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MBA structure

MBA structure: Stage 1

The first third of the MBA, MBA stage 1: management: perspectives and practice, is an integrated introductory module which develops core skills in:

  • managing people
  • organisational management
  • financial and management accounting principles
  • marketing
  • project management
  • operations and supply chain management
  • change management

The integrated nature of the module ensures that you also develop the key skill of considering and managing these areas together, rather than as self-contained, unconnected tasks.

If you already hold our Professional Certificate in Management, completing MBA Stage 1 awards you a Professional Diploma in Management (subject to approval).

In Stage 2, you’ll take compulsory modules in:

You will also study three electives from a range of subjects in a ‘core skills’ subject area.

You are encouraged to choose electives freely, but must demonstrate that your chosen set forms a valid and worthwhile MBA curriculum when integrated with the compulsory modules.

MBA timetable

Typically, the MBA takes three years at an average of 12-15 hours of study per week. The total time is flexible because our MBA structure is modular, so you can take breaks between modules if necessary. You must complete the degree within seven years, and restart a module if you stop in the middle. You can accelerate completion if you devote more time to study – perhaps by working part-time, or using ‘study leave’ from your employer.
 
Modules start twice a year (May and November).

Pattern of study

The normal pattern of study, based on 12-15 hours/week, is:

Year 1:

Over 12 months
MBA stage 1: management: perspectives and practice (600 learning hours).

Year 2:

In the first 6 months
Strategy (300 learning hours)
Then in the next 6 months
Financial management (150 learning hours)
and Elective 1 (150 learning hours)

Year 3:

In the first 6 months
Elective 2 (150 learning hours)
and Elective 3 (150 learning hours)
Then in the next 6 months
Action-learning based project , Evidence Based Initiative (EBI) (300 learning hours)

Why not try a FREE taster of the type of study you will experience on Stage 1 of the MBA.

Key Components of the OU MBA

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