A high-level programme for experienced managers who want to transform their careers, enabling them to undertake leadership roles in our fast-changing technological and global environment.
The Master of Business Administration, delivered in the heart of Birmingham, covers core management disciplines, while building on Aston University’s strengths in business, technology, and enterprise. Founded by Birmingham’s employers, the University maintains strong industry connections, integrating these ties into its intense, experiential MBA learning experience that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset.
Our dynamic MBA is suitable for graduates of all disciplines, offering a platform to advance your career at a top business school. Core modules focus on strategic development, value creation, and business model transformation through business analysis, new and emerging technologies. You can specialise in Cybersecurity, Healthcare, AI and Digital Transformation, or choose the Business Management pathway, selecting options across specialities. Individual career planning and support prepare you for senior leadership roles. The programme emphasises personal development. This comprehensive approach equips you with the skills and confidence to excel in all professional settings.
"Academically, I got the required learning and exposure to enhance my business acumen, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Personally, I made friends for life"
Darrell talks about his MBA experience and how the programme has benefitted him.
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
Course description
Master of Business Administration
A high-level programme for experienced managers who want to transform their careers to enable them to undertake leadership roles in our fast-changing technological and global environment.
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 This programme connects you to the future, it helps you drive change: change across society and change in your career. Built on a tradition of working with business, technology and enterprise, it helps you leverage technology to enhance our tomorrow.
Career prospects Aston University's MBA programme prepares participants for a variety of senior level careers in business, including management consulting, leadership positions in a range of disciplines, and entrepreneurship.
How you will learn
All participants within our MBA cohorts have extensive work experience, and our teaching methods are deployed to take advantage of these capabilities in order to enhance students’ high-level leadership and management skills and to develop them as global leaders. This is achieved via intensive learning opportunities, which are delivered through team work, real-life case studies, business challenges and simulations. The curriculum is organised into week-long sprints, separated by time for reflection, self-development and assignment preparation.
Interaction with guest speakers and access to networking events, alumni mentoring, internships, study visits and career fairs connect you with industry experts and potential employers, enriching your educational experience and preparing you for the next stage in your management leadership journey.
In the Aston Edge you will enhance your employability and global leadership through experiential learning and reflective practice. Employability support from our dedicated MBA Careers team, skill-building workshops, individual and group coaching will prepare you for both academic and professional success. Drawing on Aston Business School’s long track record in developing entrepreneurs and creating for small companies, all students take part in the Aston Startup Lab and undertake consultancy for real life clients.
Get the Aston Edge
Running throughout your MBA programme, the Aston Edge is a powerful and personalised tool to supercharge your career progression.
You’ll learn to lead all aspects of businesses and organisations. You’ll explore the societal and environmental contexts shaping global economies and develop strategies to address them. Importantly, you’ll gain self-awareness to become resilient, empathetic leaders and entrepreneurs capable of making tough decisions, managing change, and creating future strategies.
Our curriculum integrates mastery of key skills and concepts with their application in various settings. You’ll practice advanced decision-making across core management functions and specialise in your career focus areas. During the dissertation phase, you’ll complete projects that enhance your ability to apply technology in diverse contexts and make decisions in a global environment. Finally, you’ll undertake an individual research project to solve a business problem of your choice, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research with a strong ethical, theoretical, and methodological foundation.
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.
Fosters Entrepreneurial Spirit: Leverages Aston University’s rich heritage in business, enterprise, and technology to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering future business leaders to innovate and creatively tackle corporate and societal challenges.
Elevates Professional Expertise: Enhances the existing experience of business professionals by developing advanced skills, knowledge, and behaviours essential for managing change and leading transformative initiatives in tomorrow’s organisations.
Cultivates Leadership Excellence: Equips individuals with the collaborative and personal skills necessary to become effective, self-aware, inclusive and confident leaders, capable of steering diverse and complex global enterprises responsibly.
Promotes Lifelong Learning: Encourages managers to reflect on their strengths and career development needs, fostering a culture of proactive, lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.
Drives Organisational Transformation: Provides participants with the tools and insights needed to transform themselves and their organisations, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet future challenges head-on.
You will have the option between five distinct and specialist pathways, allowing you to dedicate yourself to a particular area of business. The pathways are Business Management (no specialism), Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Marketing, and AI and Digital Transformation.
Taught stage modules
For all pathways, in the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Strategy and Economics for Global Competitiveness
15
Financial Analysis to Drive Value
15
Strategic Marketing, Planning and Analytics
15
Operations Management Transformation
15
Leadership for Tomorrow
15
Startup Lab Aston
15
Total
90
Taught stage optional modules:
If you opt for the Business Management pathway, you will choose one module from the first module listed on any other pathway and one module from the second module listed in any other pathway. If you choose any of the other pathways, you will complete both modules listed underneath that pathway. These are outlined below.
Pathway A: Business Management
Module title
Credits
Two options from those available across the other pathways, depending on your timetable
30
Pathway B: Cybersecurity
Module title
Credits
Entrepreneurial Strategies for Cybersecurity
15
Transformational Leadership in Cybersecurity
15
Pathway C: Healthcare
Module title
Credits
Patient-Centred Care and Quality Improvement
15
People Management and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Healthcare
15
Pathway D: Marketing
Module title
Credits
Communications in a Digital Space
15
Entrepreneurial Marketing and Innovation
15
Pathway E: AI and Digital Transformation
Module title
Credits
AI Revolution in Business and Society
15
Navigating Digital Transformation – Innovating for the future
15
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Strategic Technology and Global Business Challenges
15
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.
15
MBA Consultancy Research 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.
30
Total
60
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a deep understanding of global management theories and practices, enabling them to apply this knowledge to complex real-world business challenges with confidence and insight.
Display comprehensive expertise across various management disciplines, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in diverse enterprise environments.
Practice the integration of management disciplines to inform strategic decision-making and change management, ensuring they can lead organisations and individuals towards sustainable success.
Exhibit enhanced analytical skills to interpret complex data and to think critically and creatively, empowering them to generate innovative solutions and visionary ideas that drive business growth and stakeholder value.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate, and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities, applying innovative thinking and strategic planning to launch and grow successful enterprises
Exhibit the capacity to provide well-informed opinions and engage in meaningful debates (oral and written) on best practice, contributing to the advancement of technological, digital and management practice to the benefit of institutions and society.
Display essential leadership skills that enable them to lead responsibly and effectively in diverse, dynamic, and multicultural business settings.
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)
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Assessment has been developed to reflect the innovative action-oriented and experiential learning which are essential to create the confident leaders of tomorrow. For this reason there are no formal examinations, and we will assess whether you have met the programme learning outcomes via team assignments, individual reflection, portfolios and projects, as well as simulations, games, consultancy and real-life business challenges which have a technology and global focus.
Our assessments will challenge you to demonstrate your entrepreneurial, analytical, collaborative and leadership skills, as well as applying core academic models in real life business situations.
Career prospects
Aston University's MBA programme prepares participants for a variety of senior level careers in business, including management consulting, leadership positions in a range of disciplines, and entrepreneurship:
Management consulting Work with clients to drive organisational change and efficiency in a fast-moving technological environment
International marketing management Create and execute strategies to drive sales, brand awareness, and engagement across sectors and global markets
Financial analysis Evaluate investment opportunities and provide insights to support decision-making
Entrepreneurship Identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and turn innovative ideas into successful ventures
Operations management Oversee the day-to-day operations of a business, including production, logistics, supply chain management, advanced services and quality control
Aston University's MBA programme helps students develop skills such as:
Data analysis: Analyse data effectively
Strategic thinking: Develop strategic solutions to complex problems
Adaptability: Adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks
Resilience: Develop resilience to pivot in the face of uncertainties
Communication: Convey ideas clearly, persuasively, and confidently
Aston's Alumni network and Alumni mentoring programme provides opportunities to connect with former graduates in a range of professions.
Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Accenture, Barclays, Deloitte, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, JP Morgan, National Grid and Virgin Money.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
What started as an MBA project at Aston Business School turned into Daniella’s company, She’s The Boss International.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
