Exeter leads the UK in sustainability-focused MBAs
The University of Exeter Business School has secured its position at the forefront of sustainable business education for the third year running. Its One Planet MBA, previously known as The Exeter MBA, has been acknowledged as the UK’s best program for weaving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) themes into its core curriculum. This recognition reflects a broader trend in which MBA programs are increasingly measured not just by traditional business outcomes but by their ability to equip leaders with tools for responsible, planet-friendly decision-making.
What makes the One Planet MBA distinctive?
At the heart of the One Planet MBA is a commitment to actionable sustainability. The program emphasizes integrating sustainability across all courses, ensuring students examine the environmental and social implications of strategic choices, financial decisions, and organizational governance. This holistic approach helps graduates translate theory into practical strategies that organizations can implement from day one.
Curriculum designed around real-world impact
Students engage with case studies, live client projects, and field-based modules that illustrate how ESG considerations affect risk, innovation, supply chains, and stakeholder relations. The curriculum is designed to foster systems thinking, enabling students to understand complex interdependencies between business performance and planetary boundaries. By foregrounding sustainability in modules ranging from finance to operations, the One Planet MBA prepares leaders who can drive durable value without compromising the environment.
Evidence and recognition
Independent assessments and industry surveys consistently position Exeter as a leader in sustainability education. The One Planet MBA’s strong performance is attributed to both its rigorous academic framework and its emphasis on practical leadership development. Alumni often cite their capacity to lead cross-functional teams in sustainability initiatives, navigate regulatory changes, and communicate ESG risk and opportunity to diverse stakeholders.
Experiential learning and career outcomes
A key differentiator of the Exeter program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students participate in projects with real businesses and NGOs, examining how sustainability strategies affect market performance and long-term resilience. This experiential approach translates into career outcomes that align with evolving corporate priorities, such as climate risk disclosure, sustainable finance, and responsible innovation. Employers value the program for producing graduates who can balance financial objectives with social and environmental considerations.
What this means for prospective applicants
For prospective students seeking a rigorous business education that does not treat sustainability as an add-on, Exeter’s One Planet MBA offers a compelling choice. The program attracts candidates who want to become strategic leaders capable of guiding organizations toward sustainable growth. Applicants should be prepared to engage with complex ESG issues, demonstrate a commitment to responsible leadership, and show readiness to contribute to projects that make a measurable environmental and social impact.
Global relevance and local impact
While the program is rooted in the UK, its impact is global. Exeter’s approach to sustainability resonates with international organizations seeking leaders who understand how to implement ESG frameworks across borders. Students benefit from a diverse cohort, international partnerships, and a curriculum that reflects the global nature of climate challenge and corporate responsibility. In a world where sustainability is increasingly a strategic priority, the One Planet MBA positions graduates to effect meaningful change within any sector.
