* Formally known as the Master of Creative Enterprise and Innovation
Guided by the principle of ‘doing it for real,’ you’ll learn by creating, experimenting, and applying your ideas in authentic and dynamic business contexts.
The Master of Business Innovation and Leadership is designed to complement your existing qualifications, whether in HR, project management, retail management, or other fields. It builds on your prior expertise by equipping you with transferable leadership and innovation skills that can help you advance, lead, and thrive in your chosen profession.
You’ll build the skills, mindset, and confidence to drive and oversee creative change and business innovation, shaping the future – whether in launching your own ventures or leading within already established organisations.
Guided by the principle of ‘doing it for real,’ you’ll learn by creating, experimenting, and applying your ideas in authentic and dynamic business contexts.
Every element is focused on applied learning, ensuring you graduate with experience that’s directly relevant to the challenges of today’s business landscape.
From the outset, you’ll develop an agile, adaptable mindset by exploring risk, resilience, and the psychology of failure - learning to view setbacks as essential opportunities for growth. You’ll gain the tools to manage uncertainty, how to adapt to change, and you’ll be solving those complex problems creatively and assuredly.
You’ll master non-linear problem-solving, building on your resilience and risk tolerance - core traits for navigating the unpredictable realities of business and innovation.
Through experimentation and design thinking you’ll identify and validate new business, social, indigenous, or community-focused opportunities. You’ll also develop minimum viable products (MVPs) and learn how to meaningfully engage with investors and stakeholders.
Throughout the programme you’ll refine your critical business leadership skills: strategic thinking, effective communication, self-management, collaboration, and human-centred creativity. You’ll work on real projects, receive feedback from industry experts, and expand your professional network.
The capstone Innovation to Market project will see you validate your venture’s market potential and develop a professional business plan. You’ll know whether your idea is desirable, feasible and viable - a thorough assessment from three different angles.
These transferable skills will equip you as a leader for both current and emerging leadership roles.
November 2025 Intake
24/11/2025
March 2026 Intake
30/03/2026
July 2026 Intake
27/07/2026
November 2026 Intake
23/11/2026
1 Year
Three trimesters
In-person seminars with flexible distance learning
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Fees indicated are for 1st year of study.
All 2025 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.
Domestic: $13,891+ $450 Student Service Levy
International: $36,000 + $450 Student Services Levy
Further study options:
Graduates of this programme may progress to doctoral studies, depending on the entry requirements of the receiving programme.
Master of Business Innovation and Leadership
NZQA Level 9 (180 Credits)
NZ Government key information link for students.
As an MBIL graduate, you’ll be ready to create sustainable businesses, become innovative leaders within large organisations, or drive social and community-focused enterprises. You’ll be primed to work across borders, lead in job creation and contribute economically, socially, and environmentally. A global citizen.
Master of Creative Enterprise and Innovation
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Applicants must
or
or
Have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience.
International applicants must
Entry at the discretion of Whitecliffe
Candidates applying for entry will be required to submit evidence that they meet the entry requirements.
An interview and portfolio are not required for entry into this programme. However, applicants may be asked to provide additional information to demonstrate their strengths, readiness, and potential for success in this programme.
The CAO and Admissions Director, or their nominees, will determine if such information is necessary and will review it to assess the applicant’s readiness and ensure appropriate support for their learning journey.
The Chief Academic Officer and Director of Admissions reserve the right to refuse entry.
The Master of Business Innovation and Leadership at Whitecliffe empowers students to develop creative problem-solving and agile leadership abilities through applied learning and real-world business projects, preparing graduates for innovation-driven roles in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Students gain hands-on skills by actively creating, experimenting, and applying their ideas in authentic business contexts, with a strong emphasis on solving complex, real-world challenges across diverse organisations.
The Master of Business Innovation and Leadership intentionally cultivates risk tolerance, resilience, non-linear problem-solving, effective communication, strategic thinking, and the capacity to adapt to uncertainty and change in business environments.
The Master of Business Innovation and Leadership is designed to complement experience in areas such as HR, project management, or retail management by delivering advanced leadership and innovation skills to enhance career trajectories and enable movement into senior or entrepreneurial roles.
All Master of Business Innovation and Leadership students complete an Innovation to Market capstone project, where they test a business or social innovation idea, validate its feasibility, desirability, and viability, and develop a robust business plan from concept to completion.
Master of Business Innovation and Leadership graduates may advance as innovative leaders in established organisations, launch new ventures, drive change in social enterprises, or become global citizens creating economic, social, or environmental value in a range of professional contexts.
Yes, the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership is open to both domestic and international students, welcoming applications from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.
Applicants generally need a relevant undergraduate qualification or substantial professional experience; each application is reviewed individually to ensure alignment with programme goals and standards.
Completing the Master of Business Innovation and Leadership can serve as a pathway to doctoral study, provided graduates meet the specific entrance requirements of their chosen doctoral programme.
Master of Business Innovation and Leadership courses are delivered by experienced educators and industry professionals who are active business leaders, innovators, and scholars, providing both practical insights and robust academic support throughout the programme.
Supported by world-class faculty and strong industry connections, the MBIL is your gateway to becoming a resilient, creative, and impactful business leader.
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