CDU launches first pop-up degree, making higher education more accessible in the regions

The first pop-up degree is being launched by Charles Darwin University (CDU), giving regional Territorians the option to study sustainable business practices close to home, making higher education more accessible in the regions. 

Starting from January 10, a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) will be offered in person at the Katherine and Alice Springs campuses.

MBA classes are delivered in a combination of online lectures and tutorials as well as face-to-face sessions in a two-day intensive masterclass on-campus.

The pop-up degrees launched by CDU will see regional and remote students able to study courses that may not have been offered traditionally before in their area, without having to travel to Darwin or interstate to study. 

Katherine and Alice Springs residents studying the MBA in-person through the intensive are eligible for 40 significant financial scholarships, including 20 for each region, reducing the total cost of their degree to $15,000.

The qualification focuses on developing important sustainable business strategies and practices, featuring electives such as research, business operations, accounting, legal studies, First Nations policy and environmental management and health.

Dean of CDU’s Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, Professor David Low, said the MBA would bring new-world skills to the regional Northern Territory.

“The new MBA Sustainable Enterprise will enable Katherine and Alice Springs students to gain skills to thrive in the sustainability-focused job market,” Professor Low said.

“With experienced teaching staff and industry connections, the course will improve students’ knowledge of emerging business standards and create leaders to drive sustainable practices in the Northern Territory and Australia.”

CDU is offering new opportunities for regional and remote students to study the recently launched MBA Sustainable Enterprise close to home.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor for Katherine and Big Rivers regions, Alison Haines, said the MBA scholarships would make higher education more accessible in the regions.

“The financial assistance could encourage more students from different industries and backgrounds to think about upskilling through the new MBA,” Mrs Haines said.

“This is the first time that an MBA degree is delivered in-person in Katherine and Alice Springs, broadening CDU’s course offering for remote and regional Territorians.”

Associate Vice-Chancellor for Central Australia, Jay Walker, said Alice Springs residents could enjoy flexibility in on-campus and online studies of the MBA.

"This MBA is a great opportunity to build the future leaders in the regions and provides flexibility to learners to have an on-campus experience and gain further qualifications," Mr Walker said.

MBA Sustainable Enterprise is 1.5 years if studied full-time and flexible learning modes are available for students working in the industry.

Applications are open now for the MBA Sustainable Enterprise remote scholarships. Call CDU on 8946 6666 or visit cdu.edu.au/mba to find out more.