Course details

Master of Global Business
NZQF Level 9

About the course

Get a global perspective on modern business theory, practice, and strategy, with a Master of Global Business from Victoria University of Wellington.

Global thinking in a connected world

The Master of Global Business is a professionally focused postgraduate programme that allows you to build on an undergraduate degree in any field and gain valuable skills in global business strategy and analysis.

The 180-point Master's programme is coursework-based and includes an industry consultancy project where you'll work with a New Zealand or international organisation to gain real-world experience.

The programme is best suited to recent graduates who are looking to launch their career in global business and strategy.

Experience our Master of Global Business

Join Dr Eldrede Kahiya, who is an academic that teaches on the Master of Global Business, for a short lecture on how to take your business global.

Download the latest prospectus

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our professional and postgraduate programme prospectus.

Get the prospectus

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Broad skills

You’ll get a broad foundation in modern business and explore how global connectivity impacts and influences the way business is done. Find out how companies successfully compete in the global business environment, and examine modern business theory, practice, and strategy. You'll have access to a wide range of courses offered at the Wellington School of Business and Government and the option to specialise in a particular area, including accounting, government, information systems, management, or marketing. If you want to complete a Master's with a focus on professional skills, rather than research, the MGBus is a good option for you.

Real-world connections

Take advantage of the University's connections in the business world and build valuable networks with peers, industry professionals, and future colleagues through the industry consulting project.

International recognition

Wellington School of Business and Government is among a small group of business schools worldwide that hold the 'Triple Crown' of international business education accreditations. You can be confident your qualification will stand up against the best around the world. Find out more about accreditations and what they mean for you.

Careers

This qualification paves the way for careers in global logistics, international business development, import/export management, and international brand management.

You could also continue your studies with a research-based Master's degree.

To find out more about career opportunities with the MGBus, see What can I do with my degree in International Business.

Find out how and what you'll study for the Master of Global Business.

What you'll study

Choose to study the 180-point Masters full-time or part-time. The core and elective courses can be taken in a flexible order. The practical project must be completed in your final trimester of study.

Core courses

You'll study six courses and gain a solid foundation knowledge of key global business approaches and practises.

  • Global Business Environment (GBUS 511)
  • Management Theory and Practice (GBUS 512)
  • Strategic Marketing (GBUS 513)
  • Accounting for Managers (GBUS 514)
  • Global Strategy (GBUS 541)
  • Managing Across Cultures (GBUS 542)

Specialisations and electives

Alongside your core courses you'll complete four elective courses from across the business school. You can choose to specialise in a particular area or complete a range of courses. Examples include:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Policy
  • Tourism Management.

You will have more flexibility if you wish to study part time.

Practical project

In your final trimester, you'll also complete a 30-point consultancy project, where you'll be partnered with an organisation and use theory to resolve a business issue.

What you'll study

The 180-point Masters has core and elective courses that can be taken in a flexible order. The practical project must be completed in your final trimester of study.

Core courses

You'll study six courses and gain a solid foundation knowledge of key global business approaches and practises.

  • Global Business Environment (GBUS 511)
  • Management Theory and Practice (GBUS 512)
  • Strategic Marketing (GBUS 513)
  • Accounting for Managers (GBUS 514)
  • Global Strategy (GBUS 541)
  • Managing Across Cultures (GBUS 542)

Specialisations and electives

Alongside your core courses you'll complete four elective courses from across the business school. You can choose to specialise in a particular area or complete a range of courses. Examples include:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • E-Government
  • Government
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Policy
  • Tourism.

Practical project

In your final trimester, you'll also complete a 30-point consultancy project, where you'll be partnered with an organisation and use theory to resolve a business issue.

Trimester 3, 2026

Trimester 1, 2027

Trimester 2, 2027

How you'll learn

Core courses are taught as a two-hour weekday block. Elective courses may be delivered in a block, weekly, or intensive format. Classes are interactive and taught through a mixture of lectures, case studies, and in-class presentations to facilitate learning and deliver essential knowledge.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways that replicate real working environments, through reflections, group video presentations, and an industry analysis project, giving you the skills to begin your career in international business.

Workload

The average workload for each course will be about 10 to 12 hours per week, including lectures, tutorials, and workshops. You can choose to study part time (1 to 2 courses per trimester) or full time (3 to 4 courses per trimester).

If you choose to study full time, you'll complete your MGBus in about 12 months (three trimesters). The part-time study option will allow you to complete your MGBus in up to four years.

Workload

The average workload for each course will be about 10 to 12 hours per week, including lectures, tutorials, and workshops.

Studying full time, you’ll do three to four courses per trimester and you’ll complete your MGBus in about 12 months (three trimesters).

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least a B average.

English language requirements

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

About the provider

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.  

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

  • Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
  • 170+ subjects
  • 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
  • 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
  • 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
  • 130+ clubs and societies
  • 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
  • #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
  • Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
  • Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
  • Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)


Graduate outcomes*

  • Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
  • 67% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.


Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

  • a good command of the English language
  • a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.


If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

  • English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
  • Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
  • Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree


Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

  • dedicated international student orientation and events
  • a free arrival meeting service at the airport
  • the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Kitea Impact Programme, which is also free to join.

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External links