MBA vs Commerce and Management courses
Discover which business postgraduate degree is right for you
We have outlined the differences between an MBA, Master of Management, Master of Commerce and our specialised business masters degrees to help you choose the right one for you.
An MBA stands for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), so it is actually another form of a master’s degree. We offer a part-time and full-time MBA, however rather than the difference being the study mode they are two completely different degrees.
Our MBA, taught part-time, consists of 7 core units of study, 4 electives and an industry capstone unit. Our MBA (Leadership and Enterprise), taught full-time over 18 months, has 11 core units of study, an industry capstone unit and no electives.
Many students opt to do an MBA for its international standing and strong reputation around the world. Graduates also benefit financially from the educational investment, with graduate MBA salaries averaging above $140,000.
MBAs attract a mix of students from diverse backgrounds, far beyond traditional business roles. With a strong focus on developing technical, personal and interpersonal skills needed to lead, our MBA's are designed for professionals with 3-5 years of relevant experience looking to take their career to the next level, make a career change or break into senior management.
Students get a first-class learning experience and amazing insights from leading professionals from various industries. It's amazing to hear from guest lecturers that what you're learning in the class translates into what they're doing in the real world. I've looked at a lot of MBAs and I would say that I can't recommend this one enough. I have gotten so much out of this experience and its truly changed who I am, and what I value and what I'll do going forward.
MBA (Leadership and Enterprise) student
“Students get a first-class learning experience and amazing insights from leading professionals from various industries. It's amazing to hear from guest lecturers that what you're learning in the class translates into what they're doing in the real world. I've looked at a lot of MBAs and I would say that I can't recommend this one enough. I have gotten so much out of this experience and its truly changed who I am, and what I value and what I'll do going forward.”
Abbie Watts MBA (Leadership and Enterprise) student
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Akhilla Ashok, current full-time MBA student
Akhilla Ashok, current full-time MBA student
The Master of Management program is similar in style to an MBA, but for a younger market. It’s designed to equip recent undergraduates or young professionals with 1-2 years’ experience from any background with the skills necessary for a career in management in their chosen field.
In just one year, you will develop the skills that businesses demand, regardless of your previous experience or undergraduate area of study.
You’ll explore the core areas of business activity – from strategy formulation and decision-making to business negotiation and people management. Through practical application and opportunities to work directly with industry, you will graduate with an integrated and future-focussed understanding of all aspects of business activity.
I think the most rewarding thing about the program is that it doesn’t just teach you the fundamentals of business theory, but you will undergo practical experience surrounding strategy, innovation, quantitative analysis and most importantly, a process of self-reflection where you can really identify your strengths, weaknesses and biases.
Master of Management student
“I think the most rewarding thing about the program is that it doesn’t just teach you the fundamentals of business theory, but you will undergo practical experience surrounding strategy, innovation, quantitative analysis and most importantly, a process of self-reflection where you can really identify your strengths, weaknesses and biases.”
Serwan Roman Master of Management student
If you are from a business background, the Master of Management (CEMS) is a 1.5-year global degree available to you. We are the only university in Australia to offer this program, which allows you to complete the CEMS Master in International Management as part of your degree.
You will spend at least one semester at a CEMS network University where you will gain valuable cross cultural experience whilst undertaking study and business experience. In turn, CEMS graduates are eagerly sought by leading multination corporations.
As someone ambitious with strong intrinsic motivation to do something meaningful in my life I realised that I wanted to help people and empower them to stand up for themselves. This degree helps me to do exactly that. It is a program built around developing responsible leaders for the future.
Master of Management (CEMS) student
“As someone ambitious with strong intrinsic motivation to do something meaningful in my life I realised that I wanted to help people and empower them to stand up for themselves. This degree helps me to do exactly that. It is a program built around developing responsible leaders for the future.”
Friederike Badenhausen Master of Management (CEMS) student
The future of work is complex and dynamic. In response, we’ve transformed our suite of Master of Commerce programs. Co-designed with industry, it’s now more versatile than ever. Study in either 18 months or 2 years and choose from 8 future-focused specialisations including Strategy, Innovation and Management and Data Analytics for Business. You can take advantage of integrated industry experiences as well as research and exchange opportunities. Your career, future-proofed.
You can choose to study one of the following programs:
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A specialised business master's degree may be the right option for you if you are looking to gain specialised skills in a particular area.
As globalisation continues to put pressure on performance, there is an ongoing demand for employees with expert knowledge and the ability to edge ahead of the competition. For individuals who are interested in specialising, looking to upskill or jump into a new industry, a specialised master's degree can provide the right ingredients.
It’s tough for young professionals to secure senior roles quickly, so I knew I needed to stand out. An international postgraduate degree aligned with my goals perfectly. It equipped me with invaluable tools for collaborating with clients and stakeholders worldwide, teaching me how to navigate diverse approaches and cultural nuances. The program’s international focus and academic rigour made it the perfect fit for my career aspirations.
Master of International Business (2023) graduate
“It’s tough for young professionals to secure senior roles quickly, so I knew I needed to stand out. An international postgraduate degree aligned with my goals perfectly. It equipped me with invaluable tools for collaborating with clients and stakeholders worldwide, teaching me how to navigate diverse approaches and cultural nuances. The program’s international focus and academic rigour made it the perfect fit for my career aspirations.”
Alex Yallouridis Master of International Business (2023) graduate
Whatever your career aspirations, there is a wide range of postgraduate business courses on offer. For more information, follow the links below:
*The figures are based on a survey with US companies. Find out more.
**Industries and salary data for Master of Management (MMgt) graduates are taken from the Survey of Completing MMgt students 2016/17. The survey is conducted within the first year of the graduates’ completion of the degree. Industries and salary data for Specialised Business Masters, MBA and the Global Executive MBA are from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016. 2015 graduates are surveyed 4-6 months after completion. Please note that graduate industries and salaries relate to domestic alumni only.
