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Business Master Degrees

19 November 2024

Build your career at UC Business School.

 

Our postgraduate degrees integrate hands-on learning, global outlook, and dedicated career-focused support. Ranked #2 in New Zealand and #5 in Australasia for employment outcomes, UC prepares students to turn their business degree into real-world success.

HOW TO APPLY
For students from any study background

Prepare to lead digital innovation and data-driven transformation in business

This degree blends business and technology to equip you with the skills to identify, apply, and manage technology-based solutions, digital innovation, and data insights in business and beyond. It responds to growing demand in New Zealand and globally for professionals who can bridge the gap between business and IT.

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February and July

Programme type: taught conversion degree – open to students from any academic background

Major options (subject to CUAP and TEC approval):

  • Business Analytics
  • Technology Management

Industry-relevant learning

  • Tackle in-demand topics including:

    • MBIS603 Digital Business and Technology
    • INFO621 AI in Business
    • MBIS622 IS Security and Risk Management
    • INFO634 Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
  • Option to take an industry project or internship in your final semester

Future career

  • Business Analytics major:
    Business Analyst, Process Analyst, Digital Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Insights Analyst, etc.

  • Technology Management major:
    Project Manager, Product Owner, Information Management Analyst, etc.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

Build a strong foundation in business with a global and strategic edge

This degree develops essential business knowledge alongside a specialised focus in Management Strategy and International Business. The programme is designed to equip you with both commercial insight and hands-on experience.

*Scheduled to replace the Master of Business in Management in 2026 (subject to CUAP and TEC approval)

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February, July

Programme type: taught conversion degree – open to students from any study background

Industry-relevant learning

  • Practical project through UC’s industry partners
  • A compulsory course in Evidence-Based Management applying business theory to real-world challenges
  • Real-world focus on applying management and strategic thinking
  • Emphasis on global business and leadership skills

Future career

Management graduates have many career options, e.g. Business Development Manager, Management Advisor/Consultant, Project Manager, Sales Manager, Retail Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Operations Manager, International Trader, etc.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

Shape the future of finance with in-demand expertise in financial analysis and fintech

This cutting-edge programme is designed for students aiming to launch a career in finance, with a strong emphasis on fintech and technology-driven financial practices. You’ll gain in-depth skills and knowledge in areas such as financial analysis, equity investment, portfolio management, risk management, ESG considerations, and more — closely aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum.

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February

Programme type: taught conversion degree – open to students from non-finance backgrounds with strong numerical skills

Industry-relevant learning

  • Strong focus on analysis and fintech in financial services
  • Compulsory courses in Current Topics in Finance and Professional Development for Finance
  • Option to undertake an industry project in the final semester

Future career

Financial Analyst, Corporate Finance Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Market Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Assurance and Advisory Analyst, Credit Analyst, Banking Consultant, Business Advisory Consultant, Commercial Banking Graduate, Business Banking Graduate, Deals Advisory Associate, etc.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

Master digital strategy, marketing insights, and brand impact

This degree develops your strategic thinking, digital fluency, and applied expertise across key marketing domains. With a strong focus on digital marketing, the programme prepares you for high-impact roles by blending theory with hands-on experience in branding, consumer insights, digital strategy, and marketing analytics.

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February, July

Programme type: taught conversion degree – open to students from any study background

Programme structure:

  • 4 core marketing courses
  • 4 courses in the Digital Marketing major: Digital Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Success, Digital Marketing Analytics
  • 1 applied marketing project or research project

Industry-relevant learning

  • Build skills in high-demand areas such as digital strategy, content marketing, and marketing analytics
  • Apply your skills through a final applied project or research project

Future career

Marketing Officer, Digital Marketing Specialist, Social Media or Content Creator, Brand Manager, Marketing Analyst, Insights Consultant, and more

Fees and scholarships (2026)

Build your career in accounting with a recognised degree

The degree equips you with the technical knowledge and professional skills needed for a successful career in accounting. It builds the in-depth knowledge, critical thinking, and practical expertise required for success in accounting and business.

Graduates are eligible for provisional membership with globally recognised professional bodies, including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February, July

Programme type: taught conversion degree – open to students from any study background

Programme structure:

The MPA is made up of 12 core courses to provide you with a solid foundation in subjects such as Auditing, Business Law, Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, Managerial and Financial Accounting, etc.

Industry-relevant learning

  • The programme meets all the academic requirements to gain provisional membership with CA ANZ and CPA Australia.
  • It also offers nine course exemptions from ACCA.

Future career

Auditor, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Tax Accountant, Financial Controller, Account Manager, Corporate Accountant — in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

For students who want to continue in your previous subject

Gain advanced skills for high-level roles in finance, economics, and public policy

This degree provides a direct pathway into professional careers in economics, finance, banking, investment, and the public sector. The programme is aligned with the CFA Institute curriculum and offers intensive, hands-on training in modern data analytics tools used in the industry.

Intakes: January and July

Duration:

  • January intake: 12–13 months (2 semesters + summer school)
  • July intake: 17–18 months (3 semesters + summer school)

Programme type: taught continuing degree – open to students from finance or economics background

Programme structure:

  • 1 preparation course
  • 4 advanced Economics courses
  • 4 advanced Finance courses
  • 1 applied industry project

Industry-relevant learning

  • CFA-aligned content prepares you for professional certification
  • Practical training in data analytics and real-world financial tools
  • Applied industry project bridges theory with workplace practice

Future career

Some examples of roles that previous graduates took: Financial Analyst, Financial Advisor/Consultant, Investment Broker/Trader, Capital Investment Manager, Portfolio Consultant, Risk Analyst, Consumer Banker, Insurance Actuary, Economic Consultant, and other high-level roles in public or private sectors.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

Develop advanced expertise in your chosen business discipline – with the flexibility to pursue research

This degree combines taught coursework with an independent research component — either a thesis or dissertation. The programme is designed to deepen your knowledge and analytical skills, preparing you for professional roles in business, consultancy, and public or private sector leadership.

Students who have completed the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) programme can count MCom (Accounting) studies as one year of required professional experience.

If you already hold a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours or equivalent, you may be eligible to enter directly into a one-year MCom by thesis (120 points) in your major.

Duration: 17 months (3 semesters)

Intakes: February and July

Programme type: research degree – open to students from a specific business academic background

Major options:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing

Programme structure:

  • 6–9 taught courses (90–120 points) in your major
  • Thesis (90 points) or Dissertation (60 points)

Industry-relevant learning

  • Build deep disciplinary expertise aligned with your career goals
  • Conduct original research that addresses real-world business problems
  • Opportunity to gain CA ANZ professional experience recognition (Accounting major only)

Fees and scholarships (2026)

For students with 5+ years working experience

Advance your leadership

Designed for aspiring and experienced business leaders, the UC MBA equips you with the strategic, innovation-focused, and data-informed leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic global business environment. The programme is tailored for professionals with 5+ years of experience ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.

UC’s MBA is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) — placing it among the top tier of MBAs globally. With strong industry collaboration, co-teaching from business leaders, and a consulting project embedded in the programme, it is New Zealand’s most industry-engaged MBA.

Duration: 18 months (4 trimesters)

Intakes: February, May, September

Programme type: taught professional degree – open to students with more than five years professional experience

Industry-relevant learning

  • Deep focus on innovation, digital transformation, data-informed decision-making, and responsible leadership
  • Strong business partnerships and co-teaching from industry professionals
  • Real-world consulting project

Future career

Senior Manager, Business Director, Strategic Consultant, CEO, Innovation Lead, Entrepreneur, Change Manager, Public Sector Leader, or your next career move in global leadership.

Fees and scholarships (2026)

If I'm eligible, what are my next steps?
If I'm not eligible, what are my options?

If you don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, the Pre-Master's Two Semesters programme provides a direct pathway into the Master of Business, Master of Business Information Systems, Master of Financial Analysis, Master of Marketing, and Master of Professional Accounting.

Structure

The pathway comprises one semester of coursework that prepares you for postgraduate study at UC (including courses developing your cultural awareness, communication, critical thinking, and data analysis skills) and a second semester in advanced undergraduate courses in your chosen fields of interest.

The first semester in UC's Pre-master’s two semester programme is delivered exclusively by our dedicated on-campus UC International College (UCIC). The second semester courses are taught by UC.

Intakes: February, July, October

Entry requirements

To enrol in the Diploma in Advancing University Studies, you will need to:

  • have previously completed a university-level certificate or diploma programme (or equivalent) of at least 2 years full-time study.

Requirements to enter your chosen master’s programme

To enter UC’s Business Taught Master's programmes, you must follow the study plan approved for you and complete the Pre-Master's Two Semesters programme with a B average in your 300-level courses.

Tuition fees 

  • International fee: $32,400 (2025) 

Postgraduate Certificate in Business

If you narrowly miss the academic entry requirement (for example, you have the equivalent of a C+ or B- average in your qualifying degree rather than a B average), the PGCertBusiness provides a potential pathway into the Master of Business, Master of Business Information Systems, Master of Financial Analysis, Master of Marketing, and Master of Professional Accounting. 

If you are accepted into this pathway:

  • you can transition to your chosen master’s degree after one successful semester of study – there is no GPA requirement to do so, you just need to have passed 60 points of eligible courses. 

  • the courses you do are credited to your master’s programme, meaning the total time required to complete your studies doesn’t need to be any longer than if you had entered it directly. 

  • you will still meet the 30-week requirement of study towards a qualification in New Zealand to be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. 

  • you can apply for a pathway visa to cover the entirety of your studies.

Find out what the equivalent score is in your country to be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate in Business.

If this pathway applies to you, all you need to do is submit an application for your chosen master’s programme and you will automatically be considered for this pathway. To find out more or discuss a specific case, please feel free to email postgradbusiness@canterbury.ac.nz.

Pre-master's One Semester Programme

If you have the equivalent of a GPA below C+ in your qualifying bachelor's degree, this programme provides an alternative pathway into the same suite of Business Master's programmes.

The pathway comprises one semester of coursework that prepares you for postgraduate study at UC, including courses that develop skills and knowledge in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, and cultural awareness.

UC's Pre-master’s one semester programme is delivered exclusively by our dedicated on-campus UC International College (UCIC).

If you don’t meet the postgraduate English language requirement, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 programme, delivered by UC's preferred on-campus English language provider- Christchurch College of English (CCEL),  provides an alternative pathway to postgraduate study.

Students who achieve a minimum grade of B+ in this 12-week qualification are deemed to meet the postgraduate entry requirement.

It can also be done online from your home country.


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