Program Overview

Master of Business Innovation and Leadership (MBIL)

The Master of Business Innovation and Leadership is designed to complement existing qualifications, whether in HR, project management, retail management, or other fields. It builds on prior expertise by equipping students with transferable leadership and innovation skills that can help them advance, lead, and thrive in their chosen profession.

Programme Overview

Guided by the principle of 'doing it for real,' students learn by creating, experimenting, and applying their ideas in authentic and dynamic business contexts. Every element is focused on applied learning, ensuring graduates have experience directly relevant to the challenges of today's business landscape.

Programme Structure

• The programme is 1 year full-time, consisting of three trimesters with in-person seminars and flexible distance learning.
• The capstone Innovation to Market project validates a venture's market potential and develops a professional business plan.

Key Dates

• March 2026 Intake: 30/03/2026
• July 2026 Intake: 27/07/2026
• November 2026 Intake: 23/11/2026

Duration and Location

• Duration: 1 Year full-time
• Location: Auckland City Symonds Street Campus

Costs

• Domestic: $14,725 + $450 Student Service Levy
• International: $36,000 + $450 Student Services Levy

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

• Applicants must have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor's Degree achieved with a B average in the final year or a Bachelor Honours Degree or a Postgraduate Diploma.
• Alternatively, applicants may have been awarded a Bachelor's Degree followed by relevant professional experience.
• Equivalent practical, professional, and/or scholarly experience may also be considered.

International Applicants

• Must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe.
• Meet English language requirements: minimum score of 625 on the TOEFL test or Academic score of 6.5 on the IELTS with no band score lower than 6.
• Hold a New Zealand qualification or equivalent to any stated above.
• Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements.

Entry at the Discretion of Whitecliffe

Candidates applying for entry will be required to submit evidence that they meet the entry requirements. An interview and portfolio are not required for entry into this programme, but applicants may be asked to provide additional information to demonstrate their strengths, readiness, and potential for success.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership may advance as innovative leaders in established organisations, launch new ventures, drive change in social enterprises, or become global citizens creating economic, social, or environmental value in a range of professional contexts.

Faculty Members

The programme is supported by world-class faculty and strong industry connections, including:

• Dr Mariapaola McGurk, Programme Lead
• Rob Mills, Programme Leader
• Rebecca Steedman, Senior Lecturer
• Uelese Vavae, Lecturer
• Chris Chong, Lecturer (Contractor)
• Dr Shireen Chua, Lecturer
• Dr Amanda Sterling, Lecturer
• Gautam Nair, Lecturer
• Gouhar Pirzada, Lecturer
• Aida Shahbazi, Lecturer

Further Study Options

Graduates of this programme may progress to doctoral studies, depending on the entry requirements of the receiving programme.