Objectives
The overall objective of the University of Surrey's MBA programmes is to develop business leaders with vision, knowledge, creativity, skills, ethics and entrepreneurial ability. The programme is suitable for individuals in the private or public sectors who wish to accelerate their career progression into senior management or change their career, seeking senior positions in other industries. The philosophy of the Surrey MBA is to develop future managers capable of leading effectively in a business environment of complexity and change, through the application of sound business understanding, critical reflection and high level leadership, communication and collaborative skills. Students will be encouraged to reflect and build upon their previous experience and should integrate this experience with more advanced knowledge, understanding and skills that are central to effective leadership at middle and senior management level in their chosen industry. The programme combines academic rigour with commercial awareness by incorporating the latest thinking from the research literature with an understanding of the real business world through case studies, contact with industry practitioners, and drawing on both the academic background and industrial experience of the teaching team.
Course description
MBA/PGDip/PGCert in Master of Business Administration (MBA) Module overview
This programme consists of six compulsory modules, one core elective module from a choice of four, one integrating elective module from a choice of four, one integrative action case and business simulation module and a dissertation/business project.
Compulsory Modules
Strategic Management: A Global Context
This module draws from business strategy, international business management, corporate ethics and governance, and business law. It aims at developing knowledge and practical skills in the design and implementation of corporate strategies in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Managing Human Assets
This module provides an understanding of the role and function of human resources management and the link between corporate and functional human resources strategies. It aims at developing practical skills for applying human resource principles and policies to the human resources function.
Marketing and Business Planning
This module delivers a set of concepts and practices based upon the ways in which companies interface with different markets in the context of a planned set of business interventions. It provides an understanding of the principles and the practice of the current implementation of marketing strategies within business.
Production and Operations Management
This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of how operations can be managed strategically in light of external and internal conditions and requirements. Conceptual and analytical frameworks are applied to operations management, operations strategy, service and product quality, innovation, and human resource policies.
Financial Management
This module provides both a theoretical and practical understanding of the principles governing financial management of a business. It equips students with the ability to evaluate financial performance and financial needs, identifying possible sources of finance and determining the most effective way to obtain that finance.
Research in Management: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
This module provides knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods. It develops critical thinking and an ability to evaluate and select approaches from a range of research methodologies to identified research issues.
Integrative Business Simulation/Action Case (compulsory)
This module provides students with an opportunity to explore the extent to which theoretical models, knowledge and skills gained in the core modules can be applied to real-world cases. There are two combined elements to this: a computer-based interactive business simulation, and a series of real-life consultancy projects.
Elective Modules
-Project Management
-Management and Organisational Learning and Development
-Relationship Marketing
-Financial Strategy
Integrating Elective Modules
-Management Information Systems and Strategies
-Entrepreneurship and Creativity
-Strategic Change Management
-Intuition in Management Practice
Typical entry requirements
The entry requirement is a first degree or equivalent and a minimum of three years' professional work experience post-graduation with some managerial responsibilities. If you do not have a degree but hold a relevant professional/training qualification with a minimum of six years' managerial work experience, you may be eligible through the mature entry. If your native language is not English, you must take a TOEFL or IELTS test for English proficiency.
Programme length
12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
