You’ve probably heard of an MBA, but what does the degree actually involve? And is it worth pursuing in today’s Australian business landscape? Let’s take a closer look.
What is an MBA?
An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is one of the most recognised postgraduate qualifications in the business world. It focuses on practical, future-focused business skills designed to help professionals lead teams, make strategic decisions, and manage change. The course covers a range of in-demand skills, including leadership and professional communication, customer experience management, and business strategy, to strengthen your leadership capability. Depending on your study pathway, you may also develop skills in negotiation, innovation, and foundational business law.
The Swinburne Online MBA builds on core business knowledge by integrating emerging technologies like AI to ensure you can lead and innovate in a time of industry disruption and transformation. Our advanced MBA course has been designed for working professionals, ensuring your studies are globally connected and tech-focused. It also helps you to grow your expertise in ethical and sustainable business practices and strategies. At Swinburne, we aim to keep your studies relevant. Study materials are regularly updated to reflect current challenges, including climate change and digital disruption.
Diversify your knowledge
The MBA also gives you the option to specialise in an area that aligns with your career. We offer four sought-after specialisations to help you succeed:
- Project Management: Master strategic planning, risk management, and innovative delivery to help you lead complex initiatives with confidence.
- Cyber Security: Gain practical experience to equip yourself for implementing cyber security measures across an organisation.
- Digital Marketing: Be empowered to craft data-driven marketing strategies and be able to execute them across multiple channels.
- Human Resource Management: Learn how to drive the heart of any organisation – its people – with people-focused strategies and inclusiveness to help drive a positive workplace culture.
So why study for an MBA?
People choose to study an MBA for different reasons. Some students want to strengthen their leadership and communication skills, while others are building entrepreneurial capability or preparing for a promotion. Like our MBA graduate, Mark, who wanted to move into senior leadership and is now in a new Sales Manager position.
The Swinburne Online Master of Business Administration is a good stepping stone, whether you’re starting on your business career or adding to your resume. The Swinburne Business School reports over 90% of our graduates being employed within four months of graduation, while those who chose to complete an MBA later in their career saw an average 28% increase in salary within three years of completing their degree. The Swinburne MBA also holds a Tier-1 rating and ranks among the top online MBAs globally, ranked 59th worldwide in 2025 by CEO Magazine.
What’s next after an MBA?
With your degree in hand and the guidance of Swinburne’s Career Consultants, there are currently over 4,100 jobs available on SEEK across Australia for those with an MBA degree. And whether you choose a specialisation or not, an MBA opens doors to some of the highest-paying careers out there, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Head of Strategy, Human Resources Manager, Managing Director, top IT roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Investment Banking roles. Let’s have a quick look at what these roles entail.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Average Salary: $200,000 to $230,000+
- Role: Lead the entire organisation, set strategic direction, manage senior executives, and is ultimately responsible for business success and stakeholder value. They are accountable for making major decisions, managing the executive team, and ensuring the company achieves its goals and objectives.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Average Salary: $195,000 to $215,000
- Role: A key executive role, typically second-in-command to the CEO, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company and ensuring alignment with its strategic goals.
Head of Strategy
- Average Salary: $200,000 to $300,000+
- Role: Senior executive role responsible for shaping long-term business direction, driving growth, and leading strategic initiatives, often reporting to the CEO or CIO.
Managing Director
- Average Salary: $150,000 to $225,000+
- Role: A senior position responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational performance, translating the company’s strategic goals into actionable plans, and overseeing daily operations.
Human Resources Manager
- Average Salary: $125,000 to $145,000
- Role: Oversees recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development to foster a productive work environment.
Why study an MBA at Swinburne Online?
Our online model gives you the flexibility to study around work and life commitments. Just ask our MBA graduate, Tracey, who managed to work a full-time job, keep a balanced family life, and study all at the same time. Depending on your available time and motivation, you can complete the Swinburne Online MBA within 16 months with full-time study or complete the 12 units over a 24-month period with part-time study. You can also rest assured as the Swinburne MBA is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
You will also have a dedicated support team of Online Learning Advisors (OLAs), Student Advisors, Mentors and Coaches, as well as Online Tutors to help you on your study journey. All your study materials and resources can be found on Student Hub, while all your classes and assignments can be accessed via Canvas. With everything conveniently located under one login, you can tackle classes, assignments, or join group discussions whenever inspiration strikes.
So, now the next question follows…
What do I need to study for an MBA?
To get started on your application journey, there are a few entry requirements you must meet. To ensure you are eligible for the degree, you must have at least one of the following:
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; or
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant experience; or
- a recognised graduate certificate in a related discipline.*
*Related graduate certificates include Swinburne Online’s Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate of Project Management and Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security. You may be exempt from some units if you have already completed them in your graduate certificate.
If you have completed one or more of the above, then you are eligible to apply for our MBA. The application process is straightforward, with support available at each stage. Simply complete the Application Form, and a Course Consultant will be in contact to help you step-by-step. Enrolment is also handled by a Course Consultant who will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Once your enrolment is confirmed, you will be contacted by the Student Success Team, and there you go!
The way of the future
With over 4,000 jobs available across Australia for those who hold an MBA, it’s a good indicator that there is a strong market for employment once you graduate. The strong focus on leadership, future-fit innovation, and customer experience management means that you will step into your role with confidence and a solid foundation. Swinburne’s AI-focused MBA gives you a head start in an evolving industry as more and more Australian businesses are now adopting AI solutions. Research shows that up to 81% of Australian start-ups have already adopted AI.
Equipped with a foundation in business management, technological innovation, and strategic thinking backed by an AACSB Accreditation, you are on your way to success, no matter the industry.
There’s only one question that remains: Are you ready to take the next step in your Career? Explore how a flexible online MBA can support your next career move. Contact one of our Course Consultants to start your MBA online journey today.
