Master of Digital Business
Set yourself up for where the world of digital business is going with a specialised master’s degree in this cutting-edge field.
180 points, 12 months (full-time) or 1.5-2 years (part-time)
Or 120 points, depending on previous qualification
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Why study the Master of Digital Business?
Waikato's Master of Digital Business is unique in New Zealand, as it focuses on using technology from a management perspective.
In a society that's obsessed with all things smart and mobile, organisations that fail to keep pace with the latest digital technologies will become increasingly irrelevant.
If you're keen to pursue a career as a tech-savvy manager, this highly practical masters degree will show you how to harness the power of digital technologies to revolutionise an organisation's business operations - to boost profits, optimise performance, and engage in new ways with customers or suppliers.
Our students complete a professional industry internship where you'll work on real projects at an organisation of your choice for 8-13 weeks, either in New Zealand or overseas. The internship is designed to kick-start your career by giving you hands-on experience that is sought after by employers, and will help solidify your knowledge base.
You'll also complete an applied research project investigating a problem or opportunity related to digital business at a real organisation.
By the time you graduate, you'll be ready to lead digital transformation projects and strategies on behalf of organisations - as a manager or consultant.
In this degree, you'll explore exciting topics such as: cloud computing, big data, mobile computing, beacon technology, gamification, business intelligence, real-time analytics, global marketing and social media, IT consumerisation, location-based services, supply chain integration, automated logistics, e-government business services, search technology, and virtual team communication.
Note: Students are expected to find their own host organisation for the industry internship, however we can provide assistance if required. Your internship may be completed in New Zealand or another country.
Study in class or online, full-time or part-time
You can start the Master of Digital Business in either February (A Trimester) or July (B Trimester).
Students can choose to attend face-to-face classes with our experienced lectures at our Hamilton campus, or have the option to study 100% online from anywhere in New Zealand or another country. The online stream is ideal for busy professionals who are working full-time and want to upgrade their skills.
Please note that some of the papers in this course are delivered online (NET), even if you are enrolled in the Hamilton stream (HAM).
It's possible to complete this qualification in only 12 months with full-time study (three trimesters, including summer school). Otherwise you have the option to study part-time over a longer period, and take things at your own pace.
Waikato has an international reputation
You'll be studying at Waikato Management School, New Zealand's leading business school, which was ranked #1 for Business & Economics in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2023.
Our Master of Digital Business is ranked 1st in New Zealand for Best Master's in E-Business and Digital Marketing (Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings).
We are also a Triple Crown Accredited international business school recognised by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB since 2005. This is a global benchmark of excellence that puts us in the top 1% of the world's business schools.
Career Opportunities
- Digital business manager
- Business analyst
- Systems developer
- Web systems manager
- User experience manager
- Digital marketing specialist
- Product architect
180 points, 12 months (full-time) or 1.5-2 years (part-time)
Or 120 points, depending on previous qualification
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Degree information
-
Entry Requirements We encourage applications from a wide range of graduates in all subject disciplines. Even if you don't meet the criteria below, please talk to us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
1) You are eligible to apply for the Master of Digital Business (180 points) if you have:
- completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject area, such as business/commerce/management, or information technology/computer science.
- achieved at least a B-minus grade average for your entry qualification.
2) You are eligible to apply for the Master of Digital Business (120 points) if you have:
- completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject area, such as business/commerce/management, or information technology/computer science.
- achieved at least a B-minus grade average for your entry qualification.
3) If you don't meet the criteria above, you may still be considered for admission to the Master of Digital Business based on academic merit or relevant work experience.
Please email msc@waikato.ac.nz and ask to discuss your study options with us. In some cases, you may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first.
For further information about the MDigiBus, please contact the Qualification Convenor, Dr Karyn Rastrick at: karyn@waikato.ac.nz
International students must have an equivalent qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
-
Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$8,579 - $12,869 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$36,130 (120 pts) $54,200 (180 pts) per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
We encourage applications from a wide range of graduates in all subject disciplines. Even if you don't meet the criteria below, please talk to us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
1) You are eligible to apply for the Master of Digital Business (180 points) if you have:
- completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject area, such as business/commerce/management, or information technology/computer science.
- achieved at least a B-minus grade average for your entry qualification.
2) You are eligible to apply for the Master of Digital Business (120 points) if you have:
- completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject area, such as business/commerce/management, or information technology/computer science.
- achieved at least a B-minus grade average for your entry qualification.
3) If you don't meet the criteria above, you may still be considered for admission to the Master of Digital Business based on academic merit or relevant work experience.
Please email msc@waikato.ac.nz and ask to discuss your study options with us. In some cases, you may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first.
For further information about the MDigiBus, please contact the Qualification Convenor, Dr Karyn Rastrick at: karyn@waikato.ac.nz
International students must have an equivalent qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
Estimated fees
$8,579 - $12,869 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$36,130 (120 pts) $54,200 (180 pts) per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Hamilton campus - Required papers
For the Master of Digital Business, you will normally complete a total of 180 points at 500-level, depending on your entry qualification. This includes four required papers, plus 2-3 elective papers.
Required papers - Hamilton and online
- DIGIB555 (HAM) Digital Business Management (30 points)
- DIGIB558 (HAM) Contemporary Issues in Digital Business (30 points)
- DIGIB519 (NET) Professional Field Internship (30 points)
Note: Students are expected to find their own host organisation; however we can offer assistance if needed.
Your internship may be completed in New Zealand or another country.
- DIGIB552 (NET) Applied Research Methods and Project (30 points)
Elective papers - Hamilton and online
Choose at least 60 points from the following papers:
- DIGIB559 (NET) E-Business Technologies (15 points)
- INMGT517 (NET) Current Issues in International Management (30 points)
- INMGT588 (NET) International Business Strategy (30 points)
- LCOMM502 (NET) Managing Virtual Team Communication (15 points)
- MRKTG552 (NET) Advanced Advertising Strategy (30 points)
- SCMGT577 (HAM) E-Enabled Agile Supply Chains (30 points)
- STMGT502 (HAM) Strategic Innovation (15 points)
- STMGT503 (HAM) Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice (15 points)
Notes:
- Other 500-Level elective papers from another subject will be considered and approved on a case by case basis.
- Please be aware that some papers may have prerequisites, which are papers that you must have completed first.
- Entry to each 500-Level paper in your MDigiBus programme requires approval of the Qualification Convenor, Dr Karyn Rastrick.
Online study - Required papers
You can choose to study the MDigiBus completely online from anywhere in New Zealand or another country.
All interactions with staff and students will take place online. Assessments will include written assignments, web video presentations, online discussion forums, wikis, info graphics, mind maps, and more.
Required papers - Online
For the Master of Digital Business, you will normally complete a total of 180 points at 500-level, depending on your entry qualification. This includes four required papers, plus 2-3 elective papers.
- DIGIB555 (NET) Digital Business Management (30 points)
- DIGIB558 (NET) Contemporary Issues in Digital Business (30 points)
- DIGIB519 (NET) Professional Field Internship (30 points)
Note: Students are expected to find their own host organisation; however we can offer assistance if needed.
Your internship may be completed in New Zealand or another country.
- DIGIB552 (NET) Applied Research Methods and Project (30 points)
Elective papers - Online
Choose at least 60 points from the following papers:
- DIGIB559 (NET) E-Business Technologies (15 points)
- INMGT517 (NET) Current Issues in International Management (30 points)
- INMGT588 (NET) International Business Strategy (30 points)
- LCOMM502 (NET) Managing Virtual Team Communication (15 points)
- MRKTG552 (NET) Advanced Advertising Strategy (30 points)
Notes:
- Approval of alternative 500-Level online papers from another subject will be considered on a case by case basis. Some papers may have prerequisites, which must be completed first.
English language requirements
International students must have an equivalent qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.