What if your MBA didn’t just shape your career, but the world too? Program Director for The Exeter MBA, Donald Lancaster, discusses the course’s blend of ESG challenges, career coaching, and leadership training.
Ranked tenth globally by Corporate Knights in the Better World MBA rankings 2024, The Exeter MBA sets the benchmark for sustainability in business education. Originally launched as the WWF-supported One Planet MBA, it has evolved in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This full-time, one-year MBA offers experiential learning and one-to-one career coaching for the most impactful professional outcomes. With Triple Crown Accreditation and a reputation for innovation, The Exeter MBA trains students to bring integrity and impact to global business.
The University of Exeter Business School sees sustainability as a guiding principle. This sustainability focus is a major draw for students. Up to 60-70% choose the program for its sustainability ethos. As Professor Lancaster puts it: “It is woven as more than a red thread. [Sustainability is] the tapestry that holds the whole MBA together, which is why we are ranked #1 in the UK for that.” (01:16)
However, he is well aware that how we see sustainability in relation to business is subject to change. “What’s fascinating to me is that the stuff we teach people in core subjects…is going to be out of date in a few years. The world is changing fast. But the life skills that we teach people will last them for the rest of their lives.” (07:24)
To future-proof its graduates, the University of Exeter Business School offers around 15 unassessed career accelerator modules. Topics include critical thinking, networking, negotiation, and leading neurodiversity. These evergreen skills will stay relevant even as business and society change. Professor Lancaster sums up the aim: “We know very well that people who involve themselves in these life skills…will benefit for the rest of their lives.” (08:08)
Alongside core subject materials that Exeter benchmarks against other institutions, the school offers a wide range of in-depth sustainability pathways. According to Professor Lancaster, of the nine electives, “probably 60% of them are around sustainability.” (06:33)
Electives like Business of Climate Change and The Politics of Sustainability deal directly with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. However, even subjects such as Behavioural Economics for Leaders and Media in the Age of AI have “a green tinge”, Professor Lancaster notes.
The Exeter MBA’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students take part in five hands-on projects that tackle real ESG challenges:
From supporting third-sector organizations to partnering with a major corporation, the program gives students practical skills through purpose-driven work. The capstone MBA Consultancy Project pulls everything together. It is a 12-week opportunity for students to lead a client-focused initiative aligned with their career goals.
All of these immersive projects combine to sharpen leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Graduates can therefore go on to secure meaningful roles with confidence and credibility.
Networking and career support are integral to The Exeter MBA experience. Firstly, Exeter welcomes guest speakers from companies like Ecotricity, IKEA, IBM, IDEO London, PwC, and Sotheby’s. These sessions are often informal and interactive opportunities to connect and exchange ideas.
The University of Exeter Business School also provides personalized one-to-one career coaching throughout the program. This helps students transition into consulting, launch a startup, or aim for a position in a multinational. The careers team keeps guidance practical, up-to-date, and focused on each individual’s goals.
As sustainability becomes a core concern, roles like Chief Sustainability Officer are emerging. Exeter graduates are ready to fill them. Many leave the program with what the school calls a “responsible leadership ethos.” This mindset sets them apart in purpose-driven industries and forward-thinking organizations.
As The Exeter MBA places such an emphasis on sustainability, it’s fitting that students get to study in a green environment. Professor Lancaster is a particular fan of the campus. He shares that at one point there were more trees on the campus than students. While this is no longer the case, the lush green atmosphere remains one of the campus’s biggest highlights. “It’s built on what used to be an arboretum, so there are some really beautiful specimens around. It’s just a lovely place to be.” (09:18)
Based in the South West of England, students can enjoy some of the United Kingdom’s best history and nature. Moreover, there are plenty of nearby employers that students can network with. The weather is surprisingly good, too. This makes the numerous beaches along the south coast an appealing prospect for a weekend trip.
The Exeter MBA’s fresh approach successfully prepares graduates to lead with purpose. With sustainability woven throughout its curriculum, real-world projects, and a strong career support network, it is ideal for students wishing to make meaningful change.
For further information about the programs offered by The University of Exeter Business School, explore their profile page.
