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 28,000 alumni from 120 countries when you graduate.

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 two years. This will require you to be able to devote 24 – 28 hours each week to your studies.

There are now two routes to the MBA depending on when you start your studies.
For module details please see "Course Web Page".

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 undergraduate-level 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, so that you have a practical business base on which to build your MBA learning.

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.

180 credits

2 – 7 years

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

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 27,500 successful MBA graduates representing 121 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.

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT(UK)
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) recognises our MBA if the modules in Supply chain management (BB849) and Sustainable creative management (BB842) are studied. This means successful students can demonstrate the sector-specific skills and knowledge to the standards required of a Chartered Member with CILT(UK).

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