You’ll be eligible for this postgraduate diploma by satisfying the following academic, work experience and language requirements.
The compulsory modules B870 and B872, that you study for this diploma, are also compulsory in the MBA (F61) and Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (C66). It is possible to claim the certificate, the diploma and the MBA.
Academic requirements
There are three ways to meet the academic requirements:
1: Bachelors degree with honours
You'll need to have a bachelors degree with honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent.
2: Bachelors degree without honours
You'll need to have a bachelors degree without honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent and you'll need to have completed one of the following:
- the discontinued OU module Managing 1: organisations and people (B628)
- three of our undergraduate-level Business Management microcredentials*
- the GMAT examination and achieved a result of 640 or higher.
3: No Bachelors degree
If you don’t have a bachelors degree you'll need to have completed one of the following:
- the discontinued OU Professional Certificate in Management (S01)
- six of our undergraduate-level Business Management microcredentials*
*See our Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications page for further information.
Work experience requirement
You’ll need to have gained a minimum of three years’ experience in a managerial, technical or professional role, so that you have a practical business base on which to build your learning.
Language requirement
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.
Acceptance onto the programme
You’ll be required to show how you meet these requirements. You will be asked to submit your CV and proof of qualifications, including English translations of non-UK degrees. Evaluation of the evidence will take place before you’re accepted onto the programme.
If you would like to discuss making an application and require further information, please call The Open University Business School information line on +44 (0)300 303 0065. Lines are open (UK time): Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:30.
How long it takes
Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 12–14 study hours each week. The minimum time to complete this qualification is 12 months.
You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration by 31 December 2031.