Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Part-time | 24 months | Sept Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad

Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad

Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Northumbria gives you the leadership capability, strategic thinking, and commercial insight to advance your career across the private, public, and third sectors.
Part of an AACSB double-accredited business school and designed in close collaboration with industry and public sector leaders, this MBA takes a problem-based, experiential approach throughout. Build your self-awareness and emotional intelligence through leadership development work, test your strategic instincts in a high-pressure business simulation, and tackle real organisational challenges in team-based innovation projects.
Your studies culminate in a research-based dissertation on a management or leadership topic of your choosing, with dedicated research methods training to support you throughout.
This course is also available to study full-time, allowing you to complete the qualification in one year.
Applicants should normally have:
International Qualifications
Applicants holding non-UK qualifications should refer to the relevant country pages for equivalency guidance.
English Language Requirements
International applicants will require:
* Please note that we do not currently sponsor international students requiring a student route visa for part time courses.
Full UK Fee: £15,660
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
Full International Fee: TBC
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
HR9797 -
Leading and Changing Organisations (Core,15 Credits)
In this module, you will have the opportunity to explore contemporary issues/themes of leadership and management practices, drawing upon your knowledge and experience of leading and managing in organisations. We will place a particular emphasis on individual and organisational development, within organisational contexts prone to ongoing change. By reflecting on your experiences alongside a critical exploration of theories and models, you will be encouraged to (re)consider your leadership identity as a foundation for developing yourself and others. Key topics will include leadership, team dynamics, organisational culture, and communications, as well as critical leadership perspectives (for instance, dark leadership, poor leadership, and followership).
The module aims to develop your ability to critically analyse behaviour and actions in commercial, public and non-profit organisations; to problem solve, plan and to employ critical (and inded ethical) judgement through careful consideration of and reflection on current and future management and organisational challenges. This will help you to demonstrate an appreciation of the changing context of work and organisations, the need for change and adaptability and ability to innovate and respond to complex situations. You will subsequently be able to apply this knowledge and skill in your own context, and subsequently critically analyse opportunities for implementation and recommend potential future improvements.
HR9803 -
Leadership Development in Practice (Core,15 Credits)
This module facilitates the development of your leadership and management practice, explore your leadership potential and identify areas for development , together with providing you with opportunities to hone your team-working skills.
To enhance career development opportunities this module will enable you to put into practice key inter-personal and intra-personal skills which have been identified by current research and employers as those necessary for effective leadership in the 21st century organisation. The module will support your commitment to life-long personal and professional learning and development.
In the first part of the module you will engage in a self-analysis, supported by self-administered tool-kits and other activities, to demonstrate increased self-awareness and self-understanding. Topics you will study include styles of leadership, emotional and cultural intelligence, team-working, giving and receiving feedback as well as personality and motivation. You will also be introduced to various theoretical frameworks and concepts to provide you with a more in-depth understanding of self and your own leadership profile. A key outcome of this process is how you will be able to exploit this development to lead more effectively in your future careers.
The second half of the module includes a two-day range of on campus or on-line leadership and team-building activities during which you will put into practice the skills and attributes you have identified. Via feedback from others and a process of self-reflection, you will hone and develop further your leadership capability to lead and work in culturally diverse teams on a series of problem-solving activities.
MO9708 -
Strategic Thinking and Decision Making (Core,15 Credits)
Organizations across the private, public and third sectors continue to face accelerating and complex dynamics, and which often require strategic response patterns. Sometimes, these strategic responses transcend national boundaries and encompass international dimensions. The purpose of this module is to develop the participant’s ability to apply and critically evaluate concepts, theories and techniques related to organisational strategy and operations, and the implementation of strategic change.
This module is designed as a flexible vehicle within which organizational leaders can address the idiosyncratic and specific strategic challenges facing their organization through the lens of strategic management. It will allow you to explore the concepts of strategic management and engage in a process of critical analysis to evaluate opportunities, organizational readiness and the effectiveness of your current approach to strategizing in your organisation. You will learn approaches, models and processes to identify strategies to contribute to high performance within your organisation. You will also consider your role as change agent or change champion in fostering innovation.
HR9802 -
Managing Responsibly (Core,15 Credits)
In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how organizations—from private enterprises to public institutions and third sector entities—can drive sustainable change through responsible management. You will explore how environmental challenges, social responsibility, and ethical decision-making intersect with strategic business practices and public policy, all underpinned by the core themes of advocacy, plurality, sustainability, inclusivity, and accountability. Key topics include the evolution of responsible business practices, the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the application of international ethical standards.
You will learn to critically analyse the impact of climate change, resource scarcity, and societal shifts on both market-driven organizations and public bodies, examining how these factors shape policy-making and non-profit initiatives. The module also equips you with the skills to design innovative business models and governance frameworks that balance profit, public interest, and social value, ensuring diverse stakeholder voices are heard. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and group projects, you will develop practical strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication, embedding ethical practices in decision-making across sectors.
SM9746 -
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Core,15 Credits)
This module provides an overview of the mind-set, methods, and activities that support entrepreneurship and innovation. Entrepreneurial actors, whether occurring in an independent, corporate or social context, operate within a unique set of circumstances involving the entrepreneur / team, an opportunity, and the identification and marshalling of key resources needed to capture the opportunity. All of this must be done in the context surrounding the opportunity. The module takes an experimental and experiential approach where students develop a viable business model whilst critically reflecting upon the relevance of entrepreneurship and innovation upon their career and relevance to a chosen organisation.
More informationSM9748 -
Business transformation and digital strategy (Core,15 Credits)
This module focuses on how organisations are being transformed through digital technologies. In this module you will explore the complex and dynamic interplay between rapid technological change and the opportunities and challenges that this creates for organisations. These challenges and opportunities reflect whether the organisation is commercial in nature, governmental or in the third sector. As such, you will gain an understanding of how organisational context and characteristics shape how digital technologies are adopted. You will be introduced to the wide array of stakeholders that play a role in the digital transformation of organisations, and how digital technologies are developed within a global marketplace increasingly influenced by geopolitical considerations. Key topics you will be introduced to include digital business models, the economics of digital technologies, regulatory environment and ecosystems.
You will be introduced to case studies in this module drawn from business, government and third-sector use of digital technologies. These illustrate the challenges encountered, as well as the transformational nature of digital technologies. You will work in groups to investigate the dynamics of technological change and the nature of its transformational impact on the private, government and third sectors.
SM9749 -
Academic and Employability Skills, Research Methods and MBA Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)
This module is a 60-credit module which will be delivered across your programme (3 semesters) and is designed to build your confidence and capabilities as a postgraduate student, researcher and have the graduate skills to progress into high skilled employment or doctoral study. You will complete three strands.
Academic and Employability Skills (Semester 1 and 2)
This strand develops your academic confidence across a range of areas, including use of learning resources, academic reading and writing and study effectiveness, including the ability to effectively analyse and use source material. You will also develop a broad set of employability skills aligned to graduate outcomes, including communication, intercultural competence, collaboration, teamworking, digital and information literacy, critical thinking, ethical practice, reflection, self-management, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning and organising. You will additionally be encouraged to attend careers and employability workshops organised by the Graduate futures Team.
Semester 2: Research Methods (Semester 2)
The research methods strand will develop your knowledge and understanding of you learn about identifying a business problem, undertake critical literature review , designing appropriate research methodology and developing a research proposal and that will lead into the dissertation stage.
Dissertation (Semester 3)
You will learn how to identify a business problem or a research problem from any area within Business and Management (eg Marketing, Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics or International Management) and then how to design and implement an appropriate research methodology to answer your research questions and fulfil your research objectives.
Learn through problem-based workshops, lectures, seminars, and team-based activities, with guest practitioners and expert sessions throughout. Assessment includes written reports, presentations, and a research-based dissertation.
Graduates of this course can aspire to advance into senior leadership, management, and strategic roles across the private, public, and third sectors, including positions in consulting, operations, people management, and policy.
The strategic, analytical, and leadership capabilities you build are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries and organisations. Northumbria's Graduate Futures provides individual careers guidance throughout your studies, supporting your transition into your next role.
This course also provides a strong platform for further study, including progression to doctoral-level programmes such as the Doctor of Business Administration.
Research sits at the heart of this course, culminating in an independent dissertation supervised by an academic with expertise in your chosen area. Potential topics could span areas such as organisational change, responsible leadership, digital business transformation, entrepreneurship, or strategic decision-making in complex environments.
Research methods training is embedded throughout, equipping you to design, conduct, and present research to a professional standard. For those studying part-time, there is also the opportunity to ground your dissertation in your own professional context, connecting your academic learning directly to your workplace.
Newcastle Business School holds AACSB double accreditation in business and accounting, a globally recognised standard held by a small minority of business schools worldwide. This standard reflects the quality and academic rigour of your degree.
Newcastle Business School's purpose-built facilities give you the space to study, collaborate, and present in a professional environment. IT workshop spaces enable you to build skills in business analytics, presentation software, and digital tools relevant to current management practice.
The university library provides extensive collections in business and management, alongside specialist academic databases to support your research. The eLearning portal gives you access to online reading lists, lecture recordings, and module resources throughout the course, with flexible access supporting part-time and distance learners to engage at a time that suits their schedule.
Our academics bring expertise spanning leadership and organisational behaviour, strategic management, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, responsible business, and international management. Active research across these areas informs teaching, connecting current academic thinking directly to your studies.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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