Master of Business Administration

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration

2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time

1 year full-time with recognition of prior learning

Fees (first year)*

$15446 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

Finding your specialty is our specialty.

Advance your career and become a well-rounded management professional with an MBA that puts ethics and sustainability at the forefront.

We understand the importance of learning in the real world, not just in the classroom. Microsoft certification is embedded into units in the degree, so you'll graduate with a strong foundation in the Microsoft programs favoured by employers. All our units are also embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals. And you’ll have the opportunity to develop your consulting skills in applied business contexts and engage with international partners through the Global Virtual Classroom. Our courses include opportunities to link with industry and apply your learning to your current job through applied assessment options.

Our unique MBA structure allows you to design your own specialist qualification. The core units will offer you a solid foundation across all business functions, and then you’ll be able to choose four open electives, giving you control over your professional journey. Within just one year you can complete your MBA by applying for open elective credit from any relevant postgraduate study from another institution

Alternatively, you can choose electives in any field at ACU, such as health management, educational leadership or theology.

Careers

Graduates are prepared for careers across a wide variety of professions, such as:

  • CEO
  • CIO
  • CFO
  • CMO
  • health administration
  • educational management
  • consulting

Industry partnerships

Our partnership with Cisco provides our students with mentoring opportunities.


Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Business Foundation unitsBUSN609Business Communication for the 21st Century10 cp
  • Business Foundation unitsBUSN612Managing Market Environments10 cp
  • Business Foundation unitsMGMT641Organisational Dynamics and Behaviour10 cp
  • Business Specified UnitsBUSN617Research Methods

    (Inc: MGMT617)

    10 cp
  • Business Foundation unitsACCT600 Accounting for Decision Making ORBusiness Foundation unitsBUSN602 Money Management 10 cp
  • Business Specified UnitsMGMT605Strategic Management for Sustainability10 cp
  • Business Elective StreamsBusiness Elecitve 110 cp
  • Business Specified UnitsSTAT600Data Analysis and Interpretation10 cp

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing Semester 2

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing Term 3 (Brisbane only)

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has completed the requirements prescribed for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration or the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration may exit from the course with the relevant award.

Additional course information

Applicants for a master’s degree who hold an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a business-related (cognate) discipline may be eligible to apply for advanced standing for up to four foundation units (40 credit points) of the course. Applicants may also be considered for advanced standing based on significant work experience in a defined business field.

Please note: Even if students are eligible for advanced standing based on prior study or experience they may choose to study the foundation units to enhance their English and academic study skills, augment their understanding of Australian business systems, or refresh their business knowledge.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

  1. Equivalent of an Australian bachelor’s degree in any discipline (the equivalent of an Australian bachelor's degree in a related discipline will be eligible for up to four units credit); OR
  2. A Graduate Certificate in a related discipline.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admissions Rules.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$15446 CSP

* indicative only.

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Additional application information

We value applicant’s knowledge gained whilst working in senior positions so applicants can also be considered for advanced standing based on significant work experience in a defined business field.

This means that you can complete your master’s in as little as one year (or 8 units) if you hold an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a business-related (cognate) discipline. Simply apply for advanced standing for up to four foundation units (40 credit points)

Please note: Even if students are eligible for advanced standing based on prior study or experience they may choose to study the foundation units to enhance their English and academic study skills, augment their understanding of Australian business systems, or refresh their business knowledge.

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Dr Pandula Gamage

Deputy Head of School, Peter Faber Business School

Dr Gamage completed his PhD at La Trobe University, Master of Commerce degree (Accounting) at the University of Melbourne and the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education at Victoria University. Since commencing at ACU, Dr Gamage has provided and continues to provide productive and sustained leadership in a range of areas. He has taught extensively in international programs including China, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. Dr Gamage also engages in high-impact research publishing in prestigious journals and received research grants linked with national professional accounting and finance associations. Prior to commencing his academic career, Dr Gamage held managerial roles in the industry. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Wendy James

Associate Professor, Peter Faber Business School

Dr Wendy James is a fully Certified Management Accountant (CMA) as well as a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Accountant (CA). Dr James was the National Head of the Accounting Discipline at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and has been at a number of universities including Charles Darwin University (CDU) and before that Torrens University Australia (TUA), part of the international Laureate group of universities. Dr James has also spent time with the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia where she was a senior lecturer with Open Universities Australia. 

Testimonial

Vinston

“I think having an MBA is a privilege. I don’t doubt it will help me grow my career, and it’s already an asset with my day-to-day work. It gives me the inside perspective on how businesses run, and my advice to other students would be to start an MBA as soon as possible to get your career progressing more quickly.”

Vinston
Business administration student
 

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