Entry requirements
Admission criteria
This program is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
Applications for this program will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution PLUS a minimum of three years full time (or equivalent) management experience.
Applicants who do not have an undergraduate qualification may be considered for entry into the Graduate Certificate program if they have a minimum of 7 years full-time (or equivalent) management experience.
Applicants are asked to provide:
- A Curriculum Vitae outlining their work and management experience; AND
- A statement outlining their reasons for applying for the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) program and how it fits with their career goals within the defence and space sectors.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in online interviews.
Essential requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of any of the "Five Eyes" (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States) or allied nations.
- Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 7.5
- IELTS Reading 7.0
- IELTS Listening 7.0
- IELTS Speaking 7.0
- IELTS Writing 7.0
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsThis program is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
Why Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)?
Study a world-class MBA qualification.
Secure national defence partnerships. Develop strategies for space exploration. Deepen our bi- and multilateral global relationships through advocacy and sustainability.
Change the face of defence and space industries, harnessing rapid technological advancements. Develop the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of these growing sectors.
Embark on a transformative journey across three of the world’s leading nations in defence and space.

Overview
Immerse yourself in a global experience that spans three powerhouse nations. Learn from renowned international speakers and real-world case studies. You’ll join a cohort of peers from “Five Eyes” and allied nations, preparing for global leadership opportunities.
The defence and space industries are growing rapidly. Countless projects are being undertaken in Australia and around the world. Long-term partnerships between Australia, the US, and the UK have strengthened cooperative relationships. Their collaboration leads to further understanding on global supply chains, geopolitical dynamics and localised defence requirements.
The Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) is delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter (UK) and Carnegie Mellon University (US). Our program provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry experts and peers.
Study curriculum across three continents, informed by input from world-leading defence policy institutes and thinktanks. Get ready to join the global debate stage on defence and space topics.
Key features
Learn from internationally recognised academics and industry leaders in defence and space.
Study a curriculum tailored to the defence and space industries.
Take your studies abroad with in-country residentials in Australia, the UK and the US.
Build your leadership skills by drawing on a unique global model.
Gain a solid understanding of sector developments, challenges and solutions.
Engage with a diverse global network of experienced professionals.
Study online and attend immersive residential experiences in Adelaide, Washington DC and Exeter.
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) will build on your expertise in strategic thinking, ethical conduct, responsible leadership and evidence-based decision making.
Our degree has a strong practical focus that is taught from a global perspective. Explore the latest in defence and space management research. Advance your skills in executive leadership and senior management decision-making.
The program consists of a total of eleven core courses. Industry-specific topics include cybersecurity, space systems and complex defence project management. You’ll also study core business topics in leadership, strategy and finance.
Delivered across three countries (Australia, the UK and the US), you’ll study an intensive two weeks in each location*. Online courses will also be delivered throughout your studies.
Our curriculum has a strong practical focus, specifically designed for those already employed in the defence and space sectors.
Your capstone project will give you the opportunity to synthesis your knowledge in an applied setting. Engage in real-world experiences with international colleagues, contributing to your personal and professional development.
Undertake case studies in key areas like strategy, global leadership, procurement and geopolitics in defence and space settings. Apply your learning to relevant industry settings and graduate ready to take what you’ve learned into your career.
*Please note, you’ll need to obtain any required travel visas for Australia, the UK and the US. Wait times can vary, so it’s important to get started early. For further information, visit Australian Department of Home Affairs, U.S. Department of Home Affairs and Gov.UK.

What courses you'll study
Complete 72 units comprising:
- 72 units for all Core courses
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption
|
Course code
BUSI5013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Defence Industry Procurement, Acquisition and Lifecycle Management
|
Course code
BUSI5055
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Influence, Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
|
Course code
BUSI5059
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Enterprise Leadership & Managing Global Teams
|
Course code
BUSI5060
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Finance & Economics for Defence
|
Course code
BUSI5061
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cyber Security and Security Systems
|
Course code
INFO5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Space Systems
|
Course code
BUSI5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Defence and Space Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI5056
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Delivering Complex Programs
|
Course code
BUSI5057
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Security, Geopolitics and Defence Co-Operation
|
Course code
BUSI5058
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship
|
Course code
BUSI6009
|
Units
6
|

Career outcomes
Our MBA will future-proof your career in defence and space. You’ll graduate with the knowledge to set yourself apart in the competitive job market. Become a global entrepreneur and leader, confident to handle challenges in global defence and space contexts.
You’ll also engage with a diverse global network of experienced industry professionals throughout your degree. Be poised to harness your connections and work collaboratively to shape the future of your industry.
Graduates of this program can excel as leaders in industry across senior management and leadership roles. Your comprehensive knowledge of defence and space sector developments might be applied to roles in cybersecurity, space systems, space operations, geopolitics, defence procurement and more.
Industry trends
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have recently reached a significant milestone in our AUKUS agreement. The UK and US will now cooperate with Australia in safely building, operating and maintaining a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. Future SSN-AUKUS submarines will be built at Osborne in South Australia (Australian Government Defence, 2024).
According to the Australian Institute of International Affairs (2024), ‘Australia’s space industry has A$2 billion in planned capital investments [with a commitment] to invest A$7 billion over the next decade in the Defence Department’s space capabilities.'
Graduate from your Adelaide University degree with the global leadership skills needed to contribute to these expanding industries.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
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Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.