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Postgraduate Business study

05 November 2023

Postgraduate study is becoming increasingly necessary in the ever-evolving business environment where graduates need a competitive edge. UC Business School’s innovative, research‑based qualifications make sure you are well equipped for a successful, professional career. Explore postgraduate business study options at UC.

HOW TO APPLY

As a postgraduate student at the School, you will have access to guest lectures and presentations by business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs as well as resources such as the University of Canterbury’s extensive library of academic journals.

Our students are often offered opportunities to present ideas at symposiums and conferences, contribute to research, and are involved in teaching. 

The University of Canterbury has a large and active clubs and societies culture, which is a great way to apply your skills and socialise. Read more about life at the University of Canterbury

Qualifications

Explore the postgraduate study options available at the UC Business School.

Professional and leadership development short courses are offered by UC Executive Education for individuals and teams. The courses deliver practical tools to take away and be used straight away in a workplace or business. 

See the current list of short courses

Research

Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School’s research programmes are available for graduates who wish to further develop specialisation in their chosen field. Our postgraduate students benefit from good supervision ratios, a focus on quality research, smaller classes and closer links with staff. A number of scholarships are available to our students and there are opportunities to become involved in teaching and competitions.

The Bachelor of Commerce with Honours is for high-achieving students with a relevant bachelor's degree to develop knowledge in their major discipline. 

The Master of Commerce (MCom) is comprised of taught coursework and complemented by independent piece of research in the form of a thesis or research project. These knowledge, skills, and competencies mean MCom graduates are well-prepared for professional roles and business consulting.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision. A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research in your chosen subject, with the results being presented in a thesis that will contribute to intellectual knowledge of the field. It is a mark of intellectual ability, self-discipline, and commitment. A PhD prepares you for a number of careers, including as an academic. If you are interested in studying a PhD at the UC Business School, contact a Postgraduate Advisor who can point you in the right direction. 

Students undertaking a MCom or PhD in Accounting, Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, or Taxation can apply for either a UC Master’s Scholarship or UC Doctoral Scholarship, which are awarded annually by the University. 

Find a supervisor or search our scholarship database.

 

Conversion degrees

A conversion degree allows you to undertake a qualification in a different field to the degree you have completed. Courses are delivered in a way that assumes you have no prior experience in the field. 

Business Taught Masters has a range of master’s degrees and shorter qualifications that provide you with complementary skills in business. The Master of Business has majors in management, marketing, financial management, and sustainable supply chain management.

The Master of Professional Accounting is a professional conversion degree that allows you to move into the field of accounting from another discipline. The Master of Business Information Systems allows you to move toward a career in the fast-expanding industry of information systems. 

Learn more about our Business Taught Masters programmes

 

Professional master's

Our professional master's degrees offer a pathway to a professional career, preparing students for examinations and membership of professional bodies. 

The Master of Applied Economics and Finance (MAFE) is a taught master's qualification that offers a pathway into high-level professional roles for graduates of either Finance or Economics. The qualification is aligned with requirements for the CFA Institute examination. 

You can transition to an accounting career from a different field with the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA). The MPA adheres to the requirements for membership of chartered and certified accountancy bodies, such as CA ANZCPA Australia and ACCA

 

Executive

Master of Business Administration
Our flagship connected UC MBA programme is designed for aspiring and accomplished business leaders, with 5+ years of experience, who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Courses are delivered online and in-person, with in-person intensive weekend workshops covering topics that are relevant to today’s businesses.

Through courses focussed on innovation, digital transformation, data-led strategy making, and responsible societal engagement, students are equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

The programme benefits from the School’s strong external links and contributions from industry representatives, and is accredited by the prestigious Association of MBAs (AMBA).

A graduate or postgraduate certificate or diploma can increase the value of your undergraduate degree in the job market or allow you to gain a recognised qualification without long-term commitment.

The Graduate Diploma in Commerce offers students an opportunity to complement and extend their undergraduate studies with further study in one of six commerce subjects. It is ideal for those who wish to transition into postgraduate study and is also suitable for graduates with a non-commerce degree who have an interest or career goals in any of these areas.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDipBA) offers an entry pathway to the UC MBA programme. It consists of the core courses of the MBA programme. Students attend the same classes as MBA students, but do not enrol in elective courses or complete a consulting project.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems and Technology (PGCertIST) is a short advanced qualification in Information Systems consisting of taught courses. Graduates will be able to synthesise and analyse theory, research and practice in Information Systems and Technology, and be able to reflect critically on contemporary issues.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Technology (PGDipIST) is an advanced qualification in Information Systems for specialist IT graduates. Students will be encouraged to challenge and continuously improve their existing IS and Technology Management practices. They can combine taught courses and seminars with research options and an internship.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership (PGCertStratLdrship) is designed to equip emerging and experienced leaders with the professional development skills, strategies, and confidence to thrive in today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment.


USEFUL LINKS


Accreditations

Te Kura Umanga | The UC Business School holds the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ of international business school accreditations having achieved AACSBEQUIS, and AMBA accreditations. Read more about our accreditaitons

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