Master of Business Administration

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Master of Business Administration
Deakin course code	M701
Course Credit Points	12
Course version	3
Faculty	Faculty of Business and Law
Course Information	For students who commenced from 2019 onwards
Campus	This course is only offered Online
Duration	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	Please see a Student Adviser for your course map. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Supplementary Information	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Study the Deakin MBA, ranked in the top 20 online MBA’s globally^, at a top 3 business school in Victoria*.

Join a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven community of experienced professionals, including senior leaders, technical experts, career switchers, and those looking to drive change.

The Deakin MBA builds the mindset, values and capabilities you need to lead with clarity, courage, and strategic vision in a rapidly changing world. Grounded in practical learning and deep industry connection, our MBA enables you to lead high-performing teams, champion meaningful transformation, and work with purpose across sectors and systems.

Are you ready to step beyond technical expertise and lead confidently across teams, systems, and sectors?

Our MBA embraces complexity and equips you to navigate uncertainty, competing priorities and constant change. You will be challenged to engage with the real messiness of business, from balancing financial goals with ethical leadership, to making strategic decisions in unpredictable contexts, and managing teams in ways that are both socially responsible and financially viable.

From your very first unit, you will be encouraged to think differently, tackle complex problems, and sharpen your strategic judgement. Whether stepping into new leadership responsibilities or seeking to expand your influence, the Deakin MBA prepares you to lead with purpose and impact.

Curate your experience with flexible study options designed to fit your career and lifestyle. Tailor your MBA through a wide range of electives, leadership-focused residentials, global study tours, intensive programs, and online learning opportunities. Build practical expertise through live industry challenges, global business insights, and leadership masterclasses.

You will learn from a mix of PhD-qualified academics and industry-based professors who bring decades of experience. Our curriculum is co-designed with industry to reflect contemporary business challenges, from sustainability and innovation to social impact, technology and security.

Your experience and perspective matter. You will join a cohort of experienced professionals, senior leaders, technical specialists and change-makers, each bringing expertise and a drive to lead with purpose. This rich mix of perspectives creates a dynamic learning environment where you will expand your thinking, challenge assumptions and refine your leadership presence.

While all of the Deakin MBA core units are offered online, you can also connect in person through immersive learning experiences, including intensives, networking events, residential programs, and international study opportunities. The program’s flexible structure gives you the freedom to build an MBA that works for you, while gaining future-ready leadership tools.

This is more than a qualification. It’s a transformational experience that shifts your mindset from specialist to strategic leader. Whether you are looking to expand your influence, lead across systems, or drive change in your sector, the Deakin MBA helps you lead with purpose, clarity and impact.

* AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2024
^ CEO Magazine 2025 Global MBA Rankings – Deakin Online MBA ranked #18 worldwide

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to less than 1 per cent of business schools internationally and meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.

Career opportunities

Deakin MBA graduates excel in leadership and entrepreneurial roles across all areas of business and industry. As a graduate of Deakin’s MBA, you will have the skills and expertise to pursue executive, C-suite and director roles.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (M501)
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (M601)

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcome
Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts and integrate own business expertise to develop insights into complex, contemporary business issues and apply this to address emerging global business trends and challenges
Communication	Demonstrate high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others
Digital literacy	Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations
Critical thinking	Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment
Problem solving	Apply problem solving skills and creativity to arrive at evidence-based decisions and imagine strategies and the changes required to implement recommended courses of action
Self-management	Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader
Teamwork	Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes
Global citizenship	Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues has on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment

Course rules

To complete the Master of Business Administration you must pass 12 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
8 credit points of core units
4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit points of open electives
- 4 credit point specialisation
- 4 credit points of Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) and open electives

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Core units

MBA700

Leadership and Professional Development

MBR701/MBA701

Strategy and Innovation Management: Managing Value and Risk ^#

MBA702

Financial Decision Making

MBT703/MBA703

Creating Value for Sustainable Business Practice ^{^}

MBT704/MBA704

Marketing, Consumers, and the Marketplace ^{^}

MBA705

Enterprise Optimisation and Transformation

MBR706/MBA706

Leading People in Organisations ^#

MBA707

MBA Capstone ^(Capstone)

^#MBR code denotes optional MBA residential intensive version of the unit

^{^}MBT code denotes optional MBA study tour version of the unit

Open electives

The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:

a postgraduate business specialisation or any business units not previously studied,

postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability),

Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).

Stackable short courses

Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 4 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.

Work experience

This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.

Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.

Applied research

Unit set code

SP-MDBS001

Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.

Accounting

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS002

Units

MAA701

Accounting

MAA703

Accounting for Management ^1,2,4

Plus 2 credit points from:

MAA716

Financial Accounting ^1,2

MAA705

Corporate Auditing ^2,3,4

MAA725

Advanced Accounting Principles and Practice ^1,2

MAA767

Enterprise Value Creation: Sustainability and Integrated Reporting

MAA789

Accounting Systems and Analytics ^1,2

MLC703

Principles of Income Tax Law ²

Notes:

¹Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.

² Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.

³ For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.

⁴ For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) program.

Arts and cultural industries

Unit set code

SP-MDBS003

Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.

Business analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS004

Units

MIS770

Foundation Skills in Data Analysis

MIS771

Descriptive Analytics and Visualisation

Plus 2 credit points from:

MIS772

Predictive Analytics

MIS714

People Analytics

MIS781

Business Intelligence and Database

Management consulting

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

SP-MDBS005

Units

MPM715

Management and Organisational Consulting

MPT712/MPM712

Managing Innovation ^*

MIS798

Project Management ^{^}

MMH707

Managed Change

^* MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit

^{^}Note: MIS798 has a co-requisite rule requirement.

Cyberlaw

Unit set code

SP-MDBS006

Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.

Digital transformation

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS007

Units

MIS712

Managing Digital Transformation

MIS782

Value of Information

MIS741

Ethics of Digital Transformation

MIS776

Design Thinking for Innovation

Finance

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS009

Units

Select any 4 units from:

MAF702

Financial Markets and Digital Innovations

MAF703

Applied Corporate Finance

MAF707

Investments and Portfolio Management

MAF716

Fintech Foundations and Cryptocurrencies

MAF752

Principles of Finance

MAF760

International Finance

Financial planning

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS010

Units

MAA769

Ethics for Financial Services

MAA719

Superannuation and Retirement Planning

MAA745

Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals

Plus 1 credit point from:

MAA728

Financial Behaviour and Decision Making

MAA700

Estate Planning and Risk Management Strategies

MLC707

Business Law

MLC703

Principles of Income Tax Law

Note:

To find out whether this specialisation is FAS approved and suitable for you, please contact our dedicated Financial Planning Course Advisers to discuss further on +61 3 9251 7969, financial-planning@deakin.edu.au, or book a phone consultation.

Human resource management

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS011

Units

MMH701

Human Resource Strategy

MMH702

Strategic Staffing

MMH703

Workforce Capability

MMH709

Workplace Relations

Information systems

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS012^{^}

Units

For M761 students:^*

Must pass 1 credit point from:

MIS761

Cyber Security Strategies

MIS782

Value of Information

Plus

Must pass 3 credit points from:

MIS701

Digital Business Analysis

MIS712

Managing Digital Transformation

MPE701

Information Technology, Markets and Business Strategy

^* 75% Rule: M761 students are required to complete a minimum of three units that are not part of the M761 core units.

All other students:

Must pass 4 credit points from:

MIS701

Digital Business Analysis

MIS761

Cyber Security Strategies

MIS712

Managing Digital Transformation

MIS782

Value of Information

MPE701

Information Technology, Markets and Business Strategy

^Students enrolled in M722 Master of Information Systems cannot undertake the specialisation in Information Systems

International trade and business

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS013

Units

Select one unit from:

MBT703/MBA703

Creating Value for Sustainable Business Practice ^*

MPE781

Economics for Managers

Plus

MPE707

International Banking and Finance

MPE711

Global Trade and Supply Chains

MPT735/MPM735

International Business Management ^*

^*MBT code denote the Study Tour version of the unit

Leadership

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS014

Units

MMH707

Managed Change

MPT712/MPM712

Managing Innovation ^{^}

MPM779

Leadership in Complexity

MPM780

Foundations in Leadership

^{^} MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit

Marketing

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS015

Units

One unit from:

MMT732/MMK732

Marketing Management ^{^}

MBT704/MBA704

Marketing, Consumers, and the Marketplace ^{^}

Plus:

MMK713

Consumer Behaviour

MMK737

Digital and Social Media Marketing

MMK739

Strategic Brand Management

^MMT and MBT codes denote study tour versions of the unit.

Project management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS016

Units

MIS776

Design Thinking for Innovation

MIS712

Managing Digital Transformation

MIS798

Project Management

MMH707

Managed Change

Property and real estate

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS017

Units

MMP713

Property and Real Estate Context

MMP731

Management of Real Estate

MMP732

Property Development

MMP742

Investment Valuation

Supply chain management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS008

Units

Select any 4 units from:

MIS713

Digital Transformation of Supply Chains

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MIS761

Cyber Security Strategies

MMM710

Emerging Issues in International Operations

MPE711

Global Trade and Supply Chains

Artificial intelligence for business

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS018

Units

MIS714

People Analytics

MIS715

Responsible Artificial Intelligence

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MIS710

Machine Learning in Business

Public sector studies

Unit set code

SP-MDBS019

Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.

Event management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS020

Units

MIS798

Project Management

MMM793

Managing Events ^*

MMK732

Marketing Management

Plus 1 credit point from:

ACG708

Design Strategies

MIS776

Design Thinking for Innovation

^*Note: This unit is offered in online mode only

Business law

Unit set code

SP-MDBS021

Offered to students who commenced in 2023 or prior. See a Student Adviser for further assistance.

Digital finance

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS022

Units

MAF702

Financial Markets and Digital Innovations

MAF716

Fintech Foundations and Cryptocurrencies

Plus 2 units from:

MAF752

Principles of Finance

MAF759

Financial Data Analytics

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MIS715

Responsible Artificial Intelligence

MIS701

Digital Business Analysis

Marketing technology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS023

Units

MIS716

Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications

MMK737

Digital and Social Media Marketing

MIS784

Marketing Analytics

MMK710

Fundamentals of MarTech

Professional practice

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online, GIFT City Campus

Unit set code

SP-MDBS024

Units

Select 4 credit points from:

MWL705

Business for Social Impact

MWL716

Consultancy Experience

MWL717

Entrepreneurship Experience

MWL718

Internship

MWL719

International Consultancy Experience

or other approved postgraduate-level Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit*

*WIL units include, but are not limited to:

placement, practicum or internship
industry or community project
industry or community field work
workplace simulation

^available to GIFT City Campus students only.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Other learning experiences

This course includes the option of other learning experiences including residential and study tour units.

MBT703 The Economic Environment (Tour)
MBT704 Marketing, Positioning and Consumers (Tour)
MBR701 Strategy and Value Creation (Residential)
MBR706 Leading People in Organisations (Residential)

Research and research-related study

Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application. Assessment tasks require students to conduct self-directed research in order to complete them

Fees and charges

Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.

Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Estimate your fees

Further information

Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.

Contact Student Central