Master of Management by Thesis
Critically examine management theories and practices while developing the skills to design and complete a substantial research thesis. The MM by Thesis provides a pathway to doctoral studies in Management, offering a rigorous foundation for those who aspire to continue their academic
journey.
The Master of Management by Thesis builds on prior postgraduate studies at Level 8 in business or related fields.
It is also suitable for those with a Level 8 qualification in any field, provided they have at least 3 years of relevant managerial and
practical experience. This programme emphasises mastery of theoretical concepts in management, making it ideal for learners who intend to pursue doctoral studies or an academic career. Successful graduates will be well-prepared to enter doctorate programmes in New Zealand and internationally.
Students will learn to identify problems or challenges within a specialised field — whether in management, business, commerce, business information, or enterprise innovation — and develop a research project that addresses gaps in the existing literature.
BYOD: Students of this programme are required to bring their own devices (laptop, tablet).
MASTERS BY RESEARCH STUDENTS
There are no restrictions on the hours you can work if you are enrolled in a Research Masters or doctoral degree programme (PhD) awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution. For more information visit New Zealand Immigration website.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- A Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s degree or other NZQF Level 8 qualification in a business-related subject from a recognised institution, including full transcripts,
- Or a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s degree or other NZQF Level 8 qualification in any subject from a recognised institution, including full transcripts, combined with a minimum of 3 years of relevant managerial and practical experience.
- For International students, *Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 overall (with no band score lower than 6.0 and gained within the past two years in one examination), or any other equivalent in a test recognised by NZQA.
- A personal statement explaining why you want to study the programme is strongly recommended.
GRADUATE OUTCOMES
- Evaluate and apply advanced contemporary management theories to emerging situations in an organisation.
- Create an internal organisation culture with strong employee engagement, collaboration and teamwork, and ongoing learning and development in the changing environment.
- Analyse, synthesise and communicate information, plans, policies and strategies to enhance business outcomes in an
organisation. - Apply leadership and management to improve business performance within an organisation in Aotearoa New
Zealand or internationally.
EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES
- Lecturer
- Research Fellow
- Academic Advisor
- Learning Designer
- Researcher
- Research Analyst
- Educational Consultant
- Corporate Trainer
- Curriculum Developer
- Higher Education
- Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Research Manager
Note: Some of these career paths may require additional work experience after graduation.
12-Month Programme: Three 16-week trimesters excluding holidays
120 Credits: Top 15-credit papers and a 90-credit thesis
LEVEL 8 | CREDITS |
8542 – Research Methods | 15 |
LEVEL 8 or 9 | CREDITS |
TBD – Elective Paper in Business, Management or Business Informatics offered by ICL aligned with the research topic of your thesis | 15 |
LEVEL 9 | CREDITS |
9550 – Thesis | 90 |
PROGRAMME START DATES
- 11 November 2024
- 06 January 2025
- 24 March 2025
- 05 May 2025
- 21 July 2025
- 01 August 2025
- 17 November 2025
TERM BREAKS (APR, AUG 2024 & JAN, MAY, SEP 2025 INTAKES)
- Trimester break: 15/12/2024 – 05/01/2025
- Trimester break: 27/04/2025 – 04/05/2025
- Trimester break: 24/08/2025 – 31/08/2025
- Trimester break: 21/12/2025 – 04/01/2026
- Trimester break: 26/04/2026 – 03/05/2026
TERM BREAKS (JUL, NOV, 2024 & MAR, JUL, NOV 2025 INTAKES)
- Christmas break: 22/12/2024 – 05/01/2025
- Trimester break: 16/03/2025 – 23/03/2025
- Trimester break: 13/07/2025 – 20/07/2025
- Trimester break: 09/11/2025 – 16/11/2025
- Christmas break: 21/12/2025 – 04/01/2026
- Trimester break: 22/03/2026 – 29/03/2026
- Trimester break: 19/07/2026 – 26/07/2026