MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Modules

The emphasis for your learning is directly rooted in management practice. The ‘master’ in the degree title signifies your ‘mastery’ of the art and science of management.

To achieve this level of capability the general MBA programme concentrates on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, intellectual stimulation and independent judgement and covers core themes such as: critical engagement; embedding theory in practice and global impact awareness.

Your employer could contribute towards your study fees. Generate a personalised, compelling business case for your employer, with this interactive Business Case Builder. You can find more information on how our MBA works in these Frequently Asked Questions or by joining our next MBA Webinar session.

There are now two routes to the MBA depending on when you start your studies.

November 2019 onwards route

If you start this year or have started with B870 in November 2019 or thereafter, including if you've previously studied any electives as a standalone module, you'll need:

105 credits from the following: 

plus 45 credits from the following:

Or the discontinued modules BB841, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BXM871.

plus 30 credits from the following:

Hybrid route

If you have gained 60 credits from completing either of the discontinued modules B716 or BXFT716 you'll need:

30 credits from the following:

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module BB835.

plus 15 credits from the following: 

Or the discontinued module BB831.

plus 45 credits from the following:

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB841, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BXM871.

plus 30 credits from the following:

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Details of the Final Study in May 2020 route, which is no longer available to new students, can be seen below in the qualification regulations.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 14 March 2023.

Career relevance

The Open University Business School is one of an elite group of schools that are accredited by the three leading international accrediting bodies - AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS - hallmarks of quality of teaching, learning materials and qualification impact. It is home to more than 27,500 successful MBA graduates representing 121 countries.

Employers value the MBA as an indication of high level business and management skills. These skills are in demand, increasingly so in times of economic uncertainty, and employers want practical experience, a thorough grasp of business and the ability to lead at a strategic level. Much of the work in this qualification involves an evidenced-based approach, thus ensuring relevance in the workplace. AMBA’s careers survey shows that MBA students can expect their salary to increase, and the MBA to have a positive impact on their career progression, as well as bring improvements to their organisation or business.

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT(UK)

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) recognises our MBA if the modules in Supply chain management (BB849) and Sustainable creative management (BB842) are studied. This means successful students can demonstrate the sector-specific skills and knowledge to the standards required of a Chartered Member with CILT(UK).

Endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy (NLA)

For more careers information

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.