MBA Distance Learning

MBA

Attendance mode

Entry year

Duration
Start date
Location

Got a question? Contact our MBA team

Suitable for applications.

Overview

Our Master in Business Administration programme will provide you with the strategic, financial and people skills you’ll need to progress and perform effectively at senior levels.

The programme combines management theory with real business application. From day one you’ll be able to apply new knowledge and skills in your workplace. You will develop a broad foundation of knowledge in core modules, and focus your studies around a particular sector or discipline in elective modules.

The flexibility of the Distance Learning MBA allows you to study from anywhere in the world, with our new Virtual Learning Environment. We provide live online sessions with tutors that help you contextualise your learning.

Our refreshed MBA has been designed with your future employability in mind, and we continue to work with major employers on our MBA Advisory Board and International Advisory Board to ensure our syllabus deals with contemporary issues.

Established over 50 years ago, the University of Bradford School of Management has a rich heritage and an international reputation as one of the innovators in business education.

Contact our Distance Learning MBA team

Enquiry form
Email: distancelearningmba@bradford.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)1274 790 112

Professional accreditation

We are proud to be in an elite group of business schools to hold the triple accreditations of Equis, AMBA and AACSB, often referred to as the "triple-crown".

Our School of Management MBA programmes have been endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy to deliver the NHS Master's in Business Administration (MBA) programme.

Rankings

In their 2021 Online MBA Rankings, The Financial Times rated our Distance Learning MBA 1^st in the world for value for money, 2^nd for its overall salary increase for MBA graduates three years after graduating, and 4^th for the student demographics, with 72 per cent of those on the course classed as international students.

In addition, it was ranked 5^th for ‘international mobility’, which looks at alumni’s citizenship and work location before their MBA, upon graduation and three years after graduation.

Our Distance Learning MBA is ranked 12^th in the world in CEO Magazine's Global Online MBA rankings.

As a mother, wife and someone working full-time in a very demanding role, having the flexibility to tailor my learning and study time has enabled me to have a good work/life/study balance.

Tatjana Walker, Distance Learning MBA

Entry requirements

If you'd like a quick view on your suitability and eligibility for The Bradford MBA before you complete a full application, simply send us your CV and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Please email it to mbadl@bradford.ac.uk

All applications are considered on their individual merits and will be assessed using a collective approach, which takes into account professional status and work experience as well as academic achievement.

Work experience

Candidates must have at least three years’ postgraduate work experience, which can be from any industry, including both private and public sectors, and charitable organisations.

Academic and professional achievements

You should have a good first degree awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification. If you do not have a first degree or professional qualifications you will need to demonstrate significant management or business leadership experience (normally at least eight years). We will also consider an academic recommendation based on interview.

Numeracy and literacy competencies

We will require evidence of numeracy and literacy competencies, and you may be required to complete an authorised online aptitude test such as the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or School equivalent (The Bradford Test).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we may need evidence of your proficiency in English through a recognised test (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE-A). You will be required to achieve a minimum score of:

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no sub-test less than 5.5; or
Internet-based TOEFL:
- For EU, non-UK applicants: 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 17, Reading – 18, Speaking 20, Writing – 17
- For International, non-UK/EU, applicants (UKBA requirement): 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 21, Reading – 22, Speaking – 23, Writing – 21; or
PTE-A (Pearson Test of English Academic): 60 overall, with no sub-test less than 51

Your learning journey

All module information is for 2022 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Core

Option

Learning and assessment

Our DL MBA programme consists of three stages:

Core modules – designed to help you get back in to learning and provide fundamental knowledge of management principles and theory, before leading into an in-depth understanding of specialist topics that are essential and relevant to the contemporary commercial world
Elective modules – designed to help you explore contemporary management topics in more detail
Management project – enables you to put the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme to practical use on a relevant management issue

Your knowledge and understanding of each subject area studied will be assessed by the most appropriate means. This will typically involve the completion of a written assignment, an exam, or in some cases an assignment and an exam.

How you study

Each module contains study units that you will progress through each week under the guidance of a module leader. This equates to approximately 14-16 hours of study per week.

If work or family life is particularly busy we offer flexibility for completion of the MBA in two to three years.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Home/International: £19,704
Deposit to secure your place: £2,463
Installment Plan: the fee of £19,704 can be paid in up to 8 installments over 2 years (£2,463 every 3 months)
3% discount for payment in full (first year or total fees)

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

Travel bursaries

Every year a number of travel bursaries of up to £500 are available for distance learning students, to enable them to attend a block elective module at the Bradford campus. The bursaries can be secured on a competitive application basis, and students who are successful can use the funds to contribute towards travel and accommodation costs.

Students that have benefited from a travel bursary have enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Bradford campus and take part in a module in a classroom alongside other MBA students. The travel bursary scheme is enabled thanks to a generous alumni donation.

Master's Loan

For applicants from England and Wales, you can apply for a Master's Loan of up to £12,167 from Student Finance for the 2023/24 academic year over the duration of the course.

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Find out more

Our MBA Online Events are a great way to find out more about our MBA programmes, and talk to our team via a live web link from your computer, tablet or smartphone (iOS or Android).

These sessions are ideal if you live or work overseas or if you're based in the UK but don't have the time to visit us on campus.

Register for an online event

Thursday 12 October, 12:30 - 13:30 BST

Related courses

Career prospects

An MBA is an opportunity to either change career direction or consolidate experience then return and progress in a previous industry or job. The Financial Times Global MBA rankings show that alumni continue to operate in a wide range of sectors with, on average, 20% of them being in board level positions within three years of graduation.

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career support

AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The School of Management has joined the prestigious worldwide AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). All students will be given an opportunity to enhance their employability skills, helping to make them ready for the world of work.

AWS Academy is a global program that provides educational institutions with access to cloud computing content to support student learning in a competitive digital workplace. As a member of the AWS Academy, the University of Bradford will help students become proficient and certified in the use of AWS technologies and ready to join the dynamic cloud IT workforce.

All learners will have the opportunity to seek professional certification with the skills gained through AWS Academy content, delivered by University staff that are AWS Academy accredited.

AWS Academy logo

Career Booster

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.

Student with back towards the camera, arms spread, overlooking a sea. The student is wearing a shirt saying 'See the world'.

Study abroad

A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.

We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way.

Study support

Each module has been designed so that your understanding and knowledge is developed through using a variety of materials from textbooks and academic journal papers through to video clips, podcasts, online discussions and live online tutorials.

Supporting materials

For each module you will be provided with electronic access to readings, the core textbook and discussion boards through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Tutorial groups

While distance learning allows you more flexibility to study, we ensure that you will never feel like you are studying alone.

When studying a module you will attend live online tutorials with an academic. You can also discuss topics with other distance learning students and academics through the discussion boards and informal networking sessions online.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

The University of Bradford School of Management uses a virtual learning environment. Each module you study will have a dedicated site containing:

Guidance on the assessment used for the module
PowerPoint slides and lecture recordings
Access to Zoom for live tutorials
Key readings selected by Bradford academics from leading academic journals, trade publications and broadsheet newspapers
Selected audio and video clips helping to underline your knowledge and understanding of particular subject areas
Additional non-compulsory readings enabling you to further engage with a subject and advance your understanding
Formative assessments allowing you to monitor your understanding and get instant feedback on your progression

University of Bradford School of Management Library

As a distance learning student you will have access to the University's online library resources. This means that from wherever you are in the world, you can access thousands of academic journals, market reports and textbooks all from your computer.

Distance learning students also have their own dedicated librarian who can provide students with photocopies of various materials including journal papers, book chapters and company reports.

Academic Skills Advice Service

It may be some time since you last studied for a formal qualification and so some of your key learning skills such as essay writing, critical analysis and revision may require some attention. The School of Management Academic Skills Advice Service can provide you with all the help you need to overcome such obstacles. A variety of additional information is available and you can even have a one-to-one consultation with our effective learning advisor

Research

The material is research-led with contemporary material for current managerial and business issues. The rationale for the redesigned MBA is that it maps on to the four research centres of the School of Management.

Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.