• Program summary
• Program overview
• Program delivery mode
• Admission requirements
• Advanced standing
• Program structure
• Intakes - when to apply
• Scholarships
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries 

Program summary

Program title: Executive Master of Business Administration
Award abbreviation: EMBA
Degree type: coursework
Modes of study: on campus
Duration: 2 years
Commence: The EMBA program will commence at the end of February for the first year of study, and continue each month until the end of November. After a short break at the end of the year, the program will commence again in early January. There will be only one intake each year.
Fee type 2010: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 24
USC program code: BU791
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa

Program overview

The Faculty of Business at USC is firmly committed to developing business capacity by delivering high quality programs that meet the needs of contemporary business and assist individuals to develop their careers. The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program is designed to provide the opportunity for busy executives to upgrade their knowledge through a unique format where students progress through the program with the same group of peers. Classes are attended only by EMBA students with significant work experience and are delivered through intensive weekend classes once a month for two years.

Working with a cohort, this lays the foundations for a powerful learning environment by using computer based simulations and problem solving activities to challenge skills, attitudes and beliefs. Teaching staff for the EMBA are selected both from USC and externally, based on their expertise, practical experience and academic rigour. In addition the EMBA provides the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, enabling candidates to develop those all-important business and industry contacts.

The emphasis of the EMBA is on providing a professionally-oriented program of study which develops understanding and problem-solving ability in business and management issues relevant to both public and private sector organisations. Participants are given the opportunity to develop their strategic thinking, leadership skills and competencies in areas such as marketing, accounting, financial management and economics. The program integrates skills and competencies in key business areas by involving participants in reflection and learning from real examples – including their own – of business strategy and its implementation.

The EMBA focuses on managers who are capable of intensive and focused study, but are time-poor.

Program delivery mode

The EMBA will be delivered on campus at USC on one weekend each month across 22 months. For the assigned weekends students will need to be available to attend classes as follows:

The EMBA program will commence at the end of February for the first year of study, and continue each month until the end of November. After a short break at the end of the year, the program will commence again in the second week of January.

Each weekend of delivery combines two or three courses so that delivery of a single course is not concentrated in one weekend. In addition, exams are conducted progressively throughout the scheduled weekends, not at a separate time. Due to this intensive delivery mode students are able to gain a real sense of achievement and progress.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

• have a prior degree #, and
• have at least five years senior managerial work experience, and
• attend an interview.

# In the absence of an undergraduate degree the Faculty will consider evidence of the applicant’s ability to study at a graduate level. This may include:

• partial completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum of a GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale) or equivalent
• other post secondary qualifications

In some cases it may require the candidate to complete the Business Select Entrance Test for Business Schools or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Advanced standing

Students with an undergraduate degree

No advanced standing will be granted to students with an undergraduate qualification.

Students with postgraduate qualifications

Students who have completed postgraduate courses elsewhere may apply for advanced standing up to a maximum of 50 percent for the Master of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. The content of the courses would need to overlap the University of the Sunshine Coast course content by at least 75 percent.

Program structure

The EMBA consists of 24 courses delivered over two years via intensive modules held one weekend per month on campus. All courses are equivalent to six credit points.

Candidates must complete:

• 16 required courses; and
• 8 recommended electives

Students have the option to substitute recommended electives with optional electives. Optional electives are held with the MBA classes (over a seven week teaching period) or online.

EMBA courses

16 required courses:
EMB751
EMB752
EMB753
EMB754
EMB755
EMB756
EMB757
EMB758
EMB759
EMB760
EMB761
EMB762
EMB763
EMB764
EMB765
EMB766

Electives

Select 8 courses from:
EMB767
EMB768 (optional)
EMB769
EMB770 (optional)
EMB771
EMB772
EMB773
EMB774
EMB775
EMB776
EMB777 (optional)
MBA728 ^
MBA729 Understanding Leadership ^
MBA730 Corporate Governance ^

^ Subject to approval. Management Project A, B and C are not open for student enrolment. These courses are for students who are given substitutes upon entry and require the Faculty's approval.

Intakes – when to apply

There will be only one intake at the commencement of each year. Prospective candidates should apply by no later than 30 January.

Scholarships

Candidates wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scholarships are available at several levels, including a half waiver of full fees, and a quarter waiver of full fees. The level of scholarship awarded will depend on the achievements evidenced by prospective students as part of their admissions process. Further information will be provided on request for prospective students interested in applying for a scholarship.

For more information visit Student scholarships for Business masters programs.

Program requirements and notes

1. Students are required to successfully complete 24 courses as specified in the Executive Master of Business Administration program structure. 
2. Refer to the Academic Rules for further information.
3. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
4. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enquiries 

For further details about this program please contact:
Graduate Studies, Faculty of Business
Tel: + 61 7 5430 1221
Fax: + 61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au

Back to top