Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)
A world-class MBA qualification
Book a 1:1 appointment to speak with our expert team. Get your questions answered and find out more about the program structure, residential intensives, fees and scholarships.
With sophisticated technological innovation, globalisation and shifting power balances all changing the face of the defence and space industries, the Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space) is designed to meet the workforce development needs of these rapidly expanding sectors.
A unique collaboration with international defence and space experts, the 18-month program is delivered across three countries: Australia, the UK and the USA.
You'll undertake intensive in-person residentials in these countries, interspersed with high quality online learning. The in-country experience is immersive, providing access to industry experts and creating invaluable networking opportunities with industry peers.
The tailored curriculum features internationally recognised industry speakers and case studies. You'll develop and extend your knowledge and capabilities in relevant fields including space systems, defence procurement, global security and digital disruption, gaining insights you can apply immediately to your career.
Applicants who are citizens of any of the "Five Eyes" and other allied nations are eligible to apply.
Launching in 2026, Adelaide University is a new university for the future. Built on the legacies of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, this new for-purpose university will create brighter futures for contemporary learners and global citizens, backed by nation-leading curriculum and exceptional student experience. The Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) will be taught through Adelaide University from 2026.
1:1 Appointment
Book a 1:1 personalised appointment with our expert team
Immersive Global Experience
Embark on a transformative journey across three powerhouse nations – Australia, the UK, and the USA
Industry-Driven Curriculum
Curated curriculum featuring renowned international speakers and real-world case studies
Global Networking Opportunities
Join a prestigious cohort of professionals from "Five Eyes" and allied nations
Developed and delivered in partnership with
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The University of Exeter Business School is a Triple-Accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA) Business School, and as part of the University of Exeter is a member of the UK’s Russell Group of 24 research-intensive institutions. The School’s world-leading research, education and partnerships centre on three foci of environmental sustainability, responsible leadership and technological transformation. The University of Exeter has key expertise and connections with the national and international defence sectors, including through its Security and Strategy Institute in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Science. |
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Carnegie Mellon University also have close links with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), including a five-year contract to run the DoD-funded Software Engineering Institute (SEI), which is the only federally funded R&D centre in the U.S. focusing on software-related security and engineering. |
Degree overview
- Future-proof yourself in a dynamic, unpredictable and evolving geo-political world.
- Take on a leadership program like no other, drawing on a unique global model.
- Designed for public and civil servants, defence industry professionals, and senior defence officers, advance your industry skills and sector leadership capabilities.
- Prepare for global leadership with a curriculum tailored to the defence and space industries.
- Develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of sector developments, challenges and solutions.
- Undertake in-country residentials in Australia, the UK, and the USA.
- Learn from internationally recognised academics and industry speakers and explore case studies from world-leading defence policy institutes and thinktanks.
- Engage and network with a diverse and experienced cohort throughout your studies.
- Benefit from UniSA’s broad scope of industry partnerships that bring real-world scenarios to classroom learning.
- UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence1.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. Study at one of the world’s top young universities2 and advance your unstoppable career.
1UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024 2023 QS Star Business School Rankings. 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trademark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
What you'll learn
The Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space has a strong practical focus on executive leadership and senior management decision-making, while embedding the latest in defence and space management research. You'll build on your expertise in strategic thinking, ethical conduct, responsible leadership and evidenced based decision making, from a global perspective
The program consists of a total of eleven core courses (54 units). Delivery of the program will be cohort based, with one intake annually. The program will be hosted and delivered across three countries (Australia, United Kingdom, and United States of America) with an intensive session of two weeks at each of the locations. This will be combined with online courses delivered in the intervening period between intensive sessions.
The curriculum is specifically designed for those employed in defence and space sectors. Tailored courses provide a comprehensive body of knowledge on a range of industry-specific topics, including cybersecurity, space systems, geopolitics and defence procurement, along with strategic business topics such as leadership, strategy and finance.
A capstone project, worth the equivalent of two courses, is designed to synthesise knowledge gained through the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) in an applied setting. The capstone challenge is an opportunity to apply your knowledge, engage in real-world learning experiences with international syndicate colleagues, and stimulate your personal and professional development.
Industry guest speakers will include star rank defence force officers, ex CEOs and board members of defence primes, and other prominent figures in the defence and space industries.
Case studies will incorporate real-world examples in key areas such as strategy, global leadership, procurement and geopolitics in defence and space settings, allowing you to apply your learnings to current and relevant industry practice.
Key program information
Program journey
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1st residential
- Enterprise leadership and managing global teams
- Strategy in the age of digital disruption
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Online coursework
- Strategic finance and economics for defence
- Cybersecurity and security systems
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2nd residential
- Defence industry procurement, acquisition and lifecycle management
- Influence, negotiation and stakeholder management
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Online coursework
- Delivering complex programs
- Space systems
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3rd residential
- Global security, geopolitics and defence cooperation
- Innovation, growth and entrepreneurship
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Strategic project
Synthesise knowledge gained throughout program
- a complex, major project integrating all elements of the program, focused on the defence and space industry
- Equivalent to 2 courses
Scholarships
We are pleased to announce that a number of scholarships are available for this program.
Our dedicated Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarships, providing a 50% tuition fee waiver, actively address inequality in leadership and encourage a diverse, global cohort.
For details please visit our dedicated Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarships page.
FAQs
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How do I apply?
The Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) will be taught through Adelaide University from 2026.
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What kind of time commitment will this program involve?
Residentials will be an intensive 2-week experience, with 30 hours of course content delivered each week. In addition, evening events will be held throughout each residential. Some initial assessments will need to be submitted during the residential period, with major assessments due in the weeks following.
It is expected that participants will take leave from their work for the residential periods, as the workload required will be equivalent to a full time role, with the addition of evening events / study also required.
Each online course has 30 hours of content, delivered via a combination of live online delivery and self-directed online learning. Online courses require approximately 10-12 hours of study per week in addition to live online delivery contact hours. Please note that due to the global nature of the program, live online sessions may not be held at favourable times for all participants.
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What are the fees for the program?
Tuition fees for the program are $104,700AUD (as at 2025). Fees are payable for each individual course at the time you take them throughout the program.
The University is also required to charge a Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) for each course you are enrolled in, which usually amounts to approximately $40AUD per 4.5 unit course. For exact costs and other details on this charge please visit our Campus Central information page.
Please note that Australian citizens may be able to utilise FEE HELP loans for the program, please check the Australian Government’s Study Assist website to check your eligibility.
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What are the additional costs?
Additional costs (i.e. costs outside of the program tuition fees) will include:
- travel required to each residential location,
- any visas required for international travel to residential locations,
- accommodation at residentials where the student does not reside within daily commuting distance,
- some daily spending money (some meals will be provided, details confirmed closer to the residential dates).
It is unlikely that textbook purchases will be required for this program, with our teaching staff aiming to utilise current and emerging reference material accessible through the University Library.
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What will the schedule be like for the 2-week residentials?
The standard format of a 2 week residential will consist of a welcome event either on the Sunday before classes commence, or the first Monday evening after class. Classes will be held Monday to Friday, with evening events also planned for 2-3 evenings per week over the 2 weeks.
Please note that the course content delivery during these 2 week periods will be intense.
It is likely that you will be expected to complete readings and/or independent work during evenings and may need to allow some time for course work and assessment writing over the intervening weekend.
Given this, if there is any personal or work-related travel you would like to undertake at residential locations, this will need to be scheduled outside of the 2 week residential period when planning your travel.
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Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Please visit our Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarships webpage for details.
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I am applying for assistance through the Defence Industry Development Grants program, can you help provide relevant information?
Absolutely. Simply email us at mba@business.unisa.edu.au and we can provide you with a summary document to assist with your Defence Industry Development Grants application.
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What are the IT requirements for participating in the program?
It is expected that you will have consistent access to a laptop suitable for online class engagement. It would be expected that you bring this laptop with you to each residential to allow you to complete assignments and coursework on location as required.
It is also a requirement that you have access to a stable internet connection capable of handling video conferencing for the online courses throughout the program.
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When will I know if I have been accepted?
Once applications close, shortlisting will occur, with those candidates progressed to the next stage invited for interview.
Online interviews will be held for those candidates who are invited to progress to the interview stage. We ask that applicants take this into consideration and prepare to be available for a 30 minute interview.
For international applicants, please note that suitable interview time slots will be made available to those in alternative time zones.
Once all interviews have been completed, the panel will convene to determine who will be made offers.
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Have a question not answered here?
Simply email us at mba@business.unisa.edu.au and we can assist you.
Defence and space industry partnerships at UniSA
UniSA has a reputation as one of Australia’s leading defence research universities. With industry-informed teaching and more than 2,500 international partners, we address defence and space capability challenges by bringing together industry and researchers from multidisciplinary areas, and work collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes.
With seven internationally recognised defence companies maintaining a presence in South Australia, UniSA is well positioned to deliver a tailored MBA program with a curriculum informed by world-leading industry experts.
Register for a 1:1 appointment
Have questions about studying at UniSA?
Our Future Student Enquiries Team can help with any questions relating to entry requirements, degrees, pathways, and more. Give us a call, submit an online enquiry or book a 1:1 appointment to have your questions answered.
Future Student Enquiries Team
(08) 8302 2376
9.00am – 5.00pm (ACDT), Monday to Friday
unisa.edu.au/enquire
