Learn how to lead change, inspire teams, and shape the future of business with postgraduate study in Management at Otago.
Postgraduate study in Management at Otago equips you to think deeply about how organisations work and how effective leadership can make a difference. You will explore how people, strategy, and innovation combine to drive performance and shape the modern workplace.
Our programmes are designed for those ready to take their next professional step — whether that means advancing in your current role, shifting industries, or exploring research pathways. You will gain a strong theoretical foundation while applying practical tools to solve real business challenges.
At Otago, Management is about more than improving productivity or profit. It is about understanding people, systems, and change so that you can lead with clarity and purpose in complex environments.
A postgraduate qualification in Management prepares you for leadership and advisory roles across a wide range of industries. Graduates are sought after for their ability to think strategically, manage people, and navigate change.
Career pathways include:
At Otago, you will learn through a blend of coursework, case studies, and collaborative projects that connect theory with practice. Classes are interactive and discussion-based, giving you the chance to share insights from your own experience while learning from others.
You will work on real-world business problems, develop evidence-based solutions, and refine your leadership and analytical skills. Many papers also offer opportunities for independent research or applied projects with local organisations, helping you bridge academic learning and professional application.
A background in business, commerce, or management is helpful, along with strong communication, analytical, and teamwork skills. Professional experience can also strengthen your postgraduate study.
Learn about studying Management as an undergraduate at Otago.
Otago’s postgraduate Management programmes are taught by experienced academics and practitioners who are leaders in their fields. Our research and teaching focus on the challenges facing today’s organisations, from sustainability and innovation to global strategy and leadership ethics.
You will study in an environment that values collaboration and critical thinking, supported by dedicated staff and a strong postgraduate community. Located in the heart of Dunedin, Otago offers the perfect balance of academic rigour and real-world connection, giving you the insight and confidence to lead in any setting.
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Thesis |
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The Master of Business in Leadership and Management will be awarded on successful completion of 180 points from one of the three options (Dissertation, Project or Coursework) outlined in the schedule below.
| Option | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| BSNS 590 Dissertation | 60 | |
| One of MANT 551 Strategic Change and Innovation or MANT 556 Global Operations Excellence | 20 | |
| One of MANT 553 Human Resource Management or MANT 555 Leadership Development | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 40 points from: | 40 | |
| 400 and 500 level papers in MANT (excluding MANT 480) | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Project | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| BSNS 580 Applied Project | 40 | |
| One of MANT 551 Strategic Change and Innovation or MANT 556 Global Operations Excellence | 20 | |
| One of MANT 553 Human Resource Management or MANT 555 Leadership Development | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 60 points from: | 60 | |
| 400 and 500 level papers in MANT (excluding MANT 480) | ||
| Total | 180 | |
| Coursework | Compulsory papers: | |
| BSNS 411 Business Principles for the 21st Century | 10 | |
| BSNS 412 Research Skills and Methods 1 | 10 | |
| BSNS 413 Research Skills and Methods 2 | 20 | |
| One of MANT 551 Strategic Change and Innovation or MANT 556 Global Operations Excellence | 20 | |
| One of MANT 553 Human Resource Management or MANT 555 Leadership Development | 20 | |
| Plus papers to the equivalent of 100 points from: | 100 | |
| 400 and 500 level papers in MANT (excluding MANT 480) | ||
| Total | 180 |
Papers to the equivalent of 120 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, BSNS 413, and MANT papers at either 400- or 500-level (excluding MANT 480)
Papers to the equivalent of 60 points from:
BSNS 411, BSNS 412, BSNS 413, and MANT papers at either 400- or 500-level (excluding MANT 480)
View a list of all related papers below.
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANT101 | 2026 | Managing for Performance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT217 | 2026 | International Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT222 | 2026 | Interpersonal/International Business Communication | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT250 | 2026 | Managing People | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT251 | 2026 | Managing Organisations | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT252 | 2026 | Developing Responsible Leadership | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT301 | 2026 | Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT303 | 2026 | Fundamentals in Entrepreneurship | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT330 | 2026 | Leadership and Change | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT331 | 2026 | Business Ethics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT332 | 2026 | International Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT333 | 2026 | Organisational Excellence | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT334 | 2026 | Operations and Supply Chain Strategy | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT337 | 2026 | Organisations and Sustainability | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT338 | 2026 | Cases in Strategy and Innovation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT339 | 2026 | Human Resource Development | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT340 | 2026 | Indigenous Management and Organisation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT342 | 2026 | Global Business Strategy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT345 | 2026 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT346 | 2026 | Employment Relations | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT347 | 2026 | Occupational Psychology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT358 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT359 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT360 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT361 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT437 | 2026 | Organisations and Sustainability | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (23 February 2026 - 22 May 2026) |
| MANT447 | 2026 | Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Business | 20 points | Semester 2, 1st Non standard period (20 July 2026 - 16 October 2026) |
| MANT450 | 2026 | Governance and Social Responsibility | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (7 September 2026 - 4 December 2026) |
| MANT459 | 2026 | Indigenous Management & Organisation (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT471 | 2026 | International Business Strategy | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT472 | 2026 | Managing International Organisations | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT501 | 2026 | Applied Project | 40 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT543 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT551 | 2026 | Strategic Change and Innovation | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (5 January 2026 - 3 April 2026) |
| MANT553 | 2026 | Human Resource Management | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (23 November 2026 - 8 January 2027) |
| MANT555 | 2026 | Leadership Development | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (26 October 2026 - 12 February 2027) |
| MANT556 | 2026 | Global Operations Excellence | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (12 January 2026 - 13 February 2026) |
Department of Management
Otago Business School
Email management@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/management
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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