Research programmes

Develop advanced knowledge and skills and investigate a research topic of your interest through our specialist masters and PhD programmes.

By completing study at honours or masters level, you will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the different perspectives, ideas and debates in your discipline. You will have opportunities to develop a strong disciplinary basis in terms of the relevant theory, knowledge and practice, understanding how it all fits into a global context. Throughout your study you will further develop your communication, teamwork and leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding.

Graduates will be prepared for specialist positions in the public and private sectors that make an impact on society, such as:

  • Accounting, auditing and banking professional
  • Adviser – policy, investment, data, security, HR, general management
  • Analyst – public or private sector
  • Consultant – business, management, IT, supply chain
  • Manager – project, marketing, digital, brand, business development
These programmes are also open to international students.

Honours programmes

Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

If you have achieved consistently high grades in your Bachelor of Commerce degree you could be eligible for the honours programme. This flexible programme will provide you with an additional year of postgraduate research-based study to develop your analytical skills and critical thinking as they apply to real world challenges, in New Zealand and internationally.

You will complete a set of advanced courses in the discipline, including a research methods/design course and a short 30-point research essay that will demonstrate your independent research skills. There are eight specialisations within this programme for you to choose from: Accounting, Commercial Law, Economics, Finance, Global Management and Innovation, Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

If you perform well, a bachelors (honours) degree can lead onto a masters or, a PhD.

Research masters

Master of Commerce (120 or 180 points)

If you have a first degree in the same discipline, this masters will enable you to pursue a specialised qualification at an advanced level. It will also prepare you for specialist positions in the public and private sector or to pursue further advanced study. You can choose from eight specialisations within this programme: Accounting, Commercial Law, Economics, Finance, Global Management and Innovation, Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The 180-point option includes a research methods course and a 90-point research dissertation. The 120-point option comprises a supervised thesis on a topic in your chosen specialisation, and is suitable for high-performing graduates who would like to pursue a career in research or academia.

A coursework pathway is also available for this programme.

PhD study

At the Business School you will become a member of a strong cohort of academics and senior students, dedicated to helping you develop as a researcher, professional and individual. The quality of the PhD programme is not just by its outstanding scholarship, but also by its pastoral care for students who also enjoy social events, workshops, retreats and conferences.

Doctoral research subject areas include: Accounting, Commercial Law, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Property.

The PhD is directed by an appointed supervisor, cosupervisor and possibly an advisory committee. It can be completed within three to four years of full-time study or on a part-time basis.