Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Digital Business (MDigiBus) is designed to combine business, management and information-technology skills, with a strong focus on how emerging digital technologies can improve business performance.
• The programme is particularly relevant to digital transformation, e-business, smart technologies, data-driven decision-making and technology-enabled customer and organisational management.
• The University describes the qualification as unique in New Zealand because it approaches digital technologies from a practical management perspective rather than focusing solely on technical computing.
• Students can gain practical industry experience through the Professional Field Internship, and the programme also includes an applied research project investigating a digital-business problem or opportunity within a real organisation.
• The internship can be undertaken with a host organisation in New Zealand or overseas. Students are normally expected to find their own host organisation, although University staff can provide assistance.
• The programme can be studied in Hamilton or online, providing flexibility for students who prefer campus-based or online study.
• Digital Business is taught through Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School, which has Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA and is described by Waikato as being in the top 1% of business schools globally. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme is structured around 500-level Digital Business papers and allows different combinations depending on the student's admission route and chosen study plan.

The formal regulations require students to include one of the following structures:

Option 1:

• DIGIB519 Professional Field Internship — 30 points
• DIGIB552 Applied Research Methods and Project — 30 points

Option 2:

• MNGMT581
• Plus one of:
  • DIGIB591 Digital Business Dissertation
  • DIGIB592 Digital Business Dissertation
  • DIGIB593 Digital Business Thesis

Students then complete the remaining required points from the 500-level papers listed under Digital Business.

Key 2027 Digital Business papers include:

• DIGIB519 Professional Field Internship — 30 points
• DIGIB552 Applied Research Methods and Project — 30 points
• DIGIB555 Digital Business Management — 30 points
• DIGIB558 Contemporary Issues in Digital Business — 30 points
• DIGIB591 Digital Business Dissertation — 30 points
• DIGIB592 Digital Business Dissertation — 60 points
• DIGIB593 Digital Business Thesis — 90 points
• DIGIB594 Digital Business Thesis — 120 points
• BUSAN543 Applied Business Analytics — 30 points
• SCMGT577 E-Enabled Agile Supply Chains — 30 points.

Examples of subject content include:

• Digital business management
• Contemporary digital-business technologies
• Applied research methods
• Digital transformation
• Business analytics
• Digital strategy
• Emerging technologies
• Ethical and practical issues surrounding digital technologies
• Industry-based digital-business projects
• Research/dissertation work.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme is centred on one main field:

• Digital Business

The University does not currently list separate named specialisations or majors within the Master of Digital Business. Instead, students shape their study through their selection of approved 500-level papers and the available research/internship pathway.

Programme Highlights

• 120- or 180-point master's pathways depending on previous qualifications.
• 12-month full-time option for the 180-point route.
• 120-point route can be completed over one academic year.
• Hamilton and fully online study options.
• Practical focus on digital transformation and smart technologies.
• Industry internship of approximately 8–13 weeks through DIGIB519.
• Internship may be completed in New Zealand or overseas.
• Applied research project based on a real business problem or opportunity.
• Options for dissertation or thesis-based study.
• Study through Waikato Management School, which holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA Triple Crown accreditation. 

Career Outcomes

The Master of Digital Business is intended to develop strategic, leadership and digital-transformation capabilities.

The University lists career opportunities including:

• Digital business manager
• Business analyst
• Digital strategist
• Marketing specialist
• Web systems manager
• Product architect
• Consultant.

The broader Digital Business subject area also identifies possible careers such as:

• Computer systems analyst
• Chief Technology/Information Officer
• Digital business or e-commerce manager
• Digital designer
• E-commerce entrepreneur
• Project manager
• Web systems manager.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The 2027 Digital Business Subject Regulations are available and should be used when planning a 2027 study programme.
• The 120-point MDigiBus must commence in A Trimester.
• The standard 180-point route can include the Professional Field Internship and Applied Research Methods and Project combination, or an alternative research/dissertation route specified by the regulations.
• The Professional Field Internship requires students to secure a suitable host organisation themselves, although University staff can provide assistance.
• The 2027 internship is available in B and C Trimesters in Hamilton and online, with students working onsite at their host organisation.
• The 2027 Applied Research Methods and Project is scheduled online in A Trimester from 1 March 2027 to 27 June 2027.
• The 2027 Digital Business Dissertation is scheduled in Hamilton from 1 March 2027 to 27 February 2028 and requires a Learning Agreement before full enrolment.
• Students must meet any Assurance of Learning requirements prescribed by Waikato Management School.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the programme on campus in New Zealand will generally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or hold an acceptable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Provide evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.