Master of Business Administration
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February or August
180
Overview
Master of Business Administration
The University of Canterbury's Hybrid Executive Master of Business Administration (UC EMBA) is designed for experienced professionals who want to broaden their perspective, strengthen their leadership capability, and to lead with greater impact.
The programme has strong business collaborations and industry co-teaching, making it the most industry engaged EMBA in New Zealand. With real-world case studies and projects, you gain practical insights that you can apply directly to your work environment. Learn more about the UC MBA.
Classes can be accessed either in-person or virtually, with key in-person touchpoints, so you gain the benefit of collaborating and developing connections in the classroom.
Get a globally recognised EMBA qualification from the triple crown accredited UC Business School. The UC EMBA is accredited by AMBA, the global standard for MBAs. Learn more about our accreditations.
Master of Business Administration
UC’s Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration is a shorter programme made up of the same courses as the EMBA.
UC also offers a fully online Master of Business Administration – Specialisations and Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration – Specialisations for those looking to advance their leadership skills specifically in the Health, Sport, or Technology sectors.
Master of Business Administration
To enter the Executive Master of Business Administration at UC, students must be approved by the Dean of Business or delegate, who will consider the relevance and standard of previous studies and experience.
Any bachelor's degree, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration, must have been completed with a B grade average, and at least five years' work experience at an appropriate level is required.
A special application is also required to enrol - see 'How to apply' below.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
See the EMBA application process for details of entry requirements and start dates.
See Admission and Enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Business Administration
The structure of the Executive Master of Business Administration programme is closely prescribed, and consists of eight compulsory courses, one elective course, and a consulting project.
Courses are taught on UC’s campus, with the option to attend lectures online. Intensive block coursework days are required to be attended in-person.
The degree may be completed in a minimum of 18 months full-time study, or part-time in up to 5 years (domestic students only).
You can begin studies in February or August.
See more information on the structure and course descriptions of the EMBA.
Master of Business Administration
The EMBA Schedule incorporates 120 points of compulsory courses, 15 points of elective courses, and a consulting project of 45 points.
Compulsory courses
- MBAM601 Digital Transformation and Technology Preparedness
- MBAM603 Innovation by Design
- MBAM604 Future Focused Strategy
- MBAM610 Agile and Innovation-driven Leadership
- MBAM615 Managerial Finance, Accounting and Governance
- MBAM620 Creative Challenge
- MBAM622 Marketing and Strategic Intelligence
- MBAM623 Business Sustainability and Economic Decision-making
Consulting project
Elective courses
Choose one of the following:
- MBAM621 Inernational Study Tour
- MBAM630 Global Business: Advocacy, Influencing and Negotiating
Not all courses will be offered in a given year. Contact the EMBA Office to discuss appropriate course selection.
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $41,444 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $43,931 (180 points)
International students
2025 Special Programme Fee: $61,350 (180 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $62,850 (180 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $65,700 (180 points)
Master of Business Administration
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Learn more about the benefits of UC's MBA.
