Adelaide University
Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Secure national defence partnerships, develop strategies for space exploration and deepen Australia's bi- and multilateral global relationships through advocacy and sustainability.
Course overview
Immerse yourself in a global experience that spans three powerhouse nations. Learn from renowned international speakers and real-world case studies. You’ll join a cohort of peers from “Five Eyes” and allied nations, preparing for global leadership opportunities.
The defence and space industries are growing rapidly. Countless projects are being undertaken in Australia and around the world. Long-term partnerships between Australia, the US and the UK have strengthened cooperative relationships. Their collaboration leads to further understanding of global supply chains, geopolitical dynamics and localised defence requirements.
The Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) is delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter (UK) and Carnegie Mellon University (US). This program provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry experts and peers.
Key features
- Learn from internationally recognised academics and industry leaders in defence and space.
- Study a curriculum tailored to the defence and space industries.
- Study online and attend immersive in-country residential experiences across Australia, the UK and the US.
- Build your leadership skills by drawing on a unique global model.
- Gain a solid understanding of sector developments, challenges and solutions.
- Engage with a diverse global network of experienced professionals.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 72 units, comprising 11 core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Core courses
Complete 72 units for all of the following:
- Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption
- Defence Industry Procurement, Acquisition and Lifecycle Management
- Influence, Negotiation and Stakeholder Management
- Enterprise Leadership and Managing Global Teams
- Strategic Finance and Economics for Defence
- Cyber Security and Security Systems
- Space Systems
- Defence and Space Strategic Industry Project (12 units)
- Delivering Complex Programs
- Global Security, Geopolitics and Defence Co-Operation
- Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution, PLUS a minimum of three years full-time (or equivalent) management experience.
- Applicants who do not have an undergraduate qualification may be considered for entry into the Graduate Certificate program if they have a minimum of 7 years full-time (or equivalent) management experience.
Applicants are asked to provide:
- A Curriculum Vitae outlining their work and management experience; AND
- A statement outlining their reasons for applying for the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) program and how it fits with their career goals within the defence and space sectors.
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in online interviews.
Essential requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of any of the "Five Eyes" (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States) or allied nations.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program can excel as leaders in industry across senior management and leadership roles. Your comprehensive knowledge of defence and space sector developments might be applied to roles in:
- Cybersecurity
- Space Systems
- Space Operations
- Geopolitics
- Defence Procurement and More.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $70,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.