Why Study / Key Benefits

• The MBus is research-focused and allows students to develop advanced expertise in a specialist business or management field.
• It combines advanced taught papers with substantial research through a directed study, dissertation or thesis. Students can also choose a full 120-point research thesis route where appropriate.
• The programme is suitable for students seeking senior business roles as well as students planning a research or academic career.
• Students learn from lecturers who are active researchers and have consulting and research connections with companies, NGOs and government organisations.
• The programme can provide an academic pathway towards PhD study. Graduates who complete the MBus with First Class or Second Class First Division Honours may be considered for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.
• Waikato Management School has Triple Crown accreditation through EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB and is described by the University as being in the top 1% of business schools globally.
• The University of Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MBus is structured around advanced 500-level study plus research.

For the 180-point route, the published programme planner includes:

• 30 points: MNGMT581 Research Methods in Management Studies
• Up to 30 points: 500-level elective papers outside the student's main field
• Up to 90 points: 500-level papers within the selected subject field
• 30, 60, 90 or 120 points: directed study, dissertation or thesis, depending on the approved pathway.

The University's formal regulations require students to include one of the following research components:

• Directed study/research project/dissertation equivalent to 30 points
• Dissertation equivalent to 60 points
• Thesis equivalent to 90 points
• Thesis equivalent to 120 points

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students can select a specialist subject from the following areas:

• Accounting
• Agribusiness
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Management
• Management Communication
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Tourism Management.

Programme Highlights

• Research-focused Master of Business qualification.
• 120-point and 180-point study options.
• Specialist business and management subject choices.
• Substantial dissertation/thesis/research options.
• 500-level postgraduate study.
• Hamilton-based study at Waikato Management School.
• Triple Crown accredited business school through EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB.
• Waikato Management School is described by the University as being in the top 1% of business schools globally.
• Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally in QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it in the top 1.5% worldwide.
• Potential pathway towards PhD study for graduates achieving the required honours classification.

Career Outcomes

The University identifies a range of potential career outcomes for MBus graduates, including:

• Academic
• Business development manager
• Customer experience manager
• Digital business or e-commerce manager
• Corporate sustainability manager
• Financial advisor
• Human resources manager
• Supply chain manager
• Marketing manager
• General manager
• Public relations consultant
• Researcher
• Strategy and Investment Leader.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The MBus replaced the former Master of Management Studies (MMS) and has been open to new students since 2025.
• The University currently lists February and July as the MBus starting periods.
• The qualification remains research-focused and is different from the Master of Business and Management and the Master of Business Administration.
• Students should select their specialist field carefully because the programme normally requires study within the relevant subject area and may require specific prerequisites.
• Admission to the degree does not automatically mean admission to every individual paper.
• Research projects, dissertations and theses may require an approved topic, supervisor and research methodology preparation, depending on the selected route.
• The University states that programme information is provisional and subject to change.
• The 2027 subject regulations are now being published by the University, so students commencing in 2027 should check the applicable subject regulations before finalising their study plan.

International Student Visa Requirements

For a standard international student studying the MBus in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa. Waikato states that most international students should apply for this visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the student has an appropriate scholarship/funding arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence that the student genuinely intends to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence of good health and character where required.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.