Business Administration

MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Our internationally recognised MBA is a unique distance learning qualification that will build and develop your business skills. You'll be able to critically assess multiple perspectives and start applying your new understanding of management as you study. Designed for practising senior and middle-level managers, it will develop your strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, creativity and innovation. With an international emphasis and global reputation, our MBA programme is highly attractive for all ambitious executives.

Key features of the course
• Our triple-accredited status puts us in an elite group of business schools in the world.
• Practice-based learning brings your MBA to life in your workplace.
• Flexible options enable you to adjust the curriculum to suit your needs.
• Strong international emphasis essential for developing leaders in a global marketplace.
• Join an influential network of more than 27,000 alumni from 120 countries when you graduate.

Modules
The emphasis for your learning is directly rooted in management practice. The 'master' in the degree title signifies your 'mastery' of the art and science of management.

To achieve this level of capability the general MBA programme concentrates on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, intellectual stimulation and independent judgement and covers core themes such as: critical engagement; embedding theory in practice and global impact awareness.

Your employer could contribute towards your study fees. Generate a personalised, compelling business case for your employer, with this interactive Business Case Builder. You can find more information on how our MBA works in these Frequently Asked Questions or by joining our next MBA Webinar session.

There are now two routes to the MBA depending on when you start your studies.
November 2019 onwards route
If you start this year or have started with B870 in November 2019 or thereafter, including if you've previously studied any electives as a standalone module, you'll need:
105 credits from the following:
Compulsory modules
• Managing in a changing world (B870) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Creating and sustaining value (B872) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Effective strategic management in business and the public sector (B873) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Finance for strategic decision-making (B874) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022

plus 45 credits from the following:
Optional modules
• Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853) 15
Next start: 05 Nov 2022
• Entrepreneurship in context (BB851) 15
Next start: 05 Nov 2022
• Leadership and management of public services (BB852) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Supply chain management (BB849) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Sustainable creative management (BB842) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Business, human rights and corporate social responsibility (W822)
30
Next start: 05 Nov 2022

Or the discontinued modules BB841, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BXM871.
plus 30 credits from the following:
Compulsory module
• MBA project: leaders of change (B875) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022

Hybrid route
If you have gained 60 credits from completing either of the discontinued modules B716 or BXFT716 you'll need:
30 credits from the following:
Compulsory module
• Effective strategic management in business and the public sector (B873) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module BB835.

plus 15 credits from the following:
Compulsory module
• Finance for strategic decision-making (B874) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022

Or the discontinued module BB831.
plus 45 credits from the following:

Optional modules
• Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853) 15
Next start: 05 Nov 2022
• Entrepreneurship in context (BB851) 15
Next start: 05 Nov 2022
• Leadership and management of public services (BB852) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Supply chain management (BB849) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Sustainable creative management (BB842) 15
Next start: 07 May 2022
• Business, human rights law and corporate social responsibility (W822) 30
Next start: 05 Nov 2022

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB841, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BXM871.

plus 30 credits from the following:
Compulsory module
• MBA project: leaders of change (B875) 30
Next start: 07 May 2022

You should note that the University's unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Details of the Final Study in May 2020 route, which is no longer available to new students, can be seen below in the qualification regulations.

Entry requirements
You'll be eligible for our MBA by satisfying the following academic, work experience and language requirements.

Academic requirements
There are three ways to meet the academic requirements:

1: Bachelors degree with honours
You'll need to have a bachelors degree with honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent.

2: Bachelors degree without honours
You'll need to have a bachelors degree without honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent and you'll need to have completed one of the following:
• the discontinued OU module Managing 1: organisations and people (B628)
• three of our Business Management microcredentials*
• the GMAT examination and achieved a result of 640 or higher.

3: No Bachelors degree
If you don't have a bachelors degree you'll need to have completed one of the following:
• the discontinued OU Professional Certificate in Management (S01)
• six of our Business Management microcredentials*

*See our Microcredentials page for further information.

Work experience requirement
You'll need to have gained a minimum of three years' experience in a managerial, technical or professional role.

Language requirement
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.

Acceptance onto the MBA programme
You'll be required to show how you meet these requirements. You will be asked to submit your CV and proof of qualifications, including English translations of non-UK degrees. Evaluation of the evidence will take place before you're accepted onto the programme.

If you would like to discuss making an application and require further information, please call The Open University Business School information line on +44 (0)300 303 0065. Lines are open (UK time): Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:30.

180 credits

18 months – 7 years.

How long it takes
Most students study this qualification in three years by studying 60 credits a year. To achieve this you should expect to devote 12 – 14 hours each week to your studies. You can however study certain modules concurrently depending on your study intensity and complete within 18 months. This will require you to be able to devote 24 – 28 hours each week to your studies.

Career relevance
The Open University Business School is one of an elite group of schools that are accredited by the three leading international accrediting bodies - AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS - hallmarks of quality of teaching, learning materials and qualification impact. It is home to more than 25,000 successful MBA graduates in over 100 countries.

Employers value the MBA as an indication of high level business and management skills. These skills are in demand, increasingly so in times of economic uncertainty, and employers want practical experience, a thorough grasp of business, and the ability to lead at a strategic level. Much of the work in this qualification involves an evidenced-based approach, thus ensuring relevance in the workplace. AMBA's careers survey shows that MBA students can expect their salary to increase, and the MBA to have a positive impact on their career progression, as well as bring improvements to their organisation or business.

Endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy (NLA)
The NLA has appointed the Open University Business School to deliver the NHS Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programme.

For more careers information
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.