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    Learn how to lead change, inspire teams, and shape the future of business with postgraduate study in Management at Otago.

    Why study postgraduate Management?

    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.

    Career opportunities

    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:

    • Management or leadership positions in corporate, government, or not-for-profit organisations
    • Business development or consultancy roles
    • Organisational change and strategy implementation
    • Human resource or talent management roles
    • Research, teaching, or doctoral study in Management

    What it’s like to study at this level

    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.

    This is for you if ...

    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.


    Are you just starting uni?

    Learn about studying Management as an undergraduate at Otago.

    Lead with insight, not just experience

    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.

    Choose a study option

    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.

    Postgraduate qualifications

    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.

    Graduate qualifications

    Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.

    Ready to apply?

    Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    Thesis
    • Thesis: MANT 5

    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.

    OptionPapersPoints
    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)

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    MANT papers

    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)

    Contacts

    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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