Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The MBA curriculum combines core management disciplines with applied project work and optional modules so you can tailor study to your career goals. Typical core topics include strategic management, leadership and organisational behaviour, accounting and financial management, marketing strategy, operations and supply chain management, and research methods for business. The programme places strong emphasis on applied learning through case studies, simulations, group work and an extended individual project such as an MBA consultancy project or dissertation.

• Strategy and Leadership: competitive strategy, corporate governance, change management and leadership development.
• Financial and Quantitative Skills: management accounting, corporate finance fundamentals and decision-making using data.
• Marketing and Customers: strategic marketing, digital marketing principles and customer-focused innovation.
• Operations and Project Management: operations strategy, process improvement and project planning.
• Research and Applied Project: research methods and a substantial applied project (consultancy or dissertation) that addresses a real organisational challenge.
• Optional Modules / Pathways: electives commonly cover entrepreneurship, international business, sustainability and responsible business, negotiation and advanced leadership topics to help build a specialism.

The programme is typically offered with flexible delivery modes (full-time, part-time and modular/blended formats) to accommodate working professionals. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, consultancy briefs and guest sessions with practitioners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a good UK honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) plus relevant work experience. Typical entrants have managerial or professional experience; the programme also considers candidates who do not have a degree but can demonstrate substantial professional achievement and leadership potential. Evidence of numeracy and analytical ability is useful.

• Relevant postgraduate or undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution, or significant managerial work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Professional experience: applicants are expected to have several years of work experience, with many entrants holding mid-level management positions.
• Application materials: a current CV, personal statement outlining motivations and career goals, and references. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview.
• English language: if your first language is not English, an approved English language qualification at the required level is normally required.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MBA move into a broad range of senior and strategic roles across sectors. Common career pathways include general management, divisional or functional leadership (finance, marketing, operations), management consultancy, strategy roles, and senior roles within public and third-sector organisations. The skills developed on the programme also support entrepreneurs and founders who wish to scale or professionalise their businesses.

The applied project element helps build a portfolio of real-world work and employer engagement, while career services and employer networks provide support with CVs, interview preparation and access to industry contacts. Alumni often progress to international roles and cross-functional leadership positions.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University offers an MBA with a strong emphasis on practical application and employability. The Business School works closely with employers and uses real-world consultancy briefs and practitioner input to ensure learning is relevant to current organisational needs. Small-group teaching, interactive workshops and applied projects support development of leadership capabilities alongside technical business skills.

Studying near Oxford gives access to a vibrant academic and business ecosystem, including networking opportunities with local firms, startups and professional services. Students benefit from dedicated career and enterprise support, alumni networks and a global cohort that brings diverse perspectives to classroom discussion and group work.