Business Administration (MBA)

at Cardiff University

The Cardiff MBA is structured around a series of six challenge-focussed modules, based on cross-functional and action-based scenarios typically found in the workplace. A number of themes will provide integration across the modules.  These may include Responsible Leadership, Digital Transformation and The Future of Work. Choice and specialisation is embedded in modules.  For example, the ‘Confronting Grand Challenges’ module will provide you with the opportunity to focus on a challenge that has particular relevance for your future career.
 

The learning required to engage with the challenges is experienced in immersive blocks designed to stimulate your curiosity, inform your process of enquiry and strengthen the application of your learning.
 

This approach provides an enriched opportunity for:
 

• the use of multiple and extended activities to enhance understanding
• student interaction to support shared sense making
• guided in-depth inquiry
• collaboration between students and the programme team
• frequent review of insights and development
• focussed learning rather than the distracting demands of multiple modules
• structured independent learning
   

Challenges include a business strategy simulation, a time-constrained solution to a brief from a senior management team, the development of an innovative business solution and a complex multi-stakeholder challenge.  The Accelerator Project is a real-world project carried out in partnership with a corporate client to develop solutions to a significant strategic issue. The concluding module then uses a crisis management simulation to consider the multiple facets of current leadership challenges.  It also anticipates the future landscape and transformative change this requires.
 

This immersive challenge-based structure will enhance your capability in four interrelated areas. You will:

• develop a holistic understanding of core business areas and processes, drawing on contrasting functional, disciplinary and contextual perspectives;
• integrate theory and practice to promote critical thinking and problem solving;
• engage with the complex, dynamic and ambiguous nature of strategic decision-making; 
• gain enhanced insight into your personal potential and develop advanced leadership skills.
   

Running throughout the programme is a supporting package of activities provided by the MBA’s Leadership Development Programme.  These directly address the personal and professional skills needed for you to perform effectively in each challenge, and in the next stage of your career. There will be a particular focus on being resilient, resourceful, responsible and relational.

Academic requirements:

Typically, you will need to have either:

• a 2:1 honours degree (GPA 3.0/4.0)
• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification
• an approved professional qualification
• or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference.
   

English Language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.0 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Other essential requirements:

You must provide evidence of at least 3 years of relevant work experience. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
 

Application deadline:

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
 

Selection process:

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview, either in person or by Skype, to establish your level of work experience, your aptitude for the programme, and your motivation.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £17,950
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £28,450
Deposit-£1000
 

At Cardiff Business School, you’ll receive a career-changing MBA education from world-leading academics that have different points of view. They’ll challenge your thinking as you consider the world of business from a range of alternative perspectives.
 

The Cardiff MBA is designed with your future in mind. You’ll benefit from our Career Advantage Service (CAS), which gives you access to the knowledge and expertise of a career consultant and coach for personalised professional development.
 

Alongside the CAS, a bespoke, wrap-around Leadership Development Programme will help you assess your leadership capability, develop a personal development path and build key leadership skills.
 

We’ve developed relationships that range from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-businesses, and include a wide variety of social enterprises and cooperatives. We use these networks to deliver value for our students through:
 

• real-world case studies and insights
• collaboration with our Public Value Entrepreneurs in Residence
• guest lectures
• field trips and workshops.
   

Completing this wide ranging and varied learning experience will enable you to apply for more senior positions or seek transformative career change.
 

This programme is designed for those with existing work experience. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to apply for more senior positions or seek transformative career change.