Why Study / Key Benefits

• The UC Master of Commerce is a postgraduate research-oriented commerce degree that allows students to develop advanced expertise in a selected business discipline.
• It combines advanced taught coursework with an independent research component, either a thesis or dissertation.
• UC states that graduates develop:
  • in-depth knowledge of contemporary developments in their research area;
  • the ability to critically evaluate research findings;
  • advanced academic research and analytical skills; and
  • the ability to communicate research findings in written and oral formats.
• The degree is designed to prepare graduates for professional positions and business consulting.
• Students following the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand programme can have MCom study counted as one year of professional experience.
• The qualification can also support progression to doctoral research, including PhD study in commerce-related subjects at UC.
• Students who already hold a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours or equivalent may be eligible for a one-year, 120-point MCom by thesis in their existing major.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 180-point MCom combines coursework with independent research.

The overall structure is:

• 90–120 points of postgraduate coursework
• plus either:
  • a 90-point thesis, or
  • a 60-point dissertation.

The precise course combination depends on the selected major and research pathway.

The seven current MCom majors are:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Taxation.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MCom has seven formal major areas:

1. Accounting

Focus areas can include financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, reporting and accounting research.

2. Economics

Focuses on advanced economic theory, analysis, policy and research.

3. Finance

Suitable for students interested in financial markets, investment, corporate finance, financial analysis and related research.

4. Information Systems

Covers the intersection of information technology, information systems and business.

5. Management

Can cover organisational behaviour, strategy, leadership, management research and related business issues.

6. Marketing

Can include consumer behaviour, strategic marketing, digital marketing, marketing analytics and marketing research.

7. Taxation

Focuses on taxation-related theory, policy, practice and research.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point Level 9 master's degree.
• February and July intakes.
• 12–18 months full-time.
• Up to four years part-time.
• Research-based master's qualification.
• 90–120 points of coursework.
• 60-point dissertation or 90-point thesis.
• Seven major areas.
• Opportunity to develop specialist expertise in a chosen commerce discipline.
• Strong emphasis on independent research.
• Suitable preparation for professional business and consulting roles.
• Potential pathway to PhD research.
• MCom Accounting study may contribute toward the professional-experience requirement for students following the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand programme. 

Career Outcomes

UC describes the MCom as preparing graduates for professional roles and business consulting.

Depending on the selected major and previous experience, possible career areas include:

• accountant
• auditor
• financial analyst
• economist
• investment/finance professional
• business analyst
• information systems specialist
• management consultant
• business manager
• marketing specialist
• marketing analyst
• digital marketing professional
• tax specialist
• policy/economic analyst
• business researcher
• university/research-sector roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC programme page confirms the MCom remains a 180-point qualification with February and July starts.
• UC's current international postgraduate business information describes the MCom as a research degree combining coursework and independent research.
• The programme has seven current majors: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing and Taxation.
• Course prerequisites vary by major, so applicants should check the specific MCom Schedule before selecting their intended discipline.
• Research supervision and approval requirements can apply to the thesis/dissertation component.
• The 120-point thesis-only route is available to suitably qualified BCom(Hons) or equivalent graduates in the relevant major.
• Some individual MCom courses are available through UC Online while others are campus-based, so delivery should be checked course-by-course rather than assuming that the complete MCom is online.
• The supplied IPU programme page does not correspond to the MCom. It currently concerns the Master of Contemporary International Studies and says that programme is no longer accepting new enrolments.
• Therefore, no IPU–UC MCom partnership, transfer arrangement or IPU-specific fee should be assumed from the supplied link.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student physically studying the MCom in New Zealand will generally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850.
• Maximum stay: up to four years.
• 80% processing timeframe: within eight weeks.
• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable health and travel insurance.
• Meeting health, character and genuine-intention requirements.