Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Swinburne is designed to develop broad management and leadership capability across strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability and social responsibility. The programme uses applied learning and industry-connected activities to help students work with business scenarios and develop solutions to organisational challenges. Swinburne also highlights its partnership with the Institute of Managers and Leaders, which provides opportunities for industry workshops, business case studies, mentoring and professional development.

Key benefits include:

• Broad management and business knowledge for general and specialist management roles.
• Development of strategic decision-making, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills, including influence and teamwork.
• Exposure to data-driven strategy and business analytics.
• Learning about emerging technologies and their implementation in organisations.
• Focus on sustainable and socially responsible business solutions.
• Opportunities to customise the MBA through a specialisation or elective study.
• Industry engagement through the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
• AACSB International accreditation.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MBA is organised into four foundation units, eight core units and four specialisation/elective units.

Foundation units:

• Economics for Technology and Innovation — ECO60005
• Business Analytics and Visualisation — INF70008
• Leading — MGT60041
• Future Management Skills — MGT60043

Core units:

• Future-Fit Innovation — ENT60011
• Emerging Technology — INF60019
• Technology and Innovation Immersion — INF60020
• Law for Entrepreneurs — LAW60007
• Sustainable Value Creation — MGT70008
• Business Strategy — MGT80002
• Sustainable Strategy and Leadership Immersion — MGT80006
• Customer Experience Management — MKT70021

The curriculum covers areas such as:

• Leadership and management
• Business strategy
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Emerging technology
• Business analytics
• Economics
• Sustainable value creation
• Customer experience
• Law for entrepreneurs
• Technology and innovation
• Organisational and strategic leadership.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The current MBA course page displays the following specialisation pathways:

• Business Information Systems
• Digital Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Innovation
• Social Impact

Programme Highlights

• AACSB International accredited MBA.
• Industry connection with the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
• Blended learning delivery.
• Four-phase course structure incorporating foundation, core and specialisation/elective study.
• Signature immersion units providing applied learning.
• Focus on technology, sustainability, social responsibility, innovation and leadership.
• Option to complete the qualification through a fast-track pathway where eligible.
• Opportunity to tailor the MBA to a particular business discipline.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following examples of potential career areas and roles:

• Middle to senior manager
• Manager in manufacturing or service organisations
• Manager in private or public-sector organisations
• Supply chain management
• Project management
• Human resource management
• Entrepreneur
• Expatriate manager.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The MBA is currently published for 2027 admission, with Hawthorn starts on 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.

Important current programme information:

• Course code: MA-BUSADM5.
• CRICOS: 102648M.
• Standard duration: 2 years.
• Fast-track options: 1 year or 1.5 years for eligible applicants.
• Delivery: blended.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• IELTS Academic requirement: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• Advanced standing and RPL are assessed according to Swinburne's applicable rules. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the MBA in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500). Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.

Key requirements generally include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Meeting the applicable English-language requirement.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating financial capacity where required.
• Complying with all Student visa conditions.