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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MBA Online
Professional development that really counts. Enquire now and find out if you qualify for RPL using your work experience and academic qualifications.
Postgraduate
Qualification
16 months full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Date
12
Units
100% Online
Learning Mode
$36,320*
Fees
‘The team at Swinburne Online did nothing but support and nurture my journey to graduation. I wouldn’t want to be an alumni anywhere else. Additional opportunities have also presented themselves as a direct result of this course, which has been amazing.’
Corey, Swinburne Online graduate
$161,000
Australian MBA graduates see a steady salary increase to reach $161,000 within three years of completing their course.
We received a 5-star rating for skills development and teaching quality for our postgraduate courses.
We received a 5-star rating for skills development and teaching quality for our postgraduate courses.
Professional development that really counts
Equip yourself with the skills needed to thrive in your industry and achieve your unique career goals. Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) is all about growth. Scale up your skillset and your earning potential as you are expertly guided through the key steps to exponential growth: strategy, innovation, marketing and management. Harness your entrepreneurial drive with cutting-edge business insight that will allow you to make crucial business decisions with confidence and lead teams to success.
Harness Your Experience for Success
Our flexible, online MBA allows multiple points of entry including a recognised graduate certificate or bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline with two years equivalent full-time relevant work experience. If you meet the entry criteria and have substantial work experience, contact our Course Consultants to discuss potential Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for your professional background.
Advance Your Career with Accredited Qualifications
There’s no need to put your career on hold while you study. Our MBA is 100 percent online, making it the most convenient way to gain an industry-recognised, AACSB accredited master’s degree. Plan your learning around your existing work, family and personal commitments, and study on your terms.
Why Swinburne Online
- Fast-Track Your Degree: Cut down the length of your degree with your work experience and academic qualifications. Enquire to find out if you qualify for RPL.
- Tailor Your Master’s: Gain a well-rounded overview of all aspects of business by selecting business electives, or gain expert knowledge in the Project Management or Cybersecurity Management specialist streams.
- Award-Winning, Top-Tier MBA: Receive the same globally-recognised qualification as Swinburne’s on-campus students. Swinburne’s MBA has a Tier-1 rating and is in the top Online MBAs in CEO Magazine’s 2022 Global Rankings.
- Multiple Entry & Exit Points: Choose to complete your MBA in 16 months, or tackle your course in four units: graduate certificate (four units), graduate diploma (eight units), then master’s (12 units).
Learn more about our professional accreditations. Download a Course Guide.
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to learn on your terms. Decide when and where study fits into your life and tailor your learning experience to your own needs.
An MBA from Swinburne Online is exactly the same qualification as you would get on campus. Get a world-class degree without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study load
Pace your study to suit your lifestyle. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and a flexible unit load that you can increase as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to take on eight units per year and complete your MBA in as little as 16 months.
Flexible entry and exit options
There are several pathways available into Swinburne Online’s MBA. Your professional experience and previous study are taken into account when your application is considered, and depending on your background, you may be exempt from some subjects. Chat to our Student Advisor team to discuss your individual circumstances.
If you decide to stop studying before completing your MBA, the units that you have completed may entitle you to a Graduate Certificate (four units) or Graduate Diploma (eight units). This means you can still exit with a postgraduate qualification.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners. Your online classroom is accessible 24/7, so you are free to decide when study best fits into your lifestyle.
There are no compulsory live sessions, and all content is recorded for you to access when it is most convenient. When you are less busy, stay a step ahead by accessing the content for the following week.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits you. Swinburne Online offers three intakes per year and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or easily make a call when you need to take a break.
7-day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week. Student Advisors are available to help with any queries, and a dedicated academic team will guide you through each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Specialise your learning
At Swinburne Online, we know your career goals are as unique as you are. That is why we have developed three distinct learning pathways that allow you to specialise your knowledge in the areas that best align with your industry and career objectives. When you study a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Swinburne Online, you have the flexibility to choose from three course streams: Business, Project Management or Cybersecurity Management. Take the eight core units to gain a comprehensive understanding of key business principles, then customise your course with elective units.
Business stream
The Business stream allows you to choose from the greatest number of electives and provides a foundational understanding of the key pillars of business. It consists of 12 units, including eight core units and four electives. This stream would be best suited to students who wish to broaden their business knowledge to become valuable strategic thinkers in any organisation and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.
Project Management stream
The Project Management stream consists of 12 units, including eight core units and four specialisation units. This stream would suit students who are interested in leading and coordinating diverse teams to achieve core commercial objectives, no matter the size of the project.
Cybersecurity Management stream
The Cybersecurity Management stream consists of 12 units, including eight core units and four specialisation units. This stream is perfect for those working in an IT-related role or organisation who wish to upskill in the increasingly crucial area of network protection and cybersecurity.
Multiple exit points
Take the flexible pathway to your postgraduate degree with three exit-point options. Complete four units to obtain a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, eight units for a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration or the full 12 units to complete your MBA. There is no need to decide your level of study now, begin learning at your own pace and elect to exit at any time.
How you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Designed by the online learning experts at Swinburne Online, your study journey is tailored to your goals. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand online study.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in your online classroom, where you will access learning modules, videos, animations and other interactive resources. You will also have the option to participate in discussions and live facilitator sessions to collaborate with your peers. Online doesn’t mean you’re alone – connect with fellow students to share ideas, organise study groups and support one another, all within our user-friendly learning environment.
Be guided through coursework by experienced academics, currently practising in their fields, and gain cutting-edge, practical knowledge that you can put into practice immediately.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units. Our Student Advisors will also assist with anything from technical support to referencing and assignment tips, seven days per week.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have at least one of the following:
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant experience
- a recognised graduate certificate in a related discipline.*
* Related graduate certificates include Swinburne Online’s Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate of Project Management, Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security and Graduate Certificate of Management. You may be exempt from some units if you have already completed them in your graduate certificate.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you meet the entry criteria and have substantial relevant work experience, speak with one of our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for your professional background.
International Students
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.
Fees
Fees
The estimated annual fee for this course is $36,320*. This is based on completing eight 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
Discover more information about HELP loans.
Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.
This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Your pathway to industry
Your Master of Business Administration will give you the decisive vision and professional agility needed to stand apart from your peers. Gain the advanced skills essential to excelling as a leader in business. Leverage your MBA to grow your business as an entrepreneur, or step up into a senior management position, such as:
- Senior Associate
- Strategic Manager
- Executive General Manager
- Managing Director
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Jobs looking for you
A survey of recent Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90% of Business alumni were employed full-time. This comes as no surprise as the 2021 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that worldwide, 91 per cent of recruiters planned to hire MBAs that year. It also showed that demand for graduate management talent has now returned to pre-pandemic levels.
With a new job title, you can expect an increased salary. Australian Financial Review reported in its 2019 MBA Rankings that Australian MBA graduates see an average salary increase of 28 per cent to reach $157,000 within three years of completing their course.
Launch your own business
Swinburne Online’s MBA is not only for those wanting to open doors to upper-management positions in their industry. If you are an entrepreneur or business owner ready to upscale your business, our MBA can offer you a clear, practical pathway to take your business to the next level. No matter the size of your business, we can equip you with the skills you need to realise your capabilities and potential.
A ready-made professional network
When you complete an MBA with Swinburne Online, you will be rewarded with not only a top-tier master’s qualification, but also a valuable network of like-minded business professionals. Forge connections, motivate one another and share opportunities and ideas that you can continue to draw upon long after graduation.
Nationally accredited
This course is nationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide.
More Courses
Other courses you may be interested in
Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
Graduate Certificate of Project Management
Graduate Certificate of Management
FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
Q.
Which units should I start with?
A.
When you enrol to study a degree with us, you will nominate how many units you would like to select per teaching period, based on a recommendation from one of our Course Consultants. From here, our enrolments team will allocate you automatically to the units they feel will be best suited to your needs, so you don’t need to worry about choosing units. If you want to choose something different than what you are allocated to, that is no problem, just get in touch with our Student Advisors and they will take care of it for you.
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
Q.
What quantitative value can I hope for in taking on an MBA?
A.
A survey of recent Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90 per cent of Business alumni were employed full-time. Forbes Australia reports that 'Demand for MBA graduates is strong. An annual recruiter survey reports significant rebounds in hiring and salary projections for MBA graduates in recent years, while demand expected to increase or remain stable in years to come.'
According to the 2023 Alumni Insights Report, salary growth comes quickly for students as some see a $15,000 income increase during their MBA studies, and beyond the average salary of MBA respondents in Australia is $161,000.
Q.
Why should I choose Swinburne over different providers?
A.
Swinburne University’s MBA has a Tier-1 rating and is in the top Online MBAs in CEO Magazine's 2022 Global Rankings. It is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide. When you complete your MBA with Swinburne Online, you will receive the same globally recognised MBA as on-campus students, without having to attend any in-person or live teaching sessions. Swinburne Online’s MBA is highly flexible, meaning that you can tailor the course content to suit your specific interests and career goals.
Q.
Is there a pay increase between undergraduate and MBA students?
A.
In 2023, the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Graduate Outcomes Survey found that working professionals without a postgraduate degree received a median salary of $71,000 per year, while those with a postgraduate degree in addition to their undergrad degree earned on average $97,000 per year.
According to the 2023 Alumni Insights Report, salary growth comes quickly for students as some see a $15,000 income increase during their MBA studies, and beyond the average salary of MBA respondents in Australia is $161,000*.
Q.
What is the likelihood of employment with an MBA?
A.
A survey of recent Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90 per cent of Business alumni were employed full-time. This comes as no surprise as the 2021 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that worldwide, 91 per cent of recruiters planned to hire MBAs that year, and that demand for graduate management talent has now returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Q.
Is an MBA still necessary in 2022?
A.
An MBA will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in business: strategy, innovation, marketing and management. Additionally, it signals to employers your readiness for a senior management position. The 2021 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that worldwide, 91 per cent of recruiters planned to hire MBAs that year, and that demand for graduate management talent has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, an MBA from Swinburne Online is globally recognised, meaning that your qualification could create opportunities worldwide.
Q.
What job opportunities require an MBA?
A.
An MBA signals to employers your readiness for a senior management position. An MBA is an advantage or requirement for employment in the following roles:
- Senior Associate
- Strategic Manager
- Executive General Manager
- Managing Director
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Q.
As a business leader/owner what value can an MBA add that I do not gain in my current vocation?
A.
An MBA will enhance your professional skillset and give you the tools to grow your customer base, output and profit margin. With new insights into contemporary business practice, you will be ready to strategically upscale your processes and take your business to the next level.
Q.
With an MBA, does the institution matter?
A.
Different universities structure their MBAs in different ways. Swinburne Online’s MBA is highly flexible, meaning that you can tailor the course content to suit your specific interests and career goals. Additionally, Swinburne University’s MBA has a Tier-1 rating and is in the top Online MBAs in CEO Magazine's 2022 Global Rankings, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide. When you complete your MBA with Swinburne Online, you will receive the same globally recognised MBA as on-campus students, without having to attend any in-person or live teaching sessions.
Q.
How will Swinburne prepare me for future job opportunities?
A.
Your Master of Business Administration will give you the decisive vision and professional agility needed to stand apart from your peers. Gain the advanced skills essential to excelling as a leader in business. Leverage your MBA to grow your business as an entrepreneur, or step up into a senior management position.
Q.
Do these degrees provide any networking opportunities?
A.
When you complete an MBA with Swinburne Online, you will be rewarded with not only a top-tier master’s qualification, but also a valuable network of like-minded business professionals. Forge connections, motivate one another and share opportunities and ideas that you can continue to draw upon long after graduation.
Q.
As I am studying online, can I pursue full-time opportunities throughout my studies?
A.
Yes, there are no requisite live or in-person sessions, so you can elect to study anytime, anywhere. If you find the combination of full-time work and full-time study to be too much, you can choose to study part-time.
Q.
Is an MBA too advanced for someone who has never studied?
A.
Yes, Swinburne Online’s MBA is a postgraduate degree, meaning that previous tertiary study is an entry requirement for the course. If you have not studied at a tertiary level before, you may seek entry into the course via the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration. See the entry requirements for more information.
Q.
What support can I expect?
A.
As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week, with Student Advisors available to help with anything from tech support to research advice and dedicated online tutors in each of your units. Learn more about your student support.
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