University of Auckland

What you'll study

The MCom lets you focus on a business discipline such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, Operations and Supply Chain, or International Business. You choose between a primarily coursework route, a research-led thesis route, or a combination of advanced coursework plus a capstone or mini-thesis, depending on your career and academic goals.

• Core academic development: advanced theory and concepts in your chosen field, critical evaluation of current research, and discipline-specific policy and practice implications.
• Research methods: training in quantitative and/or qualitative research design, applied econometrics, data analysis and interpretation to prepare for independent research or evidence-based decision-making.
• Typical modules and topics: Applied Econometrics and Data Analysis; Advanced Corporate Finance and Investment Analysis; Managerial and Financial Accounting; Strategic Marketing and Consumer Behaviour; Organisational Behaviour and Leadership; Business Analytics and Data Mining; Information Systems Strategy and Design; Supply Chain Strategy and Operations; Industrial and International Economics; and Research Project or Thesis supervision.
• Capstone options: an industry-focused project, consultancy-style research, or a supervised thesis that develops substantial, original work in your specialist area.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a strong academic record. Typical pathways include a Bachelor degree in commerce or a closely related discipline, a postgraduate diploma in commerce or management, or equivalent professional experience combined with prior tertiary study. For the research thesis route, applicants usually need demonstrated research ability—this can be shown by prior research papers, an honours year, or a strong postgraduate diploma result.

Applications generally require academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining study intentions, and referees who can comment on academic or professional suitability. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by a recognised test or prior tertiary study in English where required. Some specialisations may have additional prerequisites in quantitative methods, accounting or economics; check the programme or subject-area entry notes when preparing your application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MCom go on to roles across industry, government and the non-profit sector as well as further academic study. Career paths commonly include:

• Accounting and financial management roles in practice or industry, including management accounting and financial analysis.
• Investment analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance and banking positions.
• Management consulting, strategy and business development roles advising organisations on performance and change.
• Marketing management, brand strategy, market research and customer analytics positions.
• Business analytics and data science roles applying quantitative skills to business problems.
• Policy, economic analysis, and research roles in government agencies and think-tanks (particularly for economics-focused graduates).
• Supply chain and operations management, procurement and logistics roles in manufacturing and service sectors.
• Academic or PhD study for those pursuing research and teaching careers.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland Business School is the largest business faculty in New Zealand and offers strong connections to regional and international industry. Studying at the University of Auckland gives access to research-active faculty, contemporary facilities, and applied learning opportunities in New Zealand’s largest city and commercial centre. The School supports students with industry engagement, mentoring, and career services to help translate advanced study into professional outcomes. The University’s international networks also support mobility and collaboration across the Asia–Pacific and beyond.