University of Otago

What you'll study

The Master of Business combines advanced coursework in key business areas with an option to complete a substantial applied project or research dissertation. Typical study pathways include specialisations in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Economics and Information Systems. You will study a mixture of compulsory advanced core subjects and elective specialist papers, with teaching methods that include seminars, case studies, quantitative analysis, applied projects and supervised research.

• Core topics: strategic management, research methods for business, quantitative techniques for decision-making, organisational behaviour and business ethics.
• Specialist topics: corporate finance and investment analysis; financial accounting and reporting; marketing strategy and consumer behaviour; human resource strategy and employment relations; innovation and entrepreneurship; information systems strategy.
• Capstone and research options: an applied consulting project or internship, and/or a supervised research dissertation that develops research skills and an in-depth investigation of a business problem.
• Delivery and assessment: full-time and part-time study are commonly available; assessment typically includes essays, case reports, presentations, group work, exams and a major project or thesis where applicable.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in business or a related discipline with a good academic record. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but with substantial relevant work experience, or those who hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, may also be considered. For research-led pathways, a higher level of academic achievement at undergraduate level (or an honours year) is usually required. All international applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements through recognised tests or prior study in English.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Business progress into a wide range of senior and specialist roles across the public and private sectors. Typical career destinations include management and leadership positions, strategic and management consulting, corporate finance and financial analysis, marketing management, human resources leadership, policy roles in government and non-profit organisations, and roles in data analytics or information systems. The degree also provides a pathway into doctoral study and academic or policy-oriented research careers.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago’s Business School offers a combination of research-informed teaching, practical industry engagement and a collegial learning environment. Students benefit from academics who are active researchers and practitioners, industry-linked projects and access to career support services and student-run business groups. Studying in Dunedin provides a compact campus experience with good student support and opportunities for close supervision on research projects, while the School’s networks across New Zealand and internationally help students build professional connections for career development.