It can take 2 years of full-time study to complete your Master of Business Administration (MBA) at many business schools around the world. But our MBA gives you more options.
At UQ, you have the flexibility to choose how long it takes to complete your MBA, based on your priorities and professional goals. You can:
- fast-track your studies with our full-time 3-semester program over 1.5 years
- complete a part-time MBA over 2 years to accelerate your career without putting it on hold
- balance your existing commitments by studying at your own pace for up to 10 years.
Suzanne’s full-time MBA experience
For Suzanne Wood, the decision to complete the full-time MBA wasn’t an easy one, but it was the right one. As the full-time primary carer of her 4-year-old daughter, Suzanne paused work to focus on completing her studies.
“It was the perfect time in my life to make that commitment,” she says.
“I had complete tunnel vision. It was an incredible indulgence. I couldn’t have managed it without the enormous support I received from my parents.”
While forfeiting salary to study the full-time MBA was a challenge, Suzanne found the benefits outweighed the costs.
You get out everything you put into the experience. The ability the UQ MBA has given me to design and craft the rest of my life is amazing. My horizons expanded so quickly.
Helen’s part-time MBA experience
As a manager in the health industry, Helen Barker used the flexibility of the MBA to her advantage. She successfully balanced studying with parenting two children and working full time to maintain a successful career.
“I found the part-time MBA very flexible,” she says.
“I did half of my MBA before having kids, the other half of the program after. Because my husband was FIFO (fly in, fly out) and away every second week for 7 days, I had to bring my kid into class on weekend sessions and during my industry project course.
“The staff and students were very accommodating. Sometimes I’d be on mute in group meetings that went for 3 hours while I was doing the night-time routine with my children.”
Having a variety of study options to choose from meant Helen could complete the program on her terms, without having to wait to do any subjects.
Although I had less time to spend on my studies after having kids, it made me appreciate everything I learned that much more.
Tim’s flexible MBA experience
Tim Kuusik moved through the first portion of his studies quickly. But when he came across a career opportunity too good to pass up, his pace slowed. Tim credits the UQ MBA with helping him secure his position as General Manager at ARQ Group, a listed company with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.
"I would never have even been shortlisted for the role if I wasn’t studying my MBA, but I got the job," he says.
"Even though I hadn’t graduated yet, I had already developed the leadership skills and confidence to step up to a general management position. That was a pivotal moment for me."
To focus on learning the ropes of his new role, Tim reduced his study load.
I did almost 80% of my course in the first 2 years and 20% in the remaining 4 years. UQ had the flexibility to change with me. I don’t think I would have got that level of support anywhere else.
How long does an MBA take? Choose the UQ MBA for ultimate flexibility.
With part-time and full-time MBA study options available, UQ's flexible MBA empowers you to decide how long it takes.
If your circumstances change along the way, it’s possible to exit the MBA early with a graduate certificate. You must also meet the eligibility criteria.
Learn more by discovering our additional flexibility options and examples of class timetables to fit your schedule. Contact a member of our friendly MBA team to discuss the best option for you.
