The University of South Australia (UniSA) is collaborating with American and British partners to launch a Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space, the first program of its kind in Australia.
Leveraging the growth of the defence and space sectors around the world and the recent AUKUS strategic alliance, the MBA will address critical skills gaps in defence and space and help build a pipeline of talent across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and other allies.
UniSA Director of Defence & Space, Matt Opie, says the program, starting in late 2023, will be tailored to meet the most pressing challenges facing the two sectors.
“Global security is complex. Ongoing volatility means that future leaders in defence and space need advanced knowledge, skills and a global perspective. This customised Executive MBA will cover cyber security, space systems, geopolitics, entrepreneurship and innovation and defence procurement as well as strategic business topics,” Opie says.
Drawing on international partners, the 18-month part-time program will feature online study and intensive face-to-face residential teaching in Adelaide, Pittsburgh, Washington DC and London.
The first cohort of students will be hand-picked, including executives and senior managers from defence companies, senior members of defence forces, and government employees and public servants from Australia, the UK, US and allies.
Opie says the program is a perfect fit for UniSA, which has close links to defence industry and governments in Australia and around the world, making the university well placed to deliver an MBA program that meets the future requirements of the defence and space sectors and future leaders.
“We are delivering the program in conjunction with a world leading university and renowned think-tanks to provide students exposure the emerging global issues in the defence and space sectors.”
Graduates of the program will be well placed to excel as industry leaders in senior management roles with a body of knowledge of defence and space developments, challenges and solutions.
UniSA Director MBA and Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), Dr Ruchi Sinha, says the program is unique and exciting.
“It will be a specially curated and customised global executive program with defence and space-specific case studies, industry projects, expert guest speakers and international visits to cities with world-renowned defence and space expertise,” Dr Sinha says.