Executive Master of Business Administration - MBA
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information. Do you want to study an MBA in Birmingham? Accelerate your career and build your development towards higher positions of responsibility with our Executive Master of Business Administration course....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MBA
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Course overview
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
Do you want to study an MBA in Birmingham? Accelerate your career and build your development towards higher positions of responsibility with our Executive Master of Business Administration course.
This course will provide a thorough look at different aspects of management, decision-making, strategy and organisational improvement. It is delivered on a part-time basis so that you can continue with your career as you add to your knowledge, competence and credibility.
What's covered in this course?
This is a chance for you to self- manage your learning, developing your leadership abilities by drawing on your real-life knowledge and skills. You will gain invaluable business insight, combined with consultancy, which are key points when it comes to rising up the career ladder. Throughout the course, what you study will mirror the challenges today’s businesses face, helping you deliver appropriate and modern solutions for your organisations.
There are also plenty of networking opportunities available with course colleagues, allowing you to keep in contact with the postgraduate community created in the Business School. We ensure the course is flexible enough to substantially fit around work. Modules are a mixture of classroom and blended online learning, and client-based consultancy, with the whole course being practice-based. Classroom attendance is scheduled for a Friday and Saturday once a month, allowing it to better fit with work and personal commitments.
Why Choose Us?
- Our Executive MBA, like all of our Executive Education programmes, is designed to help you to accelerate your career, transform your working practice and deepen your expertise.
- Our Executive MBA is taught by experts who have experience of working in a wide variety of roles in companies ranging from Zurich International Solutions, JP Morgan and Barclays to Maersk Line, Aviva, Hertz, Ford and The Children’s Society.
- As part of your degree you will gain the opportunity to work on live client projects undertaken with both SMEs and high profile companies.
- This course is designed for managers returning to education. It has exit routes at the Certificate and Diploma stages.
- The part-time block and blended delivery of the course ensures you can schedule your study around work and personal commitments.
- The course is also a means to progress to doctoral study. Both PhD and DBA courses are offered by Birmingham City Business School.
- Candidate support is at the forefront of our approach, with everything designed to provide you with the skills you need to succeed.
- All modules give an international perspective and enable our students to demonstrate a deep understanding and critical awareness of the current global issues and challenges management professionals face.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
| Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
An honours degree or equivalent qualification. |
||
|
If you do not have a degree you could still be considered through our APEL procedure which looks for evidence of being able to benefit from, and succeed on the programme through your management experience. |
||
|
You should also occupy (or have occupied) a position of management responsibility for a minimum of three years. |
||
Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
||
| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
|
| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MBA
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 2 Years
- Show fees
- Year 1 (80 credits) £4,000
- Year 2 (100 credits) £5,000
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: MBA
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 2 Years
- Show fees
- Year 1 (80 credits) £6,000
- Year 2 (100 credits) £7,500
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
20 credits
This module will look at people, organisations and culture from a number of perspectives or views, and will require you to apply a number of theories, models and concepts. There will also be particular interest in the strategic aspect of managing people in organisations. The module creates the space for you to ‘try out’ a number of concepts, in the relatively safe environment of the University.
20 credits
The module enables you to develop a thorough understanding of marketing theories and concepts. You will be able to develop and apply marketing strategies in complex interconnected environments. In addition, this module explores and evaluate the application of strategic marketing planning, implementation and controlling of national and international marketing strategies.
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the main financial objective of the firm i.e. wealth maximisation and how it is achieved through alignment of financial decisions under constraints from within and outside the organisation. The module covers topics such as financial statements analysis, budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, time value money, investment appraisal, working capital management, sources of capital and choice of capital structure.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to key strategic issues in management in a global context. This is done by practitioner analysis of the impact of globalisation on management today and the relevance of core theories in management and global business. This therefore seeks to bridge the gap between theories and the decision making process of solving real, complex business problems in a global setting.
20 credits
This module is about leadership at strategic level and the role of transformational leaders as catalysts for change in their organisations and whole industries. The module therefore focuses on two but clearly intertwined elements of strategic leadership and management of change.
20 credits
This module will provide insight into the nature and scope of entrepreneurship and innovation by critically analysing its role economic growth and the well-being of society. The module has been designed to allow you to explore this subject in detail including how new ventures are created.
20 credits
This module is designed to allow you to integrate and apply your acquired knowledge, knowing, learning and managing skills within the consultancy arena by providing the opportunity for a self-selected group to undertake a selected, strategically based, consultancy project on either a national or international basis.
40 credits
The purpose of the Strategic Management Project is to require you to investigate a significant business or management issue and to make recommendations for improvements in practice. It provides the opportunity for a progressively higher level of understanding, critical awareness, application and practice in relation to issues in strategic management. At the same time it requires the integration of concepts, models and techniques associated with strategic decision making in organisations.
How You Learn
Modules are a mixture of classroom and blended online learning with the whole course being practice-based.
In addition to the classroom and blended learning, you will need to devote your own study time when this works for you or in conjunction with small groups of colleagues for some modules.
Student Quotes
Here are just a few quotes from successful graduates of our Executive MBA course.
“The Executive MBA experience at Birmingham City University has helped me better frame what I know, and understand more of what others know. It continues to help me make better decisions and choices as a result of seeing things from new and different perspectives. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and it was worth the commitment.”
Colette Simonczyk MBA
Tenant Services Manager, The Wrekin Housing Trust
“The Executive MBA course at Birmingham City University has provided me with an extremely powerful platform to achieve my career aspirations. The hard work and effort I exerted into the programme has paid dividends in my professional career, and the letters ‘MBA’ confirm significant meaning in business management world-wide.”
Matt Fraser MBA
Environmental Manager, Jaguar Land Rover
“Working, whilst studying the Executive MBA at Birmingham City University, allowed me to apply the theories learnt in the classroom to my organisation and gain valuable insight into the company and its workings. Although the commitment required to complete this is challenging it has proved to be an invaluable asset as it has led to my progression in the company. I found the tutors to be professional and constructive, with a wealth of knowledge and practitioner experience which immensely added to the entire experience”
Lee Jesic MBA
Senior Design Engineer, Kuka Systems
"Finding mentors with strong business management experience who could help me understand and practice dynamic management relevant to high performance organisations was a daunting task, especially coming from a disadvantaged background. The Executive MBA at Birmingham City University gave me an outstanding opportunity to learn about and practice advanced competence enabling me to deliver it at higher levels in the extremely demanding world of business leadership and management. Armed with the acquired and practiced learning, I can see the greater contributions I am now making to my organisations and how this is helping me transform my life."
Tichaona Dauramanzi MBA
Entrepreneur
Employability
Enhance your managerial career
Unlike undergraduate degrees, which are designed to get students into industry, our MBA degrees are aimed at existing industry professionals looking to climb further up the career ladder.
Companies around the world are now looking for a different kind of manager. They need people with different skillsets that can look at situations and opportunities in
unique ways. Our MBA degrees will give you the tools to stand out from the rest.
Upon completion, you will be able to effect positive change, both in your own professional practice, and within your organisation. On a personal level, you’ll be able to utilise new skills and methods to improve your efficiency, your critical engagement, and your ability to instigate change.
Successful improvements in your personal professional practice will then benefit your organisation. The MBA degree alone can open doors, but the possibilities opened to you by utilising your skills to improve your organisation are even more impressive.
Already a managing director, in charge of your own company? The MBA degree can still benefit you internally and externally. The knowledge and skills you will pick up over the course of your degree can allow you to become an industry leader, growing your company’s reputation through innovation. The accompanying benefits of this could help cement your company’s industry position for years to come.
If you want to learn more about how an MBA degree from Birmingham City Business School could help improve your career prospects, contact Martin Eley or Tony Birch.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Our Graduates
Derrick Dunkley
Since graduating with an MBA, Derrick has contributed to and published international guidance and policies, and presented at international conferences in Asia, Europe and in The United States of America. He is now the Asset Management Development Manager for National Grid, and Chair of The Nuclear Sites Licence Provisions Group.
In 2012, Derrick became the first global recipient of the President’s Award for Asset Management by the Institute of Asset Managers, and recently became a finalist in the Black British Business Awards 2017 in the category of STEM Leader of the Year.
International Students
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Martyn Brown
Senior Lecturer in Organisation Studies and Coordinating Director of Post Graduate Framework Degrees
Dr Martyn Brown has a background in engineering but also spent four years as a professional musician. He has worked in engineering consultancy and events management in the voluntary sector and has carried out marketing consultancy on the West Bank. He holds an MBA from Aston University and a PhD examining the rise in interest in spirituality in the workplace.
More about Martyn