Business Administration MBA

UCAS code

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Develop and master core competencies in support of your management and leadership ambitions. The University of Staffordshire MBA is designed to accelerate your professional and personal development and to contribute to the journey of being the best you can be.

From strategy and risk towards value creation and sustainable businesses, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, this course will help develop specific core competencies required to succeed.

To reach your potential, we know you need to understand more than theory alone. That’s why we’ll challenge you to think on your feet, consider the challenges of different organisational contexts, and be ready to act as consultants to real-life start-up businesses.

You’ll be taught by a team of senior academics and professional practitioners with years of experience. They’ll share insights into the industry to help you develop a problem and practice-based approach.

The principal approach to learning is centred on Problem and Practice Based Learning (PPBL). All the students will engage in 'learning to learn' and become increasingly reflective learners through adoption of the PPBL philosophy and hence development of key management & leadership competencies.

All MBA students will work collaboratively with each other and with teaching staff tackling real world and authentic problems allowing development of skills. Focus on PPBL will lead students to be capable independent learners, who understand key issues relevant to organisational business.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have grasped skills you need to succeed as a leader, senior manager, marketer or entrepreneur. 

From strategy and risk towards value creation and sustainable businesses, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, this course will help develop specific core competencies required to succeed.

To reach your potential, we know you need to understand more than theory alone. That’s why we’ll challenge you to think on your feet, consider the challenges of different organisational contexts, and be ready to act as consultants to real-life start-up businesses.

You’ll be taught by a team of senior academics and professional practitioners with years of experience. They’ll share insights into the industry to help you develop a problem and practice-based approach.

The principal approach to learning is centred on Problem and Practice Based Learning (PPBL). All the students will engage in 'learning to learn' and become increasingly reflective learners through adoption of the PPBL philosophy and hence development of key management & leadership competencies.

All MBA students will work collaboratively with each other and with teaching staff tackling real world and authentic problems allowing development of skills. Focus on PPBL will lead students to be capable independent learners, who understand key issues relevant to organisational business.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have grasped skills you need to succeed as a leader, senior manager, marketer or entrepreneur. 

From strategy and risk towards value creation and sustainable businesses, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, this course will help develop specific core competencies required to succeed.

To reach your potential, we know you need to understand more than theory alone. That’s why we’ll challenge you to think on your feet, consider the challenges of different organisational contexts, and be ready to act as consultants to real-life start-up businesses.

You’ll be taught by a team of senior academics and professional practitioners with years of experience. They’ll share insights into the industry to help you develop a problem and practice-based approach.

The principal approach to learning is centred on Problem and Practice Based Learning (PPBL). All the students will engage in 'learning to learn' and become increasingly reflective learners through adoption of the PPBL philosophy and hence development of key management & leadership competencies.

All MBA students will work collaboratively with each other and with teaching staff tackling real world and authentic problems allowing development of skills. Focus on PPBL will lead students to be capable independent learners, who understand key issues relevant to organisational business.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have grasped skills you need to succeed as a leader, senior manager, marketer or entrepreneur. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MBA Business Administration

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MBA Business Administration

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MBA Business Administration

Part-time study

You can study full-time over one year, or part-time over two years, but either way, be prepared for a challenge - the pace will be fast. The part-time course has two start points, one in September and one in January.

Part-time study

You can study full-time over one year, or part-time over two years, but either way, be prepared for a challenge - the pace will be fast. The part-time course has two start points, one in September and one in January.

Part-time study

You can study full-time over one year, or part-time over two years, but either way, be prepared for a challenge - the pace will be fast. The part-time course has two start points, one in September and one in January.

Course content

For this course, you’ll complete four core modules (six core if you have selected a pathway) that builds your leadership profile, boosts your knowledge of risk management and entrepreneurial techniques, and develops your understanding of global strategies.

You’ll also complete two optional modules that are relevant to your career goals. For example, you might work with a local enterprise to create a business plan to build your leadership skills and test your entrepreneurship qualities. Or you might practice your management skills in a financial management situation.

We’ll also put your ability to cope under pressure to the test in a final project. You’ll pick a subject that demonstrates your skills and prepare a 15,000 word dissertation on the topic. This piece of work can be further developed into a doctorate if you want to take it further and we offer the DBA route as well as the PhD.

For this course, you’ll complete four core modules (six core if you have selected a pathway) that builds your leadership profile, boosts your knowledge of risk management and entrepreneurial techniques, and develops your understanding of global strategies.

You’ll also complete two optional modules that are relevant to your career goals. For example, you might work with a local enterprise to create a business plan to build your leadership skills and test your entrepreneurship qualities. Or you might practice your management skills in a financial management situation.

We’ll also put your ability to cope under pressure to the test in a final project. You’ll pick a subject that demonstrates your skills and prepare a 15,000 word dissertation on the topic. This piece of work can be further developed into a doctorate if you want to take it further and we offer the DBA route as well as the PhD.

Academic year

For this course, you’ll complete four core modules (six core if you have selected a pathway) that builds your leadership profile, boosts your knowledge of risk management and entrepreneurial techniques, and develops your understanding of global strategies.

You’ll also complete two optional modules that are relevant to your career goals. For example, you might work with a local enterprise to create a business plan to build your leadership skills and test your entrepreneurship qualities. Or you might practice your management skills in a financial management situation.

We’ll also put your ability to cope under pressure to the test in a final project. You’ll pick a subject that demonstrates your skills and prepare a 15,000 word dissertation on the topic. This piece of work can be further developed into a doctorate if you want to take it further and we offer the DBA route as well as the PhD.

Academic year

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for the purpose of gaining CIM qualifications through the MBA Marketing Pathway only [CIM accreditation]

CIM accreditation

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for the purpose of gaining CIM qualifications through the MBA Marketing Pathway only [CIM accreditation]

CIM accreditation

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for the purpose of gaining CIM qualifications through the MBA Marketing Pathway only [CIM accreditation]

CIM accreditation

Business and Management REF 2021 Results

Blog

Business and Management research has been highly rated by peers and stakeholders in the HE sector.

Modules

Important note about pathways

Optional pathways are only available to students enrolling on the September intake of MBA Business Administration. For students beginning the course in May, only the standard route is available.

Modules explained

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation 60 credits
Fintech And Data Analytics 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Contemporary Digital Marketing Strategy 20 credits
Dissertation 60 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation 60 credits
Learning And Development In Practice 20 credits

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate honours degree (minimum 2:2 in business related subject area).
  • Applicants with non-business discipline degree must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in a related business area.
  • Applicants (e.g. mature students) with a lower-level qualification but with substantial related business work experience of at least 5 years, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • English Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Please see the English Language requirements page for further information.
  • An undergraduate honours degree (minimum 2:2 in business related subject area).
  • Applicants with non-business discipline degree must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in a related business area.
  • Applicants (e.g. mature students) with a lower-level qualification but with substantial related business work experience of at least 5 years, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • English Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Please see the English Language requirements page for further information.
  • An undergraduate honours degree (minimum 2:2 in business related subject area).
  • Applicants with non-business discipline degree must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in a related business area.
  • Applicants (e.g. mature students) with a lower-level qualification but with substantial related business work experience of at least 5 years, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • English Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Please see the English Language requirements page for further information.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Collaboratory

A cleverly designed room to allow you to work together in teams, communication is key in business and this space allows you to practice team dynamics in a safe space.

The Catalyst

The building will combine business, networking and apprenticeship opportunities with dynamic teaching spaces and state-of-the-art digital facilities – the perfect launchpad for you future career. Read more

The Catalyst brings together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space. It offers open, social and flexible learning spaces, emulating real world working environments and opportunities for digital engagement. The Catalyst is a unified building, bringing together social, study, teaching and support functions, where students can browse digital and physical resources, including books and a number of special collections. 
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Careers

After completing the Staffordshire MBA, you’ll be equipped to take on a variety of management and leadership positions in a range of fields including:

  • Accounting and financial management 
  • Consultancy
  • Human resource management
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing management

Graduates from this course now work at Harley-Davidson, Airbus, Corus Hotels, British Telecoms Global Service, IBM, Expedia, Adelphi Research and the ACH Group.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

The curriculum will develop and evolve so that knowledge and skills learned in modules will be transferred, re-applied and developed in related modules at higher levels. You will be guided through your studies through a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders and supporting academic and managers, and dedicated and involved support and pastoral staff.

Learning and teaching will be an enriching experience for you that reflects the value the school places on effective, innovative and research informed teaching. Learning and teaching will foster your critical intellectual development and the business capabilities required to engage in contemporary organisations.

In your learning situations you will be acting in partnership with module deliverers and facilitators who, through a programme of study designed to develop an evolving body of knowledge and portfolio of skills will be:

  • Encouraging active learning and a confidence to learn
  • Making explicit the skills to be developed through the curriculum
  • Stimulating intellectual curiosity and excitement in learning through engagement with up-to-date and contemporary, well researched subjects.
  • Encouraging critical reasoning about the world of business to achieve well informed judgements and conclusions
  • Challenging and shaping new learning experiences and opportunities through application of research informed pedagogy

And you will be:

  • Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real-world issues
  • Proactively using available resources, technical, digital and paper-based to
  • Address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research
  • Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas
  • Communicating and sharing with others in effective teams and collaborative activities, demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing back- grounds, communities and value systems
  • Expected to study independently
  • Working with others on group work
  • Assigned a supervisor to support you throughout your final project
  • Supported through our Virtual Learning Environment, called Moodle. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

The curriculum will develop and evolve so that knowledge and skills learned in modules will be transferred, re-applied and developed in related modules at higher levels. You will be guided through your studies through a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders and supporting academic and managers, and dedicated and involved support and pastoral staff.

Learning and teaching will be an enriching experience for you that reflects the value the school places on effective, innovative and research informed teaching. Learning and teaching will foster your critical intellectual development and the business capabilities required to engage in contemporary organisations.

In your learning situations you will be acting in partnership with module deliverers and facilitators who, through a programme of study designed to develop an evolving body of knowledge and portfolio of skills will be:

  • Encouraging active learning and a confidence to learn
  • Making explicit the skills to be developed through the curriculum
  • Stimulating intellectual curiosity and excitement in learning through engagement with up-to-date and contemporary, well researched subjects.
  • Encouraging critical reasoning about the world of business to achieve well informed judgements and conclusions
  • Challenging and shaping new learning experiences and opportunities through application of research informed pedagogy

And you will be:

  • Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real-world issues
  • Proactively using available resources, technical, digital and paper-based to
  • Address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research
  • Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas
  • Communicating and sharing with others in effective teams and collaborative activities, demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing back- grounds, communities and value systems
  • Expected to study independently
  • Working with others on group work
  • Assigned a supervisor to support you throughout your final project
  • Supported through our Virtual Learning Environment, called Moodle. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

The curriculum will develop and evolve so that knowledge and skills learned in modules will be transferred, re-applied and developed in related modules at higher levels. You will be guided through your studies through a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders and supporting academic and managers, and dedicated and involved support and pastoral staff.

Learning and teaching will be an enriching experience for you that reflects the value the school places on effective, innovative and research informed teaching. Learning and teaching will foster your critical intellectual development and the business capabilities required to engage in contemporary organisations.

In your learning situations you will be acting in partnership with module deliverers and facilitators who, through a programme of study designed to develop an evolving body of knowledge and portfolio of skills will be:

  • Encouraging active learning and a confidence to learn
  • Making explicit the skills to be developed through the curriculum
  • Stimulating intellectual curiosity and excitement in learning through engagement with up-to-date and contemporary, well researched subjects.
  • Encouraging critical reasoning about the world of business to achieve well informed judgements and conclusions
  • Challenging and shaping new learning experiences and opportunities through application of research informed pedagogy

And you will be:

  • Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real-world issues
  • Proactively using available resources, technical, digital and paper-based to
  • Address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research
  • Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas
  • Communicating and sharing with others in effective teams and collaborative activities, demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing back- grounds, communities and value systems
  • Expected to study independently
  • Working with others on group work
  • Assigned a supervisor to support you throughout your final project
  • Supported through our Virtual Learning Environment, called Moodle. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Assessment

From written assignments to presentations, we’ll assess your learning using a range of techniques.

For example, you’ll demonstrate your skills in oral viva exams. This type of assessment is designed to test your ability to think on your feet and quickly make decisions.

You’ll also carry out a final project where you’ll apply your management and leadership competencies to a real business challenge, draw meaningful conclusions and suggest constructive recommendations.

From written assignments to presentations, we’ll assess your learning using a range of techniques.

For example, you’ll demonstrate your skills in oral viva exams. This type of assessment is designed to test your ability to think on your feet and quickly make decisions.

You’ll also carry out a final project where you’ll apply your management and leadership competencies to a real business challenge, draw meaningful conclusions and suggest constructive recommendations.

From written assignments to presentations, we’ll assess your learning using a range of techniques.

For example, you’ll demonstrate your skills in oral viva exams. This type of assessment is designed to test your ability to think on your feet and quickly make decisions.

You’ll also carry out a final project where you’ll apply your management and leadership competencies to a real business challenge, draw meaningful conclusions and suggest constructive recommendations.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days. The format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days. The format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days. The format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. These will vary depending on your pathway choices. 

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. These will vary depending on your pathway choices. 

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. These will vary depending on your pathway choices. 

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework and presentations
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffs.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework and presentations
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffs.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework and presentations
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffs.

Staff

You’ll be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge closely match to the content of the modules on the course.

Bharati Singh

Course Director

Bharati is the Course Leader for the MBA and undergraduate Business Management and Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship courses. She teaches across the undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes within the Business School.

Bharati's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £11,000 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,980 per course £16,740 per course

For the course starting on 26 January 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,980 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Not included in the fees:

Any optional study trips

Any optional study trips

Any optional study trips
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

I have used the International Study Tour module as a unique selling point on my CV when applying for marketing based roles, and this module in particular has been very helpful with securing my new job. They were very impressed with the work that we undertook in Prague, and it is similar to the work that they carry out!

Gurdeep Bahra

MBA Graduate

Success on a global level

The program has empowered me to attain success on a global level. The acquired knowledge and educational experience gained at Staffordshire University has equipped me with a refined professional skill set, resulting in securing career advancements within the global executive landscape. I am proud to convey that the exceptional academic foundation gained at Staffordshire has propelled me to excel in all facets of international business, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of industry.

Mark M. Johnson

MBA Graduate

I would definitely recommend the Staffordshire Business School MBA, there is a very healthy international mix and the lecturers are well prepared in terms of knowing how to teach international students. They are open-minded, approachable and get their message across well. Everything about Staffordshire University is very passionate, from the teaching to the students and staff.

Jo Lynn Chan

MBA Graduate

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MBA Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021