Without Specialisation – Master of Business Administration

Shape your future with the Massey University Master of Business Administration (MBA). It signals broad leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills that apply across industries. 

Where you can study
Auckland campus
Distance and online
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note:
Three intakes each year (March, July, November. Selected entry qualification.

Specialise in Without Specialisation for your Master of Business Administration at Massey

Ready to move from specialist to leader? The Massey MBA equips you with the broad business knowledge and practical skills needed to step into management and strategy roles. Designed to enhance career flexibility, strengthen leadership capabilities, and build long-term adaptability, this programme prepares graduates for diverse managerial positions across many industries.

You'll study full-time in Auckland, and complete in 12 months and fast-track your career. 

Insights

Massey’s business qualifications are internationally recognised:

  • Top 300 globally – Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
  • AACSB ranks Massey in the top 5% of business schools in the world
  • Accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)

AMBA accreditation is recognised by employers and industry as a mark of quality and excellence.

Your Massey MBA will help you to:

  • make a meaningful impact on business and society
  • think critically and lead with integrity in a global, diverse environment
  • master cross-functional and strategic decision-making
  • stay career-ready and committed to lifelong learning.

Related qualification: Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

If you have 7+ years of full-time work experience (including 3 in management), consider the Executive MBA. This face-to-face programme is delivered over 10 weekends in less than two years.

A Master of Business Administration in Without Specialisation is a good fit if you:

  • have at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate work experience
  • are ready to fast-track your degree with a full-time MBA in just one year, or
  • are looking to build strong, generalist business skills.

Planning information

Planning information

If you study full-time, you’ll take 180 credits over a period of 12 months.

If you study part-time, you’ll take 180 credits over 2 years and have up to 5 years to complete your study. 
This is a parts-based qualification. For progression to Part Two you must have achieved a B- grade average across the courses completed in Part One.

To complete a specialisation in the Master of Business Administration you must pass 60 credits in the specified area which includes 2 specialisation elective courses plus the Action Learning Project. 
The MBA must be completed within 5 years subject to any visa restrictions.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Part One

Core Courses

Choose 90 credits from
Course code: 115764 Leadership and Teamwork 15 credits

Applied and experiential study of leading and working in teams, and the interpersonal communication skills required to be successful.

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Course code: 115765 Managing People and Organisations 15 credits

Applied study of the behaviour and management of people and organisations in the contemporary business environment.

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Course code: 115766 Managing Financial Resources 15 credits

The study of corporate finance and accounting functions in business, including the analysis, sourcing, and use of funds in the pursuit of organisational goals.

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Course code: 115768 Marketing Analysis and Strategy 15 credits

A study of marketing strategies, practices and analytical methods, including a range of marketing tools, techniques and research methods.

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Course code: 115769 Business Economics 15 credits

Study of core micro- and macro-economic principles and how these can be used in a business environment to enable effective decision making.

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Course code: 115774 Operations and Supply Chain Management 15 credits

This course examines operations management functions and methods in pursuit of sustainable organisational effectiveness.

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Elective courses

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115784 Balancing Innovation and Risk Management 15 credits

An applied and experiential study of the principles and practices that enable leaders to achieve the balance of innovation and risk management that enables resilient, sustainable businesses.

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Course code: 115791 Digital Transformation 15 credits

Applied study of the use of digital technology to solve business problems and exploit new business opportunities.

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Course code: 115792 Business Sustainability 15 credits

This course examines business practices that make organisations sustainable and resilient, with a particular focus on how to balance continuous innovation with good governance and risk management.

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Course code: 115793 Global Business 15 credits

A study of global trade practices and marketing strategies, including a range of trading tools, systems and techniques and their application to international marketing situations.

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Course code: 115796 Designing Globally Competitive Products and Services 15 credits

An applied and experiential study of innovative products and service design to achieve differential advantages for trading in global markets.

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Course code: 115799 Digital Design and Disruption 15 credits

Applied and experiential study of how digital technologies have disrupted various industries and how businesses can design digitally based innovations to achieve competitive advantage.

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Part Two

30 credits from

Course code: 115810 Strategic Business in the Global Market 30 credits

This course includes guided field visits to international businesses. Students integrate and apply knowledge from diverse business functions to enhance their understanding of business models and value creation in global business.

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Course code: 115811 Strategic Complexities in International Business 30 credits

This course includes a self-initiated study of international businesses. Students integrate and apply knowledge from diverse business functions to enhance their understanding of business models and value creation in global business.

Restrictions: 115810

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30 credits from

Course code: 115812 Action Learning Project 30 credits

Supervised team-based project focused on deliverable improvement of practices in an existing business or development of a new business opportunity, drawing on knowledge from multiple business disciplines.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

The MBA has selected entry. To apply you’ll need to:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, having achieved at least a B- grade average in the highest level courses, or equivalent
  • have completed at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate practical work experience
  • have been selected into the qualification on the basis of selection process which may include a written application, references and practical exercises.

Application closing dates 

There are 3 intakes each year. 

Third intake application closing date  for 2025

  • International students: 15 September 2025
  • Domestic students: 13 October 2025  

First intake application closing date  for 2026

  • International students: 15 December 2026
  • Domestic students: 23 February 2026

Second intake application closing date  for 2026

  • International students:  27 April 2026
  • Domestic students:  22 June 2026  

Documents you need to provide 

You need to supply with your application the following documentation:

  • copies of official transcripts of all previous university and/or professional qualifications
  • a full CV showing at least 3 years of work experience
  • an application statement covering supplied questions
  • a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.  

Application statement

Questions to address in your application personal statement:

  • Compared with other choices you considered for your studies, what made you select Massey?
  • Why have you chosen to do an MBA at this stage in your career?
  • How will you draw on your unique skills and experiences to contribute to your cohort’s MBA experience?
  • There will be group work during your studies. Tell us about the ways you have managed to perform in groups previously.
  • The MBA will require substantial work in class and out of class. In the past, how have you managed your time to be effective?
  • What are your career plans following your MBA graduation and how will the MBA help you achieve them?

Work experience

The work experience requirement ensures that you can contribute effectively and participate from a position of experience and knowledge. This means that when you have fewer than the required 3 years of work experience, we are unlikely to consider you for this MBA. 

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Master of Business Administration tuition fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the mode of study.

Indicative 2026 MBA tuition fees

  • 2026 Domestic on-campus: NZ$52,300 (12 months)
  • 2026 International full-time (onshore): NZ$65,150 (12 months)

Fees include eBooks and study materials but exclude non-tuition fees.

Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each year. The tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

Domestic students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

Careers and job opportunities

The MBA is designed for emerging managers and leaders who want to unlock new career pathways and step confidently into senior roles. By combining your previous study, work experience and learnings from this practical MBA, you’ll gain skills and insights that set you apart in the job market. The Massey MBA equips you with knowledge you can apply immediately, giving you a strong advantage when pursuing management and leadership positions and preparing you for a dynamic future career.

Massey Career Centre

The Massey Career Centre supports you during study and after graduation. Access online and in-person services to build career skills, confidence, and networks.

MBA alumni network

Stay connected. Our Massey and MBA alumni network gives you exclusive access to professional events, networking opportunities, and continued learning, helping you stay at the forefront of business leadership throughout your career.

International students

International students

New Zealand offers a supportive and welcoming environment for international students. Massey is rated 5-Star Plus by QS World University Rankings and is known for approachable staff, small classes, and faculty who bring industry expertise to their teaching.

Upon completion of your MBA study, you can apply for a 3-year post study work visa (conditions apply).

Important for international students on campus:

Accreditations and rankings

CEO magazine MBA ranking

This international magazine for executives ranked Massey's MBA in its top MBA qualifications for 2025.

Learn more

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