AGSM Master of Business Administration (Policy Leadership)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 2 - 4 years
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8625
- CRICOS code -
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $41,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $63,000*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $41,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $63,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Hybrid learning
-
Part-time study
-
Flexible MBA
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Become a respected leader in policy development and public administration with an MBA from Australia’s leading Business School*. This program provides the foundational knowledge to unlock leadership careers in public administration and management.
If you’re trying to decide between studying a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Business Administration, the MBAX (Policy Leadership) offers the best of both worlds. The program covers key topics that are typically studied in an MPA degree, however, they’re combined with the foundational business skills associated with an MBA.
Capitalise on the flexibility of this course and work full-time while you study. Personalise your experience by choosing between online classes, face-to-face learning or a combination of both. Learn from leading practitioners from a range of policy, government and business backgrounds, and develop a network of peers and future colleagues through interactive, immersive learning and shared experiences.
*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools List 2022, 2023
Key features
Study a highly-regarded MBA program
AGSM’s online MBAX programs are ranked #1 in Australia and ranked #4 in the world.* You’ll not only graduate with a highly reputable qualification, but with the skills needed to change industries, accelerate your career, or start a new enterprise.
Empowering leaders in policy leadership
This program helps executives, managers and leaders develop the knowledge and attributes needed for senior public administration roles. You’ll explore a varied curriculum aimed at improving your effectiveness and leadership skills in the sector.
Designed in consultation with policy leaders
AGSM works in collaboration with the Australian Public Service Commission to develop highly relevant courses that prime students to make an impact in their professional roles. Students will gain an understanding of the contemporary policy environment and undertake expert-led training to design and deliver robust policy that benefits the Australian people.
*QS 2024 Global Online MBA Rankings
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Maximise your employability
Our Career Accelerator program gives you access to exclusive resources and workshops to refine your leadership skills, as well as access to our global network to explore future career paths and opportunities.
Choose the study method that suits you
It can be a challenge to juggle everything life throws at you. That’s why we’ve built complete flexibility into this program to allow students to earn their MBA while balancing other work and personal commitments. Choose to study entirely online, face-to-face or a combination of both, and stretch your studies across 2 to 6 years.
Driving equality and diversity
We’re committed to ensuring equitable access to our AGSM programs, to reflect the diversity of our communities. AGSM holds the second highest ESG ranking globally for online MBAs and has been recognised as a top institution for women to study.*
*Financial Times Online MBA 2022 rankings
Want to see more from UNSW Business School?
Entry requirements
You will need to have:
- A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) and a minimum of 2 years professional or managerial work experience, or
- At least 6 years professional work experience
Note: Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee you will be offered a place on this program.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the UNSW English Requirements Policy for further information.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
The MBAX (Policy Leadership) (8625) is open to International Students studying offshore. This program is not eligible for international student visa.
You will need to have:
- A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) and a minimum of 2 years professional or managerial work experience, or
- At least 6 years professional work experience
Note: Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee you will be offered a place on this program.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the UNSW English Requirements Policy for further information.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The MBAX (Policy Leadership) provides critical skills for public service executives and policy managers who wish to grow their impact and enhance their careers. You’ll learn to analyse the dynamics of policy systems, interrogate different data sources that feed into policy development and learn to consider future scenarios to develop policy that benefits Australians now and in the future.
The program comprises core subjects and electives, all guided by industry professionals, giving you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests. You'll have the option to learn in various formats, choosing from online and face-to-face learning – or a combination of both.
Full program structure
The MBAX (Policy Leadership) is a part-time program that can be completed in anywhere between 2 to 6 years. There are 12 courses in the program, totalling 72 units of credit (UOC). Students must complete:
2 compulsory courses – 12 UOC
- Leadership
- Strategy
4 core MBAX courses – 24 UOC
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics and Decision-Making
- Economics in Management Practice
- Managing People and Organisations
- Marketing Management
4 core Policy Leadership course – 24 UOC
- Adaptive Leadership
- Assessing Data for Evidence-based Policy
- Governance in Policy Systems
- The Business of Managing Projects
2 prescribed electives – 182 UOC
- Collaboration for Social Impact
- Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
- Creating Shared Value
- Demonstrating Social Impact
- Design for Social Innovation
- Social Impact
- Social Impact Investment
- Any AGSM course (see handbook for details)
Future careers
Graduates of an MBA in Policy Leadership can unlock diverse career opportunities across the public sector. The versatile skill set gained through this degree ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate various leadership and policy-focused roles.
Potential careers
- Chief Policy Officer
- Corporate Strategy Manager
- Director of Policy Development
- Economic Development Director
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Government Relations Manager
- Health Policy Manager
- Legislative Advisor
- Policy Advisor/Analyst
- Policy and Strategy Manager
- Policy Researcher
- Program Manager
- Public Affairs Director
- Sustainability Manager
- Urban Policy Planner
How to apply
Before applying for admission, candidates must satisfy the entry requirements. Information on how to apply including application dates and checklist can be found on the AGSM How to Apply page.
If you would like to undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the AGSM MBAX (Policy Leadership) program, please email your CV to admissions@agsm.edu.au and a team member will be in touch.
Ready to start your application?
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
AGSM’s Full-Time MBA ranked 1st in Australia and 79th among the best global.
AGSM's MBAX ranked 1st in Australia and 4th among the best global online MBA programs, according to The QS 2024 Online MBA Rankings.
AGSM students have access to a rich global network of over 17,000 AGSM alumni who are recognised international business leaders in their industries.
I expanded my business knowledge, built my skills, and made meaningful connections with my cohort.
