In a bold move to redefine business education for the digital age, the University of Sydney Business School has launched a new, highly interactive online MBA in Technology and Digital Strategy designed to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly transforming global economy.
The new program breaks away from the traditional MBA mould, offering a highly customised curriculum built entirely from scratch and designed to equip professionals with the practical skills, digital fluency, and strategic mindset required to lead in tech-driven industries.
The new MBA (Technology and Digital Strategy) sits neatly alongside the University of Sydneyâs existing part-time MBA as a deeply considered response to what the University calls “the modern leadership challenge.”
âThis isnât just our MBA moved online. Itâs a fresh and future-focused program built from the ground up to prepare students to thrive in a world shaped by accelerating technological change,â said Professor Guy Ford, MBA Program Director at the University of Sydney Business School.
âWe designed this degree after speaking extensively with employers, industry leaders, and education specialists. Their message was consistent: we need graduates who can lead, adapt, and deliver results in uncertain, tech-heavy environments.â
Rethinking the MBA for the Digital Economy
The development of the MBA (Technology and Digital Strategy) was informed by extensive market research, including consultations with corporate recruiters, organisational development teams, innovation leads, and global strategy officers.
âWe repeatedly heard that employers want more than academic knowledge,â Professor Ford said. âThey need people who can lead under ambiguity, influence across silos, apply commercial frameworks in digital settings, and bring a human-centred mindset to innovation.â
The program integrates the timeless elements of an MBAâlike strategy, marketing, finance, and leadershipâwith emerging domains such as digital transformation, product development, commercialisation of breakthrough inventions, and the ethical use of AI and automation.
Itâs a curriculum tailored to professionals navigating disruptionânot just observing it.
What Makes It Different?
The University of Sydneyâs new offering is distinctive in both form and function.
The MBA (Technology and Digital Strategy) is delivered through a blend of live, interactive sessions and flexible self-paced modules, allowing students to fit their studies around work and life commitments without compromising on quality or engagement.
âOnline doesnât mean impersonal,â said Professor Ford. âOur students will join a vibrant global community, collaborate in real time, and learn directly from industry experts, researchers, and peers. Itâs immersive, itâs dynamic, and itâs designed for impact.â
Among the key differentiators of the program:
- Built-from-scratch design:Â Rather than repurposing existing courses, each subject has been purpose-built to reflect real-world digital challenges and opportunities.
- High-touch delivery:Â Students engage with lecturers, tutors, and their cohort regularly through live workshops, small-group discussions, and digital collaboration tools.
- Work-integrated assessments emphasise practical application, with assignments and projects often based on studentsâ real-world challenges.
- Global perspective:Â The course content includes international case studies and global industry trends, preparing students to operate across borders and cultures.
- Strong focus on societal impact:Â In addition to commercial outcomes, the program addresses how digital strategies can drive sustainable, inclusive innovation.
Designed for Emerging Digital Leaders
The program is particularly relevant for professionals looking to take the next step in their careers, whether by stepping into leadership roles, changing industries, or launching their own ventures.
Three core professional profiles are especially well-served by this MBA:
- STEM professionals who want to add commercial and strategic skills to their technical foundation.
- Non-technical professionals who aspire to lead technology-enabled teams or products.
- Executives and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, digital transformation, or start-up growth.
âWhile many professionals aspire to CEO roles, they are increasingly aware that part of that journey will have them need to lead a digital initiative, build credibility with tech teams, or influence strategic decisions involving technology. This program is built for them said Professor Ford.
A New Benchmark in Business Education
The University of Sydney Business School already holds prestigious international accreditations from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it among the worldâs leading business education providers.
With the introduction of this online MBA, the Business School adds a new dimension to its portfolioâone that reflects its deep commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and social impact.
The program can be completed part-time over three years, with the option for accelerated study over 18â24 months for those seeking a faster track. Students will graduate with the same globally recognised MBA qualification as on-campus students, backed by one of Australiaâs most prestigious institutions.
Applications for the first intake are now open, and early interest has been strong, particularly among professionals in consulting, tech, finance, healthcare, and the public sector.
âThis is the MBA for those who want to lead in the decade aheadânot just catch up with the present,â Professor Ford concluded.
For more information or to apply, visit: sydney.edu.au/mba-technology-digital-strategy