Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your study is primarily delivered on campus
On Campus
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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
1.5 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
MGMBA
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
$70,600
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Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

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.
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Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

In the meantime, if you’d like to speak with our expert team and have your questions answered, contact us to book a personalised 1:1 appointment.

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.  

program overview

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. 

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.

Design a study path that works for you

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. 

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
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Course name
Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption
Course code
BUSI5013
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Defence Industry Procurement, Acquisition and Lifecycle Management
Course code
BUSI5055
Units
6
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Course name
Influence, Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
Course code
BUSI5059
Units
6
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Course name
Enterprise Leadership & Managing Global Teams
Course code
BUSI5060
Units
6
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Course name
Strategic Finance & Economics for Defence
Course code
BUSI5061
Units
6
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Course name
Cyber Security and Security Systems
Course code
INFO5005
Units
6
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Course name
Space Systems
Course code
BUSI5016
Units
6
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Course name
Defence and Space Strategic Industry Project
Course code
BUSI5056
Units
12
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Course name
Delivering Complex Programs
Course code
BUSI5057
Units
6
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Course name
Global Security, Geopolitics and Defence Co-Operation
Course code
BUSI5058
Units
6
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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

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

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