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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA Online

Transform your future with an MBA like no other, empowering yourself with innovative, cutting-edge technology, real industry connections, and hands-on client experience to master the skills to lead organisations, challenge status quos, and create lasting global impact.

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Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

16 months full-time

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Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Date

Icon Units

12

Units

Icon Learning Mode

100% Online

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Icon Fees

$36,320*

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Corey-BW2

‘The team at Swinburne Online did nothing but support and nurture my journey to graduation. I wouldn’t want to be an alumni anywhere else. Additional opportunities have also presented themselves as a direct result of this course, which has been amazing.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

$161,000

Australian MBA graduates see a steady salary increase to reach $161,000 within three years of completing their course.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

We received a 5-star rating for skills development and teaching quality for our postgraduate courses.

‘The team at Swinburne Online did nothing but support and nurture my journey to graduation. I wouldn’t want to be an alumni anywhere else. Additional opportunities have also presented themselves as a direct result of this course, which has been amazing.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

$161,000

Australian MBA graduates see a steady salary increase to reach $161,000 within three years of completing their course.

We received a 5-star rating for skills development and teaching quality for our postgraduate courses.

The Good Universities Guide 2024
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Professional development that really counts

The Master of Business Administration focuses on leadership and change, innovation and entrepreneurship, ethical practices and social responsibility. It equips students with the capacity to start new ventures or initiate organisational improvements successfully by building on authentic learning experiences and solutions-driven business scenarios. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain holistic management and business knowledge which prepares them for general management roles. The course design also allows the choice of electives to complete other business-related units.

Graduates can accelerate their careers in general and specialist management roles as they gain skills that are critical to the future of work such as problem solving, strategic decision making, teamwork, critical thinking, managerial and technical skills. They will be well prepared for ever more complex and uncertain business environments.

Your MBA Features

The Master of Business Administration gives students a generalist business degree covering leadership, change, strategic thinking, innovation and AI, and entrepreneurship. The MBA offers students the opportunity to undertake challenge units that are industry-focused and allows students to test the knowledge by undertaking live industry projects.

This degree provides students with the ability to pursue studies of interest or specialisations in a range of business areas. The degree is heavily industry-linked and has partners throughout who bring in live case studies or industry problems for students to deliver solutions, providing deep industry engagement and real-world problem-solving, preparing students to work as leaders.

What you’ll learn

  • Emerging Technology: You’ll explore the power of emerging technologies like AI to drive innovation, solve real-world business challenges, and create a competitive edge. Gain the skills to lead transformation, pitch bold ideas, and design future-ready strategies with impact.
  • Law for Entrepreneurs: Build your business on a strong legal foundation. Learn how to navigate company structures, contracts, and intellectual property to protect your venture, reduce risk, and prepare for sustainable growth and investment.
  • Technology & Innovation Immersion: Step into the future of business with this dynamic, hands-on unit that places you at the heart of innovation. You’ll work directly with leading industry partners to solve real-world challenges using emerging technologies. From hackathons to executive-level pitching, you’ll sharpen your strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership as you design tech-driven solutions that drive impact. This is your chance to apply cutting-edge frameworks and craft the business models of tomorrow—today.
  • Customer Experience Management: Delivering exceptional customer experiences is no longer optional—it’s a strategic advantage. You’ll master the art and science of designing and optimising customer journeys across every touchpoint. Using data-driven tools and industry best practices, you’ll learn to map, measure, and enhance CX strategies that elevate brand value and customer loyalty. Equipping you with the skills to turn insights into action and lead teams that put the customer at the centre of business success.

Want more information?

Fill in your details to receive detailed information regarding:

  • work-icon Career and industry pathways
  • description Course information
  • sync_saved_locally How online study works
  • paid Information about course fees and how to apply

Flexible study

What does flexible study mean for me?

Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to learn on your terms. Decide when and where study fits into your life and tailor your learning experience to your own needs.

An MBA from Swinburne Online is exactly the same qualification as you would get on campus. Get a world-class degree without giving up what’s important.

Flexible study at Swinburne Online

Pace your study to suit your lifestyle. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and a flexible unit load that you can increase as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to take on eight units per year and complete your MBA in as little as 16 months.

There are several pathways available into Swinburne Online’s MBA. Your professional experience and previous study are taken into account when your application is considered, and depending on your background, you may be exempt from some subjects. Chat to our Student Advisor team to discuss your individual circumstances.

If you decide to stop studying before completing your MBA, the units that you have completed may entitle you to a Graduate Certificate (four units) or Graduate Diploma (eight units). This means you can still exit with a postgraduate qualification.

You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners. Your online classroom is accessible 24/7, so you are free to decide when study best fits into your lifestyle.

There are no compulsory live sessions, and all content is recorded for you to access when it is most convenient. When you are less busy, stay a step ahead by accessing the content for the following week.

Start when it suits you. Swinburne Online offers three intakes per year and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or easily make a call when you need to take a break.

Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week. Student Advisors are available to help with any queries, and a dedicated academic team will guide you through each of your units.

Structure

To qualify for the award of Master of Business Administration, students must complete 150 credit points comprising:

  • Eight (8) core units (100 credit points)
  • Four (4) units comprising a specialisation or electives (50 credit points)

Students admitted based on successful completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Business Administration are not required to repeat units completed.

Tailor your degree by choosing a speciality you want to focus on to enhance and succeed in your career path.

Choose the MBA you want. At Swinburne Online, we know your career goals are as unique as you are. That’s why we have developed Specialisations that allow you to direct your knowledge in the areas that best align with your industry and career objectives.

Our specialisations are:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Cyber Security

Here’s a run down of the each specialisation if you choose to enhance your MBA. Otherwise for a flexible MBA you can choose units from a variety of topics.

Human Resource Management specialisation

Specialising in Human Resource Management equips you to lead people-focused strategies that drive innovation and performance. You’ll explore key areas like diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and creative problem-solving – giving you the tools to shape thriving, future-ready workplaces in a world where strong leadership and talent strategy are more vital than ever.

Digital Marketing specialisation

A Digital Marketing specialisation empowers you to craft bold, data-driven strategies that connect with consumers and fuel business growth. From global digital campaigns to understanding buyer behaviour, you’ll gain the creative and analytical skills needed to lead marketing in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Project Management specialisation

Specialising in Project Management equips you to lead complex initiatives with confidence. You’ll master strategic planning, risk management, and innovative delivery – skills essential for driving impactful outcomes across industries.

Cyber Security specialisation

Specialising in Cyber Security prepares you to protect organisations in a rapidly evolving digital world. You’ll gain critical skills in threat detection, ethical decision-making, and cyber law – empowering you to lead confidently in the fight against cybercrime.

Multiple exit points

Take the flexible pathway to your postgraduate degree with three exit-point options. Complete four units to obtain a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, eight units for a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration or the full 12 units to complete your MBA. There is no need to decide your level of study now, begin learning at your own pace and elect to exit at any time.

View All Units

How you'll learn

Learning designed for online

Designed by the online learning experts at Swinburne Online, your study journey is tailored to your goals. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand online study.

Your online study journey

Designed for an online experience, the MBA is fully accessible across devices, so you can study seamlessly whether you’re at home, in the office, or travelling. The curriculum is delivered through rich, engaging formats – videos, podcasts, interactive activities, and real-world case studies – to keep learning dynamic, meaningful, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Each unit brings together expert interviews, industry talks, and Swinburne’s exclusive real-time insights into business practice and innovation. Interactive learning elements, including live simulations, peer collaboration, and hands-on tools like Miro, ensure that learning is not only theoretical but deeply applied and engaging.

We know professionals have busy lives. That’s why the MBA offers flexible 6- and 12-week study modes, giving you choice in how and when you study. You can also choose to attend face-to-face classes for select units—even if you’re enrolled online—giving you additional options for networking and engagement.

The curriculum is deeply embedded with live industry projects, global business case challenges, and immersion units that allow you to pitch solutions to real companies. You’ll work with peers across the globe in venture teams to solve complex, real-world problems – mirroring the collaborative, cross-cultural nature of today’s business landscape.

Swinburne was one of Australia’s first universities to offer a fully online degree—and this MBA builds on more than a decade of innovation in online learning. Designed by education experts, the program ensures high-quality, outcomes-driven learning that goes beyond just content delivery.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop an industry-aligned portfolio of work that showcases your practical skills – ready to present to future employers. This means even if you’re early in your career or transitioning roles, you’ll be able to demonstrate capability, not just knowledge.

Entry requirements

To gain entry into this course, applicants must have at least one of the following:

  • a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
  • a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant experience
  • a recognised graduate certificate in a related discipline.*

* Related graduate certificates include Swinburne Online’s Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate of Project Management, Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security and Graduate Certificate of Management. You may be exempt from some units if you have already completed them in your graduate certificate.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you meet the entry criteria and have substantial relevant work experience, speak with one of our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for your professional background.

International Students

If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.

Fees

The estimated annual fee for this course is $36,320*. This is based on completing eight 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.

*Unit fees are subject to change annually.

Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.

Discover more information about HELP loans.

Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.

This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.

Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.

Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Career Outcomes

Your pathway to industry

Your Master of Business Administration will give you the decisive vision and professional agility needed to stand apart from your peers. Gain the advanced skills essential to excelling as a leader in business. Leverage your MBA to grow your business as an entrepreneur, or step up into a senior management position, such as:

Role Overview: Leads the entire organisation, sets strategic direction, manages senior executives, and is ultimately responsible for business success and stakeholder value.
Average Salary: $250,000 – $500,000+
*Varies significantly based on company size and industry.

Role Overview: Oversees day-to-day operational functions, ensures efficiency across departments, and translates strategy into action.
Average Salary: $220,000 – $350,000+

Role Overview: Develops long-term plans, evaluates market trends, and advises the executive team on key initiatives to ensure growth and innovation.
Average Salary: $180,000 – $250,000+

Role Overview: Develops and implements strategic plans to achieve business objectives, analyses market trends, and identifies growth opportunities.
Average Salary: Approximately $125,000 to $135,000 per year.

Role Overview: Leads a business unit or the whole organisation (especially in SMEs), focusing on financial results, operations, and leadership.
Average Salary: $200,000 – $350,000+

Role Overview: Oversees recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development to foster a productive work environment.
Average Salary: Typically between $120,000 and $140,000 per year

Nationally accredited

This course is nationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide.

FAQs
What are other students asking?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
A.
When you enrol to study a degree with us, you will nominate how many units you would like to select per teaching period, based on a recommendation from one of our Course Consultants. From here, our enrolments team will allocate you automatically to the units they feel will be best suited to your needs, so you don’t need to worry about choosing units. If you want to choose something different than what you are allocated to, that is no problem, just get in touch with our Student Advisors and they will take care of it for you.
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you. There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
A.
A survey of recent Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90 per cent of Business alumni were employed full-time. Forbes Australia reports that 'Demand for MBA graduates is strong. An annual recruiter survey reports significant rebounds in hiring and salary projections for MBA graduates in recent years, while demand expected to increase or remain stable in years to come.' According to the 2023 Alumni Insights Report, salary growth comes quickly for students as some see a $15,000 income increase during their MBA studies, and beyond the average salary of MBA respondents in Australia is $161,000.
A.
Swinburne University’s MBA has a Tier-1 rating and is in the top Online MBAs in CEO Magazine's 2022 Global Rankings. It is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide. When you complete your MBA with Swinburne Online, you will receive the same globally recognised MBA as on-campus students, without having to attend any in-person or live teaching sessions. Swinburne Online’s MBA is highly flexible, meaning that you can tailor the course content to suit your specific interests and career goals.
A.
In 2023, the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Graduate Outcomes Survey found that working professionals without a postgraduate degree received a median salary of $71,000 per year, while those with a postgraduate degree in addition to their undergrad degree earned on average $97,000 per year. According to the 2023 Alumni Insights Report, salary growth comes quickly for students as some see a $15,000 income increase during their MBA studies, and beyond the average salary of MBA respondents in Australia is $161,000*.
A.
A survey of recent Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90 per cent of Business alumni were employed full-time. This comes as no surprise as the 2021 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that worldwide, 91 per cent of recruiters planned to hire MBAs that year, and that demand for graduate management talent has now returned to pre-pandemic levels.
A.
An MBA will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in business: strategy, innovation, marketing and management. Additionally, it signals to employers your readiness for a senior management position. The 2021 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that worldwide, 91 per cent of recruiters planned to hire MBAs that year, and that demand for graduate management talent has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, an MBA from Swinburne Online is globally recognised, meaning that your qualification could create opportunities worldwide.
A.
An MBA signals to employers your readiness for a senior management position. An MBA is an advantage or requirement for employment in the following roles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Strategic Manager
  • Executive General Manager
  • Managing Director
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A.
An MBA will enhance your professional skillset and give you the tools to grow your customer base, output and profit margin. With new insights into contemporary business practice, you will be ready to strategically upscale your processes and take your business to the next level.
A.
Different universities structure their MBAs in different ways. Swinburne Online’s MBA is highly flexible, meaning that you can tailor the course content to suit your specific interests and career goals. Additionally, Swinburne University’s MBA has a Tier-1 rating and is in the top Online MBAs in CEO Magazine's 2022 Global Rankings, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognised business school standard achieved by less than 5 per cent of business schools worldwide. When you complete your MBA with Swinburne Online, you will receive the same globally recognised MBA as on-campus students, without having to attend any in-person or live teaching sessions.
A.
Your Master of Business Administration will give you the decisive vision and professional agility needed to stand apart from your peers. Gain the advanced skills essential to excelling as a leader in business. Leverage your MBA to grow your business as an entrepreneur, or step up into a senior management position.
A.
When you complete an MBA with Swinburne Online, you will be rewarded with not only a top-tier master’s qualification, but also a valuable network of like-minded business professionals. Forge connections, motivate one another and share opportunities and ideas that you can continue to draw upon long after graduation. 
A.
Yes, there are no requisite live or in-person sessions, so you can elect to study anytime, anywhere. If you find the combination of full-time work and full-time study to be too much, you can choose to study part-time.
A.
Yes, Swinburne Online’s MBA is a postgraduate degree, meaning that previous tertiary study is an entry requirement for the course. If you have not studied at a tertiary level before, you may seek entry into the course via the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration. See the entry requirements for more information.
A.
As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week, with Student Advisors available to help with anything from tech support to research advice and dedicated online tutors in each of your units. Learn more about your student support.

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