Master of Business Administration
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$37,440 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Your path to leadership
The world’s best organisations are seeking creative thinkers, collaborators and problem solvers - does this sound like you? They look for leaders with empathy and the ability to approach real-world problems using human-centred design. Our MBA will set you on the path to business leadership and prepare you to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Interested in studying an MBA?
Download our course brochure for everything you need to know about important dates, course subjects and fees.
Choose the right MBA for you
Designed for experienced professionals looking to expand their skill set and take the next step in their career, the Executive MBA is tailored to guide students into senior management.
Preparing you to lead in a dynamic, changing world
Launch your business career with a unique, industry-connected MBA degree run by Australia’s largest business college.
Your RMIT MBA experience
Be guided by authentic, accessible lecturers who care about your journey. Master the fundamentals of business management and the creative skills of design thinking. Build friendships and business networks among a supportive student cohort.
Learn here, succeed anywhere
At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
RMIT’s focus on industry-based, practical learning has seen our MBA degree ranked in the top 5 MBAs in Australia, and our online MBA 14th in the world in CEO Magazine's 2017 global rankings. RMIT is also recognised as being among the top 100 institutions in the world for the teaching of business and management degrees.
Study entirely online
The Master of Business Administration is also available via online delivery.
Details
A degree designed to guide your development as a business leader.
The RMIT MBA is a challenging 1.5-year (full time) degree designed to build real world business skills and creative problem-solving techniques.
Your journey begins with the business fundamentals – Design Thinking for Business, Leadership and Management, Marketing for Managers, and Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions. You’ll be guided through these essential areas by committed lecturers who care about your progress.
Design Thinking is at the core of RMIT’s MBA degree. From the beginning of your degree you’ll be immersed in Design Thinking weekend intensives where you will discover your creative side and explore problems using an agile approach. This inspirational course will transform the way you think about problem solving and give you the confidence to attack complex business problems in new ways.
After completing courses in areas such as Strategy and Management of Technology and Innovation, you’ll finish the degree by building consulting and management skills that you can take directly to the market.
Courses such as Business Research Design and Business Consulting are complemented by challenging electives that will sharpen your capabilities.
You’ll graduate with a sound understanding of business fundamentals, an entirely new perspective on creative problem solving, and a set of real-world business skills that you can immediately apply in professional situations. (RMIT MBA graduates are widely acknowledged as job-ready by the business community).
Our MBA degree consists of 10 core and two elective courses delivered across three study periods - semesters one and two, and a spring/summer period.
Full-time students complete four courses per study period, with classes typically held during the day. Part-time students complete two or more courses per study period with classes usually held in the evening. Collaboration is increasingly recognised by employers as a critical leadership skill. So our MBA students progress as a group and often work in teams.
You will experience a variety of teaching and learning approaches during the degree, including lectures, tutorials, working independently and in teams. Lectures deliver a comprehensive review of the latest thinking and world's best practice, while tutorials provide opportunities for facilitated discussion. Factually based case studies are important components of RMIT's MBA courses and bring authenticity to your learning experience.
Your Melbourne-based classes will usually be held in the beautiful heritage-listed Emily McPherson College Building, on the corner of Russell and Victoria streets in the Melbourne CBD. (Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and a great place to study an MBA). Facilities include an exclusive MBA lounge (The MBA Edge). This new MBA lounge was created for group and individual study. It includes comfortable seating, screens for presentations, shared iMac, and a spacious balcony. Our facilities also include an additional student lounge, teaching theatres and classrooms with the latest multimedia technology, and a rooftop patio with views of Melbourne's CBD. Classes may also be held at the award-winning Swanston Academic Building, or at other locations within RMIT's City Campus.
In additional to our vibrant RMIT campus, you can study part or all of your MBA through RMIT Online. Our online learning platform is purpose built to let you study anywhere, anytime, with course and lectures that are easy to follow, discussion boards, online forums, electronic assignment submission and access to our library and business journals.
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 course, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.
The MBA degree is also offered at RMIT’s Vietnam campus in Saigon, offering up to three intakes a year.
Business mentoring
To assist your career progression and increase your employment opportunities, the MBA provides guidance through a Business Mentoring Program. You will engage in a range of activities including seminars with guest speakers, group work and case studies, individual mentoring and coaching, and career preparation.
The mentoring program covers:
- leadership in the workplace
- power and influence
- judgement in decision-making
- career and self-management
- working in Australian organisations
- working in Asia
- working in a family business.
All business mentors hold at least 15 years of experience, are active leaders in their respective fields, and will provide guidance and support for your working life.
myRMIT
Through RMIT University's online learning portal, myRMIT, you can view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Canvas, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account. Educational software, the Learning Hub, other online and digital resources and printers are accessible on-campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone, or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Work-connected and industry-relevant opportunities available in our MBA include:
Fastrack Innovation Program
Fastrack is a high intensity 13 week program running every second semester, in which cross-disciplinary teams work with industry experts across innovation, design, business and technology, to co-create solutions to real-world problems. This form of fast-prototyping is designed so that external organisations can tap into fresh thinking from RMIT students.
Postgraduate Business Internship Elective
Take up a position in a partner organisation for one or two days each week over a semester. This position is normally unpaid and is designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation.
MBA Research Project
Open to high-achieving MBA students, this course is designed to provide real business projects for students to work on during the semester. These include international projects such as Digital Connectivity for APEC.
I was involved in the APEC research project. I appreciated the opportunity to work on a real research assignment; our findings will be delivered to the APEC summit in PNG and will offer valuable insights that will help support the development of emerging economies with specific focus on digital innovations. It was great to be a part of such a project and to say that I have contributed. I have also really enjoyed the flexibility to learn beyond the textbooks.
- Eryn Behan, MBA Research Project candidate
I thoroughly enjoyed working on a real-life research project for Spotless in Semester 1, 2018. The project specifically addressed the complexities and opportunities that present for Spotless in Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s) within the social infrastructure sector. The project provided an opportunity for a hands-on consultative approach which lead to recommendations that will hopefully drive efficiencies and favourable business outcomes for Spotless. The experience also allowed me to build a network within a sector I find interesting. I would highly recommend the research project for all MBA students.
- Steven Mazzarelli, MBA Research Project candidate
Business Consulting Course
Complete an external company project and network with senior members of the business school’s partner organisations.
MBA Advisory Board
Our MBA degree is supported by a strong advisory board that helps steer curriculum development to ensure that RMIT MBA graduates are work-ready and prepared to take up challenging positions within the rapidly changing landscape of business management.
The Program Advisory Board is made up of members from Capgemini, KPMG, Spotless, BMW, Ethical Investment Services, Greencap, and from boutique consultancy firms such as Advantage Point Business Advisors.
Study tours are a unique feature of the on-campus program. You can combine an overseas travel and cultural experiences with coursework that is completed in intensive modes, and have this credited towards your degree. Our study tours usually depart during the Australian summer or winter vacations.
Each year, the Graduate School of Business and Law conducts intensive study tours to Vietnam and Spain, equivalent to one 12-credit point elective.
Some of the other opportunities include Robert H. Smith School of Business (USA); Ted Rogers School of Management (Canada), Aarhus University (Denmark) and Thammasat University (Thailand).
If you are planning to include a study tour as part of your program, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.
Other global mobility options available for this program include:
- Student exchange - we have over 200 exchange partners to choose from
- Short term mobility program to ESADE Business School in Barcelona - one of the top business schools in Europe
- Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP)
- ACICIS Business Professional Practicum
• 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing)
• 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)
Students undertaking courses in all scheduled teaching periods may be able to complete the program in 12-16 months.
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your program. 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 (with advanced standing)
- 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The Master degree comprises of 10 core and 2 elective courses.
- Undertake coursework that introduces core aspects of business practice.
- Showcase your emerging business expertise and problem-solving ability through compulsory courses in the final stage of the program
- Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions with industry and community stakeholders in the course Business Research Design.
It is recommended that you follow the sequence of courses presented in the enrolment structure.
You will start your MBA journey by undertaking functional courses that introduce business concepts, followed by courses that draw upon the learning activities experienced and knowledge acquired to focus on strategy development. These courses in the latter part of the program allow you to showcase your emerging business expertise.
If you are interested in starting up your own business, you may want to find out more about BUSM4598 Business Skills for Start Ups, an elective course that covers the key stages of enterprise formation from concept through to launch.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC199
Career
As an RMIT MBA graduate, you’re on the path to business leadership.
You’ll find our MBA Graduates working and leading in professional, commercial, industrial, not-for-profit, NGO public administration and start-up organisations. They perform a wide range of roles, including organisational strategy and innovation, management consultancy, international development coordination, and advice and operations management.
Our MBA program is designed to ensure our graduates enter the business world with the full range of real-world skills necessary to be an effective problem solver from day one. To help our students build these skills, we run a number of industry-relevant programs and electives.
Our comprehensive Business Mentoring Program will assist your career progression and increase your employment opportunities. During the program, you will engage in a range of activities including seminars with guest speakers, group work and case studies, individual mentoring and coaching and career preparation.
The mentoring program covers essential areas such as: leadership in the workplace, power and influence, judgement in decision-making, career and self-management, working in Australian organisations, working in Asia and working in a family business. All our business mentors have at least 15 years experience, are active leaders in their respective fields, and will provide valuable guidance and support.
Meet Tina Dochana
"It really gave me the tools I needed, and now I can clearly say that I can go out and help anyone out with their startup. I see the world differently because of MBA it's enabled me to become a leader and I feel confident in my skin now."
Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of The Australian Institute of Management (AIM). Membership can offer a variety of resources to assist with your future career development.
For further information about membership and opportunities for students and graduates, please visit our accreditation and membership page.
Admissions
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0); or
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550; or
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0) and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience with supervisory responsibilities*; or
- The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
2 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 1.0 (out of 4.0
OR
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.
1.5 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in Business (or a related discipline) with a minimum GPA of 1.0 (out of 4.0
OR
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in Business (or a related discipline) and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.
OR
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*.
OR
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
Entry requirements
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
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 advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] 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 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two 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.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline and do meet meet the management experience requirement, you will begin your studies at graduate certificate level. The graduate certificate provides an entry pathway that considers non-managerial work experience and tertiary studies other than in a business-related discipline.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Fees
2020 indicative annual fees
- Full-fee places: AU$37,440*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308* maximum fee for 2020.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
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.
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 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$43,200.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$88,320 (full 2 year program plan MC199P15).
For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC199EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$65,760.
If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.