Master of Business Administration

What you will study

To complete the Master of Business Administration, students must attain a total of 12 credit points, consisting of eight credit points of core units and four credit points of open elective units. Four credit points of elective units may be taken as one of the available specialisations. Students must also complete the Academic Integrity Module (zero credit points) in the first semester of study. 

Students have the option of completing Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to count towards MBA electives. These short courses include a range of masterclasses that have been designed with MBA students in mind, specifically focusing on new trends and issues that industry leaders encounter in today’s workplaces. Typically, two short courses are equivalent to a credit point of elective study; each is designed to deliver learning in a short and engaging format.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).*
• Completion of a graduate certificate or higher in a related discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).*
• Completion of a graduate diploma equivalent (professional pathways). 

*Definition of minimum work experience: three years of relevant work experience and must include at least two years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role with responsibilities for decision making in a range of areas including budgetary oversight, staffing and management, involvement in strategy and planning development and operational implementation.

Non-academic requirements

You must provide the following with your application:

• A current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience.
• Current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience. 
• A one page brief outlining why you believe that your work experience would be valued by your MBA peers. 

English language requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (contact the university for more information). 

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed previous studies that you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section of your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL into the Master of Business Administration course may be granted to students who have successfully completed equivalent postgraduate qualifications. RPL cannot be granted for MBA-coded units based on work experience alone. It may be considered in addition to the postgraduate qualifications. Students must complete at least four credit points of the core units at Deakin. 

Students who have completed CPA, CA ANZ or IPA professional programs and have a current full CPA, CA ANZ or IPA professional membership may be eligible for up to six credit points of RPL. Contact the university for more information.

If you have a membership with one of Deakin Business School’s partner organisations, you may be eligible for course credit to put towards your degree. 

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts and integrate your own business expertise to develop insights into complex, contemporary business issues and apply this to address emerging global business trends and challenges.
• Demonstrate a high level of written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others.
• Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations.
• Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment.
• Apply problem solving skills and creativity to arrive at evidence-based decisions and imagine strategies and the changes required to implement recommended courses of action.
• Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues have on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment.

Career outcomes

As a graduate of Deakin’s MBA, you will gain the skills and expertise to pursue executive, C-suite and director roles.

Professional recognition

Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring graduates are employable worldwide.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2025: $38,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)

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

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

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

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 with the cost of a university course.