MBA Master of Business Administration (Executive) MBA
Please note that new student recruitment to this course has been suspended for the September 2025 and January 2026 intakes. Applications for September 2026 or January 2027 should be made from September 2025.
Introduction
Our Master of Business Administration (Executive) MBA will prepare you for senior leadership and the complex, changing demands of contemporary business.
The Master of Business Administration (Executive) MBA is an internationally recognised qualification for busy, experienced professionals looking to make their mark at the most senior levels. This is an executive course which leads to Master in Business Administration (MBA).
You'll study challenging business problems, develop your capabilities and establish yourself as a convincing, highly effective leader.
You'll also gain practical insight into the key issues facing organisations today and you'll explore new ways of delivering sustainable, socially-responsible entrepreneurship.
You'll leave us ready to take on the challenges that come with senior management and leadership in today's ever-evolving business world.
Alongside access to the latest thinking, this is an opportunity to grow your network and learn from other inspirational professionals.
You'll tailor your MBA studies to your own goals, and work on a client or independent evidence-based dissertation focusing on a strategic project that has a direct impact on your business and your professional development.
This is a much sought-after course for those who've already made their mark in business, and now want further advancement, better prospects, salaries and career fulfilment.
You can look forward to a challenging, transformative experience one that will have an immediate impact on your performance and your business.
Previous course graduates have gone on to start or expand their own businesses or work at organisations such as:
Network Rail, GKN Aerospace, Arrow Europe, Skanska, Boeing, Medtronic, YTL and Wessex Water.
Structure
Content
Year one
You will study:
- Finance for Senior Leaders
- Human Resource Management for Senior Leaders
- Personal Mastery for Senior Leaders
- Strategy and Implementation for Senior Leaders.
Year two
You will study:
- Conducting Evidence Based Research for Senior Leaders
- Customer and Market Analysis for Senior Leaders
- EMBA Personal and Professional Development
- Leadership: Complexity, Crisis and Change for Senior Leaders
- Managing Digital Operations for Senior Leaders.
Year three
You will study:
- Executive Dissertation
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course and if changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
An MBA, by nature, is a very hands-on course that covers a broad range of topics. As well as some classroom and one-to-one sessions, you'll work on individual research projects and applied study with a strong focus on developing your strategic and leadership skills throughout.
You'll learn through syndicate work, group and individual presentations, student-led seminar groups, case studies, experiential learning, role play and business simulations.
Collaboration is at the heart of the course, with staff and students sharing knowledge and experience of their business worlds. You'll take part in a multitude of business projects and events, and have extensive, regular networking opportunities.
Previous graduates have commented on how valuable it is to have the opportunity to network with other MBA students. Meeting like-minded individuals at a similar career level enables you to learn so much from each other due to diverse business backgrounds.
For your dissertation, you could carry out research to address an issue in your workplace. You may work independently or on a consultancy/client basis to provide tailored analysis and solutions for your own organisation.
Alternatively you might work on a live consultancy project for one of the many organisations we have links with. This taste of up-close management, critically analysing business problems in a workplace context, provides an invaluable form of active preparation.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Study time
The Master of Business Administration (Executive) MBA is a part-time course, allowing you to create a work-life balance to suit you.
You'll have the choice whether you start the course in September or January. You need to attend attend campus for four five-day blocks in Year one and again in Year two, and you'll work on your dissertation in Year three.
You'll be allocated to a tutor who will support you with your progress throughout your three years of study.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a mix of work-based assignments (supervised mini projects), an examination, presentations/vivas and your dissertation.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Features
Study facilities
As an MBA student using our £55m Bristol Business School building, you'll have access to modern learning spaces and facilities, including dedicated MBA rooms.
You can also make use of the Business School's Postgraduate Resource Centre, Academic Support Centre and Executive Development Centre.
On certain modules, you may also use our financial trading room, built around the Bloomberg Professional service, the system used by large city investment banks.
Bristol Business School has many connections and affiliations with influential businesses locally and nationally.
Our partners include Bristol City Council, The Confederation of British Industry and The Institute of Directors
You'll work on projects with our business partners, engage with guest lecturers from the business and social environment and participate on relevant site visits.
We also organise the Bristol Distinguished Address Series, regularly inviting experts from industry and professional bodies to address to our community. It's a chance to gain insight into the challenges and decisions being made at the highest level of strategic leadership.
Speakers have included Matthew Layton, Managing Partner of Clifford Chance LLP; Angela Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK and Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair of Arts Council England.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Business Management facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
This MBA can help to propel your career forward, providing you with the relevant skills, experience and networks to become a leader in your chosen field.
You will be in a strong position to take your career into intermediate or top level management or leadership.
You could go on to lead a small or large organisation, or invest your enhanced strategic and leadership skills in launching your own venture.
Fees
There is currently no published fee data for this course.
Supplementary fee information
See our funding pages for more information.
Entry
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- an honours degree of 2:2 or above, and;
- at least three years' work experience with managerial responsibilities. Please ensure you give details of your relevant experience, either on the application form, or you can attach a copy of your CV to your application.
If you do not meet the above requirements but have at least three years management experience and equivalent qualifications, we will consider you on an individual basis.
We won't be able to accept your application for this course if you require a Student visa. Please refer to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Full-time)
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section.
How to apply
Read more about postgraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333