Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)
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.
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 Adelaide, London, and Washington D.C.
- 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 worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
- Ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 10 in Australia for Business and Management2
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. Study at one of the world’s top young universities3 and advance your unstoppable career.
1UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. 22022 QS Subject Rankings. 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trademark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
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
Program journey
Degree Structure
| Course name | Area and cat no. | Units | Reference |
| First Residential - Australia, 2023 | |||
| Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption | BUSS 5454 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 1 |
| Influence, Negotiation and Stakeholder Management | BUSS 5459 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 1 |
| Online Course, 2023 | |||
| Strategic Finance and Economics for Defence | BUSS 5463 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 4 |
| Second Residential - United Kingdom, 2024 | |||
| Delivering Complex Programs | BUSS 5457 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 2 |
| Defence Industry Procurement, Acquisition and Lifecycle Management | BUSS 5455 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 2 |
| Online Courses, 2024 | |||
| Space Systems | BUSS 5462 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 4 |
| Enterprise Leadership and Managing Global Teams | BUSS 5461 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 4 |
| Cyber Security and Security Systems | INFS 5136 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 4 |
| Third Residential - United States, 2024 | |||
| Global Security, Geopolitics and Defence Co-Operation | BUSS 5458 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 3 |
| Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship | BUSS 5460 | 4.5 | Refer to Note(s): 3 |
| Online Course - Capstone Project, 2024/25 | |||
| Defence and Space Strategic Industry Project | BUSS 5456 | 9.0 | Refer to Note(s): 4 |
Notes
- This course will be delivered as the first residential in Australia.
- This course will be delivered as the second residential in the United Kingdom.
- This course will be delivered as the third residential in the United States of America.
- This course will be delivered online only.
Rules
- This program can only be studied in the order specified in the program schedule above, with completion of courses in Adelaide, South Australia first.
Applications are now open
Apply now for the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space), commencing September 2023.
Applications close at 23:59 ACST Sunday, 16 July.
Entry Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
- A minimum of three years full time management experience and a recognised university undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications;
OR - A minimum of seven years full time management experience.
Applicants are asked to provide a written statement of no more than two pages outlining their reasons for applying for the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) program and how it fits with their career goals within the defence and space sectors.
Applicants who are citizens of any of the "Five Eyes" and other allied nations are eligible to apply.
Key program information
Scholarships
We are pleased to announce that a number of scholarships are now open for application.
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.
Applications will close at 23:59 ACST Sunday, 16 July 2023. All scholarship applications will be assessed after the closing date, with outcomes advised alongside program application outcomes in early August 2023.
For details please visit our dedicated Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarships page.
Partner with us
Are you interested in partnering with us on the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space)? You might be interested in collaborating on program delivery, joint R&D, or sponsorship and scholarship opportunities.
Make an enquiry and we’ll be in touch to start the conversation.
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.
Enquiry form
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
