Focusing on your skill set and mindset with an MBA can truly pay dividends. As you hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you can motivate your staff to scale new heights and stay at the forefront in a constantly evolving workplace. Explore your study options and find the right course to shape your future as a leader.
Are you ready to level up your leadership skills?
Studying an MBA while pursuing business leadership ambitions is a well-trodden path and will enhance your skills and understanding of the business sector through strategy planning, business sustainability, ethics, tech, finance and more.
It’s a sound investment as those working in business and management with a postgraduate coursework qualification earned an annual median salary of $120,000 in 2023, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey. In the same period, those with an undergraduate degree earned an annual median salary of $69,200, highlighting the vast difference in salary based on educational qualifications.
Finding the right MBA leadership program
Investing in an MBA is a great way to launch (or relaunch) your career or grow your business. The qualification can advance your understanding in various areas of business, such as finance, marketing and project management. Besides improving your business acumen, an MBA can also equip you with the knowledge and skills required to become a great leader in a rapidly evolving business environment.
The leadership-based units in an MBA can teach you the best management and leadership practices. You can learn about positive leadership models and language, psychology and managing people, values-based authentic leadership as well as direction and organisational goal setting. This allows you to critically analyse core management and leadership concepts and learn how to apply relevant approaches to a range of issues.
The University of Queensland's MBA program includes the Leading People and Teams unit, which can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead people and teams effectively in contemporary organisations.
One of the units in the University of Wollongong's MBA is Leading Business Transformation in the Age of AI. In this unit, you can explore how the incorporation of new technologies can improve business efficiency. It also discusses how leadership mindsets must evolve to embrace technological changes to drive successful transformation results.
Explore various MBA courses in Australia that feature leadership-focused units below.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of multiple business functions and help you increase your confidence to make complex business decisions. You'll learn with an experienced cohort who will enrich your studies and connect you with ongoing career opportunities.
Design your own customised program to gain maximum value. Align your learning experience with your interests and career goals, pursue a research project or even explore topics outside the MBA.
You can incorporate your own workplace projects into your studies for applied learning opportunities, work with industry clients on solutions to real challenges, or explore your entrepreneurial projects.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for experienced professionals with ambition and drive who wish to develop responsible and sustainable leadership skills. Throughout this degree, you will gain a holistic and strategic business point-of-view which is required to operate effectively in an increasingly competitive and changing global business world.
In this course, students are able to integrate advanced knowledge of recent developments in business disciplines and professional practice, analyse real-world business situations, and create innovative, sustainable and judicious solutions to such challenges. Additionally, students are able to execute ideas and plans through their development of a range of organisational and communication skills.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for current and aspiring leaders who want to develop their business knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through case studies, simulations and real-world projects.
Thanks to the superior skills and insights they bring to the workplace, MBA graduates often receive a significantly higher salary as well as a greater variety of career opportunities. For budding entrepreneurs, this program will show you how to launch, run, and grow your business.
Compulsory courses cover foundational business concepts, and electives enable you to tailor the degree to your specific needs and interests.
The Master of Business Administration (Leadership and Enterprise) is a postgraduate coursework degree that will develop your business knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
You will complete core units in personal and interpersonal skill development, business knowledge and skill development, and building future enterprises, along with a design-led strategy capstone unit.
Increase and deepen your range of management skills. This program covers the latest trends and influences in business and builds on your skills in critical thinking and analysis.
You will complete six courses in the fundamentals of accounting, economics, corporate finance, strategic management and marketing. Then choose six interest topics, including international trade and finance, entrepreneurship, global business management and research.
Identifying the right MBA course for you is crucial as it ensures alignment with your career goals, especially if you're aiming for leadership roles in the long run.
Learn leadership skills and more
Most MBAs will incorporate the topics of:
- entrepreneurship
- market and business trade
- ethical and sustainable practices
- digital development
- marketing
- finance
- organisational/human behaviour
These courses, particularly an MBA focused on leadership and management, are in a class of their own in terms of delivery and skill set development.
Is an MBA leadership online degree right for you?
The post-COVID19 world is a place of workplace and educational flexibility, meaning there has never been a better time to study MBA leadership development programs online.
Common MBA FAQs
Here are some helpful answers to the most commonly asked questions. Be sure to visit our blog for the latest articles, guides and career advice.
What are the best MBA leadership programs?
Your decision will ultimately come down to your individual career direction and aspirations. MBAs are usually tailored towards specific outcomes, goals and leadership styles. For example, aspiring leaders may want to study units that can help them upskill and advance their career. Emerging leaders may want to pursue an MBA that offers units about leading in the age of digital disruption and design thinking. Take the time to go through what each MBA entails to help you determine if the program can boost your professional development.
MBA vs master’s degree in leadership – what’s the difference?
While the degrees have some overlap, the curriculum and outcomes can differ. An MBA is an all-encompassing course that focuses on a wide range of general business principles and skills, whereas a Master of Leadership centres on developing leadership skills, communication techniques and organisational behaviour.
What is the average time it takes to complete an MBA leadership degree online?
The time it takes to complete an MBA program will depend on the university and your chosen program. It can take anywhere from two years to six years part-time, depending on how much time you can commit to study for each unit.
How important is an MBA for leadership skills?
An MBA is an invaluable investment and will equip you with the comprehensive business knowledge and exposure to leadership theories you need to secure that promotion and excel as a future leader.
How much do leadership MBA programs cost?
Fees will vary between institutions. An MBA’s total price is based on the cost of each unit.
Becoming an MBA student
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Course eligibility
Each university has specific eligibility criteria, though students will typically need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or postgraduate studies as well as have experience in the field of business. However, some universities give students the option to enrol in an MBA based on their relevant experience only, widening the doors for those wishing to study an MBA who have no prior university education. Be sure to check individual course details for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Even if you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you can still find a pathway to study for an online MBA. Some universities consider recognition of prior learning and strong experience in business. Advanced Standing is also offered for some courses and is a great way to earn credits towards your MBA.
Understanding MBA fees
The cost of an MBA degree varies across universities and is based on the price per unit. If you're looking for the cheapest MBA program, you can consider the Victorian Institute of Technology's online MBA which costs $16,000. The course includes 16 units which are priced at $1,000 each. We also offer information on online MBA costs from other universities in Australia to help you choose the right course according to your budget.
Take the next step for your career success
An MBA can open doors to rewarding career opportunities, including high-paying leadership roles. If you're ready to level up your career, discover various MBA programs available across top Australian institutions.