An MBA continues to be the flagship qualification for postgraduate business students seeking to increase their subject knowledge, build a portfolio of management skills and enhance their future career prospects in a competitive and increasingly global arena.

Key course features

• Modules are aligned to the Institute of Directors Competency Framework, which encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and mindsets.
• MBA route - There is a mix of traditional ‘hard core’ academic business master’s modules consisting of strategy, finance, marketing and HRM, which continue to be the foundation for this type of programme. The programme routes offer other modules, drawing on a wide range of bodies of knowledge, which reflect the context within which an organisation is required to trade. The outcome is a rounded business outlook with insights into corporate governance, environmental concerns, marketing and HRM perspectives within a framework of effective and critical reflective practice.
• MBA (Marketing) route - The inclusion of the Marketing route is particularly distinctive and is readily embedded within the programme. The overarching teaching and learning strategy encompasses current business and marketing issues together with issues arising within the students’ workplaces if, and where, appropriate. This ensures the threefold framework of skills, mindset and knowledge are oriented towards this particular body of expertise throughout the duration of the taught element of the programme for students electing to take this route. When progressing to the dissertation route, there would be a clear expectation for the student’s research questions to focus on a topic that would benefit from research into marketing.
• MBA (HRM) route - Similarly, the HRM route is of increasing relevance where people are the foundation of a vibrant world economy, and requires a mindset that is supported by an understanding of HRM practices where transferable business knowledge and key management skills are important. During the generic taught modules, students will be encouraged and supported to bring HRM issues into classroom debate as a pre-curser to including and emphasising current issues in their assignments. When reaching the dissertation stage, again there would be a clear expectation that HRM students would base their final projects on a research topic that is of international relevance.

Entry requirements & applying

We would normally expect a good first honours degree (2:2 or above) plus two years’ postgraduate experience.

Exceptionally, applicants without a first degree who can evidence extensive relevant experience of more than two years in a relevant professional role(s) may be considered. Such applicants may be subject to additional selection criteria at the university’s discretion.

For all successful applicants, emphasis will be placed on the need to work intensively and consistently throughout the course with a commitment to high attendance and the meeting of all deadlines.

Teaching & Assessment

The taught modules will be assessed predominantly through individual or group assignments. However, several modules will have an examination as part of the assessment procedure. You must pass all of your modules to attain 120 credits and progress onto the dissertation stage.

To be awarded the MBA, successful completion of the dissertation is required, and 180 credits attained. You will be required to submit your dissertation in the autumn following assessment in May. Upon progression to the dissertation stage, you will be allocated a supervisor to advise on the construction and progression of your dissertation.

The programme is delivered through a series of six or eight taught subject specific modules over two trimesters. Whilst there is a theoretical element within each module, the focus is on contemporary business issues and problems to provide case studies, and the opportunity for critical debate to enhance knowledge and practical application.

Students also study research methods and submit a research proposal at the end of trimester two. They are encouraged to select a research topic of a contemporary nature, related to business and management, which has potential value and relevance to future career aspirations. During the third semester, students complete a dissertation which involves a research element and attendance at a series of individually arranged supervision meetings.

The full-time programme delivery is timetabled over two or three days per week, which provides flexibility for students who are working and can be completed over a 12-month period, provided satisfactory progress is made through the modular delivery.

Our part-time route extends the programme to two years and requires attendance for one or two days per week during teaching weeks.

Full-time and part-time students will be taught together to enhance the richness of the learning environment in several areas, including the opportunities for networking, communication and group work.

Students will typically be expected to attend a three hour block per week devoted to each module. This will consist of a lecture and a tutorial to enable skills development and application. The majority of the modules have two assignments which students will be required to complete in order to progress through the programme.