How are New Zealand MBA programmes designed?

The MBA programme options in New Zealand include full-time, part-time,
specialised and stir-cased courses.

Full-time (FT) Require participants to attend classes during the week. Individuals are not fully employed while studying for the MBA. This is sometimes referred to as the traditional or original MBA programme design.

Full-time programs are offered by: AIS St Helens, AUT, Canterbury, Massey, Otago, Victoria and Waikato universities.

In 2007, 33% of the entering students in New Zealand MBA programs enrolled in full-time courses. The majority is in combined programs where both full-time and part-time students attend the same classes.

Studying full-time in New Zealand will require from 12 to 16 months, depending on the program selected. The shortest program is the AUT MBA (12 months). The Otago and Victoria MBA full-time programs are the longest (16 months).

Part-time (PT) Allow participants to maintain a job while attending, with classes offered in the evenings, on weekends or in week blocks. Usually, part-time courses take longer to complete and feel less intensive.

Part-time programs are offered by: AIS St Helens, Auckland, AUT, Canterbury, Henley Management College, Massey, Southern Cross, Victoria and Waikato universities.

In 2007, 67% of the entering students enrolled in part-time MBA courses in New Zealand. Part-time programs were reported to be anywhere from 18 months to 60 months in length.

Specialised (SP) Designed or tailored to address specific student needs or desires. They may be either full-time or part-time. They are considered specialised because they focus on a particular group such as executives, a particular area of study such as international management or a particular way of delivering the education, such as by distance learning.

Specialised programs are offered by: AIS St Helens, Henley Management College, Massey, Southern Cross.

Stair-cased (SC)  Designed for students who wish to study in steps or units (ie Certificate, Diploma, MBA). Within New Zealand there are three types of stair-cased programs: integrated, separate and customized. Henley Management College and Southern Cross University have integrated stair-casing. Both institutions admit candidates to their MBA program and as the candidates complete units, they may choose or be asked to exit with the award of a Certificate or a Diploma.

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