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An image to illustrate the MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Our internationally recognised triple-accredited MBA degree is a unique distance learning qualification that will build and develop your business skills. With this MBA, you'll critically assess multiple perspectives and can start applying your new understanding of management to your work as you study. You'll learn how to develop long-term goals and direction for organisations, as well as the strategies to deliver these goals. Designed for practising senior and middle-level managers, the MBA will strengthen your strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, creativity and innovation. With an international emphasis and a global reputation, our MBA degree is highly attractive to ambitious executives worldwide.
Earn your masters degree from a triple-accredited business school:
Association of MBAs (AMBA) logo
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) logo
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport logo
Watch this video for details on our Master of Business Administration programme's structure, content, study methods, and funding options
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You'll study three compulsory 30-credit modules and a 15-credit finance module, choose 45 credits from a range of option modules, and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Managing in a changing world (B870)
This module challenges existing assumptions about managing and will develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of how to manage in a modern dynamic environment.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
3007 Nov 2026
Creating and sustaining value (B872)
This module allows you to critically explore the ways organisations create, sustain and expand value in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
3007 Nov 2026
Effective strategic management in business and the public sector (B873)
This module provides the necessary tools to become an effective strategic decision-maker.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
3007 Nov 2026
Finance for strategic decision-making (B874)
You will learn a range of accounting and data analysis techniques to enable you to use financial information and other data for making management decisions.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
1507 Nov 2026
You'll choose three from:
Sustainable creative management (BB842)
This module explores creative, innovative and sustainable ways of developing and managing organisations and offers practical approaches for developing yourself, your team and your organisation.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
1507 Nov 2026
Supply chain management (BB849)
This module provides an analysis of important concepts and practices in supply chain management, taking into account issues such as globalisation, sustainability and risk management.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
1507 Nov 2026
Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)
This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship and different forms of entrepreneurial practice.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
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1507 Nov 2026
Leadership and management of public services (BB852)
In this module, you'll study the many dimensions of managing public services, which may be public, private for-profit or not-for profit.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
1501 May 2027
Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)
This module will help you become a knowledge leader by demonstrating that you're ahead of current organisational and business challenges.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
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1507 Nov 2026
Management of uncertainty: leadership, decisions and action (BZVM801)
Develop greater leadership skills and learn to make effective decisions in conditions of radical uncertainty.
Next start date: 04 Jul 2026
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1504 Jul 2026
Management of change: organisation development and design (BZVM802)
Discover tools and concepts of human-centred management and design, and develop skills to manage and lead in the 21st century.
Next start date: 04 Jul 2026
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1504 Jul 2026
Leadership and management in intercultural contexts (BZVM803)
Develop your leadership and management skills as you build a global mindset that will enable you to lead more effectively across cultures and national contexts.
Next start date: 04 Jul 2026
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1504 Jul 2026
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module BB841, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BXM871, BZFM801, BZFM802 or W822, you may count one or more instead.
A maximum of 30 credits can be from the microcredential modules BZVM801, BZVM802 and BZVM803.
You'll complete your masters degree with the following:
MBA project: leaders of change (B875)
You'll have the opportunity to make a real change and be a leader of change as you become a reflective and independent practitioner by exploring a real business environment.
Next start date: 07 Nov 2026
See full description
3007 Nov 2026
This version of the MBA will no longer be available to new students after 15 October 2026. You must complete your study by 31 December 2033. If you would like to discuss your options with one of our advisers, please contact us.
By studying this MBA, you’ll:
You’ll be guided by experienced tutors and supported with a rich suite of online study resources.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Business Administration upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MBA (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MBA part-time, completing 60 credits per year over a three-year period. Typically, this translates to 12–14 hours of study per week.

You can also complete this qualification in 18 months by studying certain modules concurrently. If you wish to stay at this faster rate, you’ll need to devote 24–28 hours each week to your studies.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the MBA by 31 December 2033.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You’ll be eligible for our MBA by satisfying the following academic, work experience and language requirements.
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:
3: No Bachelors degree
If you don’t have a bachelors degree you'll need to have completed one of the following:
​*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 MBA 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 MBA 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.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. Since module fees can vary, the total cost of the qualification will depend on the modules you choose. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£21,240–£23,200*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
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 evidence-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.
The Open University Business School is also one of the few institutions worldwide that is triple-accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and the AACSB.  These internationally recognised quality standards independently validate the quality of the School's teaching, research, and operations. The School undergoes regular reviews to ensure that standards are maintained and has successfully retained its triple-accredited status since 2004. This qualification is accredited through inclusion in these reviews.
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Association of MBAs (AMBA) logo
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) logo
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).
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport logo
Endorsed by the NHS Leadership Academy (NLA). The NLA appointed the Open University Business School to deliver the NHS Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programme.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, a website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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