About the programme
The Master of Management by Thesis is a research-based NZQF Level 9 degree at ICL Graduate Business School centred on an independent thesis in management. It is worth 120 credits and takes 12 months.
The programme builds on earlier Level 8 postgraduate study in business or a related area. Holders of a Level 8 qualification in another field can also apply if they bring at least three years of relevant managerial and practical experience. Its emphasis on mastering management theory makes it best suited to people heading for doctoral study or an academic career, in New Zealand or overseas.
Students learn to pinpoint a problem within a specialist area — management, commerce, business information systems, enterprise innovation or business more broadly — and to design research that fills a gap in the literature. The plan is compact: a research methods paper, one ICL elective in business, management or business informatics matched to the thesis topic, and a 90-credit thesis. Study runs over three 16-week trimesters.
ICL notes that students in research master's programmes in New Zealand have no limit on their working hours; details are on the Immigration New Zealand website. Students must bring their own laptop or tablet.
Graduates should also be able to apply current management theory to new situations and use leadership skills to improve organisational performance.
Entry requirements
- A postgraduate diploma, master's degree or other NZQF Level 8 qualification in a business-related subject from a recognised institution, with full transcripts
- Or a Level 8 qualification in any subject combined with at least 3 years of relevant managerial and practical experience
- International students: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, achieved in one sitting within the past two years, or an equivalent NZQA-recognised test
- A personal statement is strongly recommended
What you study
- 8542 Research Methods (15 credits)
- Elective paper in business, management or business informatics aligned with the thesis topic (15 credits)
- 9550 Thesis (90 credits)
Careers after graduation
- Lecturer, research fellow or researcher
- Research analyst or research manager
- Academic advisor, learning designer or curriculum developer
- Corporate trainer or educational consultant
- Higher education administrator
- Policy analyst or management consultant
- Entry to doctoral study; some roles may require further work experience after graduation
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the ICL Graduate Business School website