_{Australia's first PhD-MBA program.}

Flinders University's PhD-MBA program is the first of its kind in Australia.

This is your opportunity to become an expert in your field by exploring your passion for research while developing world-class leadership and business skills, preparing you for a broad range of careers.

By combining a PhD with an MBA (Future Business), you will graduate with an MBA that is completed alongside and after your PhD research.

Fast Facts

Duration:
4 years

Delivery mode:
On-campus
Online

Availability:
Full-time
Part-time

Start dates:
January - March
May - July
October

Indicative fees (2022):
MBA (Future Business): $42,825 (Alumni pricing after PhD completion)
PhD: domestic student tuition covered by a RTP Fee Offset

PhD research areas:
View here

_{Develop skills for leadership roles.}

Our PhD-MBA program will allow you to acquire an MBA in addition to a primary research PhD.

This new program will prepare you with deep scientific and technical skills for leadership roles in industry, not-for-profit organisations and government. You will work in diverse and complex environments ready to implement financial and management decisions on the basis of your scientific knowledge.

You will begin both degrees at the same time in an integrated program. The MBA (Future Business) curriculum covers topics such as strategy, leadership, finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and industries 4.0 and 5.0.

Your PhD research component may be in all areas of study offered by Flinders University, such as in engineering, the life and medical sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities and the social sciences.

Potential occupations

Chief Executive Officer
Marketing Director
Business Consultant
Managing Director
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Director
Head of Research
Human Resources Manager
National Director
Product Manager
Chief Robotics Officer
Head of Finance and Funding
Artificial Intelligence Architect
Loyalty Engineer
Program Director
Professional Researcher

Potential employers

Multinational corporations
Large private companies
Public sector
Market research consultancies
Corporate agencies
Not-for-profit organisations

"Flinders University's MBA programs now offer the opportunity for PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

"Flinders MBA programs now offer the opportunity to PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

Advance your career.

On average, MBA graduates earn 77% more than those with only a Bachelor’s Degree.*

_{*(Graduate Management Admission Council 2021)}

World-class industry experience.

We’ll connect you with industry experts who will nurture your talent, and challenge you to rise higher.

Sustainability built-in.

Industries 4.0 and 5.0 will need to achieve goals beyond growth. We embed sustainability and the resilient, human-centric power that industry seeks into every topic throughout the MBA.

Tailor your study.

It’s flexible, with online study options available in addition to on-campus (in the Adelaide CBD).

"This new program will allow students to draw from different disciplines, pursue more than one interest and become interdisciplinary thinkers who solve technology and business problems in industry, government and not-for-profit organisations."

Professor Harald Janovjak
Matthew Flinders Professor
Academic Lead for the PhD-MBA program

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Entry criteria vary between Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses so you must check admission requirements for your degree.

Check

Find a supervisor

Outline your research project and find a PhD supervisor.

Find

Available Scholarships

Competitive HDR scholarships are awarded on academic merit and research potential.

View HDR scholarships

How to apply

You can enrol in a HDR by following our six simple steps to prepare your application.

How to

Select a PhD-MBA

In your PhD application, you can then select to enrol in the PhD-MBA (Future Business) program. Tick the box, and you're all set!

"This new program will allow students to draw from different disciplines, pursue more than one interest and become interdisciplinary thinkers who solve technology and business problems in industry, government and not-for-profit organisations."

Professor Harald Janovjak
Matthew Flinders Professor
Academic Lead for the PhD-MBA program

Frequently asked questions

Who will be my PhD supervisor?

This program is available to all disciplines and all PhD degrees offered at Flinders University, from engineering, the life and medical sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities to the social sciences.

All of our research supervisors are leaders in their field in both Australia and overseas, who draw on their extensive knowledge and networks to help you deliver valuable research outcomes.

To find a supervisor, you'll first need to identify an area of interest. Then, get in touch with a supervisor of your choice.

Is this a four-year program?

Yes, under the assumption that you complete your PhD in three years the PhD-MBA program is a four-year program.

Can I study more topics than the prescribed load to complete my PhD-MBA faster?

This is possible, but you will need to contact us as we approve these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Does studying a PhD-MBA save student fees? Does FEE-HELP apply?

By taking on this combination of a PhD and MBA (Future Business) you can access an integrated program that is accelerated and more affordable, and the only one available in Australia - leading to quicker promotions in the workplace. FEE-HELP is available for the MBA course that is relevant here (MBA Future Business).

Domestic higher degree by research students are normally provided a Research Training Program fee offset to cover tuition fees for up to four years full-time equivalent study for a PhD. All students are required to pay a compulsory student services and amenities fee - however, some reductions may apply. The fee will be used for prescribed student support services and amenities that are of a non-academic nature.

Will I receive a scholarship or stipend during my PhD research?

The usual PhD scholarships and stipends are available to students in this program. These vary between fields and disciplines so it is best to discuss this with your supervisor.

Is the PhD-MBA program available to international students?

Enquire below and we will send you more information.

Will I study for my MBA whilst pursuing my PhD research?

Yes, both degrees start at the same time and there will be MBA topics during your PhD. To allow you to have the best PhD possible, these topics will not interfere with important PhD milestones, for instance your confirmation or thesis submission.

Will I have to pause my research project whilst taking up my MBA topics during the PhD phase?

No, this is not necessary. Your MBA studies will be limited to a few months every year and to one or a few evenings in a typical week. Therefore your research will continue during this time.

Will I be able to gain industry experience?

Yes, there will be multiple opportunities. Firstly, you will be able to engage with research end users in an industry internship (at least sixty days full time) during your PhD. Discuss this with your supervisor. Secondly, you will have the option of exchanging one MBA topic for an industry placement. Discuss this with the PhD-MBA team. Thirdly, you will have contact with industry leaders/mentors through the MBA topics and cohort.

What will my student cohort be?

You will be immersed in two cohorts, your PhD student peers and the MBA students. You will have a wide local and international network at the end of the program.

Will my PhD and my MBA both be awarded?

Yes, you will be awarded two degrees.

What if I decide to pause or discontinue my MBA? Will this impact my PhD?

No, not at all. Changes to one degree, for instance your MBA, do not impact the other degree, for instance your PhD. These degrees are also assessed separately. You can however defer your MBA topics should you require additional time in your PhD.

Can I receive some kind of recognition if I don’t complete the MBA?

Yes. If you complete four MBA topics, you can obtain a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. This is independent of your PhD completion.

Enquire now

Have any questions about the PhD-MBA (Future Business) program? Reach out to our academic leads by filling in the form below.

_{Australia's first PhD-MBA program.}

Fast Facts

_{Develop skills for leadership roles.}

Advance your career.

World-class industry experience.

Sustainability built-in.

Tailor your study.

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Find a supervisor

Available Scholarships

How to apply

Select a PhD-MBA

Frequently asked questions

Enquire now

Information for

Directories

Follow Flinders

FOREVER FEARLESS

Australia's first PhD-MBA program.

Fast Facts

Develop skills for leadership roles.

Advance your career.

World-class industry experience.

Sustainability built-in.

Tailor your study.

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Find a supervisor

Available Scholarships

How to apply

Select a PhD-MBA

Frequently asked questions

Enquire now

Information for

Directories

Follow Flinders

FOREVER FEARLESS

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_{Australia's first PhD-MBA program.}

_{Develop skills for leadership roles.}