Why Study "Master of Management (Thesis)"

The Master of Management (Thesis) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a postgraduate research-focused qualification designed for students who want to develop advanced management knowledge, strategic management capability and independent research skills. The programme combines research methodology with a substantial independent thesis, making it suitable for students interested in management leadership, research, consulting, policy or further doctoral study. The qualification is offered at Rotorua and Tauranga and is structured as 120 credits over one year full-time, with part-time study also available.

Key Benefits

• Postgraduate qualification focused on advanced management research and strategic management.
• Develops skills in research design, critical analysis, academic writing and independent investigation.
• Provides experience in quantitative, qualitative and Kaupapa M?ori research approaches.
• Allows students to conduct a substantial independent thesis in a selected management area.
• Can support progression towards doctoral-level study, including a PhD pathway.
• Suitable for students seeking management, research, consulting, policy or academic-related career opportunities.
• Study is available at Mokoia Campus in Rotorua and Windermere Campus in Tauranga.

Program Structure

• Level of study: Master's Degree / postgraduate study.
• Total credits: 120 credits.
• Duration: 1 year full-time, including holidays where applicable; part-time study is also available.
• Mode of learning: Campus-based study at Rotorua or Tauranga. The current course page does not list an online/e-learning or blended delivery option for this qualification.
• Research Methodology – 30 credits:
  • Covers practical management research issues and research methodologies.
  • Includes quantitative and qualitative approaches.
  • Introduces Kaupapa M?ori approaches where appropriate.
  • Includes research questions, literature review, research ethics, research theory, methodology and research proposal development.
• Thesis – 90 credits:
  • Students undertake independent research in their chosen management specialisation.
  • The thesis is designed to develop advanced research and analytical capability.
  • The thesis component has a duration of one year.
• Current listed 2027 intakes:
  • 22 February 2027 – Rotorua and Tauranga
  • 19 July 2027 – Rotorua and Tauranga
  • 8 November 2027 – Tauranga

Discipline / Specialisation

The thesis can be undertaken in a chosen area of management specialisation, subject to the availability and suitability of the research area. Areas listed by Toi Ohomai include:

• Business Management
• Marketing Management
• Entrepreneurship Management
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Hospitality Management
• Health Care Management
• Design Management

The programme's thesis structure allows students to undertake independent research within their selected management area.

Programme Highlights

• Research-intensive master's qualification with a 90-credit independent thesis.
• Strong emphasis on advanced research methodology and evidence-based management.
• Opportunity to investigate a specific management issue or area of professional interest.
• Develops the ability to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, address research ethics and select appropriate research methodologies.
• Includes consideration of Kaupapa M?ori research frameworks where required.
• International students must meet the higher English-language requirement of IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.
• Current international tuition fee indication: NZD $30,120 for the programme. The international course listing identifies this as the current indicative fee for the Master of Management (Thesis).
• Toi Ohomai states that fees for 2027 intakes are still subject to confirmation, so students should check the final fee stated in their offer/enrolment information.
• Textbooks may be required for some papers, and additional course-related costs or student levies may apply.
• Course page last updated: 24 September 2026.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can use the advanced management, research and analytical skills developed through the programme in a range of professional, research and academic settings. Listed career opportunities include:

• Academic Researcher
• Research Analyst
• Policy Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Management roles
• Educational Consultant
• Lecturer
• PhD Candidate / doctoral study pathway

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to undertake full-time tertiary study. Applicants must have an offer of place from an approved education provider and demonstrate sufficient funding for tuition and living costs.

• Tuition fees must be paid or appropriately supported through an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement.
• Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students studying for one year or more to demonstrate NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Students must also show funds for outward travel or provide evidence of a paid onward ticket.
• Acceptable evidence can include bank statements, scholarship documentation, qualifying education loans, fixed-term deposits or acceptable sponsorship/financial undertaking arrangements.
• International students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required by their student visa and education provider.
• A student visa can allow work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time work during holidays, depending on the conditions attached to the individual visa.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying well before the planned travel date, particularly because processing demand can increase between October and March.
• Students from India may be eligible to use New Zealand's Funds Transfer Scheme if Immigration New Zealand requires it; using the scheme does not guarantee visa approval.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The next listed intake is February 2027, with additional July 2027 and November 2027 intake dates currently shown on the course page.
• 2027 fees are subject to confirmation. The current international course listing indicates NZD $30,120, while Toi Ohomai notes that fees for 2027 intakes have not yet been formally confirmed.
• Entry requires academic transcripts and a CV, together with either a Bachelor Honours Degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in business or a related field of study.
• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent English proficiency outcome.
• Applicants may be invited to an information session to discuss course content and confirm that the programme aligns with their academic and career goals.
• No course-specific scholarship is currently identified on the course page; Toi Ohomai directs students to its wider scholarship listings for available opportunities.
• International students should budget separately for living expenses, insurance, travel, accommodation and any applicable course-related costs in addition to tuition fees.