Master of Business Administration
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Business Administration |
| Course credit points | 12 |
| Deakin course code | M701 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2019 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
| Supplementary information | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of specialisations
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Study Deakin's Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a top 3 business school in Victoria and prepare to become a business leader of tomorrow. Develop strategic, enterprise level thinking while building strengths in core areas such as strategy and value creation, financial decision-making, marketing, the economic environment, business processes and technology, and leading people in organisations.
Designed for busy professionals, the MBA offers flexible online and on campus study options, supported by intensives, study tours and consulting projects that connect you with industry experts and real business challenges. You will apply your learning through a Master Mind Alliance based capstone and practical experiences, graduating ready to step into senior roles, lead complex change and create value across sectors.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. 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 holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to less than 1 per cent of business schools internationally and meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Career opportunities
Deakin MBA graduates excel in leadership and entrepreneurial roles across all areas of business and industry. As a graduate of Deakin’s MBA, you will have the skills and expertise to pursue executive, C-suite and director roles.
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 standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.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) |
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
| 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 |
| Demonstrate high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others |
| Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations |
| Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment |
| 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 |
| Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader |
| Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes |
| Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues has on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Master of Business Administration you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Business Administration includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit points of open electives
- 4 credit point specialisation
- 4 credit points of Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) and open electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Core units
| MBA700 | Leadership and Professional Development |
| MBR701/MBA701 | Strategy and Innovation Management: Managing Value and Risk # |
| MBA702 | Financial Decision Making |
| MBT703/MBA703 | Creating Value for Sustainable Business Practice ^ |
| MBT704/MBA704 | Marketing, Consumers, and the Marketplace ^ |
| MBA705 | Enterprise Optimisation and Transformation |
| MBR706/MBA706 | Leading People in Organisations # |
| MBA707 | MBA Capstone (Capstone) |
#MBR code denotes optional MBA residential intensive version of the unit
^MBT code denotes optional MBA study tour version of the unit
Open electives
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:
a postgraduate business specialisationor any business units not previously studied,
a wide range of level 7 study areas across the University, subject to availability and meeting any pre-requisites. Choose open electives to suit your interests, career aspirations or to broaden your academic experience beyond your discipline study area.
Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) to earn credit towards your degree, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Stackable short course options.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
Applied research
Unit set code
SP-MDBS001
Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.
Accounting
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS002
Units
| MAA701 | 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:
1 Required 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
Unit set code
SP-MDBS003
Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.
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)
Unit set code
SP-MDBS005
Units
| MPM715 | Management and Organisational Consulting |
| MPT712/MPM712 | Managing Innovation * |
| MIS798 | Project Management ^ |
| MMH707 | Managed Change |
* MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
^Note: MIS798 has a co-requisite rule requirement.
Cyberlaw
Unit set code
SP-MDBS006
Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.
Digital transformation
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS007
Units
| MIS712 | Managing Digital Transformation |
| MIS782 | Value Creation with Data & AI |
| MIS741 | Ethics of Digital Transformation |
| MIS776 | Design Thinking for Innovation |
Finance
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 |
| MAF752 | Principles of Finance |
| MAF760 | International Finance |
Financial planning
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS010
Units
| MAA769 | Ethics for Financial Services |
| MAA719 | Superannuation and Retirement Planning |
| MAA745 | Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals |
Plus 1 credit point from:
| MAA728 | Financial Behaviour and Decision Making |
| MAA700 | Estate Planning and Risk Management Strategies |
| MLC707 | Business Law |
| MLC703 | Principles of Income Tax Law |
Note:
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 |
| MMH703 | Workforce Capability |
| MMH709 | Workplace Relations |
Information systems
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS012^
Units
For M761 students:*
Must pass 1 credit point from:
| MIS761 | Cyber Security Strategies |
| MIS782 | Value Creation with Data & AI |
Plus
Must pass 3 credit points from:
| MIS701 | Digital Business Analysis |
| MIS712 | Managing Digital Transformation |
| MPE701 | Information Technology, Markets and Business Strategy |
* 75% Rule: M761 students are required to complete a minimum of three units that are not part of the M761 core units.
All other students:
Must pass 4 credit points from:
| MIS701 | Digital Business Analysis |
| MIS761 | Cyber Security Strategies |
| MIS712 | Managing Digital Transformation |
| MIS782 | Value Creation with Data & AI |
| MPE701 | Information Technology, Markets and Business Strategy |
^Students enrolled in M722 Master of Information Systems cannot undertake the specialisation in Information Systems
International trade and business
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS013
Units
Select one unit from:
| MBT703/MBA703 | Creating Value for Sustainable Business Practice * |
| MPE781 | Economics for Managers |
Plus
| MPE707 | International Banking and Finance |
| MPE711 | Global Trade and Supply Chains |
| MPT735/MPM735 | International Business Management * |
*MBT code denote the Study Tour version of the unit
Leadership
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS014
Units
| MMH707 | Managed Change |
| MPT712/MPM712 | Managing Innovation ^ |
| MPM779 | Leadership in Complexity |
| MPM780 | Foundations in Leadership |
^ MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit
Marketing
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS015
Units
One unit from:
| MMT732/MMK732 | Marketing Management ^ |
| MBT704/MBA704 | Marketing, Consumers, and the Marketplace ^ |
Plus:
| MMK713 | Consumer Behaviour |
| MMK737 | Digital and Social Media Marketing |
| MMK739 | Strategic Brand Management |
^MMT and MBT codes denote study tour versions of the unit.
Project management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS016
Units
| MIS776 | Design Thinking for Innovation |
| MIS712 | Managing Digital Transformation |
| MIS798 | Project Management |
| MMH707 | Managed Change |
Property and real estate
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS017
Units
| MMP713 | Property and Real Estate Context |
| MMP731 | Management of Real Estate |
| MMP732 | Property Development |
| MMP742 | Investment Valuation |
Supply chain management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS008
Units
Select any 4 units from:
| MIS713 | Digital Transformation of Supply Chains |
| MIS716 | Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications |
| MIS761 | Cyber Security Strategies |
| MMM710 | Emerging Issues in International Operations |
| MPE711 | Global Trade and Supply Chains |
Artificial intelligence for business
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS018
Units
| MIS714 | People Analytics |
| MIS715 | Responsible Artificial Intelligence |
| MIS716 | Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications |
| MIS710 | Machine Learning in Business |
Public sector studies
Unit set code
SP-MDBS019
Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.
Event management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
SP-MDBS020
Units
| MIS798 | Project Management |
| MMM793 | Managing Events * |
| MMK732 | Marketing Management |
Plus 1 credit point from:
| ACG708 | Design Strategies |
| MIS776 | Design Thinking for Innovation |
*Note: This unit is offered in online mode only
Business law
Unit set code
SP-MDBS021
Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.
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:
| MAF752 | Principles of Finance |
| MAF759 | Financial Data Analytics |
| MIS716 | Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications |
| MIS715 | Responsible Artificial Intelligence |
| MIS701 | Digital Business Analysis |
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 |
Professional practice
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online, GIFT City Campus
Unit set code
SP-MDBS024
Units
Select 4 credit points from:
| MWL705 | Business for Social Impact |
| MWL716 | Consultancy Experience |
| MWL718 | Internship |
| MWL719 | International Consultancy Experience |
or other approved postgraduate-level Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit*
*WIL units include, but are not limited to:
- placement, practicum or internship
- industry or community project
- industry or community field work
- workplace simulation
^available to GIFT City Campus students only.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.