This degree is no longer offered. You may be interested in other courses in MBA Online
Executive MBA
PostgraduateRMI-MBA-MAS2021
Course information for 2021 intake
Accreditation by internationally recognised EPAS (EFMD Programme Accreditation System)
Advance your skills in management by studying design thinking for business, people and organisations, marketing, financial management, technology and innovation strategy. Choose from an array of business critical electives to suit your career goals
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 12
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Executive MBA
About this degree
On successful completion of this degree you will be able to:
- Utilise a broad range of contemporary business knowledge, underpinned by continuous learning, in a manner that is culturally, socially and politically appropriate
- Apply design thinking to complex problems and opportunities to develop creative solutions
- Design client focused, forward thinking solutions to complex global problems and opportunities
- Identify, communicate and advocate effective solutions that will address complex problems and opportunities
- Lead people and organisations in an ethical sustainable manner to design solutions that add value to the organisations and the communities they serve
- Apply and integrate professional theory with practice in authentic Work Integrated Learning (WIL) contexts, professional contexts and industry settings
- Apply research principles and methods to design innovative options and solutions for, and make reasoned judgements about, problems and issues in contemporary business practice.
Think big, think different.
Designed for ambitious executives looking to increase their salaries or change roles, industries or locations. The EMBA is designed to accelerate your career, advance you into a more senior role, or help you develop your own business venture.
Undertake a cutting-edge degree that will transform the way you think about senior business leadership.
In a world where disruption is fast becoming the norm, the RMIT EMBA emphasises design thinking, innovation and technology as strategic tools that give you a sustainable advantage.
Throughout your degree, you'll be guided by experienced academics and industry professionals, and be surrounded by like-minded peers from a variety of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds. Upon graduation, you'll have an advanced understanding of business principles, and you will be prepared to take the next step in your career.
If you’re at the beginning of your career, you may be interested in the RMIT MBA.
Why choose the RMIT EMBA?
Transform your career with our industry-connected degree centred around design thinking, run by one of the largest business schools in the Asia Pacific. You’ll learn in an environment that promotes disruptive thinking, experimentation and engagement beyond the classroom.
- World-class education: Learn from international faculty and industry practitioners, and benefit from contact with some of the world’s largest organisations.
- Learn, network, lead: Build the knowledge, skills, and network to develop and lead businesses, teams and projects anywhere in the world.
- One-on-one learning: Work with executive mentors to develop your leadership skills and receive one-on-one tutorials with an academic from the EMBA team.
Recommended study pattern
Executive MBA students should complete all subjects within a stage prior to moving to the next stage:
Stage A
- BUSM4521 Design Thinking for Business (Executive) - commencement subject
- OMBA630 Leadership and Ethics
- OMBA620 Marketing
- OMBA610 Accounting for Business Decisions
Stage B
- OMBA650 Financial Management
- BUSM4530 Managing Technology and Innovation Strategy
- BUSM4527 Managing Business Operations
- OMBA660 Creating Business Strategies
Stage C
- BUSM4449 Business Research Design
- Select and complete Two (2) units from any approved postgraduate elective
- BUSM4524 Executive Consulting - completion subject
Award requirements
To qualify for the Executive MBA students must complete 10 core subjects and 2 electives for a total of 12 subjects.
Choose your subjects
Electives
Please note that the following elective units have been retired in 2017. If you have completed these units, they will still be counted towards your degree.
- OMBA300 Management and eCommerce
- OMBA310 Financing International Business
- OMBA320 International Trade
Exit points
The Executive MBA has two early exit points.
Students may exit with a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) after the successful completion of the first four (4) subjects in the degree - Stage A.
- BUSM4521 Design Thinking for Business (Executive)
- OMBA610 Accounting for Business Decisions
- OMBA620 Marketing
- OMBA630 Leadership and Ethics
Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Executive) after the successful completion of the following eight (8) subjects.
Stage A:
- BUSM4521 Design Thinking for Business (Executive)
- OMBA610 Accounting for Business Decisions
- OMBA620 Marketing
- OMBA630 Leadership and Ethics
Stage B:
Complete the following two (2) subjects:
- BUSM4449 Business Research Design
- BUSM4524 Executive Consulting
AND
Select and complete two (2) of the following subjects:
- OMBA650 Financial Management
- BUSM4530 Managing Technology and Innovation Strategy
- BUSM4527 Managing Business Operations
- OMBA660 Creating Business Strategies
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Admission into the Executive MBA is required.
For assessments of eligibility, applicants must submit certified copies of official documents, which include:
- Academic transcripts; and
- Legal documents showing a change of name or date of birth (eg. marriage / birth certificate), if it appears differently on transcripts or records; and
- Curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines evidence of a minimum of three years full-time equivalent work experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities, performance review and responsibility to budget; and
- A personal statement (maximum of 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive MBA studies, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation; and
- Two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
All existing students will be transitioned to the new program structure, and all subject credits that have already been obtained will be recognised in the new structure.
The transition rules below will apply to students who have commenced the program prior to Session 1, 2016.
OMBA600 Business in a Global Context
If you HAVE completed OMBA600 Business in a Global Context prior to Sess 1 2016 you will not be required to complete BUSM4521 Design Thinking for Business (Exec) as a core subject, however you can take this as one of your electives if you wish.
If you HAVE NOT completed OMBA600 prior to Sess 1 2016 you will be required complete BUSM4521 as one of your core subjects as per the new Program Structure.
You are not required to complete OMBA600 as a core subject, but can complete it as an elective if you wish.
OMBA640 Corporate Social Responsibility & the Law
If you HAVE completed OMBA640 Corporate Social Responsibility & the Law prior to Sess 1 2016 you will not be required to complete BUSM4527 Managing Business Operations as a core subject, however you can take this as one of your electives if you wish.
If you HAVE NOT completed Corporate OMBA640 prior to Sess 1 2016 you will be required complete BUSM4527 as one of your core subjects as per the new Program Structure.
You are not required to complete OMBA640 as a core subject.
OMBA670 Change and Innovation
If you HAVE completed OMBA670 Change and Innovation prior to Sess 1 2016 you will not be required to complete BUSM4530 Managing Technology & Innovation Strategy as a core subject, however you can take this as one of your electives if you wish.
If you HAVE NOT completed OMBA670 prior to Sess 1 2016 you will be required complete BUSM4530 as one of your core subjects as per the new Program Structure.
You are not required to complete OMBA670 as a core subject, but can complete it as an elective if you wish.
OMBA700 Strategic Business Leadership
If you HAVE completed OMBA700 Strategic Business Leadership prior to Sess 1 2016 you will not be required to complete BUSM4524 Executive Consulting as a core subject, however you can take this as one of your electives if you wish.
If you HAVE NOT completed OMBA700 prior to Sess 1 2016 you will be required complete BUSM4524 as one of your core subjects as per the new Program Structure.
BUSM4449 Business Research Design
From Sess 1 2016, BUSM4449 Business Research Design will become a core subject, this will replace one elective in the degree structure. As a result, the Executive MBA will now have only two elective subjects in the structure rather than three.
The transition rules relating to BUSM4449 Business Research Design are provided in the table below:
If you HAVE completed 3 Postgraduate Electives prior to Sess 1 2016 you will not be required to complete BUSM4449
If you HAVE NOT completed 3 Postgraduate Electives prior to Sess 1 2016, you will be required to complete BUSM4449 as a core subject.
You should only complete 2 Postgraduate Electives:
If you HAVE completed OMBA350 MBA Research Project prior to Sess 1 2016 it will be considered equivalent to BUSM4449 Business Research Design. In this circumstance, OMBA350 will be considered as a core subject in your program structure and you should not complete BUSM4449.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $55,872
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Academic entrance requirements
- Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0); or
- Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GMAT of 600; or
- Successful completion of the RMIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive); or
- Australian Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0);or
- Australian Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GMAT of 600
In addition to the higher education requirements, applicants must have undergone a minimum of 3 years full-time (FTE) experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities. Applicants will be required to submit:
- A CV which outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget; and
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking Executive MBA studies, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation; and
- Two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.
All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements. For more information on these requirements and acceptable English Language tests please see www.rmit.edu.au/international/english-equivalent.
International students currently residing in Australia on an International Student Visa are not eligible for this course.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) will articulate to the Executive MBA with advanced standing, and will be required to complete eight (8) subjects in order to qualify for the degree.
Credits and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT University’s Credit Policy.
If you wish to apply for RPL or Credit, please complete the RMIT Credit RPL Application Form and attach it to your degree application.
If you have already submitted your degree application, please send your RPL/Credit application directly to RMIT via RMIT Connect.
Study method requirements
To be eligible for admission to an RMIT program applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the commencement date of the program in which they want to enrol.
Most units in the Executive MBA are delivered online. However, the introductory subject, BUSM4521 Design Thinking for Business (Executive), requires attendance in Melbourne, Australia plus online follow-up work.
Applicants with enquiries about units with attendance requirements are encouraged to contact Business Connect.
Career opportunities
Our EMBA students often begin our program with pre-conceptions about their careers, their capabilities and the jobs that await them.
As they become immersed in our program, they are introduced to new ways of thinking. They explore innovative problem-solving techniques, discover the strength of collaboration and are encouraged to think deeply and analytically about the global future. In other words, they undergo a transformation - they begin to develop the approaches of a 21st century senior business leader.
Meanwhile they are covering the business essentials, while taking advantage of RMIT’s unique real world focus and deep industry connections - solving real challenges and building a network of business connections that can lead to some interesting choices.
So, by the end of the program, after completing our capstone executive consulting course, they step into the world of senior business management with a very different perspective on the world, and on the opportunities that exist for them.
This is why, when discussing their careers, our alumni often say things like “I never thought I’d be doing this,” or “When I enrolled in the program, I never imagined the opportunities.”
As an RMIT EMBA student, we’ll give you the tools to design your own future. You will come to see the breadth of possibilities that exist in the world of senior business, and you will discover the leader in yourself.
Professional recognition
This program is accredited by the professional bodies listed in below.
Professional bodies may offer membership for students and/or graduates as a career enabler which could include opportunities for networking and access to discipline specific resources. Application for membership is the student/graduate's responsibility.
European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
Program satisfies the quality and content standards defined by the European Foundation for Management Development for the EFMD Program Accreditation System (EPAS) recognising quality MBA programs.
Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)
- Student may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)
- Graduate may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives and Managing Directors | N/A^ | Up 10.8% |
| Corporate General Managers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| General Managers | N/A^ | Up 59.7% |
| Management Consultants | N/A^ | N/A^ |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
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Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
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Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.