Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Business Studies (Marketing) combines advanced marketing/business theory with substantial independent research.
• Students develop high-level research skills and learn how to apply research methods to business and marketing problems.
• The programme focuses on Marketing while placing it within the wider business environment, helping students understand how marketing interacts with other business disciplines.
• Students undertake independent research and produce a comprehensive written research report or thesis.
• Massey states that its marketing teaching is supported by internationally ranked professors who are actively involved in research.
• Industry relationships are used to provide practical context and relevance to learning.
• The qualification develops oral and written communication skills expected of senior business leaders.
• Successful graduates can continue to doctoral study, including a PhD.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current Marketing MBS structure is divided into Part One and Part Two.

Part One – Research methods

Students choose 30 credits from:

• 152781 Advanced Research Methods in Business – 30 credits

This course covers research approaches to management and organisation theory, including reading and designing research and preparing research proposals.

An approved alternative research methods course may also be possible, subject to Massey's rules.

Part One – Marketing subject courses

Students choose 90 credits from the current Marketing courses:

• 156742 Understanding Consumers: Decision Making and Behaviours – 30 credits
  Examines consumer behaviour in today's marketplace, including psychological, sociological and individual factors influencing consumer decisions. Students apply consumer insights to marketing strategies.
• 156756 Strategic Digital and Social Media Marketing – 30 credits
  Covers digital marketing theory and practical application, digital tools and platforms, analytics, social-media strategies and evaluation of digital marketing strategies.
• 156757 Marketing Strategy: Connecting Businesses to Markets – 30 credits
  Introduces postgraduate students to marketing principles and strategic frameworks, including customer needs, competitive analysis, value creation and evidence-based strategic recommendations.

Part Two – Research

Students choose at least 60 credits from approved research options, including:

• 115891 Thesis 90-Credit Part 1 – 45 credits
• 115892 Thesis 90-Credit Part 2 – 45 credits
• 115894 Research Report 60-Credit Part 1 – 30 credits
• 115895 Research Report 60-Credit Part 2 – 30 credits
• 156893 Research Report – 60 credits
• 156897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 156898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits

Disciplines / Specialisations

Marketing is a compulsory subject/specialisation within this MBS.

Other subjects currently available within the broader Master of Business Studies include:

• Accountancy
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Management
• Marketing

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180-credit programme.
• 15–18 months full-time.
• Marketing specialisation.
• Auckland campus and Distance and online options.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Strong research component.
• Choice of research report or thesis pathway.
• Advanced digital, social-media, consumer-behaviour and marketing-strategy content.
• Opportunity to develop advanced research, written communication and oral communication skills.
• Potential progression to PhD study.
• Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International, according to Massey's programme page.
• Massey reports that QS ranks the university among the world's top 400 for Business and Management.
• Massey also reports a number 2 New Zealand ranking for Business Administration from ShanghaiRanking on the programme page. These are ranking-specific claims and should not be interpreted as permanent rankings.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed to help graduates progress to more senior business roles and develop advanced research capability.

Potential career areas associated with Marketing MBS study include:

• Marketing management
• Marketing strategy
• Digital marketing
• Social media marketing
• Consumer insights
• Brand management
• Market research
• Customer experience
• Marketing consultancy
• Strategic business roles
• Business development
• Research and analysis
• Academic or research careers following further study

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current Marketing MBS page lists three 30-credit Marketing subject courses for Part One: Understanding Consumers, Strategic Digital and Social Media Marketing, and Marketing Strategy: Connecting Businesses to Markets.
• Students must achieve at least a B- average across their first 60 credits, including compulsory courses, to progress to Part Two.
• At least 60 credits of the qualification must be at 800 level.
• Students must complete the required research component through an approved research report or thesis pathway.
• Some courses have prerequisites and restrictions.
• Students with specified prior qualifications may be eligible for advanced entry or credit towards Part One.
• Official transcripts from all universities other than Massey must be supplied.
• Massey recommends international applicants apply at least three months before their anticipated start date to allow time for processing, visa arrangements and travel planning. 

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying the Marketing MBS in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of a scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Meeting health requirements.
• Meeting character requirements.
• A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Students already holding a student visa must meet applicable attendance and satisfactory-progress requirements.