Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration at Canterbury Institute of Management is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to move into management or sharpen the way they run a business. You study how organisations actually work: accounting and finance for managers, marketing, operations, people and organisational behaviour, economics, business analytics, and strategy. Later units usually let you specialise, so you might concentrate on leadership, project management, or another area that fits your career.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. A two-year MBA typically adds up to 96 or 108 credit points, split across semesters or trimesters. You enrol in a handful of units each study period, sit assessments, and accumulate credit until you meet the requirements. Many MBAs finish with a capstone unit, a real business project or a strategy simulation where you pull together everything you have learned. Some programs also include a research component or a work-integrated learning placement, where you spend time inside an organisation applying your skills. Check the official course page for the exact unit list and credit-point total.

What you learn

You come out able to read a balance sheet, build a budget, assess a market, lead a team, and argue a business case. Group work is common, and you will present to classmates and sometimes to industry panels. The skills are practical: financial literacy, data-informed decision making, project planning, negotiation, and written communication. Classmates often come from different industries and countries, which is part of the learning.

Who it suits

This MBA suits early- to mid-career professionals who want a formal management qualification, career changers moving into business roles, and people aiming for senior positions in Australia or overseas. You do not need an MBA to get a job, but it helps if you are targeting management, consulting, or running your own venture. International students should note that the Student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight while you study, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements for entry are set by the institute, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common coursework-postgraduate standard. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 111201A. Confirm current fees, intakes, and unit details on the official page.

• General manager or operations manager, running a division, site, or business unit in retail, manufacturing, hospitality, or professional services.
• Business consultant, advising clients on strategy, process improvement, or market entry at consulting firms and boutique advisory practices.
• Project manager, leading projects in construction, IT, government, or health, often with a formal project management method.
• Marketing or brand manager, planning campaigns, managing budgets, and analysing customer data for consumer goods, tech, or agencies.
• Finance or commercial analyst, building forecasts, analysing performance, and supporting investment decisions in banking, insurance, or corporate finance teams.
• Human resources manager, handling recruitment, workplace relations, and organisational development across the public and private sectors.
• Small business owner or entrepreneur, using the degree to plan, fund, and grow your own venture.