An MBA is a highly valuable and versatile qualification for professionals across many sectors, from finance and technology to healthcare and energy.
For Nathan Giglia, the decision to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Curtin University came after careful deliberation.
“I completed a Graduate Certificate of Business and continued on to my MBA, I weighed up a few MBA options and gathered feedback from others who had completed their MBA, and decided that Curtin was the best option,” Nathan explains.
His choice has since paid dividends. Since starting his MBA, Nathan has achieved three promotions in three years working in mining and engineering, and is now managing a team of five and overseeing an additional 30 indirect reports.
Similarly, Sarah Kahle, who graduated with her MBA in 2023, found immense value in the connections and skills she gained throughout her studies.
“Meeting like-minded and ambitious people who are all at varying stages of their careers was certainly a highlight of Curtin’s MBA,” she says.
In the role of Economic Development Officer at the City of South Perth, Sarah says her exposure to design thinking and innovation techniques and frameworks proved useful in numerous scenarios at work. She’s now taken her career further and moved on to a new position as Manager of Entrepreneurship Programs and Community, at Curtin University.
Nathan and Sarah’s stories show how useful an MBA can be, not only to secure new job opportunities, but also as a platform to further your current career.
Here, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about Curtin’s MBA program, giving insight into how the program can help you achieve your career aspirations, as it has for both Nathan and Sarah.
Q: What is an MBA, and why should you consider it?
A: An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a postgraduate degree that focuses on developing your managerial and leadership skills. It’s a qualification that is recognised globally and is valued for its ability to provide a holistic understanding of business operations, from strategic management to financial analysis. It is ideal if you are a professional aiming to advance your career, enhance your business acumen or looking to take on a leadership role within your organisation.
Q: Is an MBA higher than a masters?
A: No. The MBA is a master degree that meets the requirements of a Level 9 qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This is on-par with other Australian master degrees.
Q: Do I need a bachelor degree to do an MBA?
A: No, you don’t. If you have a three-year bachelor degree, you can start an MBA straight away. But if you don’t hold a bachelor degree, you can apply for a six-month Graduate Certificate in Business at Curtin with only three years’ work experience – and start an MBA as soon as you’ve completed it. This pathway won’t take you any longer, as completing the units in the graduate certificate will provide course credits towards your MBA.
“I started by studying my Graduate Certificate of Business, as I didn’t have an undergrad degree. Curtin made things so easy for me to meet the necessary criteria and qualify to enrol and get me up to speed.” – Nathan Giglia
Q: What does an MBA teach you?
A: In Curtin’s MBA, you can tailor your studies to match your career aspirations and industry interests. You’ll learn strategic management, organisational behaviour and financial management as core subjects and then specialise in energy transition, leadership or business administration. The coursework is both practical and theoretical, helping you to graduate prepared for real-world business challenges.
“The most important skills I’ve gained are critical thinking, leadership, networking, and overall business knowledge.” – Nathan Giglia.
“I valued learning how to apply my business knowledge in a more strategic manner, and the analytical and research skills I gained through Curtin’s MBA will certainly benefit me in the future.” – Sarah Kahle.
Q: How long does it take to complete an MBA?
A: Curtin’s MBA program can be completed in four trimesters (about 15 months, studying full-time), although the duration will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time. The trimester-based system allows you to complete more units per year compared to traditional semester-based programs. There are also flexible study options, including evening classes and intensive units (full weekends or whole weeks) that give you the opportunity to accelerate or adjust your study pace.
Q: Is an MBA worthwhile?
A: Absolutely. Investing in an MBA can be a significant financial commitment, but it is often worthwhile if you are seeking career advancement. The value of an MBA extends beyond the immediate learning experience – it includes long-term career benefits such as having a higher earning potential, enhanced leadership skills and increased job security. It can also provide significant personal development opportunities.
Curtin can help support your study financially through various scholarships, such as the WiMBA (Women in MBA) Scholarship, which can reduce tuition costs significantly.
“As a woman juggling a career, family life, and work, having something I was doing just for myself became an important part of my MBA experience.” – Sarah Kahle.
Q: Will an MBA help me get a job/what are the job opportunities for people with an MBA in Australia?
A: According to the Australian Government, the MBA is one of the most sought-after postgraduate courses in Australia, with benefits that include higher salaries, networking opportunities, leadership and strategy skills, and practical experience. The skills you’ll learn can enhance your employability and open doors to senior management positions, consulting roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
Curtin’s MBA and the university’s industry connections in particular can prepare you for leadership in diverse industries, including energy transition, finance, and general business management; in job roles such as CEO; finance manager, senior marketing manager, management consultant, managing director, policy and planning manager or project manager.
Q: Can I study the MBA program while working full-time?
A: Yes, Curtin University’s MBA program is designed with the working professional in mind. Curtin can accommodate different schedules through flexible study options, including evening classes, block teaching and online learning to help you balance your work, study and personal commitments. Many MBA graduates also begin their course with their current employer’s blessing, with some employers offering funding towards their scholarships.
Your face-to-face study is at Curtin’s Graduate School of Business in the heart of Perth CBD, and you can start your course at the time of the year that’s best for you, either January, May or August.
See How to study an MBA and keep your day job.
“Due to generous study leave from my employer, I utilised the campus before class, which enabled me to switch gears between work and study, which became an invaluable part of the MBA journey for me.” – Sarah Kahle
Q: How does online study compare to on-campus study?
A: If you can’t attend on-campus classes regularly, consider online study. This study mode offers the same coursework and assessments as on-campus classes. You’ll have access to the same units and resources, with the added benefit of self-directed learning. Virtual interactive sessions provide opportunities for you to engage with your peers and tutors.
Q: How much does an MBA cost?
A: You can find up-to-date fee information on our MBA course page under ‘Fees and charges’. The total cost will depend on your course options and the time taken to complete your qualification. You may be eligible for Government assistance such as FEE-HELP for part or all of your tuition fees, and you are also encouraged to apply for a scholarship.
Q: What financial support options are available for MBA students?
A: Recognising that the cost of an MBA can be a barrier for some, Curtin offers several financial support options. Scholarships such as the WiMBA and the Rob Riley Memorial MBA Scholarship provide substantial reductions in tuition fees. If you’re a domestic student, the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP) allows you to defer your fees and repay them once your income reaches a certain level.
Q: Where is the best place to study an MBA?
A: You can study an MBA at universities and business schools, however course accreditations may vary between them.
Curtin University is one of the top places to study your MBA. Curtin’s Business School is recognised as an elite global business school through accreditation by EQUIS and AACSB International and the MBA program is EFMD accredited. The EFMD program accreditation is the most thorough program accreditation system for business and/or management degrees and courses, and is a benchmark for internationally recognised and peer-reviewed programs.
Q: How can I apply or enrol in the MBA program at Curtin University?
A: Enrolling in Curtin’s MBA program is straightforward. You can apply online by visiting our MBA application page at curtin.edu/mba and following the prompts.
Q: Who do I contact at Curtin?
A: Call our Future Students Team on 1300 222 888 for help and advice.
Are you interested in an MBA?
Curtin’s MBA is flexible and relevant to all industries. Whether you are looking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot to a new industry, or enhance your existing skills, this program can provide the tools and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Explore the possibilities and take the first step towards transforming your career by applying for Curtin’s MBA program today.
To find out more, visit Curtin MBA and contact our Future Students Team on 1300 222 888 for help and advice.
