Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
As a graduate of the Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice), you will acquire the skills to lead organisations of all sizes with a forward-thinking approach that goes beyond profit. You will gain a profound understanding of sustainable business practices that genuinely make a difference.
This course will teach you how to run a business profitably while positively impacting society, the economy, and the environment. Alongside traditional MBA core competencies, you will learn to develop effective business strategies, design and implement sustainability initiatives, and master environmental, social, and corporate governance disclosure and reporting.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage in an applied professional business project and choose specialist electives that align with your career goals. This comprehensive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared to meet the demands of future-focused businesses.
What will I study?
The Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) will provide you with the opportunity to develop serious understanding of sustainable business practice in our rapidly changing world. You will complete units focusing on strategic management, human resource management, accounting, economics, leadership, data analytics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business research skills. You will gain significant experience on applied business project through a capstone unit.
Career opportunities
The Australian Government anticipates strong industry demand for business graduates across a wide range of sectors. As a graduate of the Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice), you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a diverse range of domestic and international career opportunities.
This degree prepares you for leadership roles in areas such as management, entrepreneurship, and consulting. In addition, it is ideal for those seeking careers in business operations management, marketing, human resource management, and business analysis. The professional practice focus of this MBA ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment and excel in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Practical experience
The course offers students the opportunity to complete a professional placement as part of the following units, which will consist of an industry internship. Please note that WIB602 and WIB603 must be taken concurrently, and both units have a prerequisite: WIB601 - Business Skills and Professional Communication.
- WIB602 Professional Practice 1: 100 hours
- WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20 credit points): 200 hours
Please note that there is NO capacity for recognition of prior learning (RPL) or advanced standing credit available for the above units within this program.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $38,192.00. This equates to $4,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
What will I study?
You will have the flexibility to take elective units that support your professional future from a range of discipline areas. You may select all specialist electives from a single discipline area or combine units from multiple discipline areas, depending on your interests, future study or career goals.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students are required to:
- Complete eleven compulsory core units
- Complete four specialist elective units
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (11 units) | 120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. BUS508 Business Analytics |
| Specialist Elective Units (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. Students may focus on one discipline or choose a combination of units from any discipline. Business Accounting and Law Indigenous Engagement and Policy Development Emergency and Disaster Management Public Health and Health Research Information Technology |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO |
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | CO | WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | CO/P |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | CO/P |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | CO/P |
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | CO/P | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | CO/P | ||
Specialist Elective Availablities
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive |
| Business Stream | |||
| ACT508 Accounting for Managers MAN517 Executive Leadership | ENT502 Entrepreneurship HRM506 Global Human Resources | ACT508 Accounting for Managers (INT 4) ENT502 Entrepreneurship (INT 6) HRM506 Global Human Resources (INT 1) MAN517 Executive Leadership (INT 3) | |
| Accounting and Law | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting LAW514 Commercial Law STA510 Business Statistics | ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting LAW513 Corporate Law LAW514 Commercial Law STA510 Business Statistics | ACT501 Accounting Principles STA510 Business Statistics | |
| Indigenous Engagement and Policy Development | |||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management | ||
| Not offered IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | |||
| Emergency and Disaster Management | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency | ||
| Public Health and Health Research | |||
| PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health | PHM553 Biostatistics PHM559 Health Policy | ||
| Information Technology | |||
| PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | PRT541 Information Systems Management PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability PRT592 Project Portfolio and Program Management PRT593 Risk Management | PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability | |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO | ||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | ||
| WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | CO/P | ||
| WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | CO/P | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | MAN500 Strategic Management | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO |
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | CO/P | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | CO/P | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO | ||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| WIB601 Business Skills and Professional Communication | CO | WIB602 Professional Practice 1 | CO/P | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | WIB603 Professional Practice 2 (20cp) | CO/P | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||||
Specialist Elective Availablities
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive |
| Business Stream | |||
| ACT508 Accounting for Managers MAN517 Executive Leadership | ENT502 Entrepreneurship HRM506 Global Human Resources | ACT508 Accounting for Managers (INT 4) ENT502 Entrepreneurship (INT 6) HRM506 Global Human Resources (INT 1) MAN517 Executive Leadership (INT 3) | |
| Accounting and Law | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting LAW514 Commercial Law STA510 Business Statistics | ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting LAW513 Corporate Law LAW514 Commercial Law STA510 Business Statistics | ACT501 Accounting Principles STA510 Business Statistics | |
| Indigenous Engagement and Policy Development | |||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management | ||
| Not offered IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts | |||
| Emergency and Disaster Management | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency | ||
| Public Health and Health Research | |||
| PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health | PHM553 Biostatistics PHM559 Health Policy | ||
| Information Technology | |||
| PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | PRT541 Information Systems Management PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability PRT592 Project Portfolio and Program Management PRT593 Risk Management | PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree or equivalent international qualification in any field.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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