The Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualifies students to apply an advanced body of knowledge for professional practice or scholarship in the discipline area of business administration or as a pathway for further learning at doctoral level. Graduates will be equipped with specialised knowledge and skills for professional practice in business. Student may choose to specialise in cybersecurity, global business, or information systems.

The course is designed to produce graduates who can make a positive contribution to society in business as effective communicators, innovators, and thought leaders. It challenges students to independently research and apply established theories to a range of real-world scenarios. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility required of successful business leaders in an ever-changing and complex world.

Graduates of the MBA may find employment in executive leadership and senior management roles in a relevant occupational field, such as:

• business and professional organisations;
• entrepreneurial start-ups;
• not-for-profit companies;
• educational institutions that require skills in research and critical thinking.

Graduates may also choose to return to studies and progress along the pathway toward further research in business administration.

The course structure is based on four semesters (each semester is 12 teaching weeks, plus one review week and one exam week).

Course structure with a specialisation:

• 90 credit points of core
• 30 credit points of specialisation
• 40 credit points of electives

Course structure with no specialisation:

• 90 credit points of core
• 30 credit points of any specialisation units
• 40 credit points of electives

To qualify for the award of Master of Business Administration a student shall accrue an aggregate of at least 160 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core units noted below.

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1

• BC400 Communication and Media Management
• EC401 Economics and Finance
• MK401 Marketing Innovation

1 x elective

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2

• BC500 Business Decision Making and Problem Solving
• IM421 Information Systems
• MG500 Leadership and Management

1 x elective

YEAR 2, SEMESTER 1

• RS501 Research Methodology
• ST401 Data Analytics and Modelling

2 x specialisation units

YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2

• RS500 Capstone Project

1 x specialisation unit

2 x electives

Specialisations

Cybersecurity

• IM410 Cybersecurity and Risk Management
• IM520 Ethical Hacking and Defense
• IM521 Digital Forensics

Global Business

• EC501 International Economic Development
• MG503 Strategic Management
• MG505 Global Management

Information Systems

• IM410 Cybersecurity and Risk Management
• IM522 Big Data
• IM523 Blockchain Technology

Note: RS500 Capstone Project (10 credit points) + 2 electives may be replaced by RS521 Research Project (20 credit points) + 1 elective.

More Information

For more information about elective units see the List of Units.

Domestic Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant business field

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in any field

AND a minimum two years’ professional experience in a managerial position.

International Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant business field

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in any field

AND a minimum two years’ professional experience in a managerial position.

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require an International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) of 6.5, with a score of not less than 6.0 in any of the four skill areas, or equivalent.

Note: International students must hold a valid student visa. There are numerous conditions that apply to a student visa. A holder of a student visa may not work, paid or unpaid, for more than 40 hours in any fortnight during semester. Current information on student visa conditions may be found here.

Relevant Work Experience

The following supporting documentation is required to demonstrate relevant work experience:

• certified copies of relevant qualificiations or micro-credentials completed, if relevant;
• a current CV demonstrating relevant work experience, including managerial or leadership experience of people or projects. This includes a full work history that details the major activities undertaken, such as managing a team, managerial components of major projects, and/or delegation responsibilities;
• two current, signed references that are work related; and
• Statement of Intent outlining the motivation to study, previous education, employment history; and how this course can assist in career aspiration or progression.

Applicants entering with two years of professional experience are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit for previous learning may be obtained through the process of articulation, credit transfer, and RPL or a combination of these processes. Students who wish to apply for RPL must provide evidence in terms of completed qualifications along with other relevant documentation.

Alternative Admission Arrangements

Alternative admission pathways are also open for educationally disadvantaged applicants and for First Nations Peoples applicants. These applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with RPL, professional accreditations, and the provision of a portfolio of work for entry to micro-credential and single units.

Applicants seeking alternative entry must also fulfil the English language entry requirements.

Alternative pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key concepts, theories, and ethical issues related to business administration.
2. Critically evaluate challenges and advances in achieving real-world business administration outcomes.
3. Synthesise complex business administration outcomes and identify opportunities for integrating culturally appropriate, innovative approaches within business contexts.
4. Communicate as a professional practitioner and transfer complex knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Autonomously plan and execute a research-based project that identifies innovative practices in business and applies solutions to identified problems.

LEARNING TIME PERIOD AND FEES

International Student Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 3,125

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 50,000

Deposit component of tuition fees (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front and prior to issue of Confirmation of Enrolment: AUD $ 25,000

Domestic Student Fees: Total Course Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 2,500

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 40,000

One-time Application Fee (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front: AUD $ 10,000

Scholarships

To promote excellence in scholarship and learning, Leaders Institute will offer scholarships to outstanding applicants.

A combination of merit and needs based scholarships by way of fee discount of 25% is available for both domestic and international students. To apply for this scholarship, please meet your Program Director.