Program Overview

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Master of Business

The Master of Business (MBus) is a research-focused master’s degree that was previously called the Master of Management Studies (MMS). The MBus is open for enrolments to new students from 2025.

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time: 180 points, 1.5 years; or 120 points, 1 year.

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered: Hamilton.

Area of Study

This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under: Waikato Management School.

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in: Trimester A (February), Trimester B (July).

Why study the Master of Business?

If you're looking to accelerate your professional career by gaining expertise in an area of business or management that you're passionate about, or you want to prepare for PhD study or a research career, this degree is ideal.

The Master of Business (MBus) will bring you closer to the frontiers of knowledge in your specialist field, and prepare you for leadership roles that require a high level of critical thinking and information analysis.

The degree typically includes a combination of both taught subject papers and a research dissertation (at least 30 points), but can also be taken as a full research thesis (120 points).

Normally all papers are taken within the same specialist subject area that you majored in for your undergraduate bachelor's degree.

If you've already been awarded an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject, you may be able to complete the Master of Business in only 120 points, instead of 180 points.

Career Opportunities

• Academic
• Business analyst / consultant
• Business development manager
• Communications and engagement manager
• Customer experience manager
• Digital business or e-commerce manager
• Corporate sustainability manager
• Financial advisor / analyst
• Human resources manager
• Logistics / Supply chain manager
• Marketing manager
• Operations manager
• Policy advisor / analyst (e.g. government)
• Public relations consultant
• Researcher
• Strategy and Investment Leader

Degree information

Plan your study

You can apply for the 180-point MBus if you have completed a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification approved by the Academic Board) in a relevant subject, with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers.

• 60 points total (outside field of degree)
  • MNGMT581* Research Methods in Management Studies
  • 500 Level Elective papers (up to 30 pts)
• 120 points (inside field of degree)
  • 500 Level Subject field papers (up to 90 points)
  • 500 Level Research - Directed Study, Dissertation or Thesis (30, 60, 90, 120 pts)

Subjects

Choose a major subject:

• Accounting
• Agribusiness
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Management
• Management Communication
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Tourism Management

Entry Requirements

You can apply for the MBus if:

1. MBus 180 points: You have completed a Bachelor of Business; Bachelor of Communication; Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology; or a Bachelor of Management Studies; or another qualification in a relevant subject area deemed to be equivalent by the Academic Board; AND you have achieved at least a B grade average across the 300 Level papers in that subject; OR
2. MBus 120 points: You have completed a Bachelor of Business with Honours; or a Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours; or a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours; or another Honours degree in a relevant subject area with at least Second Class Honours (Second Division); or a Postgraduate diploma (120 points) in a relevant subject area deemed to be equivalent by the Academic Board; AND
3. You have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject you intend to take for the Master of Business, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Business will be able to:

• Understand and critically review and synthesise the core theory, perspectives and analytical approaches within their specialist area for the programme.
• Apply skills and knowledge to find, interpret, critique and evaluate research, commentary and policy relating to their specialist area for the programme.
• Make decisions, find solutions, and develop applications within their specialist area for the programme, informed by disciplinary knowledge and sustainability concepts.
• Effectively communicate arguments, findings and ideas informed by research within their specialist area for the programme.
• Have a thorough understanding of the disciplinary area associated with a research topic.
• Understand a variety of relevant research methodologies and methods appropriate to the discipline.
• Apply an appropriate research method to an investigation of a topic in a rigorous manner.
• Present the research effectively in the form of a research paper/dissertation/thesis.

Why study Business at The University of Waikato?

• Top 1% globally: Waikato Management School is in the top 1% of business schools globally with our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB), which we've held since 2005.
• Internationally respected: Waikato is ranked in the world's top 125 universities for business and economics in the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings.
• Industry connections: Learn from passionate lecturers who are also active researchers, with strong consulting links to leading companies, NGOs and government departments.

Other qualifications you may be interested in:

• Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin)
• Master of Business and Management (MBM)
• Master of Digital Business (MDigiBus)
• Master of Management
• Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcct)

Further study options

Graduates who complete the Master of Business with First Class or Second Class First Division Honours will be eligible to be considered for enrolment in a Doctor of Philosophy.