Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

Deepen your expertise in a subject area you care about through the Master of Commerce (MCom) and grow your academic or professional career. You can choose one of three pathways within our new, revitalised programme, depending on the type of project you’d like to undertake, your appetite for research and your career directions:

  • A longer supervised research project
  • A smaller research project along with extra courses
  • A consulting project with a New Zealand business organisation (applied research)

If you’re considering business consulting or other professional careers, our new applied research pathway (180-point MCom) enhances your research and consultancy skills to prepare you for those roles.

As well as the new pathway options in our restructured and updated MCom programme, we also have exciting new courses such as: Responsible Business, Economic Development and Wellbeing, Financial Machine Learning, and Information and Digital Economy.

You’ll cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle complex challenges and thrive in a dynamic work landscape. 

If you’re considering an academic career, the 120-point MCom, which is a one-year thesis, is available if you qualify. This will enable you to specialise at an advanced level and pursue a PhD.

Specialisations: Accounting, Commercial Law, Economics, Finance, Global Management and Innovation, Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.  

Programme structure

The MCom is a 120 or 180-point, advanced, specialist masters degree that builds on an undergraduate degree in the same discipline.

The 180-point MCom is a 15 or 18-month specialist masters combining coursework and a research component in the form of either a short dissertation (60 points) or a more substantial research portfolio (90 points).

If you have completed a BCom(Hons) or equivalent, you may be eligible to undertake a 120-point MCom degree by research comprising a supervised thesis.

Find out more about thesis and dissertation enrolment.

A high performance in the BCom(Hons) or MCom (120 or 180-point) enables you to apply for a doctoral programme.

Note: Semester Two start is available for the 120-point masters as well as for selected courses within the 180-point masters. Please contact Student Hubs for advice.

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Business postgraduate pathway (16KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Accounting specialisation, based on a student undertaking the 30pt research project (Please note this is a sample only)

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    ACCTG 701
    Name:
    Research Methods in Accounting
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BUSINESS 713
    Name:
    Responsible Business
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 711
    Name:
    Financial Accounting Research
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 709
    Name:
    Sustainability Accounting Research
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    ECON 720
    Name:
    Econometric Methods
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 702
    Name:
    Governance Issues in Accounting
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 722
    Name:
    Research in Revenue and Cost Management
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 707
    Name:
    Applied Accounting Research
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 3 60 points

  • Code:
    ACCTG 788
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 714
    Name:
    Contemporary Auditing Research
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ACCTG 721
    Name:
    Research in Management Control
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Accounting and finance specialisations require higher grades.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Commerce  

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a Bachelor of Commerce, including the prerequisites for your intended specialisation as detailed in the Schedule for the MCom. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II in your intended specialisation. 

Prerequisites are usually a major in your intended specialisation, but some specialisations have more specific requirements. You can find these in the MCom Schedule.

You must have completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce in the same field as your intended specialisation. You will need a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

The minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually, and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Accounting and finance specialisations require higher grades.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree  

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in the same field as your intended specialisation at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0. 

You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). Your study must have have been in the same field as your intended specialisation and you will need a GPE of 5.0.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Commerce cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,094.40*
International students
NZ$45,404*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

The 120 point MCom may start in either semester, depending on department approval.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Developing your skills and capabilities

The Business School is committed to giving you opportunities to develop as a scholar, leader, innovator and global citizen.
As you study towards your Master of Commerce you can expect to develop capabilities that will enhance your employability and help you make a positive impact on society. You will acquire these capabilities from your courses and through participation in a range of co-curricular activities.
While enhancing your critical thinking and analytical skills, your studies will equip you with strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills as well as cross-cultural understanding.
As a MCom graduate you will be able to develop:
Knowledge and practice
Apply highly specialised knowledge within your discipline to demonstrate an advanced awareness and understanding in a global context.
Critical thinking
Analyse and evaluate the relevant literature, and design/develop scholarly arguments that demonstrate advanced and diverse thinking.
Solution seeking
Creatively research and analyse complex issues, and develop innovative solutions.
Communication and engagement
Engage, communicate and collaborate with diverse groups using multiple formats.
Independence and integrity
Demonstrate advanced independent thought, self-reflection, ethics and integrity.
Social and environmental responsibility
Consider, in relation to your discipline, the potential significance of the principles underpinning both the Treaty of Waitangi and sustainability.
 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

An MCom allows you to further your undergraduate business qualification through specialised study at an advanced postgraduate level. You will be prepared for specialist positions in the public and private sector or to pursue further advanced study.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Business policy adviser
  • Chief financial officer
  • Corporate advisor or valuer
  • Data communications specialist
  • Financial manager in a manufacturing, service or consultancy organisation
  • Multinational funds manager
  • Security assessor
  • Software engineer

Further study options

See all study options

Meet Nicole Verano

Senior Client Service Executive Nicole Verano completed the Master of Commerce, while building on her arts and commerce background.

Read more

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Our Business School ASB Careers Centre will help get your career in business off to a strong start. You can access programmes, workshops and one-on-one support. You will be given opportunities to network with employers to increase your knowledge of the local business environment. Visit the Business School ASB Careers Centre.

Experience the University

Specialist knowledge, real-world skills

Lecturer Dr Sharlene Biswas and alumnus Michael Wells talk on the value and application of the Master of Commerce to the real-world business setting.

Discover Michael's journey

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513