Business management and leadership courses explained
Master your future
Published on the 25 March 2025
The desire to drive success in today's fast-paced business world requires management skills at a high level. Strong leadership and management skills are essential for navigating complex challenges, fostering innovation and creating high-performing teams.
Importance of leadership skills
Effective leadership skills for managers go beyond strategic thinking; they involve the ability to inspire, communicate effectively and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Professionals with strong leadership skills are better equipped to handle decision-making, problem-solving and organisational change.
Learning programs in business management and leadership focus on developing your capabilities through practical applications. These programs cover essential areas such as strategic planning, financial management and operational efficiency.
AGSM at UNSW
“Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, include the ability to lead and build culture in distributed workforces, to communicate when you can't have your employees in the same room on a Monday morning. But there’s also the increased need to lead and build culture in a contingent workforce."
Associate Professor Michele Roberts, Director of AGSM (Awards) and Associate Dean (Post Experience)
UNSW
AGSM pathways for leadership development
The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW offers leadership development pathways to equip you with the skills, knowledge and networks to excel as a responsible leader.
AGSM designs its programs to fit your unique learning style. You can focus on a specific area of business to specialise in to reach your career goals faster.
1. Full-Time MBA
The AGSM Full-Time MBA is an intensive, one-year program that provides an immersive learning experience aimed at accelerating career progression and fostering global leadership capabilities. The program benefits you with:
The #1 MBA in Australia (Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, 2025)
Experiential learning opportunities through case studies, consulting projects and internships
International exchange opportunities and global networking
A curriculum that focuses on strategic thinking, innovation and responsible management
2. Part-Time MBAs (Executive MBA and MBAX)
AGSM offers flexible Part-Time MBAs tailored for working professionals who want to balance their studies with professional commitments. These include:
MBA (Executive): Designed for experienced managers and executives, this program emphasises strategic leadership, change management and executive decision-making
MBAX: Unique online and face-to-face hybrid programs with specialised streams, including technology, social impact, finance, change, law, cyber security, sustainable and inclusive business and a generalist program. The 'X' in AGSMs MBAX programs refers to these uniquely specialised MBAs that allow you to tailor your learning to your career goals
3. Graduate Certificates
AGSM's graduate certificate programs provide a great way to learn specific business skills without committing to a full MBA. The benefits of studying a graduate certificate at AGSM are:
You can complete a flexible and accelerated study option in as little as 8 months
Pathways into AGSM’s MBA programs, with credit transfer options available
Specialisations in key business areas such as management, leadership, digital innovation, strategic management, change management, sustainable and inclusive business, and technology management
Exposure to industry experts and practical case studies
Enhanced career opportunities with recognised qualifications from Australia's #1 Business School (Australian Financial Review (AFR) BOSS Best Business School, 2022-2024)
Can you study online with AGSM?
Yes. AGSMs MBAX programs are fully online allowing you to study from anywhere in the world. All other AGSM programs also include online learning elements to encourage an accessible learning experience for all.
Career benefits of strong leadership skills
Professionals with well-developed leadership skills are often better positioned for career advancement. Strong leadership and management capabilities can open opportunities for taking on pivotal leadership roles, improving career mobility and job satisfaction.
Deciding whether to pursue an MBA or a graduate certificate depends on your own career goals and if you think it is worth the investment. These programs offer tangible benefits including higher earning potential, career progression and the ability to build a strong professional network.
Why choose AGSM for leadership development?
“We are committed to refining our curriculum in partnership with industry leaders and scholars, ensuring our graduates are prepared to address the complex challenges of today’s world.”
Whatever pathway you choose, AGSM's leadership development programs are designed to:
Provide world-class education with a strong emphasis on strategic leadership, responsible management and business acumen
Offer networking opportunities with a global community of alumni and industry leaders
Equip you with the tools and insights needed to drive innovation and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving business landscape
Nick Wailes Dean of Lifelong Learning at UNSW
Exploring business management and leadership programs
For more information on AGSM's leadership development pathways, visit the respective program links and explore how these programs can help you achieve your career aspirations.
If you have any questions about studying at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW, contact us below. We’re here to help.