Business Ethics
You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.
- 2 Years / Onsite
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jun, Oct
Overview
Business Ethics at Auckland Royal Academy examines the moral dimensions of commercial life, exploring the responsibilities that organisations owe to employees, customers, communities, the environment, and future generations. Drawing on philosophy, law, management theory, and case studies from New Zealand and global business, the programme develops graduates who can identify ethical issues, reason through competing values, and advocate for responsible business practice.
Seminar discussions, debate exercises, and stakeholder simulation activities challenge you to examine real ethical dilemmas faced by New Zealand companies — from supply chain transparency and environmental reporting to workplace culture and executive remuneration. Guest speakers from regulatory bodies, social enterprises, and corporate governance roles bring authentic perspectives on the pressures and possibilities of ethical leadership in business.
Career Opportunities
Business Ethics graduates are valued by organisations that prioritise governance, ESG performance, and stakeholder accountability. Career pathways include compliance and risk management, corporate social responsibility, sustainability consulting, governance advisory, and leadership roles within organisations committed to responsible business practice across New Zealand and internationally.
Program Learning Outcomes
Apply ethical theories including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and stakeholder theory to analyse complex business dilemmas and develop principled recommendations for organisational decision-makers.
Evaluate corporate governance frameworks, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting standards, and corporate social responsibility practices against ethical benchmarks and New Zealand's regulatory expectations.
Communicate ethical reasoning persuasively in written, oral, and collaborative formats, demonstrating the ability to influence organisational culture and advocate for responsible business practice at all levels of an organisation.
Programme
| Semester 1 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Business Ethics | 4 | BUSN 101 |
| Foundations & Theory | 4 | BUSN 110 |
| Research Methods | 3 | BUSN 120 |
| Semester 2 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Business Ethics I | 4 | BUSN 201 |
| Professional Practice | 3 | BUSN 210 |
| Industry Context NZ | 4 | BUSN 220 |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Business Ethics II | 4 | BUSN 301 |
| Critical Perspectives | 3 | BUSN 310 |
| Ethics & Standards | 3 | BUSN 320 |
| Semester 4 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Business Ethics | 4 | BUSN 401 |
| Specialisation Elective | 3 | BUSN 410 |
| Business Ethics Capstone Project | 4 | BUSN 490 |
| Total for the entire period of study | 11 |
Contact us
3/60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.