Master of Business Administration

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Master of Business Administration
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	Yes
Duration	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Deakin course code	M701
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Deakin’s internationally recognised Master of Business Administration has been refined over 30 years to meet the professional needs of high-achieving MBA students. Our lecturers are highly experienced and PhD-qualified, including industry adjunct professors who are globally respected leaders in their fields. You'll get the personalised learning support you need, as well as writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring and seminars.

On top of being ranked the top 3 in Australia for our online MBA**, this award-winning course is delivered by a AACSB and EQUIS accredited business school placing us in the top 1% of business schools worldwide.

The modular nature of Deakin's MBA means you can choose from a huge range of specialisations, electives and MBA masterclasses in order to thoroughly explore your area of interest – you can tailor learning to what's relevant to your career goals, ensuring you graduate with all the right skills to secure the job, client or project you’ve been pursuing. Our industry partners and professors work together to create a curriculum that’s grounded in the everyday reality of business and reflects the contemporary challenges you'll face in the real world.

MBA masterclasses, in particular, offer a unique opportunity to upskill in future-focused areas of business. Every masterclass you complete counts as credit towards your degree, and their short duration (three to four days) help you fast-track your studies. Led by true subject matter experts from around the world, MBA masterclasses will give you a rare insight into emerging topics such as blockchain, Agile and digital transformation in a creative, workshop-style learning format.

Another reason why high-achieving professionals choose Deakin’s MBA is the constant opportunities for networking, career enhancement and professional development. With a diverse student cohort from a range of different sectors, you'll be exposed to new ideas and thinking that doesn't stop when class does.

The Deakin MBA will ignite your imagination, creativity and business mindset. You'll learn at a pace that suits you, with talented peers from around Australia and the world, and you'll graduate with a qualification that's a lifelong benefit to your career.

Indicative student workload

As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin Business School (DBS) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only five per cent of business programs worldwide are AACSB accredited and DBS is one of only three business schools in Victoria to achieve this recognition. DBS has been awarded EQUIS accreditation through the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). This global best-practice recognition places Deakin Business School in the top 1 per cent of business schools worldwide.

By choosing appropriate units within the Master of Business Administration, students may satisfy the professional recognition requirements of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA).

Career opportunities

Deakin’s Master of Business Administration has a wide range of specialisations to help you progress your career in all areas of business from administration to business strategy. As a graduate you may find employment in areas such as consulting, strategy and planning, human resource management, marketing and a range of other areas.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (M501)
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (M601)

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts and integrate own business expertise to develop insights into complex, contemporary business issues and apply this to address emerging global business trends and challenges
Communication	Demonstrate high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others
Digital Literacy	Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations
Critical thinking	Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment
Problem Solving	Apply problem solving skills and creativity to arrive at evidence-based decisions and imagine strategies and the changes required to implement recommended courses of action
Self-management	Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader
Teamwork	Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes
Global Citizenship	Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues has on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment

Course rules

The MBA course structure provides an integrated experience designed to reflect the foundational business knowledge required of an MBA program, career development and employability, leadership and management skills, and an integrative capstone experience.

To complete the Master of Business Administration, students must attain a total of 12 credit points, consisting of 8 credit points of core units, and 4 credit points of elective units (4 credit points of elective units may be taken as one of the available Faculty-wide specialisations.)^* plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module.

Students have the option of completing Stackable Short Courses (micro-credentials) to count towards MBA electives. These short courses include a range of masterclasses that have been designed with MBA students in mind, specifically focusing on new trends and issues that industry leaders encounter in today’s workplaces. Typically, two short courses are equivalent to a credit point of elective study; each is designed to deliver learning in a short and engaging format.

The Deakin Advantage capstone provides an integrative MBA experience in which students complete a ‘live case study’ as a major project which synthesises knowledge, concepts and research gained from their study program.

Specialisations

Faculty-wide specialisations

Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.

Course structure

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

MAI010

Academic Integrity Module

Core units

MBA700

The Deakin Advantage: Leadership and Professional Development

MBR701/MBA701

Strategy and Value Creation ^#

MBA702

Financial Decision Making

MBT703/MBA703

The Economic Environment ^{^}

MBT704/MBA704

Marketing, Positioning and Consumers ^{^}

MBA705

Business Processes and Technology

MBR706/MBA706

Leading People in Organisations ^#

MBA707

The Deakin Advantage: Capstone ^(Capstone)

^#MBR code denotes residential version of the unit

^{^}MBT code denotes study tour version of the unit

Elective units

The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:

a faculty-wide specialisation
postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability)

Work experience

This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
More information: WIL Programs

Applied Research

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS001

Units

MPP821

Fundamentals of Research *

MPP822

Research in Practice *

MPP823

Research Project ^{^*}

*Special enrolment procedures apply. Please contact Student Central for assistance.

^{^}This unit is worth 2 credit points

Please Note: Completion of this specialisation is not a pathway into a PhD.

Accounting

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS002

Units

MPA701

Accounting

MAA703

Accounting for Management ^1,2,4

Plus 2 credit points from:

MAA716

Financial Accounting ^1,2

MAA705

Corporate Auditing ^2,3,4

MAA725

Advanced Accounting Principles and Practice ^1,2

MAA767

Enterprise Value Creation: Sustainability and Integrated Reporting

MAA789

Accounting Systems and Analytics ^1,2

MLC703

Principles of Income Tax Law ²

Notes:

¹Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.

² Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.

³ For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.

⁴ For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) program.

Arts and Cultural Industries

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS003

Units

MMM790

Arts Management

MMK792

Arts Marketing

Plus 2 credit points from:

MMM793

Managing Events

MMM796

Managing Arts in Community Settings

MMM799

Arts Fundraising and Sponsorship

ACA715

Creating Your Arts Business

Business Analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS004

Units

MIS770

Foundation Skills in Data Analysis

MIS771

Descriptive Analytics and Visualisation

Plus 2 credit points from:

MIS772

Predictive Analytics

MIS714

People Analytics

MIS781

Business Intelligence and Database

Management Consulting

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS009

Units

Select any 4 units from:

MAF702

Financial Markets and Digital Innovations

MAF703

Applied Corporate Finance

MAF707

Investments and Portfolio Management

MAF716

Fintech Foundations and Cryptocurrencies

MAF760

International Finance

MPF753

Principles of Finance

Financial Planning

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS010

Units

MAI769/MAA769

Ethics for Financial Services

MAI728/MAA728

Financial Behaviour and Decision Making

MLI714/MLC714

Financial Advice Regulation

Plus 1 credit point from:

MAA745

Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals

MLC707

Business Law

MLC703

Principles of Income Tax Law

Note:

MAI and MLI coded units denote Intensive offerings and are only available to M701 students enrolled in this unit set.

To find out whether this specialisation is FAS approved and suitable for you, please contact our dedicated Financial Planning Course Advisers to discuss further on +61 3 9251 7969, financial-planning@deakin.edu.au, or book a phone consultation.

Human Resource Management

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS011

Units

MMH701

Human Resource Strategy

MMH702

Strategic Staffing

MMH704

Managing and Rewarding Performance

MMH709

Workplace Relations

Information Systems

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS012

Units

MIS701

Digital Business Analysis

MIS761

Cyber Security Strategies

MIS770/MIS770A

Foundation Skills in Data Analysis ^*

MIS782

Value of Information

^*MIS770A unit code denotes the Start Anytime version

International Trade and Business

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS013

Units

Select one unit from:

MBT703/MBA703

The Economic Environment ^*

MPT781/MPE781

Economics for Managers ^*

One unit from

MPT736/MPK736

International Marketing ^*

MPT735/MPM735

International Business Management ^*

Plus

MPE707

International Banking and Finance

MPE711

Global Trade and Markets

^*MBT and MPT codes denote the Study Tour version of the unit

Leadership

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS014

Units

MMH707

Organisational Development and Change

MPT712/MPM712

Managing Innovation ^{^}

MPR779/MPM779

Leadership in Complexity ^*

MPM780

Foundations in Leadership

^{^} MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit

^*MPR code denotes residential version of the unit

Marketing

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS015

Units

One unit from:

MPT732/MPK732

Marketing Management ^{^}

SP-MDBS019

Units

Select 4 credit points of units from:

AIP704

Making Policy

AIP740

Policy Lessons From Overseas

AIP748

Intergovernmental Relations

AIP773

Governance and Accountability

AIP780

The Politics of Australia's Economy

AIP785

Political Competition ^

^ Previously coded AIP784

Event Management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS020

Units

MIS798

Project Management

MMM793

Managing Events ^*

MPK732

Marketing Management

Plus 1 credit point from:

ACG708

Design Thinking and Problem Solving

MIS776

Design Thinking for Innovation

^*Note: This unit is offered in online mode only

Business Law

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS021

Overview

Gain a competitive advantage by developing business-related legal skills to manage regulatory concerns in contemporary global businesses. By undertaking this specialisation you’ll further your understanding and ability to navigate the legal frameworks within which businesses operate, skills particularly important in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. You can also tailor your studies to suit your profession by choosing from a range of business law subjects, including superannuation, corporate governance, business taxation and financial services regulation.

Units

Select 4 credit points from:

MLC709

Business Taxation Law and Policy

MLC713

Corporate Insolvency Law and Policy

MLC714

Financial Advice Regulation ^{^**}

MLM706

Corporate Governance

MLJ732

Financial Services Regulation ^*

MLM727

Superannuation Law and Policy

^*Unit has pre-req MLC707 Business Law

^{^}Unit offered in online mode only

^**Unit incompatible with MLI714 and MLJ732 (previously coded MLM717)

Digital Finance

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS022

Units

MAF702

Financial Markets and Digital Innovations

MAF716

Fintech Foundations and Cryptocurrencies

Plus 2 units from:

MAF759

Financial Data Analytics

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MIS715

Responsible Artificial Intelligence

MIS701

Digital Business Analysis

MPF753

Principles of Finance

Marketing Technology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS023

Units

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MMK737

Digital and Social Media Marketing

MIS784

Marketing Analytics

MMK710

Fundamentals of MarTech

Other course information

Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work-integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Refer to the relevant unit guide.

Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

This course includes the option of other learning experiences including residential and study tour units.

MBT703 The Economic Environment (Tour)
MBT704 Marketing, Positioning and Consumers (Tour)
MBR701 Strategy and Value Creation (Residential)
MBR706 Leading People in Organisations (Residential)

Research and research-related study

Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application. Assessment tasks require students to conduct self-directed research in order to complete them