Master of Business Administration - MBA

This Master of Business Administration (MBA) course aims to accelerate your promotion to well-paid positions of leadership.

It prepares you for new opportunities in any organisation, in any country, in a range of senior roles.

Course Overview

This full-time MBA builds on your previous business experience and enhances your real-world management capabilities.

You will develop your strategic knowledge, functional competence and problem-solving ability. You will also learn how to re-apply the best of international management practices.

You will study core modules that include ‘Managing and Leading People’, ‘Global Corporate Strategy’ and ‘International Business Environment’. There is flexibility to choose an optional module and dissertation topic that reflect your personal interests and aspirations. This course is the broadest of our MBA courses.

Our course focuses on problem-solving ability and linking theory to real-world challenges. As part of this, we encourage visits to local companies as well as guest lecturers who share their practical business experiences.

Sunderland Business School has partnered together with the Chartered Management Institute, to offer you dual accreditation with your MBA to enhance your professional profile and add to your achievements. On successful completion of your MBA, you will be eligible for the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership. During your study period, you will also become an Affiliate Member of CMI, which gives you access to CMI’s knowledge resources.

At the end of your studies, graduates with 3 or more years management experience will be entitled to apply for full membership of the CMI or Chartered status.

We understand that your MBA is part of an onward journey. We offer extensive career support to help you gain a rapid return on your investment in yourself – and achieve your personal goals. 

This course is the broadest of our MBA courses offered in London. If you prefer, you can pursue an MBA that gives a specific reference in the award title to Finance, HRM, Supply Chain Management or Marketing.

Download the programme specification for more information on the Master of Business Administration course.

Course Content

The course mixes taught elements with self-directed research. You can negotiate the topic of the dissertation to reflect your personal interests and career aspirations.

Modules on this course include:

• Financial Management and Control (15 Credits)
• Strategic Management in an International Context (15 Credits)
• Professional Management and Leadership Development (30 Credits)
• Value Creation in Organisations - Managing Operations and Marketing (30 Credits)
• MBA Project (60 Credits)

Plus choose one optional module from a list that may include the following:

• Management Consulting  (30 Credits)
• Management Accounting and Finance for Decision Making (30 Credits)
• Managing Brands (30 Credits)
• Digital Marketing (30 Credits)
• Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (30 credits)
• Contemporary International Human Resource Management (30 credits)
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer - Designated option for programme without options or routes (30 credits)
• Management Information Systems: Business by Design

Teaching and Assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations and applied study. Assessment is mainly through the dissertation and assignments, as well as exams in some subjects.

Information about course regulations and documentation can be found on the University of Sunderland Academic Services website.

Employment and Careers

The MBA degree is one of the most prestigious and sought-after postgraduate degrees in the field of management and leadership.

The applied nature of our MBA course will build on your previous managerial experience while moving you forward on a journey of practical professional development. The course is an investment in yourself that can lead to:

• Higher salary
• Promotion opportunities
• Greater employability
• Flexibility in an evolving job market

The most common reason for undertaking an MBA is to improve job opportunities. Previous University of Sunderland MBA graduates now work in roles such as:

• Financial Controller in the Gulf region
• Financial Analyst for ultra-high net worth investors
• Operations Director in an oil company
• Management Consultant with an international consultancy group
• General Manager in Eastern Europe
• Division Chief in China
• Business Development Manager for an automotive supplier
• Vice President of a Canadian corporation

Fees and Scholarships

Visit the website for further information on course tuition fees, scholarships and other funding information.

This course is designed to support career acceleration for suitably academically qualified applicants.

All levels of practical work/work experience will be considered including applications from candidates with pre-graduation or limited/no work experience post degree who can display that they will benefit from a programme of this type.

Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification.

All applications are subject to University approval.

In addition to academic qualifications, you must also have a minimum level of English language skills. If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.