Management
Managers are primarily responsible for achieving results in an organisation and they are central to the day-to-day running of businesses. They have knowledge and skills in leadership, problem-solving, decision making and communication.
With a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management, you will gain the skills that are required of managers in both the commercial and public sectors, through industry relevant projects and staff research. Our management programme includes five key strands: leadership, organisational culture, strategy, people management, and decision making.
Management takes an interdisciplinary approach and draws on courses in Psychology, Media and Communications, Sociology, Economics and Statistics.
One of the highlights for our students is the unique second-year study tour to China, MGMT 228, which is an opportunity to add an international perspective to your degree.
UC is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Business and Management studies.
In first-year, BCom students majoring in Management include MGMT 100 Fundamentals of Management as a core course. Check out the degree plan
UC Management courses cover a diverse range of current topics such as Leading Change and Innovation, Leading and Managing People, Strategic Management, Team Leadership, International Management, Social Entrepreneurship and more. Explore the full list of courses offered in Management
Two futher semesters of study are required to complete a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours.
The Management Honours programme provides a balanced foundation in management studies, containing courses that emphasise analytical, communication and project management skills. Advanced skills in these areas are highly sought after in industry and commerce. The programme also provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their initiative and skills by designing and undertaking a supervised research project in an area of professional interest. The research skills developed through the execution of this project are not only highly valued in industry but also provide an excellent foundation for further graduate study towards higher degrees.
A BCom(Hons) forms the first part of a Master of Commerce.
Part two of Master's Programme involves completing a research project leading to the submission of a thesis. It can be completed in one year of full-time study and is an excellent foundation for a PhD in Management.
- See our graduate and postgraduate options page for a full list of qualifications available as well as postgraduate coordinators.
- See our staff contacts list to access research profiles of potential supervisors.
The Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship offers a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Management. The MCom Programme allows you to not only learn more about your chosen major, but also how to critically view the world and carry out an independent piece of research.
- The MCom Programme differs significantly from undergraduate studies. The smaller classes allow for more interaction with the lecturers and students participate more in the life of the Department
- Academic standards are high and students are expected to take more initiative and responsibility for their own learning by seeking out additional sources of information and managing their study programmes. The academic staff expect to be facilitators rather than directors of students’ learning. MCom students are expected to engage with their lecturers and fellow students, to question and challenge “received wisdom” and to think about how the learning can be applied. In short, students are expected to demonstrate academic and social maturity and to follow a professional work ethic. These are the skills that employers are looking for and we foster them in the MCom Programme.
- The MCom Programme culminates with the oral and written presentation of the results of a research project. This project can take several forms. It can involve undertaking empirical research or working with the literature to produce a conceptual paper, or a combination of both. Each project is unique, allowing students to match their topic and approach to their interests and abilities according to the supervision opportunities available.
- MCom students are provided with access to dedicated computer facilities within the Department. This allows members of the programme to work within the Department and creates an engaging social environment. Past students report that this is one of the highlights of their MCom experience and often facilitates the development of lasting social and professional networks.
Entry requirements
To be considered for entry into the MCom Programme students require:
- to have completed their first degree and have demonstrated high performance by obtaining at least a B+ average across a minimum of 60 points of 300-level courses. NOTE: progression to MGMT694 (thesis) is conditional upon achieving a B+ or higher grade in MGMT620.
- to have completed at least 60 points at the 300-level in Management subjects.
Students who are planning to complete an MCom are strongly encouraged to complete a 200-level research methods paper, such as MGMT281.
For Graduates from Other Universities
The above entry requirements are based on courses at the University of Canterbury. Students whose undergraduate degree or diploma is from another University will be asked to supply an official (certified) transcript and course outlines, so that course equivalence can be established.
International Students and holders of a New Zealand Residence Class Visa
International students must also demonstrate that they have a suitable standard of oral and written English language competency. Candidates must have achieved at least 7.00 as their overall score in a recent IELTS test or be assessed at an interview as possessing equivalent or better oral and written language competency.
Programme structure
The MCom in Management requires students to take papers and a dissertation worth a total of 180 points.
All students are required to take a 30-point paper on research methods (MGMT620), which serves as a prerequisite for a 90-point dissertation (MGMT694), where students carry out an independent piece of academic research. NOTE: progression to MGMT694 (thesis) is conditional upon achieving a B+ or higher grade in MGMT620.
Students are also required to take 60 points from MGMT 601-643 (excluding MGMT620). Up to 15 points may be replaced by other graduate courses (subject to the approval of the Head of Department).
Course Distribution
Each course has its own flavour and assessment requirements. Across the programme, assessment tasks include oral and written assignments, independent study and collaborative activities. Where possible, scope is given for students to tailor their assignments to their personal interests to ensure that their studies are stimulating and relevant to their academic and career goals.
The distribution of courses through the year is shown below. Each course typically has 2–4 hours class time each week in addition to independent study and, in some cases, small group activities.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Research Methods for Management | Management Thesis |
| 2 x Subject Courses | 2 x Subject Courses |
For course descriptions see the list of Management postgraduate courses
Duration
The one-year MCom is a short, but intense programme of study that spans approximately 12 months (February to February inclusive) if completed full-time. Semesters 1 and 2 are made up of in-class coursework. Semester 2 and the summer period are used to complete the MCom Thesis. The degree may also be completed in up to two years of part-time study.
Start dates and induction
The MCom Programme commences each year with the Induction Programme in February. For this reason entry into the MCom Programme is normally in February. Entry in July at the start of Semester 2 is possible, but students should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator for more information about study options. Any mid-year enrolment must be approved by the Head of Department.
Compulsory Induction Programme
The programme starts with a two-day induction programme in the week before Semester 1 starts. All students are required to attend the induction as part of their MCom enrolment. You will be notified of the exact time and venue of the Induction Programme when you get confirmation of your acceptance into the MCom Programme.
Class timetable
A list of class times will be sent to you with your acceptance letter from the Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
Application procedure
ALL prospective students need to apply directly through MyUC. This application must be completed and processed before the applicant completes the online enrolment or face-to-face enrolment at the University. Applicants will receive a letter from the Department notifying them of the outcome of their application.
Applicants who completed their studies from an institution other than the University of Canterbury, submit to MyUC an official verified transcript of the applicant’s academic record. No form will be processed without a verified transcript. University of Canterbury students do not need to submit a University of Canterbury transcript. However, if you have completed courses from other institutions that go towards your degree, please include that transcript as part of your application to enrol.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS must include evidence of English language proficiency for applicants for whom English is not their first language. The Department will assess the student’s suitability for entry into the MCom Programme.
The Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship will forward its decision and the applicant’s documentation to Admissions. This is because students whose first degree is not from a New Zealand University must be granted admission ad eundem. Admission ad eundem is processed by Admissions. It is the Admissions Office that is responsible for confirming if a student is eligible for entry to the University of Canterbury.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS, enquiries about admission ad eundem should be made by email to admission@canterbury.ac.nz, phone +64 3 364 2459, or by post to Admissions, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Due date for applications
Students can apply for the MCom at any time. All applications must be received by 26 January 2018 for Semester 1 start; 1 June 2018 for Semester 2 start.
Early application is advisable as it will ensure you are informed quickly of acceptance or rejection. It will also help us to plan the year’s courses, projects and facilities.
Career opportunities
A Masters graduate is well prepared for professional roles within the field of management and various forms of business consulting. Previous graduates are quickly snapped up by companies with graduate recruitment programmes.
MCom graduates gain an in-depth academic foundation from which to launch or develop their careers. The programme emphasises analytical, communication, teamwork, and project management skills. Advanced skills in these areas are highly sought after in industry and commerce. These skills also provide an excellent foundation for further graduate study towards higher degrees, if desired.
The MCom Programme is intellectually satisfying in its own right, but is also essential preparation for anyone wishing to undertake a PhD or an academic career in management-related areas. The MCom Programme also builds students’ skills and mindsets that become valuable in the commercial workplace.
Find out more
Staff involved in the MCom Programme have a wide range of research backgrounds and interests. Finding the right balance between your interests and a supervisor's skills is key for attaining the best possible piece of work. Supervisors will be assigned following discussions with students about their research interests, career and study goals. See Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship researchers.
All enquiries about the MCom Programme can be made by email to the Postgraduate Coordinator (Management and Marketing).
Ann-Marie Kennedy
Associate Professor
MCom Coordinator, Management, Marketing
PhD study is considered to be an integral part of the research activity within the Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. We typically have about 40 students enrolled at the PhD thesis level. About half of these are recent graduates planning careers in business or academia, with the remainder being mid-career professionals from a variety of backgrounds, and with a variety of career goals. We believe that this environment provides excellent opportunities for doctoral study in Management or Marketing.
Before you approach anyone in our department, make sure you read the information about Starting a PhD.
For more detailed information about the UC PhD visit www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgraduate/phd-and-doctoral-study/
Ann-Marie Kennedy
Associate Professor
MCom Coordinator, Management, Marketing
- 2017 - Associate Professor Brent McFerran, Simon Fraser University
- 2017 - Professor Jayanth Jayaram, University of South Carolina
- 2017 - Professor Johan De Wet Bruwer, University of South Australia
- 2017 - Associate Professor Joy Beatty, University of Michigan-Dearborn
- 2017 - Associate Professor Matthew McCarter, University of Texas
- 2016 - Professor Narongsak Thongpapanl, Brock University
- 2016 - Professor Arch Woodside, Boston College
- 2016 - Professor Timothy Coles, University of Exeter Business School
- 2016 - Professor Jeanie Forray, Western New England University
- 2016 - Professor William H. Starbuck, University of Oregon
- 2015 - Professor Leyland Pitt, Simon Fraser University
- 2015 - Professor Kathy Lund Dean, Gustavus Adolphus College
UCom is one of the largest and most established clubs on campus with a strong focus on academic, industry and social areas. It’s for anyone who wants to work hard, play hard and develop their professional and entrepreneurial skills, whatever your year and degree!
UCom has academic support throughout the year as well as skills sessions and numerous opportunities to meet industry professionals. This comes alongside our fantastic social calendar. Membership provides you with tutorials for first and second-year commerce papers and gives access to unique industry and careers events to help you network for intern and graduate opportunities.
As well as discounted tickets to our social events. We would love for you to join the ride, for a bigger and better 2021!
Contact
Email: ucom.society@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucomsociety/
For more information on studying Management
contact a member of staff
