MBA (Master of Business Administration)
The University of South Wales' Master of Business Administration (MBA) will develop the knowledge and skills to be a successful strategic business leader.
It builds on a strong ethos of helping managers to solve real problems, and is designed for professionals who will make a strategic difference to the organisations in which they operate.
Whether you work in a public or private sector organisation, you will learn how to integrate cutting-edge research and practice across all key business areas to achieve business transformation.
During the MBA you will develop key leadership skills such as creativity, innovation, collaboration and problem solving and be introduced to innovative business theory in a practical context.
In addition to your MBA qualification, you'll also have the opportunity to gain the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. This is built into the MBA curriculum, so no additional assessment is needed, you just need to successfully pass the required elements of your MBA.
The University is host to a vibrant, multicultural environment that provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain an international perspective on business and different cultures and practices.
Please note, due to the high volumes of applications received, we are no longer accepting new applications from international students who wish to start this course in January or February 2023. Applications from students in the UK or EU are still being accepted. For more information, please visit our International website. Any new international applications received for the January/February 2023 intakes will be withdrawn.
However, International students can apply to study this course from September 2023. Whilst there is no set deadline to apply, we would recommend making an application as soon as possible.
This course is subject to validation.
| Study Mode
2023 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 1 Year | September | Treforest | A |
The MBA will expose you to core areas of business with an emphasis on the strategic nature of decision-making through a diverse range of modules.
MBA modules:
- Leadership and Management Theories and Practice
Develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of leadership and management theories and their contemporary application in a range of organisational settings. - Strategic Financial Management
Gain an understanding of the issues and techniques of strategic financial management from both an internal and external stakeholder viewpoint. - Strategic Analysis Tools and Techniques
Evaluate the strategic environment of an organisation; internally and externally. Also gain the skills to direct and manage the development of business and corporate strategy in the contexts of complexity and change. - Project Management and Consultancy Skills
Students will learn to evaluate the strategy and scope of a project while gaining an understanding of the project management process and the incumbent and emerging structural and leadership issues. Students will also be exposed to the process of identifying and selecting projects and managing projects using appropriate project management tools. - Strategic Marketing
Understand and critically evaluate how strategic marketing interfaces with general business strategy. In addition, appraise the difference between good strategic marketing practice and practice that falls short of professional quality. - Strategic Operations Management
Gain an appreciation of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems with reference to both manufacturing and service industries from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. - Research Methods
Conduct a proper scientific investigation and present it in a written format. This will develop your understanding and research skills in a management and/or professional development context. - Management Project
Explore the concept, theories and practice of project management and consultancy skills whilst building on the research methodological skills and requirements of critical debate established throughout the programme. Learn how these key skills are vital within a business context to ensure rigorous decision making.
Subject to revalidation from 2021
This course is subject to revalidation, this means it is under review as part of the University’s standard quality assurance and enhancement processes. Course and module content is indicative and may change through the revalidation process. As soon as the course is revalidated, the details will be confirmed and published on the University website.
In the unlikely event the course does not go ahead as planned, or is significantly amended, we will write to inform you. If this happens, we’ll help you to find a suitable alternative course either at USW or at another provider.
Teaching
Taught sessions are delivered through self-guided study, lectures, seminars, group work, case studies and exercises. You will have the opportunity to strategically analyse organisations, deliver presentations and prepare marketing and business plans.
Alongside your MBA studies, you will also be part of a study visit to see first-hand how different companies operate. You are also encouraged to attend the many guest lectures organised by the Business School, to broaden your understanding of important subject areas.
Research
Your studies will be underpinned by the latest research undertaken by the South Wales Business School Research Group. This means you will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their specialist field.
Assessment
The MBA qualification assessed through written assignments, presentations and project work. The MBA involves the completion of a business research project which will develop your communication and consulting skills.
Accreditations
In addition to your MBA qualification, you will also have the opportunity to gain the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
Lecturers
- Peter Murphy and Moizzah Asif, Course Leaders
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree from a UK university, or recognised international equivalent qualification.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £12360
Full-time International: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Additional assessment or membership | £250 | Students have the opportunity to gain the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. This is embedded into the MBA curriculum, so requires no additional assessments, but is subject to students successfully completing the required MBA modules. The cost for CMI registration and moderation is £250 (price correct at time of writing). |
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Employability is at the heart of this MBA, and we aim to ensure that our students are innovative, creative and entrepreneurial, which helps make our graduates employable across the globe.
This demanding and dynamic MBA course is designed for those looking to take their career to the next level. It will help you develop the knowledge and skills to be a successful strategic business leader and equip you with an insight into the business practices you will need for a future in an ever changing global environment.
Developed in close consultation with a range of employers who have contributed significantly to making our graduates more effective in the workplace, the University of South Wales MBA is recognised globally as a qualification due to its relevance within the world of work. The completion of a management project gives you the chance to showcase your knowledge and analytical skills that are essential to top employers.
At the end of your MBA, you may wish to progress on to postgraduate research with a Masters by Research or PhD.
Graduate Stories
Student Stories
Highlight Stories
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.