Master of Business Administration (Extended)

The Master of Business Administration (Extended) at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to move into management or sharpen the business skills they already use at work. It's an extended MBA, which means it runs longer than the standard version and gives you more room to build your knowledge before you specialise. You'll study core business areas like accounting, economics, marketing, organisational behaviour, strategy and operations, then choose electives that match where you want your career to go. The extended format suits students who want a broader grounding or who are switching into business from another field.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to complete a required total to graduate, usually across semesters or trimesters. At USC, the academic year typically runs in semesters, with some units offered in summer or winter sessions. The extended MBA spreads the same core content over more units, so you can add electives, a specialisation, or a research project without rushing. Many MBA programmes include a capstone unit in the final stage, where you bring together what you've learned to solve a real business problem. Some also offer a professional placement or industry project, which counts towards your degree and gives you Australian workplace experience.

What you'll actually learn

You'll work on financial analysis, marketing plans, leadership and team management, and strategic decision-making. Group projects and case studies are common, so you practise presenting, negotiating and working with people from different backgrounds. Assessment is usually a mix of exams, reports, presentations and practical assignments. The skills you pick up, reading a balance sheet, building a business case, managing a project, are the ones employers expect from MBA graduates. If you choose a research pathway, you might write a minor thesis instead of extra coursework.

Who it's for and how it fits Australian study

This degree suits early- to mid-career professionals, recent graduates with a business or non-business bachelor's degree, and people returning to study after time in the workforce. It's also a way for international students to gain an Australian qualification and access post-study work rights. As a master's degree, it sits at AQF level 9. On a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for coursework master's degrees, but always check the official page for the exact score and accepted equivalents. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register (course code 088886G). Confirm all details, including unit lists and placement options, with the University of the Sunshine Coast before you apply.

• General manager or operations manager, overseeing teams and day-to-day business in retail, hospitality, health services or manufacturing.
• Business development manager, finding new clients and markets for professional services firms, tech companies or agribusiness.
• Marketing manager, planning campaigns and product launches for consumer brands, tourism operators or not-for-profits.
• Financial analyst or management consultant, working in banks, accounting firms or consultancies across Australia.
• Project manager, running construction, IT or infrastructure projects in the public and private sectors.
• Human resources manager, managing recruitment, payroll and workplace relations in large organisations.
• Entrepreneur or small business owner, starting or growing your own venture, often in tourism, food or online retail.