How to find the right MBA program for your lifestyle

However, for the busy professional, juggling work, life and studies, taking on an MBA could feel like an impossible task.

There’s no doubt that studying while working is a juggling act however, all the data shows that an MBA qualification is worth it.

The ROI of studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Looking at salaries alone demonstrates a significant ROI. According to GMAC’s 2021 Corporate Recruiters Survey, the average starting salary for MBA holders was between 22% and 40% higher than for bachelor’s degree holders. Not to mention the unique invaluable (global) networking opportunities and the confidence boost of applying academic frameworks and learnings in your workplace which accelerate your career progression.

When it comes to choosing the right MBA option, keep in mind there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best MBA course for you depends on your priorities and your learning style. However, Torrens University Australia offers a range of MBAs which provide options to suit life’s many demands – no matter what they are.

Recommended MBA programs based on lifestyle priorities

Here are Torrens University’s MBA options, which support different types of working professionals, and a breakdown of how they compare.

Best MBA for self-directed learners who want to study online when they have time available

The Master of Business Administration On Demand (Online) is a new course offering that provides you with an alternative form of digital learning to the traditional MBAs. This innovative learning model means you can study for your MBA whenever you have free time from anywhere in the world.

This course is perfectly suited for the busy lifestyles of working professionals, who have the discipline to complete their MBA online via self-directed learning modules. It is 100% online and you choose when to study: either in intensive ‘binge’ sessions during periods when you have more time, or in smaller bites during busy working periods.

Subject breakdown: 12 subjects (6 core and 6 electives)

Study mode: On Demand (Online)

Learning delivery:

• No scheduled class times
• No video lectures
• All the learning materials needed: including readings, podcasts and short videos are provided
• Individual assessments (no group tasks)

Best MBA for learners who want a structured lecturer-guided experience in an online classroom

The Master of Business Administration (Online) is ranked 18th globally by CEO Magazine (2023) for the quality of the online MBA experience. Studying online is ideal for learners who want to combine the structure, pace, facilitated teaching and collaborative environment of a regular MBA with the flexibility of online learning. The online MBA can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Subject breakdown: 12 subjects: (8 core and 4 electives)

Study mode: Online

Learning delivery:

• Weekly scheduled classes
• Classes recorded for later revision (online)
• Classes facilitated by qualified and industry-experienced lecturers
• Collaborate with classmates in virtual classes and in group assessments
• Networking and learning from other students across industries

Best MBA option for learners who want to combine learning on-campus with online

The Master of Business Administration (Online and On-campus combined) is for professionals who prioritise networking, collaboration, and direct exposure to the Australian industry in which they want to work. The on-campus and hybrid option presents the ideal MBA format.

CEO Magazine ranked Torrens University’s MBA a Tier-1 MBA program in 2023 for its quality, innovation, industry relevance and student outcomes; whether you complete your classes online, hybrid or in our world-class modern campuses, it’s an exceptional education, led by industry-savvy academic staff that can be completed within 1.5 years full time. Whether you choose online or in person depends on your priorities and personal goals.

Subject breakdown: 12 subjects (8 core and 4 electives)

Learning delivery:

• Weekly scheduled classes online and on-campus
• Online classes recorded for later revision (online)
• Classes facilitated by qualified and industry-experienced lecturers
• Collaborate with classmates in class, virtual classes and in group assessments
• Networking and learning from other students across industries

Best MBA for those who need to learn about the Australian industry and gain a competitive edge in Australia

The Master of Business Administration (Advanced) is an on-campus MBA for ambitious international students who wants to level up their business career fast and find employment as a graduate in Australia, the MBA (Advanced) is the ideal course for you. In addition to covering all the core content of the Master of Business Administration, the MBA (Advanced) includes four additional subjects across a wide selection of topics, allowing you to customise your program to suit your interests.

Students studying the advanced program have opportunities to develop knowledge of both Global and Australian business contexts and practices.

Subject breakdown: 16 subjects (10 core and 6 electives)

Study mode: On-campus

Learning delivery:

• Weekly scheduled classes
• Classes recorded for later revision (online)
• Classes facilitated by qualified and industry-experienced lecturers
• Collaborate with classmates in virtual classes and in group assessments
• Networking and learning from other students across industries 
• Unique learning about both global and Australian business contexts and practices

Best options for busy working professionals, who aren’t ready to commit to a full MBA

If you’re unsure you can commit to the length and workload of a full MBA program, Torrens University also offers graduate certificate and graduate diploma options:

• Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (On Demand)
• Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
• Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (On Demand)

These courses have fewer subjects than an MBA and are ideal if you aren’t sure that you want to commit to a full MBA. With a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, you work towards a smaller qualification whilst getting a taster for what an MBA is like. Both options offer a direct pathway into the MBA program, whereby your completed subjects will be counted towards the MBA if you choose to go ahead with it.

Specialised Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees

Torrens University extends its offerings beyond the previously mentioned MBAs by providing a diverse selection of MBA specialisations and MBA dual degrees, which include:

• Master of Business Administration (Sport Management)
• Master of Business Administration in Sports Management (Advanced)
• Master of Business Administration (Innovation and Leadership)
• Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health
• Master of Business Administration and Master of Global Project Management

See here for additional information about the Torrens University Australia MBA programs, including detailed schedules, course descriptions, subject lists and study options.