you will benefit from direct and immediate access to top researchers in the teaching team and work with experts in the latest business ideas, theories and approaches. You will discuss and debate the current challenges and opportunities facing businesses with some of the top business professionals and leading business academics in the world, sharing insights from their vast and varied years working in industry around the globe.

The One Planet MBA is taught by over a dozen leading business academics and researchers, including:

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Programme Director » Professor Donald Lancaster

"Donald is a practice-led Management academic. Having driven corporate and marketing success for advertising agencies over 35 years in many parts of the world, Donald has significant experience and expertise in international marketing communications, management, leadership, presentation, coaching and training.

He led well-known agency offices such as JWT, Ogilvy and Lowe, working with diverse brands including HSBC, Unilever, P&G, Mars, Mazda and Toyota."

Fees, funding and scholarships

Fees for 2026/27 entry

  • UK/EU fees per year: £34,500 full time
  • International fees per year: £34,500 full time

MBA funding and scholarships

At the University of Exeter Business School, we want to ensure we attract the very brightest minds and talent from all over the world, regardless of financial background.

One Planet MBA scholarships are available for September 2026 entry:

  • One Planet MBA UN Sustainable Development Goals Scholarship (UN SDG): 40% deduction of tuition fees (based on success at interview)
  • One Planet MBA Better World Scholarship (BW): up to an additional 10% deduction of tuition fees (awarded to outstanding applicants)

To apply for these scholarships you will first need to have an offer of a place on the One Planet MBA. The programme interview will be used to determine your suitability for these scholarships. You may be asked to submit a scholarship video application.

Entry requirements

We seek ambitious leaders with a proven track record. You must have a minimum of three years' managerial experience (managing people and/or substantive projects). While a GMAT score is welcome, we prioritise demonstrated work experience and career progression.

We require an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher (or equivalent) unless your 1st degree was taught in English language  

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile D. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

For those students that don’t yet meet our entry criteria of IELTS 7.0, you may wish to attend one of our INTO Pre-sessional English programmes.

Contact or visit us

An aerial view of Streatham Campus

Want to discover how you can advance your career with our One Planet MBA? We offer a range of in-person and virtual opportunities to connect with us, please find out more below.

  • Arrange a chat: You can contact Murray Scott in the One Planet MBA Office to find out when we will be in your country or to arrange a personal visit to campus or an informal online conversation.
  • Join us for an open day: Tour our beautiful campus and network with current students and staff at one of our in-person open days. Find out more and book onto a postgraduate open day.
  • Visit us in your country: Connect with us at an international educational fair or event and discover how the One Planet MBA can support your future. Check back here for details as and when they are available.

The University of Exeter Business School is located at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. View directions to Streatham Campus, as well as the Streatham Campus map and campus accessibility information.

Online events

Join us at one of our online events for an introduction to the One Planet MBA.

  • Thursday 27 November 2025 (12:00 -12:30 GMT)
  • Wednesday 21 January 2026 (12:00-12:30 GMT)
  • Wednesday 18 February 2026 (12:00-12:30 GMT)

Sign up and find out more about our online events


Study a Masters of Business Administration at a Top 15 University*

Apply now for September 2026 entry »

Application checklist

You should check the following are included when sending your application:

  • Transcript and degree certificate for first/second degree.
  • A detailed CV.
  • Two professional reference letters.
  • A personal statement supporting your application. This statement should detail your achievements in your career so far, the experiences you will bring to the programme, and how you believe the One Planet MBA will enhance your career and future aspirations.
  • Evidence of English proficiency if applicable.
  • We do not require GMAT, but if you have a GMAT Score you should upload with your application in support of your academic qualifications.

After submitting your application, qualified applicants will be contacted by the One Planet MBA Admissions team to arrange an interview. Please contact the One Planet MBA Admissions team for more information.

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