The University of South Australia 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 two key sectors 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 and defence procurement as well as strategic business topics," Mr Opie says.
With international partners in three countries, the 18-month 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 contractors and SMEs, senior members of the Australian Defence Force and allied countries, and civil servants from Australia, the UK, US and other allies.
Mr Opie says the program is a perfect fit for UniSA and South Australia, the 'defence state,' home to the nation's premier naval ship and submarine activities.
"South Australia is at the forefront of the nation's defence and space endeavours, where 30 per cent of Australia's defence spend is allocated.
"We have almost 100 years of defence heritage, research and industry, and with a burgeoning space sector, this state and the University of South Australia are well placed to deliver an MBA program that meets the future requirements of the defence and space sectors."
UniSA Director MBA and Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), Dr Ruchi Sinha, says the program will not be just another regular MBA.
"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.
For more information about the program, go to: https://study.unisa.edu.au/mba/gemba-defence-space/
