Types of MBA degrees, specialisations and subjects 

There are many MBA program options available, each suited to different career stages, goals and lifestyles. From full-time study to online flexibility and generalist degrees to specialised MBA concentrations, understanding what’s out there is the first step toward choosing the right path for you. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of MBA degrees available and take a closer look at the flexible study options and specialisations offered through the AIB MBA. 

Types of MBA Degrees

Full-Time MBA

A full-time MBA is an immersive program typically completed over one to two years. It’s ideal for early-career professionals ready to pause work and fully commit to study. It offers an accelerated path to career development but could require a significant investment through both tuition and lost income. 

Part-Time MBA 

Part-time MBAs typically run two to four years, with classes offered on evenings, weekends or online. One of the key benefits of this format is the ability to apply your learning directly to your job while you work, creating immediate value. It’s a great option for gaining a new qualification while maintaining a steady income and career momentum. 

The AIB MBA is available in full-time, part-time and accelerated formats, which we’ll cover further in the blog. 

Online MBA

An online MBA offers the flexibility to study anytime from anywhere. With lectures, assignments, and group work delivered virtually, you can balance learning with work, family and other commitments. The demand for online MBAs continues to grow with GMAC reporting that 58% of online programs reported application growth in 2024. 

Executive MBA  

An executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for mid-to-senior-level professionals with significant experience. It focuses on leadership, strategy and executive-level thinking, making it ideal for those aiming for the c-suite or senior management roles.  

Global MBA

A global MBA offers an international perspective on business, often featuring diverse cohorts, global faculty or study opportunities. It’s ideal for professionals aiming to work across borders or in multinational settings. While some programs are specifically branded as a “Global MBA”, many others provide global exposure through their curriculum, partnerships and student and faculty diversity. 

Specialised MBA 

A specialised MBA focuses on a particular field such as marketing, finance or HR while still covering core business fundamentals. They’re well suited to those wanting to sharpen their focus, whether that means advancing in a current role or shifting into a new industry. According to a 2024 article by MBA News, specialised master’s enrolment has grown by 19% over the past six years highlighting the strong and sustained demand for these programs. 

AIB MBA

As Australia’s largest online MBA provider*, AIB stands out for our forward-thinking approach to online course delivery. With a community of more than 20,000 students, alumni and industry experts from 100 countries, AIB delivers a truly global MBA experience. 

Our 100% online program gives you the freedom to set your own study pace underpinned by consistent assessment deadlines. Generally, our students concentrate on one subject at a time to complete the MBA in two years. However, eligible students can choose to accelerate by studying two subjects at once, finishing the degree in just 12 months. Find out more about course duration here. 

AIB MBA specialisations

At AIB, you can tailor your MBA to align with your career goals through a wide range of specialisations and elective subjects. In fact, according our 2024 Alumni Insights Report, 33.8% of AIB alumni have chosen to specialise, allowing them to build deeper expertise in a specific field.

There are five MBA specialisations to choose from: Finance, Entrepreneurial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management or Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

If you’re looking for a more diversified approach, our general MBA offers a comprehensive education in business management and leadership, teaching you foundational skills across all areas of business, plus your choice of electives. 

We’ll explore those MBA specialisations in more detail below.

Finance Specialisation Course

This specialisation covers leading frameworks and techniques to boost your career in all areas of finance including banking, investment and accounting relevant to private companies, the public sector and NFP organisations. As well as mastering corporate finance, investments, markets and institutions, you’ll deepen your understanding of the relationship finance has with other business functions. It’s a smart choice for those in finance, accounting or leadership positions who want to speak the language of numbers with confidence. 

Key units in this stream: 

• Corporate Finance 
• Financial Markets and Institutions 
• Investment Management

Entrepreneurial Management Specialisation Course

If you’re looking to start and scale a new business venture or incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into an existing corporation, this degree will provide you with the skills and mindset to make it happen. To succeed as an entrepreneur, you’ll need a broad understanding of how every part of a business operates. This specialisation equips you with that foundation while helping you build entrepreneurial skills in areas such as digital startups, business consulting and the design of new products and services. 

This specialisation covers: 

• Entrepreneurship
• New Product Design
• Business Consulting

Human Resource Management Specialisation Course

If you’re passionate about helping people thrive at work while supporting business growth, this specialisation is for you. Throughout the degree, you’ll develop skills to manage human capital to meet organisational goals while tackling the global, local, environmental, technological and socio-political changes that continue to shape and transform business. It’s suited to professionals looking to advance into senior and executive HR roles or bring stronger people practices into their teams. 

Specialisation subjects include: 

• Organisational Learning and Development
• Managing People in a Global Context
• Managing Change

Marketing Management Specialisation Course

Designed for experienced and aspiring marketing practitioners, this specialisation will equip you with the tools to develop an organisation’s marketing strategy, oversee new product or service launches, manage the customer experience or deploy digital and social media marketing. You’ll learn how to drive business growth by creating strong, unique brands, evaluate potential markets and leverage data to deliver results for your team and business.   

This stream includes: 

• Consumer Behaviour
• Digital Marketing
• New Product Design

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Specialisation Course

In an increasingly globalised world, efficient supply chains are critical to business success. Throughout this specialisation, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead businesses through change, expand your strategic view to understand the big-picture of your organisation and identify opportunities to drive greater business growth. This will open new career pathways into advanced positions in areas including procurement, transportation, manufacturing and distribution.  

You’ll study the following subjects: 

• International Business
• Procurement and Global Logistics Management
• Global Supply Chain Management

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all MBA, but by understanding the different types of degrees, specialisations and subjects, you can make an informed choice that supports your career and fits your lifestyle. 

If you’re ready to take the next step with a flexible, practical and highly regarded program, explore the AIB MBA today and find the specialisation that’s right for you.