Master of Business Administration MBA

What is an MBA?

The Master of Business Administration, usually known as an MBA, is an internationally recognised degree designed to develop the skills required for leadership careers in business and management. A wide range of elective subjects lets you tailor your qualification to suit your career goals. This qualification emphasises the improvement of cognitive, technical and creative skills to make intelligent business decisions in a global context.

This MBA is designed and delivered by high-achieving industry experienced academics to help you strengthen your business acumen and learn to employ dynamic leadership skills. Upon completion of our on-campus or online MBA, you will have the skills, knowledge, and connections to enable solid, long-term business returns. This course consists of eight core and four elective subjects, so you can focus on your specific career objectives, and you can enter or exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Business Administration.

Master industry-standard business software to effectively analyse data.
Apply advanced business principles to solve complex problems.
Encourage teams and individuals in ethical decision-making.
Systematically evaluate business risk and communicate findings to a broader audience.

Top 30 online MBA*

Our online MBA is ranked in the top 30 globally by CEO Magazine, so you know it's a world class program.

Top-ranked MBA school*

Our MBA program is ranked Tier-1 by CEO Magazine, putting it among the world's best.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1.5 years full time, part-time options available, 1 year accelerated

Start date

20 Feb 2023

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View Fees

This is an AQF Level 9 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Accelerate your career with an MBA

Career opportunities

Move up in your professional career by learning the skills to critically analyse business functions, implement strategic processes, manage risk and lead complex teams so you can guide your business to success.

Potential career paths

Senior Project Manager
Average salary: $119,122 - $193,439
Entrepreneur
Average salary: $129,500
General Manager
Average salary: $100,000 - $197,500
Senior Consultant
Average salary: $90,000 - $140,000

Learn more about careers in Business

Subjects and units

This course comprises of 12 subjects, which includes 8 core subjects and 4 elective subjects. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

Year 1
Year 2
Electives

Requirements

These six core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you’re required to select two electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

Financial Management | FIN600

This subject is focused on how to use accounting and financial information for decision-making purposes. It is designed for the leader/manager who will be using, rather than producing accounting and financial information. This subject also addresses the various types of financial decisions that leaders must make, and the strategies necessary to anticipate the alternatives, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each and recognise the tradeoffs inherent in each alternative. The objective of this subject is for students to learn how to apply accounting and finance theory and principles to the analysis of important business problems, further developing their skills at using numerical analysis and research to support a line of argument.
Marketing | MKT600

21st Century professionals who aspire to hold a leadership position must have a clear understanding and appreciation of the importance of marketing. This subject is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of marketing theories and the practical application of marketing concepts and marketing strategies in various contexts including profit and not-for- profit organisations, including government. This subject equips students with marketing strategy formulation and the use of strategic marketing mix elements in developing and maintaining a market orientation and assessing organisational performance in relation to ethical and socially acceptable business practices.
Management, People and Teams | MGT600

Understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function is the core of this subject. This subject helps individuals understand the constraints they face as managers and emerging leaders and how they can develop strategies to leverage advantages and overcome constraints and barriers in their organisations. The subject also focusses on developing some of the advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, and the ability of the individual to influence others. The subject introduces students to the concept of naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis. This subject also focuses on the development of knowledge and skills to enable students to identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues in organisations, facilitate employee development, and develop and sustain effective teams in complex, diverse, and increasingly global operating environments.
Dynamic Leadership | MGT601

Leadership in modern organisations is a way of thinking and behaving. It is not necessarily a position in a hierarchy. Leadership is a process of energising, influencing and motivating others: up, down, sideways and diagonally. Becoming an effective leader requires self-awareness, self-management and a strong set of interpersonal communication skills, a set of capabilities that are often described as Emotional Intelligence (EQ). In addition, effective leaders think and act strategically, they build a climate for creativity and innovation, and are culturally sensitive and comfortable with ambiguity.

This subject focuses on developing your leadership capability and not leadership as a theoretical concept that applies to other people. It helps you explore your own leadership development and self-image, using the techniques of reflective research and supported by a mentoring partner. It guides you through the preparation of plan for your continued leadership and professional development that is consistent with your personal values, anchored by the academic literature and enables you to be authentic, confident and resilient in leading productive work places for the future.
Dynamic Leadership provides learning at the cognitive or intellectual level and at the affective or emotional level. It develops explicit knowledge of leadership (know-what) and the often-neglected tacit knowledge (know-how).
Business Decision Analytics | MGT602

Today's decisions have to be made quickly, individually and in groups, with what often appears to be ambiguous or too much data. How does one select, observe and distil the most pertinent data sets to make decisions that will positively impact tomorrow's firms and communities? This subject engages students in the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. The subject develops the student's qualitative and quantitative research skills, and digital literacy.
Systems Thinking | MGT603

This subject builds on systems theory and introduces students to a holistic view of the organisation and the broader ecosystem it operates in. It also introduces students to the basic principles of operations management in the context of Systems Thinking. Students will be exposed to Systems Thinking tools to diagnose and propose innovative solutions to contemporary business issues.

Requirements

These two core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you’re required to select two electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

Strategic Management | MGT604

This subject explores sustainable approaches to managing the symbiotic relationship between organisations and their environments. Organisations are increasingly facing disruption and the basis for delivering products and services is rapidly changing. Sustaining performance requires careful management of business processes, fostering corporate competencies, and aligning the firm to its internal and external environment. The student will learn and then practice strategising through a number of theories and practical settings.
Business Capstone | MGT605

This subject enables students to demonstrate their ability to think strategically and apply the concepts and tools learned in the course to a setting of their choice. Students will apply investigative and specialised knowledge to that setting. The subject requires application of concepts, theories and knowledge to the development of management practice in a given context.
Students will prepare a project that has real-world consequences, one that will make an impact on the profession in their chosen community or sphere of influence. The project is to be practical- or research based and to make a contribution to theory or practice.

Requirements

Choose two elective subjects below in year one and two.

Elective subjects

Business Environment | MGT501

This subject introduces the student to the foundations of business. The focus of this subject is on providing fundamental concepts and context for students to enrich their mastery in subsequent studies while developing as a reflective practitioner. Students will examine the functional operations of business and the environments in which it operates. This may include analysing the economic, social, political, legal, technological and ethical influences on contemporary businesses. Students will also examine the viewpoints of internal and external stakeholders.
Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces students to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces students to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques. The aims of this subject are to provide knowledge and skills needed for success in Higher Education, to help students manage their own success and to assist them in reaching their academic potential.
Employer Based Project | MGT606

The Employer Based Project subject is a 4-unit postgraduate subject designed to facilitate work-integrated learning in the student’s current employment to be included in the volume of learning for the student’s currently enrolled program. Like any other subject, there is an expectation that the student will engage in 120 hours of active learning above and beyond their normal employment duties. This subject requires the student to undertake and document an original and new project that will be sponsored by and benefit the employer as well as demonstrably bridge the theoretical–praxis gap in the student’s knowledge. If approved, the student will be allocated an academic supervisor who will support the student in bridging knowledge and practice for the duration of the unit.
Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607

This subject seeks to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to succeed as an ethical entrepreneur or entrepreneur. These knowledge and skills are then applied to identify and evaluate innovative high-growth product and service opportunities in the context of a start-up, a corporation, a not for profit or a government institution. The subject allows students to practice skills, including creativity, cash-flow modelling, business model analysis and lean experimentation. Students prepare a business plan for a new venture, or an improvement to an existing enterprise, enabling them to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge.
Business Law and International Contexts | MGT608

This subject introduces students to the law, the role of the law and the impact the law has in its operation on managerial and business practice. Contract, tort, intellectual property, agency and employment law are considered, as well as means and methods of considering dispute resolution. How these are contextualised internationally is explored.
Managing Information Systems | MGT609

Managing information systems is critical in business decision-making. Using a systems perspective, in this subject you will explore the role of information systems in the business administration context, the impact of technological innovation on the management of information, and the risks associated with poor information management.
Organisational Best Practice | MGT610

Benchmarking and the ability to collect, analyse and present benchmarking data to influence organisational decision making is a core competence for many organisations. This subject develops students’ analytical skills and understanding of benchmarking processes and procedures before supporting them in a benchmarking exercise of their own.
International Business Strategy | MGT611

As business becomes increasingly global with the use of the internet making all goods available everywhere, the better prepared an organisation is for international markets, the more successful it is likely to be. This subject focuses on the risks, strategies, and implementation of international business plans, requiring students to both evaluate current practice and develop an international strategy for their own organisation or organisation of their choice.
Risk Management | MGT612

The subject focuses on risk management, risk assessment and risk mitigation plans, including the necessary communication plans and skills to ensure that incidents and risks are managed as safely as possible in a controlled manner. The value of such activities is critically analysed to ensure that the effort expended is appropriate to the size of the risk.
Corporate Sustainability | MGT613

This subject is underpinned by notions that are measured by the triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental costs and benefits. The subject explores the competitive advantage to be gained through sustainable practices and requires students to develop a sustainability strategy for an organisation of their choice. This subject explores the issues of social justice and human rights more fundamentally than other subjects as sustainability issues for the future.
Technology Strategy | MGT614

Technology impacts on most everything that we do in organisations, how we do deliver and perform, and how efficiently we manage our operations. Technology strategy therefore focuses on making the right decisions about the deployment of technology in line with business strategy and the risks associated with making the wrong technology decisions. The subject employs a range of research methods to draw up scenarios for decision making, and requires the students to present the case for a technology innovation strategy to a board of stakeholders. Prerequisite: Management Information Systems
Foundations of Information Systems | MIS500

This subject introduces students to the key concepts and technologies of information systems that drive change and support organisations to achieve strategic goals. This includes data and information management, application of business information systems, disruptive technologies and issues such as ethics, privacy and cyber security. This subject will prepare students to better understand the technologies that are disrupting and transforming society both now and into the future.
Data Modelling and Database Design | MIS602

Students will learn the importance of data to an organisation and the problems inherent in creating, storing, and managing that data. This subject will explore relational database design and modelling and students will learn how to handle data anomalies and the process of data integration. During this unit you will explore an organisation’s need for a data warehouse, learn about data visualisation and evaluate dashboard designs to view data. Students will examine the need for distributed data in today’s business environment.
Microservices Architecture | MIS603

This subject introduces students to microservices architecture within the context of cloud computing models. The emergence of these techniques of building applications is directly related to innovations in the areas of cloud computing and platforms. In this subject, the focus will be on the evolution from more traditional approaches to microservices architecture. Core concepts related to the principles and practices of microservices will be reviewed.
Requirements Engineering | MIS604

Requirements management is a method of defining, using, modelling, documenting, maintaining, and measuring requirements throughout the software process. This helps developers explore requirements management and how it supports systems engineering and software engineering life cycles. Develop techniques for eliciting requirements and identifying good requirements. Represent requirements graphically by utilising powerful unified modelling language (UML) diagramming techniques. Develop skills to effectively manage requirements changes and techniques for measuring requirement quality through quantitative metrics.
Systems Analysis and Design | MIS605

This subject introduces students to activities, techniques, and methodologies a systems analyst uses to design information systems that, when built, enhance the organisation’s ability to meet its business goals via available technology. These include define requirements for system, model high-level behaviours of system, and design blueprint, that is, planning and implementation and will move through object-oriented approaches to analysis and design, the transformation of user requirements to system design. User empathy is promoted in this subject, using the unified modelling language (UML).
Principles of Project Management | PROJ6000

This course provides students with a grounding in the principles of project management, its methods and contemporary standards associated with managing diverse projects. Students in this course are introduced to the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to manage projects (including IT projects) successfully throughout a project life cycle, and to the language used by practitioners in conjunction with the terminology recognised by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Students explore the project management knowledge areas and process groups of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) guide. Students also examine the ways these two dimensions of project management interact in initiating (scoping), planning, executing (launching), monitoring and controlling, and closing a project. The subject provides students with opportunities to also examine the challenges of project management and the professional traits that project managers are associated with.
Project Planning and Budgeting | PROJ6002

To be effective, project managers must understand relationships between operational factors and projects. In this subject, students learn about scope, time and cost planning, developing an appropriate work breakdown structure (WBS). Students will also learn about the importance of managing project change, quality and risk, as well as the role of effective stakeholder communications in achieving successful project outcomes. They engage in practical exercises designed to help them develop project management skills. Students also examine planning considerations associated with global projects.
Project Execution and Control | PROJ6003

In this subject, students will examine how to monitor and control project execution (including IT projects), by implementing a project plan and managing progress by applying performance reporting, analysis, and measurement techniques to ensure that activities are executed as planned. This will include responding to risk events and issues; managing scope changes; communicating with team members and stakeholders; acceptance of deliverables, and administrative and financial closure.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

We have a course partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directions (AICD), which offers a pathway for students who have completed the AICD Diploma to have a subject credited towards their MBA at Torrens University Australia.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about business, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of business scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the business industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, in a business-related discipline

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, in a non business-related discipline

At least two years of post-degree professional work experience

At least five years of professional work experience (of which three years is managerial)

Successful completion of Graduate Certificate of Business Administration.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, in a business-related discipline.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, in a non business-related discipline

At least two years of post-degree professional work experience

At least five years of professional work experience (of which three years is managerial).

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a course?

Domestic students:
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit your initial application form online to begin your journey at Torrens University Australia.

If you have any difficulty, please contact our Future Student Advisors, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.

International students:
If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in Australia, study online, or transfer from another university, you may choose to do so through our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. View the full list of International Education Agents. You can also apply online. For anything else, please contact our International team.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

View all FAQs

Master of Business Administration