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Advance your career in business with this flexible course tailored to suit your professional interests, whether in economics, marketing or international business. Learn alongside leading industry experts with opportunities for real-world learning and networking in domestic and international settings.

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#1 in Australia

for full-time employment 2024 Good Universities Guide, PG Business

5 Stars

for overall educational experience 2024 Good Universities Guide, PG Business

#1 in Queensland

for student support 2024 Good Universities Guide, PG Business

Online: January, May, September

Townsville: January, May, September

Brisbane: January, May, September

$30,636.00^{^}

^{^}estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

Currently displaying fees for 2024, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.

2 years full-time

Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent

121004

What to expect

Enhance your leadership abilities and career prospects with JCU’s Master of Business Administration [2-Year] (MBA). Gain an in-depth understanding of areas such as sustainable enterprise, corporate strategy, project management, innovation and entrepreneurship. JCU MBA graduates are highly sought after for their ability to analyse current practices and outcomes in a business or organisation and develop innovative methods for enhancing its enterprise and success.

JCU’s Master of Business Administration [2-Year] degree has a strong focus on applying and integrating sustainable economic, social and environmental business performance thinking and methods to new or existing business models. You will learn how to evaluate the context of a business or organisation and identify the appropriate performance method/s that will enhance its performance or solve a key issue within the business’s framework. You will study a broad body of theoretical and technical knowledge and gain skills in critically analysing complex contemporary business issues and making effective decisions or recommendations for improvement.

This two-year, leadership-oriented Master of Business Administration degree has ten core subjects covering a broad range of topics and will equip you to work effectively in any field of business. You can specialise your degree by choosing from majors including Economic Resilience, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership and Project Management.

You can also choose to undertake either a research project, or a professional internship with one of JCU’s leading industry partners. Both the research project and the internship provide extensive experience that will prepare you for your future career as well as domestic and international networking opportunities that will benefit your professional development.

Advance your business career and develop the skills to lead innovative and sustainable change. JCU MBA graduates are highly valued by employers for their expert knowledge, skills and experience, particularly in relevance to the Tropics.

Additional information

Majors

Leadership

Use your love of innovation, entrepreneurship and people-management to strengthen your employability. Learn how to lead businesses in highly competitive environments, solve complex organisational problems, plan effectively and hire the right employees. Manage finances, resources, and direct business operations with confidence in fast-paced settings. You will learn a variety of transferable skills, important in managing a business or team in any industry.

Project Management

Learn how to harness your passion, resolve and vision to deliver groundbreaking results for business, government and the community. Develop vital skills in linear planning, leadership and management, and risk assessment in complex projects. Be in high demand as a professional in a field equally important across disciplines, industry sectors and government both in Australia and internationally. Gain the skills and expertise to guide businesses towards success during turbulent times, contributing to the prosperity, health, safety and sustainability of tropical communities.

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Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Business Administration [2-Year].

Majors

Economic Resilience

Build strong and sustainable business practices with an Economic Resilience major. You’ll develop an advanced understanding of the economic principles of disaster analysis and response, sustainable business development, and business continuity and resilience. The skills you develop will become an asset within industries and are designed to assist businesses, governments and NGOs to weather any storm as they plan, prepare and recover from diverse challenges.

Entrepreneurship

Develop your expertise with an Entrepreneurship major and learn the principles of business consulting, venture capital and project management. With this major, you’ll become a valuable source of knowledge and expertise across diverse industries, including engineering, IT, consulting, procurement, health, defence and construction. Gain hands-on experience with the capacity to apply your skills in real-world entrepreneurial environments. You’ll be able to consult on business planning, problem solving, performance improvement and consider diverse capital and seed funding opportunities.

Finance

Keep pace with technological advancements and the financial landscape with a major in Finance. You’ll gain broad knowledge of diverse areas within international and corporate finance. Gain practical skills in advanced investment and portfolio analysis and advanced financial risk management. In this major, you’ll establish a financial mindset with expertise in financial planning, decision making and financial and credit risk modelling, through practical learning focused on contemporary financial markets.

Leadership

Use your love of innovation, entrepreneurship and people-management to strengthen your employability. Learn how to lead businesses in highly competitive environments, solve complex organisational problems, plan effectively and hire the right employees. Managing finances, resources, and direct business operations with confidence in a fast-paced setting. You will learn a variety of transferable skills, important in managing a business or team in any industry.

Project Management

Be in high demand as a professional in a field equally important across disciplines, industry sectors and government both in Australia and internationally. Gain the skills and expertise to guide businesses towards success during turbulent times, contributing to the prosperity, health, safety and sustainability of tropical communities.

Career Opportunities

A JCU Master of Business Administration [2-Year] will equip you with the skills and confidence to take charge in a variety of commercial management situations. Your broad knowledge base, strong interpersonal and leadership skills will be in high demand in a variety of industries.

As a Master of Business Administration graduate you will have a greater capacity to facilitate change and improvement in fields such as accounting, business law, economics, finance, human resources, and information technology.

Your advanced leadership skills and strong critical thinking abilities will enable you to excel in your current career or pursue careers such as chief financial officer, operations manager, investment banker, market research analyst and management consultant.

Handbook

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2024
Course code	121004
Course type	Masters by Coursework (AQF Level 9)
Professional accreditation status	The Project Management Major within this program is globally accredited by the Institute of Project Management (IPM). Graduates who complete the Project Management subjects: LB5403:03, LB5246:03, LB5245:03 and LB5247:03 are eligible to be admitted as Certified Project Officers (CPO)
Owner	Academy
College	Business, Law and Governance

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Completion of an AQF level 7 degree from James Cook University or another university; or Other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the Dean, College of Business Law and Governance as equivalent to the above.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy or have successfully completed an AQF 8 qualification from James Cook University within the previous two (2) years.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	48 credit points as per course structure
Course learning outcomes	JCU graduates are committed to lifelong learning, intellectual development, and to the display of exemplary personal, professional and ethical standards. They have a sense of their place in the tropics and are charged with professional, community, and environmental responsibility. JCU graduates appreciate the need to embrace and be acquainted with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia. They are committed to reconciliation, diversity and sustainability. They exhibit a willingness to lead and to contribute to the intellectual, environmental, cultural, economic and social challenges of regional, national, and international communities of the tropics. On successful completion of the Master of Business Administration [2-Year], JCU graduates will be able to: Apply knowledge of business management and administration concepts from core disciplines/functions that underpin business operations Analyse and synthesise information across disciplines/functions in order to evaluate business opportunities and make sound business decisions Critically analyse complex business-related knowledge and practice from both historical and recent perspectives Evaluate contexts within which differing sustainable business performance methods should be integrated and applied Evaluate sustainable economic, social and environmental practices and value systems from different disciplinary perspectives Apply knowledge of research principles, methods, techniques and tools to apply established concepts to solve business and professional practice problems Critically analyse complex contemporary business issues using appropriate models and make reasoned recommendations based on multidisciplinary synthesis of theory and evidence Apply creative and innovative thinking effectively to business theory and practice Communicate complex business analyses and information appropriately to diverse audiences Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in achieving common goals, demonstrating both collaboration and leadership Adapt sustainable business constructs and skills to novel theoretical or practical situations Exercise independent ethical judgment and initiative in solving differing business problems creatively Demonstrate a capacity for personal reflection and self-development in relation to professional business learning and practice.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Master of Business Administration [2-Year].
Reasonable adjustments	All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

LB5202:03 Marketing Essentials

LB5205:03 People in Organisations

LB5212:03 Accounting and Finance for Managers

LB5228:03 The Changing Business Environment

LB5203:03 Sustainable Enterprise

LB5113:03 Corporate Strategy

LB5233:03 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CO5124:03 Data Analysis and Decision Modelling

LB5241:03 Leadership Futures

LB5235:03 Applied Research Project or LB5520:03 Professional Project/Internship

OPTIONS

Select 6 credit points of subjects from List 1

PLUS

Select one of the following Options

Option 1 (General Stream)

Select 6 credit points of any level 5 subjects

PLUS

Select 6 credit points of level 5 subjects with a prefix of CO, CP, EC, LB, PL or TO

Option 2 (Major)

Select a Major from Table A

List 1

LB5229:03 Economics for a Sustainable World

LB5230:03 Managing Strategic Resources and Operations

LB5231:03 Corporate Responsibility and Governance

LB5237:03 Managerial Accounting for Decision Making

LB5403:03 Project Management Principles and Foundations

TABLE A (MAJORS)

Credit points in major	12 credit points

MAJOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Economic Resilience	JCU Townsville External
Entrepreneurship	JCU Brisbane
Finance	JCU Singapore
Leadership	JCU Brisbane JCU Townsville External
Project Management	JCU Brisbane JCU Townsville External

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
JCU Brisbane	Not all majors are available Internal or mixed-mode attendance *Students will be advised of face-to-face dates by JCU Brisbane Campus.
JCU Townsville	Not all majors are available
External	Not all majors are available

Candidature

Expected time to complete	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Maximum time to complete	5 years
Maximum leave of absence	1 year

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	A student who has failed the final subject towards the award and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject, may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject. However, if that subject is required for accreditation, then the criteria specified by that accreditation will apply.

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure Credit will be granted for the following: An AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a cognate discipline* – 12 credit points; AQF level 8 bachelor (honours) degree in a cognate discipline* – 12 credit points; JCU Graduate Certificate in Business Administration – 12 credit points; Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline* - 12 credit points; or Other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the Dean, College of Business Law and Governance as equivalent to the above – up to 12 credit points. Note that where employment experience without qualifications, as provided for in the Admission Requirements, is used to meet entry requirements, that experience will not also be used to give advanced standing. Cognate disciplines: Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Management, Commerce, HRM, Economics, Tourism and Hospitality or other disciplines where students will have completed study relating to organisational behaviour, business, strategy, marketing, economics, communication and people management. * Business experience: Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years full-time equivalent professional work experience in management, leadership or supervisory level in a business environment or be eligible for a member grade status of a relevant professional organisation. Students will have demonstrable effective management experience relating or organisational behaviour, business, strategy, marketing, economics, communication and people management. Students may apply for advanced standing for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit and Articulation policy and associated procedures
Maximum allowed	24 credit points
Currency	Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 15 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	Credit will not be granted for undergraduate studies or for work experience used to gain admission to the course when assessed separately for admission requirements.

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Approved abbreviation	MBA
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Majors will appear on the testamur
Exit with lesser award	Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have successfully completed the relevant number of credit points and appropriate subjects, may be eligible to receive one of the following awards: - Graduate Certificate of Business Administration - Graduate Diploma of Business Administration - Graduate Certificate of Conflict Management and Resolution
Course articulation	Not applicable
Special awards	Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD30,636.00

A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

A Graduate Certificate in this subject area can be used as a pathway into this course.

Explore JCU’s available Graduate Certificates here or contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team to find out more.

How to apply

Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

Student

Eyal Azulay

Master of Business Administration

This course gives an opportunity for emerging and existing leaders to develop strategic leadership skills to achieve personal and organisational goals. The course’s various subjects challenge me to think differently and provide me with essential tools to improve my communication and collaboration.
Alumni

Weiqing (Jacky) Ni

Master of Business Administration

Postgraduate studies in Business Administration is a wide-ranging and professional course, and the knowledge and skills gained can be applied to diverse global businesses. The most important part is the focus on critical thinking, which has given me the tools to keep learning throughout my whole career.
Lecturer

Associate Professor Monica Jurin

Academic Director, Master of Business Administration

Elevate your executive skills with the JCU Master of Business Administration — navigating complexity, analysing data and optimising decisions strategically. Develop management proficiency across various areas including people, marketing, financials, operations, innovation, entrepreneurship and change.
Lecturer

Associate Professor Carmen Reaiche

Business Director, Master of Business Administration

If you want to take your career to the next level and open doors you never knew existed, getting your MBA is the best decision you can make. Our MBA curriculum goes beyond theoretical knowledge, providing hands-on experience through case studies, internships, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.