Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Business Studies (MBS) at Massey University combines advanced business theory with independent research. Students study a chosen business specialisation while developing research, analytical, communication and problem-solving capabilities applicable to senior business roles.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study in a selected business discipline.
• Strong research component, including a substantial research report or thesis.
• Development of high-level research and analytical skills.
• Application of research methods to real business issues.
• Development of written and oral communication skills expected of senior business professionals.
• Opportunity to draw on Massey's relationships with industry and apply previous professional experience to study.
• Potential progression to PhD study after completing the master's.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MBS is a parts-based qualification. Students complete Part One before progressing to Part Two, subject to the required academic performance.

The exact courses depend on the chosen specialisation.

Accountancy

The Accountancy specialisation includes advanced accountancy study together with research-method and research components. The research component may be completed through a 60-credit research report or an approved 90- or 120-credit thesis structure.

Economics

The Economics specialisation includes:

• 178703 The Theory and Practice of Economics – 30 credits
• An approved 700-level Research Methods course
• Research Report and/or Thesis options in Part Two.

The economics course surveys developments in macroeconomic and microeconomic theory and extends into contemporary issues and practice.

Finance

The Finance specialisation combines advanced finance study with research methods and a substantial independent research component. Available research formats include 60-credit research reports and 90- or 120-credit thesis structures, subject to the applicable regulations.

Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management specialisation includes:

• 152781 Advanced Research Methods in Business – 30 credits, where selected as the compulsory research-method component.
• Subject-specific HRM study.
• A 60-, 90- or 120-credit research report/thesis pathway, depending on the approved programme.

Advanced Research Methods in Business covers research approaches to management and organisation theory, including reading and designing research and preparing research proposals.

Management

The Management specialisation develops advanced business and management knowledge alongside research training. Its research component can include:

• 152781 Advanced Research Methods in Business – 30 credits
• 152896 Research Report – 60 credits
• 152802/152803 Thesis 90 Credit
• 152804/152805 Thesis 120 Credit.

Marketing

The Marketing specialisation uses applied exercises, scenarios and industry-relevant projects to develop the ability to translate marketing insights into evidence-based strategic recommendations. Part Two includes research-report or thesis options.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current MBS regulations list these subjects/specialisations:

• Accountancy
• Banking
• Communication
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Management
• Marketing.

However, the main current MBS programme page displays the following specialisation pages:

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

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's degree.
• 180 credits.
• 15–18 months full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• February and July starts for the principal MBS specialisations listed in the 2026 International Prospectus.
• Available on campus and through distance/online study, subject to specialisation.
• Mandatory specialisation/subject.
• Strong research component.
• At least 60 credits at 800 level.
• Research report or thesis options.
• Advanced-entry credit may reduce the number of credits required for eligible students.
• Potential progression to PhD study.
• Massey Business School is accredited by AACSB International; Massey states that its Business School is in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB.
• Massey states that it is ranked among the world's top 400 universities for Business and Management Studies by QS and #2 in New Zealand for Business Administration in ShanghaiRanking's cited ranking.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that business studies develops flexible and portable skills relevant to employers and can prepare graduates to progress into more senior positions.

Career directions depend substantially on the chosen specialisation. Potential areas include:

• Accountancy and financial reporting
• Banking and financial services
• Economics and economic analysis
• Finance and investment
• Human resource management
• Organisational and business management
• Marketing management
• Strategic business roles
• Business research and analysis
• Consulting
• Government and policy-related business roles
• Academic and research careers, subject to further qualifications

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Current points to note:

• The programme is currently a 180-credit NZQF Level 9 qualification.
• The stated full-time completion period is 15–18 months.
• A minimum B- average in the highest-level courses of the relevant bachelor's degree is required.
• Students must achieve at least a B- average over their first 60 credits of Part One, including compulsory courses, to progress to Part Two.
• At least 60 credits must be at 800 level.
• A research report of at least 60 credits or an approved 90- or 120-credit thesis is required.
• Students must complete a subject/specialisation.
• Advanced entry may be possible for applicants with specified prior qualifications.
• Not every subject shown in the regulations is necessarily displayed as a current new-enrolment specialisation on the main programme page, so applicants should verify availability.
• Course availability can change, and returning students may encounter transitional provisions.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Immigration New Zealand currently requires:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funds or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• A genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.