Business masters ranks No. 3 in world

The Business School’s Master of Management (International Business) has ranked third in the latest QS International Trade Rankings, surpassing offerings from some of the world’s top universities, including Harvard and Cambridge.

The Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland programme attracts students from around the world, particularly Asia, and it scored highly for its industry relevant-content, graduate outcomes, innovative teaching and reputation.

Director Dr Jo Wright, who has been at its helm since September 2023, is delighted with the accolade.

She says there are several factors behind the success, including a strong focus on real-world experiential learning.

“All of the programme lecturers are PhD qualified and have a deep level of academic knowledge. This is paired with excellent exposure to industry. Taken together, these factors are the bedrock of the programme, and they help our students understand the connections between theory and practice,” says Wright who teaches international business and strategy.

“So many people are behind this excellent ranking – our leadership team, and the teaching team, past and present, everyone has put time and effort into making the programme what it is today.

"We’ve had some fantastic contributors behind the scenes too, including the incredible group of people that looks after these students who come to New Zealand to study. This team offers programme support, regulatory advice, pastoral care and other support services, making it as easy as possible for our students to excel.”

One example of the real-world learning the programme provides, says Wright, is the current cohort’s work with Hawkes Bay-based pet food business Animals Like Us, which is expanding into the US market.

“One of the founders recently met with the students to explain the company’s background and their approach to internationalisation and market entry. This provides students with this unique opportunity to see how the internationalisation process works in practice, helping them connect that knowledge with the theory they are learning in the programme.”