Online MBA

Start date
February, July, October
Duration
2 years
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Distance learning, Taught
Fees

Total tuition: £24,284/£1,868 per module.

 

Empower yourself to become a responsible, reflective, and resilient global business leader for the future with an Online MBA.


Go further with the Birmingham MBA

Elevate your career with an online Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Birmingham. Offering new skills in business and leadership, this programme delivers an integrative learning experience along with the opportunity to focus on your own career development. With our online MBA, you will receive the same degree certificate as it’s campus-based equivalent and graduate from the triple-crown accredited Birmingham Business School ready to transform the future of business.

Built specifically for working professionals, the 100% online MBA helps you shape your career, explore global networking opportunities, and develop your key areas of focus.

A global perspective at your fingertips

Our AMBA-accredited online MBA offers flexibility, convenience, and collaboration with international colleagues to gain essential knowledge to achieve your career goals. Designed with a responsible business focus, the Birmingham MBA offers three intakes each year and imparts hands-on experiences within specialised modules to tailor your learning and translate valuable skills to your current or future business role.

Immersive study opportunities are available face-to-face in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Mexico, and Europe – plus, the option to take up to three modules at one of three different campuses in the UK, UAE, or Singapore.

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MBA 

Become a responsible, reflective, and resilient global business leader for the future whilst also balancing your own career interests with an integrative learning experience on the Birmingham online MBA. Pathway options include:

  • MBA with Marketing
  • MBA with International Business and Strategy
  • MBA with Innovation and Business Transformation

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MBA with Clinical Leadership

Respond to the growing challenges facing healthcare and empower yourself to lead smarter, more effective healthcare systems. By uniquely focusing on both health service management and business leadership, this specialism will equip both clinical and non-clinical professionals with the ability and confidence to lead clinical experts and effect change. 

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MBA with Engineering Leadership

Harness your engineering expertise and integrate it with responsible business practices to set yourself apart as a leader who can make a lasting impact on both your organisation and society. You’ll become polished in entrepreneurial and systems thinking, analysis, and self-awareness.

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Modules

Designed with a responsible business focus, the 180-credit Birmingham MBA imparts hands-on experiences within specialised modules to tailor your learning. Students may choose to exit their studies with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). During the programme you will study:

Core modules

You must choose one of the following:

You must choose an additional 40 credits in total. When choosing optional modules, you can focus your studies in the following areas: Marketing, International Business and Strategy, Innovation and Business Transformation, Clinical Leadership, Engineering Leadership, or General Business Administration. These require a specific combination of core and optional modules.

MBA with Clinical Leadership

If you wish to be awarded the MBA with Clinical Leadership, you must study all the below core modules (totalling 30 credits). You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

MBA with Engineering Leadership

If you wish to be awarded the MBA with Engineering Leadership, you must study all the below core modules (totalling 30 credits). You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

MBA with Marketing

If you wish to be awarded the MBA with Marketing, you must choose at least two optional modules from:

You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

MBA with International Business and Strategy

If you wish to be awarded the MBA with International Business and Strategy, you must choose ‘International Business in a Complex Environment’ and at least one other optional module from: 

You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

MBA with Innovation and Business Transformation

If you wish to be awarded the MBA with Innovation and Business Transformation, you must choose ‘Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ and at least two other optional modules from:

You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

Elective modules

If you choose to study general Business Administration, you may choose three or four modules from the below as long as at least one of them is taken 100% online and no more than one module is taken from the Engineering Leadership and/or Clinical Leadership specialisation (subject to professional entry criteria).

Elective immersive modules

These are annual residential opportunities where students from across the networked MBA family can come together for up to 7 days and study in a face-to-face environment. The cost of accommodation and all activities during these trips are included as part of the tuition fee. Flights, visas, and certain meals are the responsibility of students. Only one immersive module may be chosen and places are limited.

Important notes

If a module is highlighted with an asterisk (*), it means that the module is available 100% online only. If a module is highlighted with a double asterisk (**), it means that it is only available face-to-face as an immersive module lasting between 4 – 7 days. All other modules are also available on campus in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and in Singapore. Students may take up to three modules on these campuses if their timetable permits.

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

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Fees

Invest in your future

The total cost of this programme is £24,284 GBP. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,868 per module. All costs are listed to help you make an informed decision.

Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for academic year 2023-2024. 

Flexible payment options

We provide a range of payment options to meet students where they are and lower the barrier to higher education. The fee can either be paid in full or spread over manageable instalments by Direct Debit.

No hidden fees

With no application fee, and no hidden costs, pursuing the Birmingham MBA means knowing the full cost of your tuition before you enrol.

The total tuition fee includes full access to any required online resources. This includes access to the online learning platform, course materials, and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies. It does not cover the cost of flights, visas, or personal expenses incurred on any of the immersive modules.

Early bird discount

We are excited to be offering a 10% early bird discount from the first module for the July 2024 intake to those who have accepted an unconditional offer and are registered on the programme by 28 June 2024. 

Alumni discount

University of Birmingham alumni wishing to pursue this programme are eligible for a 10% discount off their total tuition. If you believe you are eligible for an alumni discount, please speak with your recruitment co-ordinator.

Scholarships

While we do not offer scholarships for this programme, you may be eligible for a scholarship from your country. Explore the postgraduate scholarship and funding database.

There may also be other UK-based scholarships you can apply for too. Contact The British Council or Embassy in your country to find out more.

Postgraduate loan

UK and EU students looking to pursue a masters programme in the UK may be eligible to apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Private postgraduate student loans may also be suitable. You should consider sources and types of funding carefully and ensure that it meets your precise needs.

Questions? Request information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.

How To Apply

There is support and guidance for all students who wish to apply to study the Online MBA. If you have decided that the University of Birmingham is the right choice for you, it is time to put an application together. Use our checklist below for a step-by-step guide on the requirements for submitting your application.

Application checklist

If you meet standard entry criteria, you will only need to include the following documents as part of your application. Other documents are optional:

  • Certificates/Transcripts: To assess your academic eligibility, you will need to upload documentation which confirms your final overall grade of previous academic study. You can upload either a copy of your bachelor's degree certificate (or alternative qualification), or a copy of your transcript.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé: Demonstrate your academic and work experience, or any other skills that may support your application. This will help our recruitment team ensure you have the right experience for the programme.

If you do not meet standard entry criteria, you will also be required to submit:

  • A personal statement: Draw attention to your skills, experience, and goals, and to explain why you wish to apply for this programme. This should be no longer than one page of text.
  • One reference: Send details of your references either as a letter of recommendation or a recorded transcript by email or by post to our recruitment team. These must be signed on letterheaded paper or supplied with your referee’s business card.
  • Evidence of language (if applicable): If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate which meets the entry criteria.

Entry criteria

Offer in principle for qualifying students

Students who meet standard entry criteria are eligible for pre-approval to the MBA. All you need to do is email a copy of your degree certificate and CV, and a member of the recruiting team will be able to review and provide an ‘Offer in Principle’ to anyone who meets standard entry criteria within 48 hours. 

  • An offer in principle is valid for 30 days
  • If you receive one, we can support you in submitting a fast-tracked application

Please note that an offer in principle is not a formal offer of admission to the University of Birmingham. A formal offer may have conditions attached.

Start your application

Ready to apply? Applications are open for our next student intake. Use the links below to apply for the Online MBA:

Apply: Online MBA

Apply: Online MBA with Clinical Leadership

Apply: Online MBA with Engineering Leadership

Prior to submitting, if you would like any feedback or advice about your application, our recruitment team would be happy to help. You can fill out a request for information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.

Our Standard Requirements

To be eligible for the Online MBA, you will need to possess (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Given the nature of this programme, applicants should have five years of professional management experience, or at least three years in cases of exceptional potential.

Additional information about MBA entry criteria

  • MBA in Clinical Leadership will require relevant management experience that must be within a health or clinical setting.
  • MBA in Engineering Leadership will require relevant management experience from an engineering background. Please expect to cover mathematics, starting at secondary schooling level and above. 

Offer in principle for qualifying students

Students who meet standard entry criteria are eligible for pre-approval to the MBA. All you need to do is email a copy of your degree certificate and CV, and a member of the recruiting team will be able to review and provide an ‘Offer in Principle’ to anyone who meets standard entry criteria within 48 hours.

  • An offer in principle is valid for 30 days
  • If you receive one, we can support you in submitting a fast-tracked application

Please note that an offer in principle is not a formal offer of admission to the University of Birmingham. A formal offer may have conditions attached.

Professional entry criteria

If you do not meet standard entry criteria, we may accept applications with a lower degree and significant work experience.

If you apply using the criteria below, you may be required to participate in an interview. You will also be required to submit:

  • One reference
  • A personal statement

Upper second class degree

With an upper second-class degree, or equivalent qualification from a UK university or recognised institution with evidence of at least 3 years of significant management experience.

Second or third class degree

With a second- or third-class degree, or equivalent qualification from a UK university or recognised institution with evidence of at least 5-7 years of relevant management experience.

No degree

In exceptional cases we may accept a small number of applicants who have no degree but can demonstrate a lot of professional strength and seniority. We would expect these applicants to have at least 10 years of management experience.

English language requirement

Standard English language requirements also apply. If English is not your first language, you must also have an up-to-date English language test certificate. Please see details below: 

  • Academic IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any band
  • TOEFL with a score of 88, and no less than 21 in ‘Reading’, 20 in ‘Listening’, 22 in ‘Speaking’, and 21 in ‘Writing’
  • Pearson PTE with a score of 67 and no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge Advanced English with a minimum overall score of 176 and no less than 169 in any component
  • Language Cert ESOL SELT B2 ‘Communicator’ test certificate with a minimum score of 33 in each skill
  • Trinity ISE III with a ‘Pass’ in each skill
  • HKDSE with a minimum score of 4 overall, to include three bands at grade 4 and one band at grade 3
  • India Standard XII with a minimum pass of 80% in ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% in West Bengal, or 85% in other state boards

English language exemption

You may not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities if:

  • You are from a specified majority English-speaking country
  • You have completed a degree in English in a specified country within two years of your intended start date

If nationals from the following countries have a degree or GCSE English grade 4/C equivalent, they do not need to provide a test and there is no validity period for their degree or GCSE equivalent.

Nationals from other countries can be exempt if they hold a degree from one of the below countries within the last two academic years:

Australia

Belize

Botswana

British Overseas Territories

  • Anguilla
  • Bermuda
  • British[WF(S6]  Antarctic Territory
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Falkland Islands (and Dependencies)
    • South Georgia
    • South Sandwich Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Montserrat
  • Pitcairn
  • Henderson
  • Ducie and Oeno Islands
  • Saint Helena (and Dependencies)
    • Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Turks and Caicos Islands

Brunei

Cameroon

Canada

Gambia

Ghana

Guyana

Republic of Ireland

Kenya

Malta

Mauritius

Namibia

Nigeria

Sierra Leone

Singapore

South Africa

Tanzania

United Kingdom

United States

West Indies

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Jamaica
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Zambia

Zimbabwe

 

If you would like any feedback or advice about your eligibility for this programme, our recruitment team would be happy to help. You can fill out a request for information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.

International Requirements


What is it like to study for an MBA online?

The 100% online MBA has been recently re-designed and re-built with working professionals in mind. It is a fully integrative programme, which is part of a cohesive MBA family, giving students increased opportunities for networking and studying practice-orientated assignments which can apply directly to their own careers.

Matching the academic strengths of the campus MBA, students studying online will receive the same degree certificate and graduate ready to transform the future of business from the triple-crown accredited Birmingham Business School.

Purpose-built from the ground up to harness the full power of the learning technologies available, the online MBA involves everything from cloud-powered collaboration to interactive live lectures.

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Get real-world experience

The Birmingham MBA gives you a platform for international exposure and an opportunity to expand your global network.

You will join a cohort from around the world that is diverse in backgrounds, mindsets, and experiences. You will engage in activities with global firms like IBM, Accenture, Capgemini, Deloitte, Mondelez, KPMG, Santander, and HSBC. Birmingham MBA students can also choose to travel internationally to participate in ‘immersive modules’. See the programme curriculum for further details.

Throughout your MBA, you can connect and learn directly from our alumni at top international companies. When you graduate, you will become part of the same alumni network, who can offer you further advice, support, and expertise.

What you can expect

Online MBA students are taught skills that can be immediately applied to their careers and set them apart from the competition. By moving beyond the traditional classroom — and taking full advantage of digital media with modules that draw on interactivity — we can draw on a global network of students for diverse and unique perspectives. MBA students can expect to dedicate 14 hours a week to their studies.

Our students go beyond reading transcripts and engage directly with the curriculum.

  • Video lectures: accessing content at any time and from any device
  • Interactive assignments: actively participating in learning exercises
  • Real-life case studies: gain skills you can apply to your organisation immediately
  • Peer interaction: connect with peers, lecturers, and tutors online
  • Digital resources: rely on support for any of your admissions, enrolment, technology, or career needs

Join the Deloitte Consultancy Challenge

The Birmingham MBA takes your journey beyond the classroom and into the realm of impactful, real-world business challenges with The Deloitte Consultancy Challenge.

The challenge is a hands-on experience giving Birmingham MBA students the chance to collaborate with industry leaders on real-world business scenarios.

Birmingham Business School has been awarded a prestigious Global AMBA Award for our partnership with Deloitte which has been ongoing for more than a decade.

Module structure

Every module includes live lecture sessions (known as connect sessions). These are mandatory sessions which are held every other Saturday throughout your studies. All students will be allocated a time for these sessions that fits best with their time zone. In each session, you will have the opportunity to present your work and/or discuss case study exercises. You can expect to:

  • Be taught by our internationally respected and celebrated course leaders.
  • Communicate and network with fellow students in forums and via instant chat.
  • Undertake assignments (reports, essays, presentations, quizzes, group work), with deadlines structured at reasonable intervals to help guide you through your student journey.

Internationally acclaimed

The programme is part of a Networked MBA family run through the UK’s oldest business school, Birmingham Business School. As well as being acclaimed internationally, our programme differs from competitors by allowing students to tailor modules specific to their career objectives and participate in global networking initiatives such as roundtables, workshops, employer, and alumni networking opportunities, and much more.

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Strong career services and graduate support

Our graduates have gone on to hold leadership positions in government as well as companies such as Amazon, Barclays, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Estée Lauder, Jaguar Land Rover, KPMG, PwC, Shell, Ted Baker, and more. We offer:

  • A strong alumni network. Many of our alumni return for 1:1 coaching to further benefit our students.
  • Lifelong career support and advice such as supporting your job search, reviewing, and advising on CVs, guidance on building your professional network, how to manage your LinkedIn.
  • Strategic event opportunities, including job search strategies, career workshops, and employer/alumni networking opportunities.
  • Entrepreneur assistance, such as support via the B Start-up programme.
  • Free extended learning opportunities. Graduates are invited to return and take one of any of the optional modules up to three years after graduation.

We lead. We transform. 

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Strong connections to existing industry partners / associations

Birmingham Business School thrives on strong links with industry and employers. Our advisory board consists of high-level executives. We currently partner with Accenture, Aldi, Beiersdorf, BP, Capgemini, Deloitte, Enterprise rent-a-car, Ernst & Young, HSBC, KPMG, One Point Three Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), Woshipful Company of International Bankers, among others.

As a graduate of our online MBA, you will be able to network with key industry leaders throughout your career.

We will help equip you with the skills you need to continue to grow your career. All course content has been designed with a practical approach and contemporary subject matter. This will help you stand out from the competition and reach your career goals.

Why choose the University of Birmingham for your MBA?

  • Taught through the Birmingham Business School, which holds the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).
  • Bespoke in-house MBA careers advice from professionally qualified consultants at Birmingham Business School
  • University of Birmingham is ranked 4th best university for online learning in the UK (Uswitch 2022). 

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