Master of Professional Business Analysis
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
If you want to pivot into a new career as a business analyst, this degree equips you with a strong industry-focused skillset.
Want to solve complex business problems using technology, processes, and data? The Master of Professional Business Analysis (MBusAn) shows you how. Designed for people from any background, this programme equips you with a strong, industry-focused qualification.
The Master of Business Analysis (MBusAn) prepares you to identify business needs and help design effective solutions for complex, technology-driven environments.
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Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our professional and postgraduate programme prospectus.
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Experience our Master of Professional Business Analysis
Join Cathal Doyle, who teaches on the Master of Professional Business Analysis, for a short lecture on what business analysts actually do.
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.
What you'll learn
You’ll build expertise in:
- stakeholder engagement
- design thinking
- business process analysis and modelling
- digital strategy and innovation
- digital architecture
- digital project management
- data analytics and insights
- digital transformation consulting.
While the programme includes a course in data analytics to strengthen evidence-based insights and decision-making, it is not a specialised business data analytics qualification. Graduates typically progress to roles such as business analyst, business process consultant, change manager, product owner, or digital transformation consultant, guiding organisations through strategic and technological change.
Career prospects
Our graduates work across the public and private sector at organisations such as Datacom, ANZ, PwC, ACC, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the New Zealand Police, Westpac, the Ministry of Education, and more.
Community
Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues.
You’ll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions. The Postgraduate Students’ Association offers information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Learn about how and what you’ll study on the MBusAn programme.
Programme structure and duration
The MBusAn programme has eight core courses and three electives. Full-time students can complete the programme in four consecutive trimesters over 16 months. Part-time students take their electives at the end of their studies to complete the degree in five or six trimesters, approximately 2 to 2.5 years.
Programme structure and duration
The MBusAn programme has eight core courses and three electives. Full-time students can complete the programme in four consecutive trimesters over 16 months.
How you’ll learn
The Master of Professional Business Analysis programme focuses on practical learning through on-campus experiences with instructors, industry experts, and peers. It emphasises hands-on engagement to develop job-ready skills—that’s why the MBusAn is not offered fully online.
You’ll learn through pre-recorded content, seminars, and various hands-on activities like workshops and team-based tasks. These activities are crucial to help you understand business analysis concepts and skills.
Capstone project
In the final trimester, there’s a capstone industry project (MBUA 532). You will work closely with industry partners, an academic supervisor, and your fellow MBusAn students.
This intensive hands-on project will consolidate your learning and develop teamwork and client-facing skills, while providing practical work experience for your CV. Your physical presence in Wellington for this project is essential. If you foresee any challenges meeting this requirement, contact us to discuss possible solutions before enrolling. While we support remote learning for some courses, it’s only possible for MBUA 532 in exceptional circumstances.
Core course overview
Business and Systems Analysis—MBUA 510 (15 points)
Learn modelling and design techniques used by business analysts, including the methods and tools used to document business flows, information analysis, rules, classes, and other related elements required for business analysis.
Business Process Design—MBUA 511 (15 points)
Explore the role and potential of IT in supporting business process management and design. You’ll learn modern business process modelling techniques, apply them to designing an improved business process, then test and evaluate their proposed design using simulation software.
Data, Analytics & Insights—MBUA 512 (15 points)
Learn about databases, starting with the fundamentals of relational databases, relational database modelling, and SQL database queries using enterprise databases. The analytics component covers data extraction, visualisation, and predictive analytics.
Leading Digital Projects and Solutions—MBUA 513 (15 points)
Equip yourself with contemporary IT project management tools and skills, including traditional and agile methodologies. Understand risk management and how to develop change management strategies for internal and external stakeholders. And learn how to deal with social and cultural issues in project environments.
Digital Architecture—MBUA 514 (15 points)
Examine the alignment between enterprise goals and strategy, business processes, data, information systems, and the associated technical infrastructure. Learn how to analyse, model, design, and evaluate enterprise architectures, how to plan the transition from a baseline to a target architecture, and how to create effective governance instruments for successful enterprise architecture management.
Digital Innovation and Strategy—MBUA 515 (15 points)
Develop the skills required for formulating IS strategy. Learn about the role of IT in designing new business models and enabling innovation. You’ll develop expertise in the IS strategic process, including governance, application portfolio management, business case development, sourcing decisions, and benefits assessment.
Digital Transformation Consulting Practice—MBUA 531 (15 points)
Acquire specific intervention tools and techniques used by business analysts and consultants when assessing organisations and undertaking change projects. Business analysts are required to understand political, managerial, and economic considerations of business analysis practice. You’ll learn about effective change strategies and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Business Analysis Project—MBUA 532 (30 points)
Conduct an industry research project on a selected aspect of business analysis. Work with an industry partner under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Identify and implement or present a system, intervention, analysis, or project situation in consultation with an industry partner.
Video
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree 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
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.