Charles Darwin University
Master of Business Administration (Executive)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Acquire the skills to lead organisations of all sizes with a forward-thinking approach that goes beyond profit.

Course overview
The Master of Business Administration (Executive) 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.
Key facts
20th July, 2026
What you will study
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are required to:
- Complete the eight compulsory core units.
- Complete the four specialist elective units.
Core units (80 credit points)
- Business Analytics
- Business Research Skills (available from 2026)
- Contemporary Issues in Economics (available from 2026)
- Finance and Investment for the Executive
- Organisational Change and Development (available from 2026)
- Strategic Management
- Marketing for Managers
- Applied Business Project (capstone) (available from 2026)
Specialist electives (40 credit points)
- Accounting for Managers (available from 2026)
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Human Resources (available from 2026)
- Executive Leadership
Entry requirements
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree or equivalent international qualification in any field.
English language requirements
This course's minimum English language requirement is met by undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
- CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40): Completing 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 C1 grade valid for three years from the test date to 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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Fast-track (Advanced Standing)
Applicants who hold a qualification in a business-related field and have a minimum of four years full-time professional experience in managerial roles may be eligible for a maximum of 40 credit points of block credit. To apply after an offer is made applicants must submit the CDU eform, accessed through the CDU Portal, provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV), documented evidence from your employer detailing roles and responsibilities.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates can pursue leadership roles in fields such as management, entrepreneurship and consulting. Additionally, this course is suited for students interested in positions in business operation management, marketing specialists, human resource management and business analysis. This Master of Business Administration (Executive) equips professionals to thrive in the dynamic and ever-changing world of business.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated full fee in 2025: From $28,888 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated fees are determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course