An advanced degree – such as an MBA – can help launch your career in strategy or propel you towards one of the more highly coveted roles in this dynamic and exciting profession. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, StudyNext Australia can help you explore your study options and find an MBA program that aligns with your goals.
Get ready to grow your career in strategy
If you’re ready to take the next step in your strategy career, studying for an MBA will give you a well-rounded set of core business skills, including those related to strategy. A deeper knowledge of strategic management theory, leadership and communication skills, critical thinking capabilities and networking experience are just some of the other skills you’ll come away with – all of which can help you stand out when applying for roles in this field.
Studying an MBA: strategy course offerings
Many MBA programs in Australia offer one or more units focusing on strategy, allowing you to learn the skills required for your chosen career. These units can help you understand core principles related to strategy and how to apply business concepts to construct a strategic plan for a business.
Different units may touch on various business topics in the context of strategy. For example, you may examine the extent to which human resource management is strategic to organisational success. You may also learn how to evaluate decision-making strategies using tools and concepts of corporate strategy or learn about international strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship. This can help develop your strategic thinking skills which is essential for any business professional across all industries.
For example, the Business Strategy unit in Macquarie University's MBA program can teach you how to take strategic actions for your organisation to remain competitive as different factors such as environmental change or industry dynamics may impact business performance.
The University of Adelaide's online MBA course features the Strategic Alignments unit. In this unit, you will examine the purpose and process of strategic management in a contemporary organisation. You will also learn how to incorporate stakeholder management into the development, execution and management of business strategies.
One of the units in Southern Cross University's MBA program is Strategy and Case Analysis. This unit focuses on important principles of strategic management, which includes the strategy process and its individual elements: analysis, choice, action and evaluation. You will engage in case analysis to help you apply your understanding to a wide range of real-world business problems.
Here are some MBA courses from Australian institutions that feature units related to strategy.
In today’s ever-evolving global economy, the best managers are agile and innovative, they’re great communicators and collaborators, they have a global mindset and create sustainable value, and they empower those around them.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) – ranked number one in Australia and in the top 50 worldwide – will prepare you to be such a manager. Designed to challenge and transform you, this degree will extend your knowledge, skills and experience through a practical curriculum that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. Opportunities exist to participate in global study tours, exchanges with leading international schools, and living case studies with Australian and international organisations.
The Adelaide Business School’s MBA is designed by leading academics and infused with real experience from industry experts. You’ll emerge with the skills, insights and practical experience ready for senior leadership role in any sector.
Benefit from a Group of Eight program of studies tailored to the online learner and skills essential to the workforce in 2024. Develop and build your critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills while undertaking courses in key business applications including strategic planning and organisational leadership.
The University of Adelaide has partnered with Boundless Learning, a leading global learning company, to deliver these degrees 100% online. The Partnership has been established to deliver the very best experience and learning outcomes to all students. Students will be awarded a University of Adelaide qualification and these degrees meet the University's highest quality standards.
In this course, you'll gain a broad understanding of contemporary management operations, as well as learning how to solve complex issues and manage the challenges of technology and finance, and other critical business factors.
Your professional expertise will be honed by completing practical assessment activities in leadership, problem solving and communication skills. In addition to core units, the course builds substantial expertise in an area through the completion of a research project.
You have the option of selecting either a specialisation, which includes an industry research project, or choosing two elective units from a wide range of subjects together with the industry research project. The industry research project is ideal for developing extensive knowledge of an issue related to your current workplace or to a career you wish to pursue.
Through flexible and innovative units, you will develop the skills essential to becoming a global business professional. The practical nature of this course enables you to apply concepts and management techniques learned in class directly to your workplace.
QUT's MBA program is designed to transform your thinking, expand your skills and open the way to confident leadership to make an impact in an ever-changing world.
The Master of Business Administration (International) at UNE is designed for postgraduate students from within or outside the business discipline who wish to specialise in international trade and global business.
The course will extend your experience and empower you to develop the advanced skills and knowledge you need to confidently lead organisations in a complex, globalised economy. By completing the MBA (International), you will add to your existing expertise in areas such as decision making, ethics, and management, allowing you to become a more effective leader in any global setting.
Understand the strategic management process and more with an MBA
With an MBA, strategic planning, strategic management, business and corporate strategy – and all the associated tools and concepts – will be examined in detail. These basics will provide a foundation to delve into more specialised strategy areas, such as innovation strategy, global strategy and change management.
Choosing how to study for an MBA in strategy
The MBA courses offered by Australian universities give you the essential business skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a strategic role. Whether you want to study on campus or online depends on your personal and professional commitments.
Studying on campus allows you to have more hands-on learning experience with face-to-face interactions in the classroom. On the other hand, online courses offer you the convenience and flexibility to set your own pace and study from home. They also have the same respected qualifications as on-campus programs. While it’s generally recommended you allocate 15-20 hours per week for each unit of study, you’re already ahead on time with no commute to factor into your day.
Common MBA FAQs
We've addressed some frequently asked questions below. You can also visit our blog for up-to-date articles, guides and career insights.
What are the best strategy MBA programs?
The best strategy-focused MBA hinges on your professional ambitions and personal circumstances. The top strategy-focused MBA courses offer units that delve into strategic management principles, equipping students with the decision-making tools they need for a career in strategy.
Is strategic human resource management taught in an MBA course?
Yes, you will find some MBAs offering a strategic human resource management component or units. They usually involve aligning HR practices with overarching strategic objectives, which is a key focus for any organisation operating in a global context.
Where can I find an MBA course with strategy units?
You can find plenty of MBA courses in Australia that provide all the skills you expect from a general MBA, plus the strategic skills that can open up new professional opportunities.
Will I learn strategic planning as part of an MBA?
An MBA typically offers at least one core unit focusing on strategy. You’ll also learn a range of other skills to complement your strategic planning and thinking, including leadership to business management, risk management and leveraging the power of data.
How much do MBA strategy programs cost?
Fees will vary between institutions. An MBA’s total price is based on the cost of each unit. The cheapest MBA program is the Victorian Institute of Technology's online MBA, priced at $16,000. The course includes two units related to strategy, which are Strategic Marketing and Strategy and Innovation. At the other end of the spectrum, Melbourne Business School's online MBA costs $90,125, with units including Strategic Management and Implementing Strategy. Find out more about other MBA programs and their costs here.
Becoming an MBA student
Do you feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as you contemplate the idea of becoming an MBA student? You’re not alone. It’s common to experience an array of emotions. Rest assured that we’re here to guide you through the entire process and equip you for a successful journey ahead.
Course eligibility
Each university has its own MBA course criteria. As a general rule, you will need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like finance, economics or business. Some universities may also consider applicants from different academic and work experience backgrounds if they demonstrate strong interest or experience in business and strategy.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
If you have academic or professional qualifications in strategy, you may qualify for credits or exemptions for specific strategy-focused units or modules. Certain universities provide opportunities for advanced standing or recognition of prior learning (RPL), effectively shortening the duration of your MBA program.
Strategise your next move
An MBA degree can significantly enhance various skills that are vital to a business professional, including strategic thinking. Unlock your potential today by exploring various MBA programs offered by leading universities in Australia.