The Manchester MBA (Master of Business Administration) Degree
Challenge yourself. Change direction. Transform your career.
Why study an MBA? If you are looking to change career, relocate or secure a more challenging role, an MBA could be for you. Whatever your aspirations, the Manchester MBA will take you as far as you want to go.
What is an MBA (Masters of Business Administration)? An MBA is a globally-recognised master's degree. It will provide you will skills and knowledge in all areas of business and management. This will enable you to take on senior leadership roles and thrive in today's competitive global landscape.
Why choose the Manchester MBA? We offer a range of full-time MBA, part-time MBA and executive MBA courses. Our MBA curriculum focuses on 'learning-by-doing', global study opportunities and flexibility. You'll start by studying the global business environment and core business and management courses (accounting, finance, marketing, operations and strategy). You'll also take on practical business projects and choose specialist electives. Our MBA cohorts are made up of talented professionals from across the globe. This international network will enrich your learning and open up a world of opportunities.
Our MBA is ranked 5th in UK (FT 2023)
Practical learning with live business challenges
Scholarships available
International network and five global locations
Manchester MBA Degrees
Full-time MBA
Duration: 18 or 15 months full-time | Location: Manchester + international opportunities | For candidates with at least 3 years of professional experience
Global MBA
Duration: 24 or 18 months part-time | Location: Online + 6 workshops in Manchester, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore | For candidates with at least 3 years of professional experience
Global Executive MBA
Duration: 18 months part-time | Location: Online + 5 workshops in Manchester, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore | For senior candidates with significant managerial experience
Find the right MBA for you
Are you unsure which MBA degree is right for you? Please explore the sections below to view and compare more information about our MBA programmes. You can also request a profile review with our experienced MBA recruitment team if you need further advice.
Key information
Our most practical MBA: 900 hours of client consultancy across 3 projects + internship opportunities |
A highly flexible part-time MBA Our largest MBA cohort with intakes in 5 global locations |
An accelerated route of our Global MBA for candidates with professional accountancy qualifications |
An executive part-time MBA for a closed cohort of our most senior candidates |
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Fees (can be paid instalments) |
£47,000 Fees include 1 post-MBA elective for CPD (optional) |
£31,000 Fees include 1 post-MBA elective for CPD (optional) |
£28,500 Fees include 1 post-MBA elective for CPD (optional) |
£41,500 Fees include 1 post-MBA elective for CPD (optional) |
Duration |
18 or 15 months |
24 months |
18 months |
18 months |
Intakes |
September |
January & July |
January & July |
January & July |
Scholarships & discounts |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Award |
MBA |
MBA |
MBA |
MBA |
View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
Please note that for the Global MBA and Global MBA (Finance Accelerated), the fees above relate to the Manchester centre. Candidates in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa & Australasia should contact their regional University of Manchester centre for fee information: Dubai | Hong Kong | Shanghai | Singapore
What is the study format?
Full-time learning |
Part-time blended learning Online + 11-31 days of face-to-face teaching across 6 workshops residencies |
Part-time blended learning Online + 8-28 days of face-to-face teaching across 5 workshops residencies |
Part-time blended learning Online + 26-35 days of face-to-face teaching across 5 workshops residencies |
View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
Who is it for?
Full-time MBA | Global MBA | Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | ||
Minimum years of experience
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3 years + strong career progression | 3 years + strong career progression | 3 years + strong career progression + professional accountancy or finance qualifications |
Significant managerial or entrepreneurial experience |
Average age per annual intake |
29 |
36 |
37 |
41 |
Nationalities per annual intake |
30 |
68 |
13 |
35 |
Average years of experience per annual intake |
6 |
12 |
13 |
17 |
View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
Where can I study?
Full-time MBA | ||||
How many international locations can I travel to?
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Up to 5 (+ international consultancy fieldwork opportunities) |
Up to 5 We provide 6 nights of accommodation across 2 global locations (elective courses only) |
Up to 5 We provide 6 nights of accommodation across 2 global locations (elective courses only) |
Up to 5 We provide 26 nights of accommodation across 2 global locations (core courses only) |
Where is my induction? |
Manchester |
Home centre (Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai or Singapore) |
Home centre (Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai or Singapore) |
Manchester |
Where do I study core courses? |
Manchester (+ international consultancy fieldwork opportunities) |
Home centre (Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai or Singapore) |
Home centre (Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai or Singapore) |
Manchester + Dubai + Hong Kong |
Where can I study elective courses? |
Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, Singapore + international exchange and overseas study tour opportunities |
Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, Singapore |
Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, Singapore |
Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, Singapore |
View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
What will I study?
Full-time MBA | Global MBA | Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | Global Executive MBA | |
Core courses
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Elective courses |
Options include:
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View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
What are the extracurricular opportunities?
MBA+ is a suite of non credit-bearing extracurricular activities that will contribute to your personal and professional development:
Full-time MBA | Global MBA | Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | Global Executive MBA | |
MBA + Careers
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MBA+ Social |
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MBA+ Alumni |
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View Full-time MBA | View Global MBA | View Global MBA (Finance Accelerated) | View Global Executive MBA |
Facts and figures
One of few business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
106% average salary increase 3 years after graduating (FT Global MBA Ranking 2023)
#AMBSlife
Frequently asked questions
What is an MBA?
An MBA is a globally-recognised qualification that was established in the USA in the 1900s. Today, this qualification can be studied all over the world either full-time or via part-time online or blended learning.
The MBA curriculum is designed to help you understand the global business environment and study key areas of business and management, including finance, operations, marketing, strategy and accounting. This gives you the well-rounded knowledge you need to take on senior positions or start your own company. An MBA also helps you develop crucial skills for succeeding in an uncertain world, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, confidence and creativity.
Alongside core courses, a typical MBA curriculum includes business projects, international study opportunities, internships and electives courses that allow you to specialise in your areas of interest. This is complemented by focused career support, guest speaker and networking events, and social activities.
MBA degrees attract very talented, ambitious and international cohorts. This provides great opportunities for working collaboratively, building a network and developing cross-cultural understanding.
Is a UK MBA recognised in the USA?
An MBA from a world-class institution such as Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester is recognised around the world.
Rankings and accreditations are one way to guarantee the quality of an MBA programme. Alliance MBS holds triple accreditation from all three major MBA accrediting bodies (only a small group of business schools globally have this). We are also ranked 5th in the UK and in the top 46th globally by the 2023 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking.
Why should I do an MBA?
There are many reasons to study an MBA, which make it is an extremely popular qualification around the world. Some of the most popular reasons are:
- Faster career progression in your current company or industry
- Identify future opportunities
- Gain new skills and knowledge
- Improve existing skills and knowledge
- Reach a more senior position more quickly
- Get a higher salary
- Gain the necessary qualification for some positions, particularly in the USA
- Boost your CV with a globally-recognised qualification
- Meet like-minded people
- Switch careers, for example industry, job function or location – or all 3
- Make new business connections from around the world
- Start your own business
- Build global business knowledge by exploring business cultures in different global regions
- Challenge yourself
Is an MBA a Master’s?
Yes, an MBA is a Master’s degree (Master of Business Administration).
What is an MBA vs a Master's?
An MBA is a specific type of Master’s degree that gives you skills and knowledge in many areas of business and management.
Master’s degrees are often more specialised, so you can become an expert in one area such as accounting, occupational psychology or business analytics. However, there are also more general options, for example MSc Management.
Masters and MBA qualifications are recognised around the world, but an MBA is particularly well-regarded and widely-recognised as a ‘stamp of approval’ for senior leadership and board positions.
Age and experience
In the UK, an MBA is aimed at candidates with professional experience. Applicants for the Manchester MBA need at least 3 years of management experience and strong career progression. This means you are studying with an experienced and diverse class who you can learn from.
Masters students are typically 21-24 years old and come straight from an undergraduate degree, although some applicants have work experience.
Study format
Masters degrees are often studied full-time on-campus, although there is a growing range of online and blended learning options. An MBA can be studied full-time or part-time while you continue to work anywhere in the world.
Fees
Our Masters courses start at £12,500 for home students, but can cost up to £31,000 for courses such as accounting. Our MBA degrees range from £28,500 to $65,000, but the return on investment is potentially huge. For example, our MBA graduates typically enjoy an average 101% salary increase within three years of graduation (Financial Times 2021).
A range of scholarships and funding options are available for MBA and Master's degrees. For example, Alliance MBS offers MBA scholarships, 20% alumni discount and loans through our partner, Lendwise.
Career support
Many companies have structured MBA hiring programmes and MBA internship programmes. For both MBA and Masters, business schools have strong links with corporate recruiters and offer excellent career support for students, such as internships, work placements, career workshops, career consultations and recruitment events.
Assessment
Alliance MBS Master's degrees are typically assessed through a mix of exams, presentation, group projects, course work and a dissertation. Our MBA degrees are assessed through live business projects and ongoing assessments, with no exams or dissertation.
Will an MBA help my career?
An MBA is an excellent investment that will benefit your career in many ways. Graduates secure senior positions all over the world in different industries. An MBA can also help you change career completely, relocate to a new country or start your own business.
Having an MBA degree can boost your future earning potential significantly. Our MBA graduates typically enjoy a 101% salary increase three years after graduating, with an average salary of $133,956 (Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2021).
Can you do an MBA without a business-related degree?
You do not need to have a business-related degree. Our MBA students hold degrees in many different subjects and have experience across a range of industries, from medicine to media.
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Find out more about our Master of Business Administration degrees