MBA (Full-time)

Course overview

Studied in-person, at our campus in the heart of Birmingham, our Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme provides a dynamic, hands-on experience designed to instil an entrepreneurial leadership mindset. Going beyond conventional learning, the programme challenges you with real-world business problems, fostering the ability to think strategically and lead effectively.

Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, the curriculum covers a diverse spectrum of business topics, providing a holistic understanding of the global commercial landscape. Guided by a distinguished team of educators and industry experts, our teaching style emphasises practical application, ensuring you acquire skills relevant to contemporary business challenges.

You can tailor your MBA to align with your interests and career goals, culminating in a final project that reflects your aspirations, whether in consulting, research or entrepreneurship. Guided by principles of participant development, innovative teaching, strategic focus and inclusive learning, the Aston University MBA equips you to emerge as a confident, entrepreneurial leader poised for success in the modern business arena.

Monique was named AMBA Student of the Year 2022

"Aston [University] is a fantastic university with many opportunities at your fingertips. It is the top pick for budding entrepreneurs and individuals who prefer traditional ways of working."

Discover Monique's journey

Monique Farquharson

Master of Business Administration (Full-time)

Analytics and optimisation consultant, Accenture Song; Founder, PetitSquares Ltd.

Why MBA (Full-time) at Aston University?

Satisfied students

91% of full-time MBA students were satisfied overall with their course (PTES, 2023)

Experiential learning

Our MBA programme offers a learning by doing approach, incorporating simulations and trips

Mentoring for career growth

Benefit from alumni mentors for career guidance, networking and professional development

Get the Aston Edge

Gain a competitive advantage through this integrated personal and professional development programme

World-class, globally recognised

Consistently ranked among the top universities globally for our MBA programmes and part of the elite 1% of triple-accredited business schools

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Guidance, insight, success

From boardroom brilliance to real-world wisdom; as an Aston University MBA student, you can be partnered with a mentor to help prepare you for a career at the top.

Gain the Aston Edge

Listen to Yasmin Ansari explain some of the benefits of our integrated Aston Edge professional development module

AMBA Student of the Year

Monique Farquharson, 2022 AMBA Student of the Year, reflects on her MBA at Aston University, highlighting the Business Challenge and TEDx experiences, advocating for its entrepreneurial focus and balanced learning approach

Course description

Master of Business Administration

Our full-time MBA programme at Aston University aims to cultivate strategic leaders. Through our dynamic curriculum, experiential learning, global perspectives and outstanding student experience, we equip our students for success in diverse business environments.

What we will provide
An innovative and applied learning experience, emphasising holistic business challenges, active task-based learning and authentic assessments. With a focus on teamwork, leadership and real-world problem-solving, the programme provides a broad understanding of business topics and develops an entrepreneurial mindset, critical analysis and strategic thinking.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
As an MBA student, adopting a growth mindset is crucial. Success hinges on applying yourself, embracing a passion for learning and cultivating the drive to excel. Adaptability, ambition and a commitment to continuous improvement are foundational traits for navigating the dynamic challenges of the business realm.

What skills we teach
Through hands-on activities, real consultancy projects and collaborative group work, you will develop competencies in strategic planning, effective teamwork, business simulation, project management, presentation, pitching for funding, performance evaluation and critical self-reflection. Our focus on practical, applied skills will prepare you effectively for the workplace.

Career prospects
As an Aston University MBA graduate, you will be equipped with the personal and professional skills, knowledge and confidence to establish a rewarding and successful career path - whether you aspire to lead your own start-up, excel in your current organisation, or propel your career in a new direction.

Double degree
You can pursue a second MBA degree by completing your MBA at Aston University and then joining the second year of the MBA course at one of our partner institutions in Canada, Germany or Japan:

Canada: Laval University Faculty of Business Administration
Germany: HHL Graduate School of Management
Japan: Nagoya University of Commerce and Business

There are no additional tuition fees for the Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway; however, an administrative fee of £1,250 for UK students and £2,500 for international students applies. For more information, please contact abs_exchange@aston.ac.uk

How you will learn

The Aston University MBA immerses you in a transformative learning experience, encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset and honing critical analysis from the start. Our hands-on approach will have you grappling with real-world business challenges, fostering an in-depth understanding of how diverse functions intersect in today's competitive global landscape.

Led by experienced academics and practitioners, you'll explore cutting-edge leadership concepts and frameworks, applying them through exercises and real-life projects. Team coaching and the Aston Edge module will guide you in identifying and enhancing your skills, preparing you to lead positive change within organisations.

The programme emphasises participant development, innovative learning experiences and a strategically focused curriculum, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges of modern business. Strong ties with the business community facilitate industry-aligned education, while study abroad opportunities, trips, visits and guest lectures broaden your global perspective and provide practical insights and networking opportunities.

This dynamic learning environment, tailored to industry needs, equips you with the skills and mindset to navigate the complexities of leadership and global enterprise.

Get the Aston Edge

Running throughout your MBA programme, the Aston Edge is a powerful and personalised tool to supercharge your career progression.

The Aston Edge

What you will learn

The MBA programme covers core modules, including Leading Teams and Projects and Leading Enterprises, and offers the opportunity for specialisation through optional modules. The Aston Edge professional development module runs throughout, providing you with the opportunity to apply what you are learning to real-world contexts.

During the taught phase, you will enhance your financial acumen through a cutting-edge simulation, engage in collaborative decision-making and explore various aspects of marketing strategy. You will delve into customer behaviour analysis, global innovation and data-driven strategies, alongside the art of strategic thinking, with a dedicated focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. You will comprehend operational efficiency techniques, foster an entrepreneurial mindset, understand the value of innovation and address responsible management and corporate social responsibility.

In the dissertation phase, you will embark on an MBA project tailored to your specific interests, be it consultancy, a business plan, research or an internship, providing a solid foundation for your career.

Award-winning alumni

Since graduating from Aston University, award-winning graduate Ravi Ranjan has launched his own company, Voilo, which continues to go from strength to strength.

Discover Ravi's journey

Course objectives

Develops your knowledge of the key business functions and processes and your ability to apply these, together with previous experience, to complex organisational and leadership challenges, opportunities and issues.
Develops the individual and collaborative skills required to become an effective, confident and responsible leader of diverse, global organisations.
Enables you to evaluate and reflect upon your own strengths and career development requirements and use these to facilitate proactive, lifelong learning.
Nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset that enables you to be creative and use your initiative to find practical and innovative responses to organisational challenges and to evaluate the risks inherent in these endeavours.
Develops your ability to objectively frame an organisational problem or challenge; design a study in response to this; search for, collect and process appropriate information; and use this in a critical and systematic way to reach an evidence-based decision/conclusion.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Leading Teams and Projects Measuring and Enhancing Financial Performance - you will improve your understanding of assessing the financial health of a business. Through a state of the art business simulation, you will work in teams making financial decisions for your shared business while competing against your peers. This simulation is an engaging way to put theory into practice. Creating and Delivering Customer Value - you will learn and put into practice the key concepts and theories of marketing strategy and management, including how to research and understand customer behaviour, innovation for global markets, and how to interpret data to develop marketing strategies. Crafting Strategy - you will learn to link strategy theory and practice to develop your skills as a strategic, innovative and entrepreneurial thinker and doer. You will also develop your understanding of how to use financial analysis for strategic decision-making. This topic is split into two parts, the first half focuses on understanding strategies whilst the second half looks at entrepreneurship and innovation.	30
Leading Enterprises Designing and Managing Operations, Systems and Processes - we’ll introduce you to new techniques for achieving operational efficiency and teach you how to put them into practice with visits to local organisations such as Jaguar Land Rover and Cadbury. Developing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Mindset - this topic explores how entrepreneurship and innovation create value. Entrepreneurship is the process through which knowledge and creativity shape new ways of delivering these products and services either through new organisations or by revitalisation or reformation of existing ones. Managing Responsible Organisations - you will develop a broad knowledge of topics such as globalisation, cultural differences, global brands, fair trade, social responsibility and philanthropy from a business perspective.	30
The Aston Edge Acting as a common thread running throughout the entire MBA course, this module focuses on the development of key leadership and personal skills highly sought after by employers. Whether you are looking to enhance your career, or to excel in a leadership role, the Aston Edge can help you take that next step.	30
Ethics in Academic Practice This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments.	0
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Strategy	15
International Business	15
International Finance	15
International Marketing Management	15
Services Innovation	15
Cyber Security Management	15
Cyber Security Risk and Strategy	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Research Methods for Business	10
MBA Project The course concludes with a major business project* that gives you the opportunity to design your own learning experience to fit your own area of interest. This project acts as a springboard for your future career and as such, you can complete it in a number of ways: Consultancy project on behalf of a client or your organisation Business plan for your own business Industry/themed research project Internship (UK or overseas) and extended organisation-based project. *Project type is subject to availability.	50
Total	60

Award of MBA with specialism

Providing your MBA Project and optional module are in the same subject area, you may choose to have the specialism, as approved by the University, recorded on your degree certificate.

The following MBA specialisms are available to students studying the MBA on a full-time basis:

MBA specialism	Optional module
Strategy	One from: Advanced Strategy (BSM901) International Business (BSM694) Services Innovation (BNM752)
International Business	One from: International Business (BSM694) International Finance (BSM296)
Marketing	International Marketing Management (BMM693)
Services Innovation	Services Innovation (BNM752)
Finance	International Finance (BSM296)
Cybersecurity	One from: Cyber Security Management (BNM754) Cyber Security Risk and Strategy (BNM755)

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Discuss critically current theoretical and practical management literatures and concepts that underpin management thinking and practice in a global context.
Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the range of management disciplines and competencies.
Demonstrate critical awareness of how the management disciplines integrate and feed into strategic decision-making at a corporate level.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how strategic decisions are made and implemented.
Demonstrate competence in critical reasoning, creative thinking and the development of visionary ideas.
Analyse critically, interpret and evaluate relevant data, including financial and other managerial reports.
Identify, analyse, diagnose, propose and evaluate solutions to complex managerial issues and problems.Offer informed and considered opinion when presented with managerial issues and problems.
Engage intelligently in debates about what constitutes “best practice”.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theories you have engaged with to make a wide range of management and strategic decisions.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills necessary to lead effectively in a responsible, dynamic, multicultural organisation.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

You will also need to provide:

At least three years' relevant post-graduation work experience by the time you start your programme.
An official academic transcript of your grades (in English)
Two references - preferably one from an academic referee, the other from your current or previous employer; two professional references may be accepted from applicants with substantial work experience.
A degree-level professional qualification.

Interviews: successful applicants will be required to attend an online interview as part of the application process.

How to prepare for an MBA interview

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We accept applications from candidates with extensive work experience who have not completed a graduate qualification.

We take a holistic approach in evaluating applications. If you would like to get a better idea before applying, you are welcome to contact one of our MBA advisers for an informal discussion.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: mba@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Meet your programme director

Kirit Vaidya
Programme Director, MBA (Full-time)

If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.

Get in touch

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,500

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£30,000

More information on fees

Payment of tuition fees

You can pay your fees in full at the beginning of the programme or choose to pay in three termly instalments of 50% (term 1), 25% (term 2), and 25% (term 3). Please note your fees will vary depending on which scholarships you have been awarded.

MBA deposit payment

When you accept your place onto the Aston University MBA you will be required to pay a £5,000 deposit. This sum will be deducted from your total tuition fee amount upon enrolment.

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

MBA scholarships

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of authentic methods designed to prepare you for tasks commonly encountered in the workplace. This includes engaging in business activities such as simulation exercises, creating project plans, delivering recommendations for consulting projects, seeking funding from investors, and evaluating the performance and positioning of organisations.

Additionally, your final assessment will involve undertaking a practical and in-depth business project. The Aston Edge and Personal Leadership Focus modules will require you to engage in personal, critical reflection exercises, providing a rewarding experience that contributes to the development of your self-awareness.

Career prospects

Whilst investment banking and management consultancy have long been regarded as typical MBA careers, the list of companies who now hire MBA graduates is extensive.

Recent graduates of the MBA (Full-time) programme have gone onto roles including:

Wealth advisory associate, Morgan Stanley, USA
Investment banking analyst, PrimeStreet Advisory, Thailand
Corporate HR director, Amcor, Switzerland
Tax manager, KPMG, Saudi Arabia
Credit analyst, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria
Head of employee engagement, Chiltern Railways, London
Business analyst, CNSI, India.

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

What started as an MBA project at Aston Business School turned into Daniella’s company, She’s The Boss International.

Discover Daniella's journey

Our MBA graduates go on to excel in a range of roles and sectors - whether it's thriving in the world of business and academia or taking the leap from university into the life of an entrepreneur.

Hear from our graduates

Our graduates

Hear from some of our recent MBA alumni on how studying at Aston Business School benefited them.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study the MBA programme at Aston University?

We have a world-leading business school and highly rated research output. Our industry links shape both our MBA programme and your student experience throughout. You will encounter real business challenges, attend guest lectures, explore networking opportunities, and develop a skillset that is relevant and in demand across sectors.

The Aston University MBA is unique because it teaches you through innovative and practical methods that truly develop your entrepreneurial mindset, leadership qualities, and skills in working as part of, and leading, a team.

But don’t just take our word for it – hear from some of our MBA graduates.

MBA graduate profiles

What’s it like being an Aston University MBA student?

We take immense pride in fostering an exceptional student experience within our MBA (full-time) programme.

For the MBA programme, we have a student committee that convenes quarterly and serves as a vital bridge between students and faculty, offering a platform to share feedback and collaboratively enhance the course.

Your input as a student directly shapes the MBA programme’s evolution, contributing to our consistently high rankings in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). This commitment to open dialogue and continuous improvement underscores our dedication to delivering an outstanding educational experience tailored to your needs.

Here’s a handful of the latest survey results of our MBA students (MBA full-time; PTES, 2023):

91% overall satisfaction with course (sector average = 83%)
97% agreed that staff were good at explaining things (sector average = 89%)
94% agreed that their course created sufficient opportunities to discuss their work with other students (sector average = 81%)
94% agreed they felt a sense of belonging at their institution (sector average = 70%)
94% agreed they were given appropriate guidance and support when they started their course (sector average = 79%)
94% agreed that they support for using IT and accessing resources met their needs (sector average = 87%)
94% agreed that because of their course, they felt better prepared for their future career (sector average = 81%)

What is the ‘Aston Edge’?

The Aston Edge personal development programme is a unique, differentiating feature of the Aston MBA. Acting as a common thread running throughout the entire MBA course, this module focuses on the development of key leadership and personal skills highly sought after by employers. Whether you are looking to enhance your career, or to excel in a leadership role, the Aston Edge can help you take that next step.

The Aston Edge comprises a series of dynamic, engaging workshops delivered by key academic members of the university and high-profile external speakers. This will engage you in a powerful combination of cutting-edge leadership research and expert practitioner advice and experience. The new business world is global, dynamic, complex and fast moving. The Aston Edge workshop topics are carefully chosen to equip you with the skills to excel in this world at any level of business.

Our highly experienced career consultants will work with you in parallel with the MBA programme, to support your personal brand and career development plan, ensuring that the Aston Edge becomes a powerful and personalised tool to supercharge your career progression.

What kind of career will I develop with an MBA?

Whether you want to lead your own start-up, excel in your current organisation, or propel your career in a new direction, the Aston MBA will equip you with the personal and professional skills, knowledge and confidence to establish a rewarding and successful career path.

Our MBA is tailored to what you need, both personally and professionally. As well as elective modules to choose from, you can also tailor your Final Project to best suit your goals. We also work with you to develop your own personal development and career plan and you will gain a breadth of experiences including team coaching principles. This will really help you to progress over the duration of the MBA.

All this combined means that you will shape our MBA to best suit your personal and professional plans and we will help you to achieve your goals whilst you develop on the course.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?

There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.

Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:

What will my timetable look like?

We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.

Full-time programmes

As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.

Part-time programmes

Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.

Timetable availability

Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.

As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.

Online/distance learning programmes

The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.

MyAstonPortal

Is Aston University highly ranked for its MBA programmes?

Aston Business School's reputation for offering world-class MBA programmes extends far beyond the UK; it is globally recognised in various rankings and league tables, including QS, CEO Magazine and more.

Here are some of the rankings we are proud of:

CEO Magazine

2023 CEO Magazine MBA rankings have placed Aston University University in the top tier for both its global MBA and DBA programmes.

Ranked joint 33rd globally in 2023 CEO Magazine and placing the University as the fifth highest ranked UK institution for online MBA programmes.
Ranked 46th globally in 2023 CEO Magazine, Aston University is now the second highest ranked UK institution for executive MBA courses.

QS Online MBA Rankings

Ranked 18th for the online MBA (QS Online MBA Rankings Europe, 2023).

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (ShaghaiRanking, 2023)

Ranked 35th in the world for 'business administration'.
Ranked 13th in the UK for ‘business administration’.
Ranked among the top 5 non-Russell Group universities in the UK for ‘business administration’.
Ranked among the top 3 universities in the West Midlands for ‘business administration’.

Explore MBA rankings