Lincoln University

What you'll study

The programme is primarily research-led: you will undertake an extended supervised research project that culminates in a substantial thesis. Your research topic is developed in consultation with academic supervisors and can cover areas such as agribusiness management, marketing, accounting and finance, human resource management, supply chain and logistics, sustainability and environmental economics, or organisational studies.

Alongside the thesis work you will typically prepare a research proposal, participate in research methods training and attend seminars or postgraduate research forums. Methodological training covers both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including research design, data collection and analysis, advanced statistics/econometrics, survey methods, case study and interview techniques, and research ethics.

• Research proposal development and literature review
• Advanced research methods (quantitative and qualitative)
• Thesis preparation and writing under one-to-one supervision
• Discipline-specific electives or reading courses where available (e.g. agribusiness, finance, marketing, sustainability)
• Presentation of findings at internal seminars and, where appropriate, at conferences

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor degree with honours (or equivalent) in commerce, management or a related discipline, or a recognised postgraduate diploma with strong academic performance and demonstrable research potential. Candidates without a formal honours qualification but with relevant professional experience and a strong research proposal may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Admission requires identification of an appropriate supervisor and approval of a proposed research topic. All applicants must submit academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of research intent or proposal, and references. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in academic English through accepted evidence of language ability; specific documentation requirements are provided by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MCom and Management Research programme follow a range of career paths. Many continue into doctoral study (PhD) and academic or research careers. Others move into specialist and senior roles in industry and the public sector where strong analytical and research skills are valued.

• PhD and academic research positions
• Policy analyst and advisor roles in government and NGOs
• Research and development, strategy and intelligence roles in agribusiness and food sectors
• Management consultancy and business analytics roles
• Corporate research, market analysis and evaluation roles in private industry

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University is distinctive for its focus on land-based industries, agribusiness and environmental sustainability, offering a research environment that bridges commercial management and primary-sector expertise. Small cohort sizes and a strong supervision culture mean you receive close support while developing independent research capability.

The university provides access to discipline-specific research facilities, industry networks and applied research centres, enabling projects that connect theory with practical challenges facing business, agriculture and regional development. Lincoln's campus location also offers proximity to a dynamic regional economy and opportunities for field-based research collaborations.

For students seeking to build advanced research skills with direct relevance to commerce and management in agriculture, food systems and related sectors, the MCom and Management Research at Lincoln offers a focused pathway to both professional and academic advancement.