Executive Master of Business Administration

Executive Master of Business Administration

POSTGRADUATE

Make the leap into senior business leadership.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent
Fees:

AU$41,280 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, RMIT Online
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1.5 years
Fees:

AU$49,920 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

With the Executive Master of Business Administration you'll learn in an environment that promotes disruptive thinking, experimentation and engagement beyond the classroom.

Engage with industry projects and benefit from solving real-world, global problems. You will work in teams to engage with business, sustainability and social impact concerns and pitch potential solutions, as well as working with industry leaders and mentors to develop your research and consulting skills as a current or future executive.

Business professionals sitting at a table, looking towards tablet device man is holding and pointing at

Creating leaders and changing mindsets

Our Executive MBA is tailored for professionals with ample work and managerial experience. We aim to broaden your perspectives, teach you problem solving strategies, and help transform challenges into opportunities.

Why study the Executive Master of Business Administration at RMIT?

World-class education

Learn from international, world-leading faculty and industry leaders and practitioners, and benefit from deep engagement with some of the world’s largest organizations.

Learn, network, lead

Build the knowledge, skills, and network to develop and lead businesses, teams and projects anywhere in the world.

Intensive, hybrid delivery

Learn without disrupting your career. New block classes allow you to complete the majority of your subjects in intensive or weekend mode. Many courses are delivered in hybrid mode to enable students not based in Melbourne to join classes online.

A group of students standing behind a clear, glass sheet with writing and post-it notes stuck on it

Think big, think different

Designed for ambitious executives looking to increase their salaries or change roles, industries or locations. The EMBA is designed to accelerate your career, advance you into a more senior role, or help you develop your own business venture. 

The focus on innovation at RMIT really made the program unique – it's quite different to what other universities focus on. This was beneficial for us because it allowed us to learn a new mindset.
Portrait of Katie Rooke, Executive Master of Business Administration at RMIT - Katie Rooke, Executive Master of Business Administrationat RMIT

Details

Undertake a cutting-edge degree that will transform the way you think about senior business leadership.

In a world where disruption is fast becoming the norm, the RMIT EMBA emphasises design thinking, innovation and technology as strategic tools that give you a sustainable advantage. This degree has been ranked #3 in Australia (according to QS Global Executive MBA Rankings 2021), and #29 globally (according to CEO Magazine Global Executive MBA Rankings 2022).

Throughout your degree, you'll be guided by experienced academics and industry professionals, and be surrounded by like-minded peers from a variety of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds. Upon graduation, you'll have an advanced understanding of business principles, and you will be prepared to take the next step in your career. 

If you’re at the beginning of your career, you may be interested in the RMIT MBA.

  • Our EMBA has been reimagined to leverage RMIT's international strengths in technology, design and enterprise
  • The RMIT EMBA is designed for the leaders of tomorrow seeking to network, take control of their career and lead sustainable organizations
  • Our industry Guest Speaker Program, international study tours, international networks and work integrated learning projects (WIL) with a business, social or ethical purpose means your study matters
  • EMBA education infused with the best of RMIT – you will study leadership, ethics, cross-functional management and strategy; design thinking, creativity and analytical skills are developed; your career potential is enhanced with edgy electives in design, innovation, technology and digital entrepreneurship
  • Our graduates have business and social impact
  • The RMIT EMBA is EPAS accredited by EFMD, a quality program.

In this degree, you will experience a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

Classes are held predominantly in intensive mode over weekends, and you will work collaboratively in small groups of like-minded students, in addition to independent study.

Students can also benefit from hybrid studies and access live-streamed classes from anywhere and directly interact with lecturers and on-campus students.

Typical Executive MBA students have between nine and 15 years of professional experience, the majority of which have been in a senior management capacity.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester, and includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments. While group assignments are an important component of every subject, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

As an EMBA student, you can take advantage of RMIT’s extensive links to industry.

You can benefit from our successful professional development series, which connects industry with alumni and current students. These forums are an opportunity to strengthen your networks and engage with prominent industry leaders on issues that matter.

Past students have engaged with the CEOs from leading law firms, the Chairman of Australia's Prudential Regulation Authority, the Chief Risk Officer of ANZ, and with Australia's leading business recruitment firms.

Join the ranks

The following are just some of the organisations that engage with our EMBA students:

  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • Toll Group
  • REA Group
  • Deloitte Digital
  • BUPA
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • CapGemini
  • Spotless/Downer
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
  • AusPost
  • MediBank
  • Compumedics
  • Spotless
  • CARE
  • Aspect Studios

EMBA Advisory Board

This degree is supported by an advisory board that helps steer curriculum development to ensure that executive graduates are prepared to take up leadership positions within the rapidly changing landscape of business management.

The Program Advisory Board is made up of members from Capgemini Australia, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, KPMG, Australian Super, National Australian Bank (NAB), Medibank Private, Banksia Foundation, Bank of America, VISA, Silicon Beach, Oxfam Australia, Apricot Consulting, Mercer and PwC Australia.

RMIT constantly facilitates opportunities for students to undertake international study tours that are offered in a variety of locations, such as Vietnam, Spain, the US, China, and Singapore. You can combine travel and cultural experiences with intensive coursework, and for which you can earn course credit.

Other global mobility options available include:

1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your degree. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

1.5 years full-time.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your degree. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

Classes are held in intensive blocks and are generally held 9:00AM – 5PM on Saturdays and Sundays on campus, with some exceptions for mid-week evening sessions (e.g., online tutorials), electives, and occasional four-day blocks held over Friday-Monday periods. Below is the example timetable from Semester 2 2022. The timetable for 2023 is similar to this scheduling, with some adjustments (e.g., intensive teaching for Design Thinking for Business will occur in four consecutive days).

Design Thinking for Business

  • Wednesday 20 July 2022 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM Tutorial
  • Saturday 23 July – Sunday 24 July 2022 9 AM to 5 PM Intensive
  • Friday 19 August 2022 9 AM to 5 PM Intensive
  • Wednesday 24 August 2022 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM Tutorial
  • Wednesday 28 September 2022 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM Tutorial
  • Friday 30 September 2022 9 AM to 5 PM Intensive

Leadership and Ethics

  • Thursday 21 July 2022 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM Tutorial
  • Saturday 13 August - Sunday 14 August 2022 9 AM to 6 PM Intensive
  • Saturday 17 September - Sunday 18 September 2022 9 AM to 6 PM Intensive
  • Thursday 29 September 2022 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM Tutorial

For further information, please contact us.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The EMBA comprises ten core and two elective subjects. Not all subjects are available in each semester; it is recommended that you follow the sequence of subjects presented in the enrolment structure, and plan your electives towards the beginning of your degree.

Some key subjects include:

Business Research Design

Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions with industry and community stakeholders.

Executive Consulting

This capstone subject draws together the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout your EMBA. It focuses on the practical aspects of business leadership with an emphasis on corporate decision-making in an international setting.

Business Skills for Start-ups

If you are interested in starting your own business, this elective subject covers the key stages of enterprise formation, from conception through to launch.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Executive Master of Business Administration
Program code: MC162

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Business Administration (Executive)
City Campus
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
MC162P15
Location
City Campus
Duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
MC162P15
CRICOS
Executive Master of Business Administration
City Campus
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
MC162P17
058615A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
MC162P17
CRICOS
058615A
Executive Master of Business Administration
City Campus
1.5 years full-time
MC162P17
058615A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1.5 years full-time
Plan code
MC162P17
CRICOS
058615A

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Our EMBA students often begin this degree with pre-conceptions about their careers, their capabilities and the jobs that await them. 

As they become immersed in their study, they are introduced to new ways of thinking. They explore innovative problem-solving techniques, discover the strength of collaboration and are encouraged to think deeply and analytically about the global future. They undergo a transformation: they begin to develop the approaches of a 21st century senior business leader.

They cover the business essentials, while taking advantage of RMIT’s unique real world focus and deep industry connections — solving real challenges and building a network of sustainable business connections that can lead to some interesting choices. After completing our capstone executive consulting subject, they step into the world of senior business management with a fresh, novel perspective on the world, and on the opportunities that exist for them.

This is why, when discussing their careers, our alumni often say things like “I never thought I’d be doing this,” or “When I enrolled in this degree, I never imagined the opportunities.”

As an RMIT EMBA student, you will develop the tools to design your own future. You will come to see the breadth of possibilities that exist in the world of senior business, and you will discover the leader in yourself.

According to Job Outlook, the most common annual salary in Australia for a business consultant is between $130k and $150k, and over 50% of MBA graduates worldwide are senior managers or board directors.

Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Executive Master of Business Administration

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Course satisfies the quality and content standards defined by the European Foundation for Management Development for the European Foundation for Management Development Program Accreditation System (EPAS) recognising quality MBA programs. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via Open Universities Australia.)

Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)
  • Graduates may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Academic 

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0);

OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 600;

OR

Work experience

In addition to the academic requirements, you must provide the following:

  • Evidence of a minimum of three years full-time equivalent work experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget. In your CV, please also include contact details of two professional referees (e.g., title, position, and email/phone number) such as your previous or current supervisors, employers, human resource departments, co-workers, or professional peers. Referees may be contacted to verify work experience if needed.
  • personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive MBA studies, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation.
  • Submit two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Academic 

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0);

OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 600;

OR

Work experience

In addition to the academic requirements, you must provide the following:

  • Evidence of a minimum of three years full-time equivalent work experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget. In your CV, please also include contact details of two professional referees (e.g., title, position, and email/phone number) such as your previous or current supervisors, employers, human resource departments, co-workers, or professional peers. Referees may be contacted to verify work experience if needed.
  • personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive MBA studies, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Personal Statement

To be considered for selection, you must include with your application a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive MBA studies, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

Submit two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) may progress to the Executive Master of Business Administration. Qualifying for the Executive MBA requires the successful completion of a further eight courses.

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.

The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including courses where content matches previous study.

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*
Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study)
Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline Up to 72 credit points (equivalent to one-and-a-half semesters [1 year] of full-time study) Up to 72 credit points (equivalent to one-and-a-half semesters [1 year] of full-time study)
Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline Up to 72 credit points (equivalent to one-and-a-half semesters [1 year] of full-time study) Up to 72 credit points (equivalent to one-and-a-half semesters [1 year] of full-time study)

* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

You may also be eligible for further credit.

Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) you are guaranteed entry into the Executive Master of Business Administration with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$41,280.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$49,920.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$74,880.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.