Study Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
January
April
June
September

Campus
City West

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMMA

Fees
2022: AUD$ 36,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
083052A

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
a) A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience and a recognised university Bachelor degree or equivalent professional qualifications;
or
b) A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of South Australia with an average of at least Pass Level 1 (55%) across four (or more) courses, or an equivalent qualification from the University of South Australia or from another recognised university;
or
c) The Program Director may, under exceptional circumstances, accept candidates with substantial and proven managerial and/or entrepreneurial experience who have demonstrated the potential to meet the learning requirements of the MBA.

All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)
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Degree overview

The UniSA Master of Business Administration (MBA) has been designed for experienced managers and enterprising leaders. It has a strong practical focus on senior management decision-making and embeds the latest in management research.
Our fully-flexible MBA allows you to tailor your studies to suit your needs with options to learn face-to-face, online or in mixed mode, as well as full-time or part-time.
Ranked No.12 online MBA in the world and No.1 in South Australia¹.
Ranked No.4 MBA in Australia and in the Top 10 MBAs nationally for 12 years².
UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide³ and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2020.
Complete the Company Directors Course as part of your degree through a unique partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – the only of its kind in Australia.
Learn and network with a diverse cohort or highly-experienced professionals who bring extensive management experience to the classroom.
Access global study experiences through the 2-week Business in China Intensive School (BICIS) or the European Summer School of Advanced Management (ESSAM).
Our curriculum is informed by above world-class research in Human Resource Management⁴.
Ranked in the Top 10 MBA's in Australia⁵ and awarded 5-Stars for Program Strength by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
Ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 10 in Australia for Business and Management⁶.

¹2021 Global MBA Rankings, CEO Magazine. ²2019 Australian Financial Review, BOSS Survey. ³UniSA Business is one of just 11 institutions in Australia and 191 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2021. ⁴2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ⁵2021 Quacquarelli Symonds Global MBA Rankings: Oceania. ⁶2021 QS Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

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The UniSA Master of Business Administration (MBA) has been developed for experienced managers and enterprising leaders. It has a strong practical focus on senior management decision-making and industry relevance.

As part of your studies, you will gain real-world insights through access to academic and industry experts, benefit from a curriculum informed by world-class research and further your professional practice to maximise your career progression. You will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of highly-experienced peers from a wide range of industry backgrounds in a sophisticated learning environment.

We deliver experiential learning opportunities with direct application to the workplace which will deepen your expertise in fields such as strategy, marketing, finance, leadership, law, international business, and ethics and sustainability.

You will also have the opportunity to study the Company Directors Course embedded within your MBA through a unique partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors – the only of its kind in Australia.

Our fully-flexible MBA allows you to tailor your studies to suit your individual needs with the option to study face-to-face (including intensives and evening classes), online or in mixed mode, as well as full-time or part-time.

As a guide, full-time MBA students generally undertake two courses per study period and part-time students undertake one course per study period. Studying the MBA full-time will normally take 18 months, however you can fast-track your study and finish in just 12 months. Part-time students taking one course per study period can typically complete the MBA in three years.

Human Resource Management specialisation

Designed and taught by academics actively involved in industry collaborative research, our Human Resource Management specialisation is relevant, practical and applicable to today’s environment.

The curriculum draws on international research and UniSA’s wealth of professional connections, both locally and abroad.

In your studies you will develop the expertise and skills to practice as an HRM specialist and leader, gaining advanced knowledge across a range of areas including:

workplace learning and development
managing the global workforce
strategic management of human resources
recruitment and selection
employment law
workplace health and safety management
employee performance and rewards

What you'll learn

The MBA degree comprises eight compulsory core courses, three electives and a final capstone experience. A course runs for the length of a study period, and our academic year is divided into four study periods of ten weeks each.

All MBA courses have an applied focus. They draw on real-life business case studies, and you are encouraged to use industry and workplace based issues for assessment tasks. Courses also feature visiting industry leaders who will lead discussions around contemporary business problems.

You will be able to tailor your study plan based on your career interests and needs by electing the order in which you study your courses, and choose electives from a range of specialist human resource management courses.

The final Strategic Industry Project requires you to plan and execute a project for a Board or senior management group. It is your opportunity to demonstrate the proficiency and integrative knowledge you’ve gained in your MBA studies. The courses provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge, engage in real-world learning experiences, and stimulate personal and professional development.

You can also learn the principles and practices of good governance with the Company Directors Course delivered through a unique partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors – the only of its kind in Australia.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
COURSES and SEQUENCING:				Rule(s): 1
FIRST:
Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools	BUSS 5424	4.5
THEN - in any order:
Accounting for Decision Making	BUSS 5247	4.5
Managerial Finance	BUSS 5249	4.5
Managing People and Organisations	BUSS 5425	4.5		Rule(s): 3
International Business	BUSS 5251	4.5
Strategic Marketing	BUSS 5245	4.5
Ethics, Governance and Sustainability	BUSS 5385	4.5
Leadership for Growth	BUSS 5438	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2
Specialisation elective 1		4.5		Rule(s): 2
Specialisation elective 2		4.5		Rule(s): 2
CAPSTONE COURSE - normally taken when all compulsory courses have been completed successfully:
Strategic Industry Project	BUSS 5449	4.5		Rule(s): 4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Specialisation electives
Managing the Global Workforce	BUSS 5302	4.5
Introduction to Human Resource Management	BUSS 5307	4.5
Australian Industrial Relations	BUSS 5308	4.5
Strategic Management of Human Resources	BUSS 5316	4.5
Talent Acquisition and Development	BUSS 5351	4.5
Negotiation	BUSS 5355	4.5
Workplace Learning and Development	BUSS 5069	4.5
Employment Law F	COML 5015	4.5
Responsible Leadership	BUSS 5389	4.5
Workplace Health and Safety Management	BUSS 5399	4.5
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards	BUSS 5398	4.5
Business Electives
International Study Tour	BUSS 5421	4.5
Company Directors Course	BUSS 5417	4.5
Contemporary Management Issues B	BUSS 5419	4.5
Digital Business Strategy and Operations	BUSS 5451	4.5
The Law for Managers	LAWS 5016	4.5
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	BUSS 5080	4.5
Negotiation	BUSS 5355	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. All students are required to attend or view a structured Commencement Seminar. No grade is awarded for this.

2. Specialisation electives are to be chosen from a range of specialisation elective courses set out in the electives schedule or, subject to Program Director approval, from courses in other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.

3. This course, two Human Resource Management specialisation electives and the capstone course must all be completed in order to graduate from the program with the title of Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management).

4. This course must be completed with a project focus on Human Resource Management and is the final course of the four courses required to graduate from this program with a title of Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management).

Notes

1. The Master of Business Administration is designed as a nested program, with credit transfers and articulation pathways from the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.

2. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.

Study hours

There are 12 courses in the MBA program, run over four study periods each year. Each course is ten weeks in duration, requiring approximately 15 hours of study per week, and may also be studied in intensive mode.

Study periods commence in January, April, June and September each year, providing you with a choice between four intakes.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

case studies and reports
essays and assignments
examinations
an industry-relevant project
an oral or online presentation
a journal or a portfolio

Research

UniSA Business is recognised and respected for a comprehensive research program inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and its region. Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge.

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. We work closely with industry to generate high quality research that informs our teaching curriculum and tackles real-world problems. We are renowned for our concentration of global thought-leaders and academic experts in the areas of marketing, human resource management, applied economics, tourism and international business.

The MBA curriculum is informed by our research expertise. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class with particular strengths in business and management and marketing. Read more about our strengths in research.

Timetable

The UniSA MBA is offered across four study periods each year.

2021 MBA teaching dates:

Study Period 1 (Term 1) 11 January - 19 March
Study Period 3 (Term 2) 5 April - 11 June
Study Period 4 (Term 3) 28 June - 3 September
Study Period 6 (Term 4) 20 September - 26 November

2022 MBA teaching dates:

Study Period 1 (Term 1) 10 January - 18 March
Study Period 3 (Term 2) 4 April - 10 June
Study Period 4 (Term 3) 27 June - 2 September
Study Period 6 (Term 4) 19 September - 25 November

Why Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)

SNoonan_UniSA BusHub_231017_005.jpg

UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide¹ and our 5-Star MBA² is recognised and respected globally for its excellence.

Our MBA has also been ranked No.4 in Australia³ and is consistently awarded by leading bodies nationally and overseas. It offers a dynamic, engaging and completely flexible program that delivers invaluable networking opportunities with both your peers and industry executives, preparing you to think and act as a global business leader.

We understand the demands of a busy lifestyle so ensure you have the flexibility to tailor your studies with the option to learn face-to-face (including evening classes and intensives), online or in mixed mode, as well as full-time or part-time.

As part of this degree you can also complete the Company Directors Course, delivered through a unique partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – the only of its kind in Australia. Two-week global study tours are also available including trips to China or the European Summer School of Advanced Management.

UniSA Business is also the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

If you are driven to create new solutions, lead innovative teams and deliver exceptional results in the context of disruptive change and global uncertainty, the UniSA MBA is the next step for you.

¹UniSA Business is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 189 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2020. ²2020 QS Stars Ratings. ³2019 Australian Financial Review, BOSS Survey.

Real-world connections

AICD Company Directors Course

Offered through a unique partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – the only of its kind in Australia – this highly-regarded course is offered as a recognised elective of the UniSA MBA curriculum. The course will give you the specialist knowledge and skills to advise boards, join boards, and to better understand the contribution a high functioning board makes to an organisation’s success. You will also be eligible to use the post-nominal GAICD (Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors) upon successful completion.

View From the Top

View From the Top is an exclusive seminar and networking series connecting executives and thought-leaders with our MBA students, postgraduate students and alumni. Presenters share leadership and industry insights as they advance debate on issues that affect the business world and our society.

Executive Partners Program

The Executive Partners Program is a unique mentoring opportunity where you will be paired with a senior executive (CEO or Senior Manager) with proven leadership, managerial expertise and vast business networks. Partners have worked for companies such as Alcoa, BP, Commonwealth Bank, CSR, ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi and SA Health. Every year, two students are invited to participate in an intensive three-week international student exchange with the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in the US.

Hear from our graduates

Industry facts

Globally, the demand for MBA graduates has risen by 13%.

^{Jobs and Salary Trends Report 2018, QS Intelligence Unit.}

Employers report an 18% growth in jobs available to MBA graduates in the Asia-Pacific - the strongest increase of all regions.

^{Jobs and Salary Trends Report 2018, QS Intelligence Unit.}

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

If you would like to strengthen your business knowledge with a shorter qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (four courses) or the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (eight courses) may suit you. They provide a pathway into, and credit towards, this MBA.

Both can be studied face-to-face, online or a combination of both.

International

If you would like to strengthen your business knowledge with a shorter qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (four courses) or the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (eight courses) may suit you. They provide a pathway into, and credit towards, this MBA.

Credit Transfers

Credit transfer and exemption may be offered through recognition of prior learning for up to one third of your program to eligible applicants, at the discretion of the Program Director. If you have completed appropriate postgraduate management courses at recognised institutions, you may apply for a credit transfer. Graduates of the following courses are recognised as eligible to receive credit towards the MBA program:

UniSA Leadership and Management Essentials Program – two elective course credits
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course - one elective course credit
Leaders Institute of South Australia Governors Leadership Foundation Program - one course credit
Australian Centre for Business Growth (AUCBG) nine-month Business Growth Programs - one elective and one core course credit
CPA Australia CPA program - one elective and two core course credits.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Your study experience and support

Global opportunities

International short-term and full semester exchanges, as well as intensive study-tours open doors to new possibilities and experiences. The University of South Australia has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia and the Americas – there are over 25 countries and 60 universities to choose from.

Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, and gain a global perspective.

Study tours
The Business in China Intensive School is a two-week study tour and project, offered in partnership with Peking University – a leading international business school.

The European Summer School of Advanced Management is a two-week study tour that gives 100 of the world’s outstanding MBA students an intensive international business experience. It has previously been hosted in London, Glasgow and Copenhagen.

There are also a range of international study grants available, making study abroad much more accessible.

Student services

Business_Hub_images-11 copy.jpg Our dedicated MBA team is available to support you throughout your studies. The team can provide expert advice on study options, elective choices, career services and more, and can help with referrals to other support services across the University.

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform.

We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, swimming pools, technology zones and great student lounges. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Living in Adelaide

Ranked as the 5^th most liveable city in the world for the last five years, Adelaide is the perfect place to live and study. As one of the world’s most liveable and affordable cities, you will have more to spend on food, accommodation and entertainment. International students also get the same public transport discounts as local students, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Interactive learning environment

Regardless of whether you study on campus, online or in mixed mode, you'll have access to online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

You'll be able to:

access online videos and course resources
participate in virtual classrooms
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our online facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to suit your lifestyle. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note, all student visa holders are required to meet their visa condition to study no more than one-third of their program in an online mode and maintain enrolment in at least one internal (face-to-face) course per compulsory study period, unless it is their final course and not available internally. If you are currently residing in Adelaide, on-campus attendance (such as seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements would apply, as outlined on individual course pages. If you are currently overseas, online study may be available following your individual study plan.

Your campus

This degree can be studied face-to-face on campus, online or in mixed mode. If studying on campus, you will be based at UniSA's City West Campus.

Your program director

I am a true believer that we all possess leadership skills innately and programs such as the Master of Business Administration are critical in bringing those skills to the fore and enhancing them. Partnering industry and academia ensures we are not only developing the skills of today but also the leadership skills required for the future.

Mr Peter Stevens

Program Director

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Mr Peter Stevens

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

When I commenced the MBA program, I had significant professional experience, including working with executives in ASX listed entities, and HR qualifications. However I didn’t have broad business qualifications. The MBA program has helped close gaps in my experience and qualifications, and has broadened my strategic perspective across disciplines.

Laura Schonfeldt

Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
Executive Director, People & Culture, Department for Education, SA