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Master of Capability Management (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Designed for students who want to advance their understanding of the technical and managerial skills required for a business career. This course is taught by award-winning industry professionals. Learn from the best of the best when you study the Master of Capability Management and discover how to capitalise on capability.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1 & 2
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Canberra
Codes
Program code 8399
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$40,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$40,000*
Pam Giannakakis at the Capability Systems Centre, UNSW Canberra

Overview

The Master of Capability Management at UNSW Canberra is designed for students seeking advanced expertise in the management and acquisition of complex technologies and systems. This program equips you with a deep understanding of the technical and managerial skills needed to plan, develop and manage capability systems in a range of industries, including Defence.

You’ll explore the key technical and management factors that influence the design, performance, logistic support and integrity of systems to meet capability requirements. By gaining insights into both the operational and strategic aspects of capability management, you'll be prepared to lead in environments where the effective development and deployment of complex systems is critical to success.

This online program has a strong focus on real-world application, giving you practical tools and knowledge to help you excel in leadership roles across industries such as Defence, government and private sectors.

Key features

Advanced technical and managerial expertise
Gain in-depth knowledge of both technical and managerial skills crucial for the planning, development and acquisition of complex systems. This expertise ensures you’re equipped to handle the challenges of capability management in various sectors, including Defence and industry.

Focus on real-world application
UNSW Canberra places emphasis on practical learning, enabling you to apply advanced concepts to real-world challenges. You’ll learn practical skills and strategies to overcome business challenges in whatever role you pursue.

Designed to meet industry demand
The program’s focus on both technical and managerial skills ensures you gain specialised knowledge that aligns with real-world industry demands.

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

Strong defence and industry connections
UNSW Canberra has over 50 years of close collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, offering you unique networking and career opportunities. These strong industry connections prepare you to succeed in capability management roles within Defence and other sectors.

Setting the industry standard
As part of one of Australia’s leading universities, UNSW Canberra provides a high-quality education led by industry experts. You'll benefit from the university’s reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and strong ties to both government and industry.

Flexible online learning
Delivered entirely online, the Master of Capability Management offers the flexibility to balance your studies with professional commitments. Study at your own pace while gaining the skills to advance your career.

 

Program Code
8399
Campus
Canberra
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?

Entry requirements

Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

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

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do 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

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Master of Capability Management at UNSW Canberra is a fully online postgraduate program. It’s structured to provide a comprehensive education in the management and acquisition of complex technologies and systems. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC) through a combination of core courses and electives.

Full program structure

This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in less than one year. Most courses are 6 UOC. Students must complete:

Potential careers

Australia’s demand for skilled professionals in capability management continues to grow, driven by sectors like Defence and technology. Graduates of the Master of Capability Management will be well-prepared to lead in these industries, managing the planning, acquisition and implementation of advanced systems.

This program opens doors to high-level roles such as capability manager, program manager and systems engineer. Graduates will find opportunities with top employers like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and the Australian Defence Force, offering diverse career paths in both national and international markets.

Potential roles

  • Acquisition Manager
  • Capability Development Manager
  • Capability Integration Specialist
  • Defence Acquisition Consultant
  • Defence Project Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Materiel Systems Engineer
  • Operations Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Project Director
  • Risk Management Consultant
  • Senior Systems Engineer
  • Systems Architect

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online, opens in a new window service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$40,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$40,000*

*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.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$48,000*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$49,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

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.