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MASTER OF

Change & Organisational Resilience

Our world is changing rapidly and we are facing unprecedented challenges (Hello, COVID!). Navigating change requires strong and agile leadership - are you one of those leaders? Our Master of Change and Organisational Resilience graduates are emerging as leaders for good. They have the skills to create stronger, more resilient teams, organisations, and communities - and impact lives for the better.

Focussed on strategising for change, this course is designed in close consultation with leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry experts to help you apply future-focused resilience frameworks to real problems in your professional environment. All while considering the impact on people, place and planet. You’ll develop your own leadership style, and align your values with your purpose. Ready to do the best work of your life?

Download 2025 Prospectus

Scholarships

Get up to 50% of tuition fees covered.
Learn more

Course duration

Complete in
14-18 months*

Time commitment

3-5 hours of directed learning per week

Flexible study

Blended learning:
Online and in-person sessions

Research Masters

NZQA accredited,
Level 9 (180 Credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

This is not your typical Masters programme - it’s practical and solutions based.
You’ll identify an area of interest, develop a proposal and then implement your project - all with the support of a dedicated advisor. Create change WHILE you study.

Your advisor will support and guide you throughout the program and connect you with other experts, whether from industry or academia, to help round out your research and set you up for success when you graduate. Expand your knowledge in three key areas:

Leadership Culture and Change

MCOR focuses on the critical role leaders play in shaping and influencing organisational culture and leading change initiatives. We explore leadership theories, the impact of leadership styles on change outcomes, and strategies for developing inclusive and adaptive leadership practices.

People and Capability Development

We examine how to enhance the skills, competencies, and growth of individuals within an organisation. We explore aspects of talent management, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, and designing effective learning and development programmes.

Change and Resilience

We explore strategies and practices that help organisations adapt to and recover from changes and challenges. We cover change management models, resilience-building practices, and touch on project management. We focus on how to cultivate a culture that embraces adaptability and continuous learning.

Leadership, vision and purpose

Provide clear leadership and guidance to employees or team members, to ensure they understand the vision of the organisation, and have the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to changes in the environment.

Strategise for change

Identify potential changes in the internal and external environment, and develop strategies to anticipate and prepare for them.

NZQA accredited Masters

This NZQA accredited qualification is regarded as a Research Masters when students enrol in the 90 credit, Level 9 project course as part of their study.

Stakeholder engagement

Develop strong relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that the organisation has the support it needs to navigate through challenges and adversity.

Adapt and respond

Design organisational systems and processes that are adaptable and responsive to change so that the organisation can respond quickly and effectively to disruptions.

Continuous learning

Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement so that employees are empowered to identify and address challenges and opportunities as they arise.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Oh the places you’ll go

Our past students have worked in Community Impact, HR, Culture, People Leadership, Government, Māori Enterprises, the Public Sector, NGOs and NFP’s. They work as Social Workers, Defence Force, Change Managers, and Local Government.

COURSE DETAILS

How this Master’s programme works

There are 3 parts to this Master’s programme:

Part 1 - Discovery
20 weeks

Deep dive into learning with industry experts on a range of topics including technology, ethics, leadership and organisational complexity in the context of change and resilience. Apply your learning to your practice and begin to reflect on and develop project ideas.

Part 2 - Planning
12 weeks

Guided by your Industry/Academic advisor, apply your learning about research methods, stakeholder engagement, evidence and ethics to produce a proposal for a research project that you will implement in Part 3.

Part 3 - Implementation
20 or 40 weeks

Relevant to your practice, you will work closely with your Advisor who will support, connect and guide you through the project journey to implement your project and develop valuable outputs that will make impactful change in your area of expertise. Where chosen, you might also engage with micro-credentials and other elective courses to support the development of your research ideas.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

If you are an international student planning to study in New Zealand, please download our International Student guide.

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English language competence e.g. academic IELTS or PTE.
Learn more

Qualifications & work experience

You need to provide proof of previous study and work experience e.g. an academic transcript, graduating certificate, or CV.

Statement of Intent

We want to know why you want to study a Master’s programme! Let us know in the Statement of Intent form.
Download the form

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

If you are applying as an international student, please download our International Student guide for full information (including what documents you need to apply).

Apply online

Choose a Master’s programme that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

If you are applying as an international student, please download our International Student guide for full details of entry requirements.

Interview

We’d love to get to know you better! These interviews are a fantastic opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, share your professional experience, and discuss your learning goals.

This helps ensure that the Master’s programme you’ve chosen is the perfect fit for your aspirations.

Accept offer of place

Once you qualify for the programme, we will send you an offer letter.
To secure your place, simply accept the offer. Our finance team will then reach out to guide you through the available payment options.

Visa

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, you will need to apply for a visa that permits full-time study. For complete details on the requirements, please visit Immigration New Zealand.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:Up to $13,630 NZD

International Student Fees:Up to $44,000 NZD

Available course start dates and session times:

23 Apr 2025 - Part 2(Domestic only)
26 Jun 2025 - Part 1
31 Jul 2025 - Part 2(Domestic only)
30 Oct 2025 - Part 1
26 Nov 2025 - Part 2(Domestic only)

Payment options and scholarships are available to help ease the financial commitment of studying.

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

Browse all people

Hancine SamvelyanProgramme Lead - MCOR & LCG

Yuka GraySenior Programme Manager

Emma BurtonProgramme Operations

Dr. Hayley SparksDirector of Academic Quality

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our EXceptional students

You can share your Māori points of view and Maori perspectives, and they're valued here at academyEX and they're valued by the people around you.

Angela Yerkovich