Executive Master of Business Administration – EMBA

The Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for leaders who want to shape the future. With a focus on strategy, governance, and leadership, it moves your career into senior leadership – both in New Zealand and globally.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Level of study: Postgraduate study, NZQF level 9
• Time to complete: 2 years of part-time study
• Where you can study: Off campus in Auckland, Auckland campus
• International students: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Study a Executive Master of Business Administration – EMBA

An EMBA that Works for You

The Massey Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for experienced managers and leaders from across New Zealand who want to step up to senior leadership. Delivered in a flexible weekend format, the qualification brings together professionals from a wide range of industries, creating valuable networks and peer learning opportunities.

You’ll gain a strong grounding in the building blocks of business and learn how to apply them strategically in complex environments. A strong emphasis on strategy ensures you can shape and implement long-term direction for your organisation.

The EMBA includes practical domestic and international consultancy projects, giving you the chance to work directly with real businesses, applying your learning to solve significant challenges. You’ll also explore governance in action, including the unique opportunity to observe a board, strengthening your understanding of leadership and decision-making at the highest level.

By combining academic rigour with practical application, and with teaching delivered by industry experts and world-class academics, the Massey EMBA equips you to lead with confidence, drive innovation, and build enduring networks with peers from across the country.

The EMBA runs over 10 intensive weekends across 16 months, followed by an applied business project that brings together everything you’ve learned. Between weekends, online sessions with lecturers and peers provide added flexibility and connection, helping you stay engaged while maintaining balance with work and life commitments.

Develop Your Leadership Skills

Our practice-led courses strengthen your critical thinking, self-awareness, and strategic leadership. You will learn to apply world-class business strategies in your workplace, turning theory into action immediately. Completion of the qualification allows Associate membership to the Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand.

A Practical Learning Experience

• Classes are interactive and industry-focused.
• Assessment is through applied projects and consulting work (no exams).
• Corporate leaders contribute to classes, exposing you to real business challenges.
• Includes live case studies, consulting projects, and an international consultancy study tour.

You Will Develop Superb Options for Your Future

Every stage of the qualification is designed to position you for the next step in your career. Whether you’re looking to move into senior executive leadership, join a board, or pivot into a new direction, the EMBA gives you the tools, networks, and confidence to create superb options for your future.

International Study Tour; a Career-Defining Experience

A standout feature of the Massey EMBA is the international study tour and consulting project, giving you first-hand experience of how organisations operate in a competitive global environment.

In your second year, you’ll take part in a 5-day international study tour, choosing between 2 destinations offered each year. You’ll explore international business operations within their wider economic and social frameworks, gaining invaluable insights into different markets and cultures.

Building on this, you’ll also complete an international consulting project, working directly with an overseas company to solve real strategic challenges. This experience allows you to deliver tangible value to a global business while sharpening your ability to operate effectively across borders.

Together, the tour and consulting project will position you as a leader with genuine global management experience; ready to make a significant contribution in international and domestic organisations alike.

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific requirements: The Executive MBA has selected entry. To apply, you’ll need to:
  • Have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree, or equivalent.
  • Have at least 7 years’ business experience, at least 3 of which must be at management level.
  • You will be selected into the qualification based on a selection process which may include a written application, interview, and practical exercises.

Documentation and Interview

You need to supply the following documentation with your application:

• Copies of official transcripts of all previous university other than Massey University and/or professional qualifications.
• A full CV showing at least 7 years' work experience including at least 3 years of management level experience.
• A comprehensive statement of personal goals including aspirations and expectations.
• A passport-sized photo for identification purposes.

You may be asked to take part in a selection interview or provide additional information for the selection panel.

Application Closing Date

2026 applications for this qualification close on 21 February 2026 for domestic students and on 15 December 2025 for international students.

English Language Requirements

Our international students must meet Massey University's English language standards for entry.

Time Limits for Honours, Distinction, and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact us.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

There are time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. The EMBA time limit is 6 years, though to be considered for “honours” you must complete within 2½ years.

Official Regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations or this qualification.

Structure of the Executive Master of Business Administration

The Massey EMBA is for full-time working executives and managers who want to study with a convenient schedule that requires only 10 weekend class attendances. It is usually completed within 24-months but can be extended to accommodate individual circumstances. Ten weekends of courses are completed over about 16 months, followed by an Applied Business Project and a portfolio course (no class attendance required).

Courses and Specialisations

• 240 credits
• Compulsory courses – 240 credits
• Attend contact workshops, block courses, field trips/study tours, workshops, tutorials as required.

Fees and Scholarships

• Indicative fees for 2026:
  • Domestic students: $NZD55,100 over 2 years, plus $NZD6,000 for the international study tour.
  • International students: $NZD82,800 plus $NZD6,000 for the international study tour.
• Fees include eBooks, materials, and catering during workshops but exclude non-tuition fees and insurance costs for international students.

Careers and Job Opportunities

Whether you’re changing industries, advancing into senior leadership, or pursuing global opportunities, the Massey EMBA equips you with the tools to excel.

With this qualification, you will:

• Unlock leadership and management roles across business, government, and NGOs.
• Develop as a strategic, adaptable generalist prepared for complex, fast-changing environments.
• Build on your professional experience with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Accreditations and Rankings

• Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• CEO magazine EMBA ranking
• QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance
• QS Ranking - Communication and Media
• ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Related Study Options

• Business – Master of Analytics
• Business Administration – Postgraduate Certificate in Business
• Business Analytics – Bachelor of Business
• Business and Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
• Certificate in Business Studies – CertBusStuds
• Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management – GCertEmergMgt
• Graduate Diploma in Emergency Management – GradDipEmergMgt
• International Business – Bachelor of Business
• International Business – Master of Management
• Master of Emergency Management – MEmergMgt
• Master of Health Service Management – MHSM
• Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Management – PGCertEmergMgt
• Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management – PGDipEmergMgt
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management – PGDipHSM
• Sustainability – Master of Management
• Without Specialisation – Diploma in Business Studies
• Without Specialisation – Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
• Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in Business
• Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Certificate in Business

What Our Students Say

“There is a famous quote by Albert Einstein that resonates well with my experience and MBA journey – 'No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.'” Tia Ashby Executive Master of Business Administration

“The MBA for me wasn’t so much about the theory but the overall journey. I gained a network of like-minded business people, a space to generate ideas and be challenged, and a platform of general business knowledge to build and grow in my leadership career.” Rob Woolner Executive Master of Business Administration

Colleges

• Massey Business School, Te Kura Whai Pakihi
• College of Creative Arts, Toi Rauwhārangi
• College of Health, Te Kura Hauora Tangata
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata
• College of Sciences, Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao

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Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

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Degree Overview:

The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is a 240-credit, world-class, career development qualification designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in top-level roles across various sectors. The EMBA curriculum is delivered over 15 months through 10 intensive weekends, complemented by online sessions with faculty and peers. This flexible structure accommodates busy executives' schedules. The Massey EMBA program boasts numerous accolades:

• The longest continuously running MBA program in New Zealand (since 1972)
• Well-respected by its extensive alumni network and renowned by business leaders throughout the country and globally
• Ranked by QS World University Ranking among the top 400 universities worldwide in this subject area
The EMBA program is specifically designed to help you:
• Develop critical and reflective skills, as well as strategic leadership capabilities
• Enhance your self-awareness and confidence to thrive in leadership roles
• Gain specific skills to assume company director roles in accordance with Governance New Zealand

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Advanced-level study of leadership theory and practice
• Organisational behaviour theory and practice in contemporary environment
• Marketing function in business, including marketing tools and techniques
• Purpose, processes, and practices of strategic planning and execution
• Operations management function and its links to organizational strategic objectives
• Applied business research methods
• Business law system and rules applicable in New Zealand and selected international jurisdictions
• Integrated management of financial decisions at an executive level
• Global best practices in governance and ethical decision-making
• Reflective evidence-based learnings in contemporary work environments

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Program Structure:

• 240 credits in total
• 10 weekends of intensive classes spread over 15 months
• Online sessions with faculty and peers
• 10-day international consulting trip (optional)
• Applied Business Project and portfolio course

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Course Schedule:

• Applied Personal Leadership
• Leadership and People
• Marketing
• Strategic Management and International Business
• Operations and Logistics
• Applied Business Research Methods
• Business Law
• Contemporary Strategy
• Management
• Responsible Leadership
• Governance
• Managing Financial Decisions
• Global Management
• Global Leadership

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Individual Modules:

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Applied Personal Leadership:

• Focuses on preparing students for senior leadership roles
• Covers advanced leadership theory and practice
• Emphasizes self-awareness, confidence building, and strategic leadership skills

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Leadership and People:

• Explores organizational behaviour theory and practice in a contemporary environment
• Provides a foundation in management, leadership, and teamwork skills

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Marketing:

• Examines the marketing function in business, including various marketing tools and techniques
• Equips students with practical marketing skills applicable to real-world scenarios

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Strategic Management and International Business:

• Delves into the purpose, processes, and practices of strategic planning and execution
• Examines contemporary strategic challenges in a global business context

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Operations and Logistics:

• Explores the operations management function and its connection to organizational strategic objectives
• Provides insights into leveraging operational capabilities to create value and achieve a competitive advantage

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Applied Business Research Methods:

• Provides an applied understanding of the role and techniques of business research
• Equips students with the ability to conduct efficient and effective business research

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Business Law:

• Examines the business law systems and rules applicable in New Zealand and selected international jurisdictions
• Equips students with advanced financial management skills for strategic decision-making

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Assessment:

The EMBA program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student learning and understanding. These methods include:

• Examinations: Written examinations test students' knowledge and comprehension of course material.
• Assignments: Individual or group assignments assess students' ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world business scenarios.
• Presentations: Students present their work and findings to their peers and faculty, developing communication and presentation skills.
• Case Studies: Students analyze and discuss real-world business cases, honing their critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects provide opportunities for students to work effectively in teams and develop interpersonal skills.

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Teaching:

The Massey EMBA program emphasizes a practical, hands-on learning approach. Key elements of the teaching methodology include:

• Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by renowned faculty with extensive international and local management experience.
• Real-World Case Studies: Students engage with real-world case studies, mirroring actual business challenges and scenarios.
• Industry Leaders: Industry leaders contribute to the learning experience, sharing their expertise and insights.
• Consulting-Style Assessments: Students participate in consulting-style assessments, including projects for overseas firms, providing practical experience in a global context.
• Live Case Studies: Students actively engage in live case studies, developing their consultancy skills with external business clients.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.