University of Otago

What you'll study

The MCom allows you to specialise in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, Information Science, Tourism, or International Business. You can typically choose between a thesis-focused pathway and a coursework-plus-research-project pathway. Core study involves advanced theory and methods in your chosen discipline, together with training in research design, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and critical analysis.

• Discipline-specific modules: advanced topics that build on undergraduate study—for example, corporate reporting and audit issues in Accounting; asset pricing and portfolio management in Finance; applied microeconomics and econometrics in Economics; consumer behaviour and marketing strategy in Marketing.
• Research methods: courses that cover statistical and econometric techniques, research design, data collection and analysis, and ethical considerations in business research.
• Thesis or major research project: an extended supervised piece of research that applies theoretical and empirical methods to a business problem, demonstrating the ability to plan, conduct and report original research.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: depending on the specialisation, you can take electives from other areas of commerce or related fields to broaden your expertise.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with honours or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in commerce or a related discipline. Candidates without an honours degree but with substantial relevant professional experience or a strong graduate record may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For the thesis pathway you will typically submit a research proposal and be matched with a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your project.

• Academic background: an undergraduate degree in commerce, economics, business, or a closely related subject; prior coursework in the chosen specialisation is advantageous.
• Research capability: evidence of research aptitude—such as honours-level coursework, a research project, or professional experience—will strengthen an application for the thesis route.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MCom move into a wide range of professional roles across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, and many proceed to doctoral study. The programme prepares you for analytical and leadership roles that require high-level problem solving, research skills and subject expertise.

• Accounting and audit: roles in professional practice, corporate reporting, forensic accounting and financial advisory services.
• Finance and banking: positions in investment analysis, risk management, corporate finance and treasury functions.
• Economic and policy analysis: work for government agencies, consultancies, or research institutes doing applied economic research and policy evaluation.
• Marketing and management: strategic marketing, market research, brand management, and management consultancy.
• Information and analytics: data analysis, business intelligence, systems management and technology strategy roles.
• Academia and research: entry to PhD study and careers in teaching and scholarly research.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago’s business and commerce programmes are taught by research-active staff who combine academic rigour with practical industry insight. You will benefit from close supervision on research projects, access to databases and computing resources, and opportunities to engage with business and public-sector partners. Otago’s campus community in Dunedin offers a focused study environment and strong postgraduate support services, including career development and research training, to help you make the transition from specialist study to professional practice or further research.