Is the UQ MBA a flexible MBA and can I fit it into my life?
Gone are the days of having to choose to further your education over maintaining a successful career or having a family. The University of Queensland (UQ) Business School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) recognises the importance of offering students flexible study options. With this MBA, you can fit study into your life and around other commitments, not the other way around.
What makes the UQ MBA program flexible?
True flexibility is about having the opportunity to choose how to fit study in with your existing commitments. It’s also about having the ability to easily modify your timetable along the way. With this MBA, you don't have to choose between accelerating your career or focusing on other life priorities.
Convenient central location
Enjoy the convenience and beautiful, modern facilities of our UQ Brisbane City location in the heart of the CBD.
Blended learning
Our blended learning mode gives you the flexibility to choose whether you study in-person at 88 Creek Street or online via our live lectures and classes. Or, study a mixture of both modes, depending on your schedule and priorities.
How long will it take to complete UQ's flexible MBA?
At UQ, you can ramp up your studies through intensive courses to complete your MBA in just 1 year or choose our streamlined option to complete your studies around work commitments in 2 years. Or, with our flexible mode, you can adjust your study pathway as your priorities change. The amount of time you'll spend studying each week will vary depending on which study mode you choose.
Students who have successfully completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course may be eligible for two units of credit towards Strategic Human Resources Management (MGTS7809).
The three ways you can structure your UQ MBA studies
1. Accelerated program
Complete the MBA program in 1 year by studying full time in intensive blocks between January and November in the same year. International students will need to complete the MBA using this option.
2. Streamlined program
Complete the MBA program over 24 months alongside your work commitments by studying during morning, evening or weekend classes as well as 1-week intensive options.
3. Customised flexibility program
Study at your own pace on weekdays, weeknights, weekends or an array of short intensive options. You will have up to 10 years to fully complete the program if needed.
Here’s how 3 of our students made the flexibility of the UQ MBA work for them
Helen: became a mum of 2 children while studying and maintaining a successful career
MBA alumnus Helen Barker used the program’s flexibility to her benefit to manage her parenting and work responsibilities while studying.
“I did half of my MBA before kids, the other half of the program after having kids.
“I found the UQ MBA very flexible. There were lots of different study options, which meant I could finish it when I wanted to, and I didn’t have to wait to do subjects. Staff and students were very accommodating.
“Although the time I had to spend on my studies after having kids was much more limited, it made me appreciate everything I learned that much more”.
Rob: business owner, entrepreneur and dad of two
Rob Sutton is seven of 12 subjects into his MBA, runs his own business and is the father of two small boys. When asked how he has found studying with young kids and running his business, Mirragin, Rob says the flexibility of the UQ MBA has been critical.
“I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I’ve had to learn how to let go and realise I can’t do everything perfectly.
“I’m doing two or three subjects a year, which is a steady pace, but it’s been good because it means I can fit everything else around my study and focus on what I need to get done in the short amounts of time I had available”.
Read more about Rob's story.
Margo completed her MBA in 1 and a half years while working full time
Margo Camus, on the other hand, is an example of someone who chose to complete her MBA studies in as short a time as possible. She completed the MBA in 1 and a half years.
While working and studying full time was definitely pressing at times, Margo found this option was right for her.
“I knew the sooner I completed it, the sooner I could use it.
“Juggling full-time work and study taught me what I was capable of”, she says.
How might UQ's flexible MBA work for you?
With flexible study options to suit everyone’s busy schedule and career goals, there’s an MBA timetable to suit you.
To see how the MBA program can be tailored to suit your schedule, goals and existing commitments, here are 2 hypothetical examples of different MBA journeys.