Master of Business

A Master of Business is recognised as a wise investment for a senior career, and is likely to boost earning potential. A master's degree by research is also essential for those considering a possible academic career route.

The Master of Business is a research master’s degree that can be completed in just 18 months. Throughout your studies you develop advanced research skills, as well as a rigorous understanding of a specialist business field relevant to your interests.

The programme equips you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills in demand in today’s complex and changing business environments. Graduates of the Master of Business are well placed for further study in the PhD programme.

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Start date: 2020

Start date: 2021

Minimum entry requirements

Completed one of the following or equivalent with a B grade average or higher in all relevant prerequisite papers in the selected subject area:

  • Bachelor of Business OR
  • Graduate Diploma in Business

Admission to the Master of Business is subject to approval by the Dean (or representative).

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band

English language requirements

Postgraduate pathways to the Master of Business

Graduates of the Bachelor of Business (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma in Business, Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Professional Masters programmes in business, can apply for admission to the Master of Business.

Contact the Faculty Postgraduate Research Office for more details.

Email business.postgraduate@aut.ac.nz

To graduate with a Master of Business, you must successfully complete 180 points from:

  • Specialisation papers
  • Research methods papers
  • A thesis or dissertation

The class of honours awarded in the programme depends on your grade performance.

Specialisation papers

These advanced-level papers cover the latest research and theories in your specialisation, and help you prepare for your independent research thesis or dissertation.

Click on the Specialisations tab above to view the structure, and papers on offer in each specialisation of the Master of Business.

Research Methods papers

The research methods papers explore the philosophical and methodological issues underpinning the design of research and the research process.

Thesis/dissertation

Thesis (90 points)

A thesis is an intellectual enquiry of an appropriate topic in your business discipline, presenting an independent scholarly argument involving original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in your discipline.

OR

Dissertation (60 points)

Your dissertation is an independent scholarly investigation of an appropriate research topic that contributes to the body of knowledge in a business discipline.

Detailed information about papers in this programme

Detailed programme structure and paper outlines (Blackboard)

Skills you will develop

The outcome for graduates for the Master of Business are outlines in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK1060
Level:
9
Points:
180
Duration:
1.5 years full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:

20 Jul 2020

22 Feb 2021

12 Jul 2021

Fees:
Domestic
$8,711
  • This represents the approximate tuition fee based on a full-time workload of 120 points of this 180-point programme in 2020. The exact tuition fee will depend on papers selected and may exceed this figure.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for beyond 2020, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
International
$33,330
  • This represents the approximate tuition fee based on a full-time workload of 120 points of this 180-point programme in 2020. The exact tuition fee will depend on papers selected and may exceed this figure.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for beyond 2020, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships at AUT

Samantha Hamilton
David Brown
Meghana Lama
Sophie Parker
Thanaphone Thongmanivong
Samantha Hamilton
Great graduatesSamantha HamiltonPeople Experience Partner, The Warehouse GroupMaster of Business
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of LawsDo women need to choose between motherhood and a successful career? That’s the topic Samantha Hamilton explored through her Master of Business research.Do women need to choose between motherhood and a successful career? That’s the interesting topic Samantha Hamilton explored through her Master of Business research. Since her early days at university, Samantha has not only successfully completed her Bachelor of Business but also simultaneously finished a Master of Business and a Bachelor of Laws.
David Brown
Great graduatesDavid BrownICT ConsultantMaster of BusinessPostgraduate study in business information systems was a natural fit for his career, says David Brown who now works as a self-employed ICT consultant.Postgraduate study in business information systems was a natural fit for his career, says David Brown who now works as a self-employed ICT consultant. For his master’s research project, David focused on a theory called Task-Technology Fit, which is used in information systems literature to describe the alignment between tasks and the effectiveness of the technology used to perform those tasks.
Meghana Lama
Great graduatesMeghana LamaPeople Solutions Consultant, Auckland TransportMaster of BusinessAUT is a marvellous melting pot, says business alumna Meghana Lama who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Master of Business.AUT is a marvellous melting pot, says business alumna Meghana Lama who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Master of Business. For her master’s research, she focused on the early work experiences of skilled Indian migrants in New Zealand. After graduating from AUT in August 2018, Meghana now works as a people solutions consultant at Auckland Transport.
Sophie Parker
Great graduatesSophie Parker Master of Business
Bachelor of Sport and RecreationShe has always had an interest in sport management, says Sophie Parker who is completing a Master of Business, specialising in sport and recreation management.She has always had an interest in sport management, says Sophie Parker who is currently studying a Master of Business, specialising in sport and recreation management. After completing her Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, she wanted to further her understanding of sport management and the business side of sport. The focus on student success is what she has enjoyed most about her time at AUT, says Sophie.
Thanaphone Thongmanivong
Great graduatesThanaphone ThongmanivongProcurement Associate, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Vientiane, LaosMaster of BusinessShe would highly recommend the Master of Business, says Thanaphone Thongmanivong who came to AUT as an international student from Laos and graduates in August.She would highly recommend the Master of Business, says Thanaphone Thongmanivong who came to AUT as an international student from Laos and is graduating this August. After completing her Master of Business, Thanaphone has now secured a role as a procurement associate at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in her home country Laos.
View all student profiles

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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