Course details

Master of Applied Business
NZQF Level 9

About the course

In today’s, dynamic business environment, organisations are faced with unprecedented challenges and new opportunities. To stay competitive, they need a contemporary workforce that can navigate change and disruption with agility and resilience.

Unitec’s Master of Applied Business equips graduates with advanced knowledge and contemporary skills in their chosen area of specialisation. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on leadership and management positions in local and international markets.

Programme Highlights:

  • Complete a research project. Undertake a research project in your specialisation, enhancing your expertise.
  • Applied learning. Apply theory and skills to real-world situations through case studies and projects.
  • Blended course delivery. Learn in a variety of ways, from facilitated workshops, interactive lectures, presentations, discussions, and self-directed learning.
  • Internship (elective course). Undertake a workplace project relevant to your specialisation.
  • Post-study work visa. International graduates are for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Programme structure

The Master of Applied Business (MAB) is an 18-month, 180-credit programme studied over 3 semesters with a focus on real-world learning informed by contemporary business research.

Core Courses: 4 compulsory Level 8 courses 

  • Specialisation Courses: 3 Level 8 courses in your chosen specialisation
  • Elective Courses: 2 Level 8 elective courses to expand your expertise
  • Research Project: A 45-credit research project at Level 9
  • Study Plans: Please refer to the specialisations below for a copy of the current Study Plans (Note: these are subject to change)

Download Study Plans

>> Semester 2b, 2025 Study Plans can be found here

>> 2026 Study Plans can be found here

Specialisations

Choose one of five specialisations – all areas of high demand for employment:  

Business Analytics  

When leveraged effectively, business analytics can solve business problems, predict market trends and increase efficiency, productivity and revenue. 

In addition to the compulsory core courses, elective courses and research project, students will complete the following: 

Specialisation courses for Business Analytics

  • Data Analytics & Intelligence
  • Adaptive Business Intelligence
  • Analytics Storytelling

Digital Marketing  

Marketing has always been about connecting with your audience at the right time and place. In today’s business world, that place mostly is online. 

In addition to the compulsory core courses, elective courses and research project, students will complete the following: 

Specialisation courses for Digital Marketing 

  • Inbound Marketing
  • Online Advertising
  • Web Analytics

Additional Industry Certifications: 

  • Inbound Marketing Certification
  • Web Analytics Certification (Industry Certification Google Analytics 4 (GA4))

Leadership  

Leadership may not be a one-size-fits all, but the fundamentals remain the same. Strong business leadership drives organisational performance by creating an environment that inspires employees to do their best. 

In addition to the compulsory core courses, elective courses and research project, students will complete the following: 

  • Specialisation courses for Leadership
  • Leading and Managing Change
  • Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders
  • Building Workplace Culture

Supply Chain & Logistics

Supply chain and logistics management is critical to business performance and customer satisfaction.  

You’ll apply theoretical principles and analytical techniques to optimise supply chain operations, including procurement strategies, logistics, and warehouse management. Real-world business problems will help you gain practical experience in improving supply chain performance. 

In addition to the compulsory core courses, elective courses and research project, students will complete the following: 

Specialisation courses for Supply Chain & Logistics 

  • Procurement Methods
  • Supply Chain Design
  • Warehousing and Distribution

Advanced HR

Effective HR management helps bridge the gap between employee performance and an organisation’s strategic objectives. This specialisation focuses on how to implement modern HR practices enhancing employee experiences and driving organisational success. 

In addition to the compulsory core courses, elective courses and research project, students will complete the following: 

Specialisation courses for Advance HR

  • Employee Experience
  • Workforce Analytics
  • Building Workplace Culture

Career Options

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

Domestic: $8,700.00 NZD

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$30,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save up to $2,500 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

**Sem 2b 2026:**20 Oct – 20 Feb 2027

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - Master of Applied Business Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students

Entry requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline with merit achievement deemed to be a grade average of B- or higher; or
  • A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
  • If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

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External links