Program summary

Program title: Master of Business Administration
Award abbreviation: MBA
Degree type: coursework
Modes of study: on campus, online
Duration: 1 year minimum full-time; 6 years maximum part-time.
Commence: Session 2, Session 5 or Session 9
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, online postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 24
USC program code: BU710
CRICOS code: 066777E

Highlights

• MBA — the international standard for graduate business qualifications
• Innovative and flexible approaches to learning
• Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of studying online

Broaden your managerial skills to prepare for senior management roles.

In today’s business world, the demands of management require you to have an increasing range of skills in all facets of business. Graduate training in management and business administration can complement and enhance the skills you have gained in the workplace, or add value to existing qualifi-cations—fast tracking your career ambitions.

USC’s business administration programs offer you innovative and flexible approaches to learning, including the opportunity to study online. Courses explore current business issues and offer you network-building opportunities. You learn to integrate knowledge and skills across functions and disciplines, and focus on the application of theory and execution of practice.

The 8-course Graduate Certificate in Business Administration introduces you to fundamental areas of business administration. Courses cover the key functional areas of an organisation and provide you with knowledge and skills in the key discipline areas.

The 16-course Graduate Diploma builds on the Graduate Certificate and articulates into the Master of Business Administration. In the Graduate Diploma, you extend the skill-focused study and practical work to develop your professional understanding and problem-solving abilities. Depending on your interests, you can choose to study courses in decision-making, economics, marketing, management, law, ethics or informatics.

The suite culminates in the 24-course MBA, which is now the international standard for graduate business qualifications. As an MBA student, you develop managerial skills in critical thinking and research and analysis through individual and team-based work. You complete 16 core subjects covering the fundamental areas of business administration and choose eight elective courses, which allow you to focus on specific interest areas.

For added flexibility, if you enrol in the Graduate Diploma you may choose to exit after completing the first eight courses with the Graduate Certificate and achieve a recognised qualification. Similarly, if you enrol in the masters program, you may choose to exit after completing the first 16 courses and gain the Graduate Diploma. Subject to certain time conditions, you can return to upgrade your qualification later.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission candidates must:

1. possess an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 4.5 (on a 7-point scale)
2. have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work experience; and
3. must achieve at least 5 points from the points tables below, with those points gained in at least two of the three categories:
   1. prior work experience 
   2. academic achievement 
   3. graduate management admissions test

Exceptional applicants who do not possess a Bachelor degree will be required to complete a GMAT or Business Select Entrance Test plus an interview. Successful completion of either entrance qualification and interview may allow the candidate to be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBusAdmin). Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with a GPA of 4 or greater (on a 7-point scale) will qualify the candidate for entry into the MBA.

Points table – Applicable for entry requirements and scholarship eligibility

Prior work experience

Candidates must have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work experience. An additional point may be awarded for substantial managerial work experience with a multinational firm. Applicants will need to provide certified documentary evidence of prior employment experience.

Prior academic achievement (ie undergraduate GPA)

Prior academic study at the bachelor level can be in any field at any recognised tertiary institution. Points awarded are based on the candidate’s grade point average (GPA) from their undergraduate degree based on USC's 7-point scale or equivalent.

Applicants who have not completed a recognised bachelor degree may be considered for admission based on their prior work experience and GMAT test score but entrance without a prior degree is limited to 10 percent of the entire enrolment.

Graduate Management Admissions Test

USC needs to see a certified copy of GMAT results.

Note: At the discretion of the Dean, Faculty of Business, one additional point may be awarded for each of the following:

1. Masters degree
2. PhD/DBA
3. Substantial managerial experience with a multi-national firm

English language proficiency

International applicants must meet one of the English language proficiency levels for entry to the MBA program (refer to the English language proficiency requirements).

Applicants who do not meet the language requirement may be offered a USC English Language pathway program to the MBA.

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Credit transfer or recognition of prior learning

Students with an undergraduate degree

No credit transfer or recognition of prior learning will be granted to students with an undergraduate qualification.

Students with postgraduate qualifications

Students who have completed postgraduate courses elsewhere may apply for advanced standing up to a maximum of 50 percent for the Master of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. The content of the courses would need to overlap the University of the Sunshine Coast course content by at least 75 percent.

Intakes - when to apply

There will be three intakes a year: January (Session 2), May (Session 5) and August (Session 9). Prospective candidates should apply by no later than 30 November for Session 2, 30 March for Session 5, or 30 July for Session 9.

Scholarships 

Candidates wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scholarships are available at several levels, including a half waiver of full fees, and a quarter waiver of full fees. The level of scholarship awarded will depend on the achievements evidenced by prospective students as part of their admissions process. Further information will be provided on request for prospective students interested in applying for a scholarship.

For more information visit scholarships for business masters programs.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Student must complete a minimum of 24 courses including all required courses listed below.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• Online study mode not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Required courses: (16)

Elective courses: (8)
Select 8 courses from:

TOTAL UNITS 144

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries 

How to apply

For more details about this program, please contact:
Graduate Studies, Faculty of Business
Tel: + 61 7 5430 1221
Fax: + 61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au

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