Lincoln University

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational commerce subjects with specialist sustainability papers. You study core business disciplines such as microeconomics, accounting principles, marketing fundamentals and quantitative methods, alongside sustainability-focused topics including environmental economics, sustainable business strategy, corporate social responsibility, and climate change policy.

• Core commerce modules: introductory economics, financial and management accounting, statistics for business, and marketing.
• Sustainability modules: principles of sustainability, environmental management and policy, sustainable supply chains, social and ethical responsibility in business, and sustainability reporting/ESG fundamentals.
• Applied skills: stakeholder engagement, sustainability assessment tools, life-cycle thinking, and data analysis for sustainability.
• Practical learning: fieldwork and case studies drawing on Lincoln’s land-based research strengths, industry projects, and opportunities for workplace placements or internships.
• Capstone and research: a final-year project or capstone course that integrates commerce skills with a sustainability challenge, with options to progress to honours or postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to meet New Zealand university entrance or an equivalent secondary qualification from their home country. Academic preparation in English is required; competence in mathematics or numeracy is usually expected because of the quantitative elements of the degree.

• Domestic applicants: University Entrance (or equivalent) with recommended preparation in English and numeracy/mathematics.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary school completion and a recognised English proficiency qualification (for example, IELTS or an equivalent accepted by the University).
• Alternative entry pathways: applicants with relevant work experience or diplomas may be considered through recognition of prior learning or alternative admission routes.

Career prospects

Graduates combine commercial literacy with sustainability expertise, qualifying them for roles across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Employers value graduates who can analyse commercial problems through environmental and social lenses and implement practical sustainability solutions.

• Typical roles: sustainability coordinator/officer, corporate social responsibility (CSR) advisor, sustainability analyst, ESG reporting specialist, supply chain sustainability manager, and policy or planning advisor.
• Work sectors: corporate sustainability teams, management and environmental consultancies, local and central government, environmental NGOs, agribusinesses, and international development organisations.
• Further study: graduates may progress to honours, postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees in sustainability, business, environmental management, or related fields.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln has a strong reputation for applied, land-based and environmental research and teaching, which gives sustainability students access to practical learning environments and industry-focused projects. The University’s smaller campus community supports close contact with academic staff and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across business, agriculture and environmental sciences.

• Applied focus: emphasis on fieldwork, real-world projects and industry placements.
• Industry links: connections with agribusiness, environmental consultancies, regional councils and NGOs provide internship and employment pathways.
• Research and facilities: access to research centres and nearby demonstration farms, which support hands-on learning and applied research experience.
• Pathways: clear progression routes to honours and postgraduate study for students seeking advanced research or professional specialisation.