Online MBA

Entry requirements

For entry to the online MBA programme, you must have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree 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 and at least three years in cases of exceptional potential.

If you do not meet standard entry criteria, we may accept applications with a lower degree and significant work experience. Please contact us to find out more.

MBA with Clinical Leadership:

Relevant management experience must be within a health or clinical setting.

MBA with Engineering Leadership:

Relevant management experience must be from an engineering background.

We welcome applicants with an appetite for learning. Since the MBA with Engineering Leadership combines modules from multiple disciplines, expect to cover mathematics, starting at secondary schooling level and above.

Months of entry

February, July, October

Course content

Go further with the Birmingham MBA

Elevate your career with an online 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. You’ll study online to receive the same degree certificate as campus-based students and graduate from the triple-crown accredited Birmingham Business School ready to transform the future of business.

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 per 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 Spain – plus, there is the option to take up to three modules at one of our campuses in the UK, UAE, or Singapore.

• The University of Birmingham is ranked as a world top 100 university (QS 2024)
• World-class Russell Group university
• Universitas 21 member – a leading global network of research-intensive universities
• Ranked Top 10 Online MBA (Financial Times 2024)
• Online MBA ranked 6th in the UK (QS 2023)

Programme options include:

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:

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

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.

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.

If you’re unable to commit to the full MBA qualification, there are alternative qualification routes. You can exit with one of the following credentials:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): 120 credits
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): 60 credits

Curriculum

In convenient online modules, you’ll engage with a small, diverse group of peers to gain global insights and varied perspectives on modern business topics. Study a modern curriculum that emphasises curiosity, thought leadership and responsible business skills while preparing you for career advancement opportunities.

Module highlights

• Responsible Business
• Purposeful Leader
• Strategy in a Complex and Uncertain World
• People Management and Organisations
• MBA Company Project

Learning outcomes:

• Practice purposeful and inclusive leadership.
• Set direction, vision, governance and provide a clear sense of purpose for organisations.
• Work collaboratively or in partnership with a variety of stakeholders to influence key decision makers as appropriate and meet sustainable development objectives.
• Apply business frameworks and data intelligence for ESG to develop more responsible business practices.
• Assess social, economic, and technological trends and developments relevant to different areas of expertise and wider organisation and promote innovation to address changing requirements.
• Generate business improvement through promoting an ethical, inclusive, innovative, entrepreneurial, and supportive processes and culture.

Top Careers

• Director, partner, or CEO
• Managing director, vice president or executive directorHead of department
• Chief financial officer or director of finance
• Regional service manager or global lead
• Business co-founder

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept Academic IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any band. Alternative test certificates are also accepted, and exemptions can be made. Please contact us to find out more.

Fees and funding

The University of Birmingham is offering a 10% early bird discount from the first module for the Spring 2025 intake to those who have accepted an unconditional offer and are registered on the programme by 31st January 2025.

The estimated total cost of this programme is £26,250. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,875 on a module-by-module basis. All costs are listed, to help you make an informed decision.

Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year.