AGSM MBAX ranks 4th in the world in QS 2022 Global Online MBA Rankings
Published on the 10 March 2022 by Kate Bettes
AGSM @ UNSW Business School’s fully online MBAX has ranked fourth in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2022 Global Online MBA rankings, for the third year running.
AGSM has maintained this top five position despite an additional 15 schools entering the competitive rankings this year. The number of Online MBA programs in the rankings has increased steadily as more and more schools develop online alternatives to traditional MBAs. The number of schools ranked increased from 47 (2020), to 57 (2021), then 72 (2022).
“With more competition than ever, the AGSM MBAX has again ranked among the world’s top Online MBAs,” said Professor Nick Wailes, Senior Deputy Dean UNSW Business School and Director AGSM.
“The increase in the number of programs being ranked this year signals that online MBAs have now become mainstream. For students who are seeking a high-quality educational experience coupled with a high degree of flexibility programs like AGSM’s MBAX are a great choice.” he said.
Global Online MBA programs are ranked across four key indicators: Faculty and Teaching (35%), Class Profile (30%), Employability (30%), and Class Experience (5%).
AGSM ranked well above the global average for these indicators, particularly in Employability, where its score of 81.8 was 34.2 points ahead of the mean program score of 47.6. Nearly 38,000 employers were interviewed as part of the rankings survey.
Professor Wailes said part of the success of the AGSM MBAX has been an emphasis on adapting and developing the program to prepare the next generation of leaders to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
“We are continuously assessing how we can update our MBA programs to be in line with what industry and the global community require, and to enable executives to make a positive impact,” he said.
"The MBAX performs particularly well in metrics related to employability. This reflects not just the quality of students we attract but also the significant investment we have made in career services across AGSM. An AGSM MBAX graduate doesn't just walk away with a reputable qualification, but with the skills needed to accelerate their career, change industries or start a new enterprise.”
Associate Professor Michele Roberts, AGSM Academic Director says these high scores reflect that AGSM MBAX graduates are highly sought after in the job market and are continuing to meet the needs of industry for ethical leadership.
“There is an increasing awareness in business that there is an urgent need for leaders who can build more sustainable organisations, while generating a profit,” Professor Roberts said. “Last year, AGSM became the first management school in Australia to offer a fully integrated global Responsible Management curriculum in our MBA programs.”
Developed in partnership with The Ethics Centre, AGSM’s Responsible Management Curriculum is preparing the next generation of business leaders to act more responsibly, while teaching environmental, social and economic sustainability.
As well as achieving high results for Employability, AGSM was ranked fourth among the 72 programs for Class Profile at 77.9 (the global average was 56.1). This relies on diversity indicators including female representation and nationalities.
“The diversity of experience within the online MBA cohort is a core strength of the MBAX. This diversity makes a big difference to the overall experience, particularly when it comes to peer-to-peer learning or opportunities to network,” said Professor Roberts.
“We are proud of our teaching faculty, and of course, the accomplished alumni who have come through the program,” she said.
In other key indicators, AGSM ranked 71.9 (above the global average of 63.3) for Class Experience. For Faculty and Teaching the MBAX was ranked 67.1 (above the global average of 52.9).
You can see how AGSM @ UNSW Business School performed in past years' rankings below: