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.
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 informed by input from world-leading defence policy institutes and thinktanks. Get ready to join the global debate stage on defence and space topics.
Learn from internationally recognised academics and industry leaders in defence and space. Study a curriculum tailored to the defence and space industries. Study online and attend immersive in-country residential experiences across 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.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 from the perspectives of three countries (Australia, the UK and the US), you’ll have the opportunity to study intensive 2-week in-country residentials*. 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 synthesise your knowledge in an applied setting. Engage in real-world experiences with colleagues internationally, 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.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 72 units comprising:
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
|
Notes
1. BUSI5060 and BUSI5013 will be delivered as the first residential in Adelaide, Australia.
2. BUSI5059 and BUSI5055 will be delivered as the second residential in London and Exeter, United Kingdom.
3. BUSI5058 and BUSI6009 will be delivered as the third residential in Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, United States of America.
4. BUSI5061, INFO5005, BUSI5057, BUSI5016, and BUSI5056 will be delivered online only.
This program can only be studied full-time, in the order specified in the program schedule above, with completion of courses in Adelaide, South Australia first.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
 |
Course name
Enterprise Leadership & Managing Global Teams
|
Course code
BUSI5060
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption
|
Course code
BUSI5013
|
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
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Influence, Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
|
Course code
BUSI5059
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Defence Industry Procurement, Acquisition and Lifecycle Management
|
Course code
BUSI5055
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Delivering Complex Programs
|
Course code
BUSI5057
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Space Systems
|
Course code
BUSI5016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
Defence and Space Strategic Industry Project
|
Course code
BUSI5056
|
Units
12
|
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 confident, entrepreneurial leader, equipped to navigate and overcome challenges in the global defence and space sectors.
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.
The defence and space industries are globally integrated, providing opportunities internationally.
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have reached a significant milestone in the AUKUS agreement. They cooperate in 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), ‘The global space economy surpassed USD$600 billion [A$917 billion] in 2023 and could be worth USD$1.8 trillion [A$2.75 trillion] by 2035.'
Graduate from your Adelaide University degree with the global leadership skills needed to contribute to these expanding industries.
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
In Adelaide, you'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Residentials will be an intensive 2-week experience, with 30 hours of course content delivered each week. In addition, evening events will be held throughout each residential. Some initial assessments will need to be submitted during the residential period, with major assessments due in the weeks following.
It is expected that participants will take leave from their work for the residential periods, as the workload required will be equivalent to a full-time role, with the addition of evening events or study also required.
Each online course has 30 hours of content, delivered via a combination of live online delivery and self-directed online learning. Online courses require approximately 10-12 hours of study per week in addition to live online delivery contact hours. Please note that due to the global nature of the program, live online sessions may not be held at favourable times for all participants.
The standard format of a 2-week residential will consist of a welcome event either on the Sunday before classes commence, or the first Monday evening after class. Classes will be held Monday to Friday, with evening events also planned for 2-3 evenings per week over the two weeks.
Please note that the course content during these 2-week periods will be intense in delivery.
It is likely that you will be expected to complete readings and/or independent work during evenings and may need to allow some time for course work and assessment writing over the weekend.
Given this, if there is any personal or work-related travel you would like to undertake at residential locations, this will need to be scheduled outside of the 2-week residential period when planning your travel.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
