Course Overview
Whether you’re in the public or private sector, this full-time MBA program is designed to enhance your career development by equipping you with essential strategic thinking skills relevant in today’s global economy.
The curriculum emphasizes crucial skills and knowledge applicable across various organizations. You’ll develop a deep understanding of management and leadership practices, foster creative and systematic approaches to complex business challenges, and learn how to improve business and management practices.
Over the course of one year, this program aims to cultivate key intellectual capabilities, including research, critique, synthesis, and innovation, culminating in a master’s level capstone project that showcases your expertise.
To optimize your learning experience, we utilize diverse teaching methods such as lectures, workshops, group tutorials, individual tuition, and guest speakers. This approach ensures you develop the analytical and critical competencies that esteemed employers highly value.
Highlights
- Postgraduate Community: Join a vibrant network of professionals aiming for senior management roles.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from a dedicated team of experienced educators with strong ties to both academia and industry.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access the University’s extensive libraries, 24/7 IT facilities, Wi-Fi, and dedicated learning spaces.
- Skill Development: Engage with an academic skills and professional practice module designed to enhance your studies.
- Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on research projects to develop your own areas of expertise.
- Industry Engagement: Gain real-world insights by working with local and regional organizations, many of which have a significant international presence.
Key Features
- Critical Knowledge Development: Deepen your understanding of organizations, management, and the complex issues they face.
- Capstone Project: Apply your research and analytical skills in a comprehensive capstone project.
- Academic Support: The academic skills and professional practice module provides a strong foundation for your studies.
- Interactive Learning: Course materials are available online, allowing for advanced preparation and highly interactive in-class sessions.
- Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Enjoy Bolton’s vibrant shops, bars, and leisure facilities, with Manchester—a multicultural hub—just a short train ride away. Explore the stunning countryside and coastline of North West England, making Bolton an ideal base for cultural and outdoor activities.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for this program, you typically need:
- A minimum lower second class honours degree (2.2) in any subject (or an equivalent professional qualification) plus at least two years of work experience in a business or management role.
If you don’t meet the academic qualifications but have at least three years of relevant work experience, your application will still be considered. Additionally, we may accept applications based on appropriate work experience in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
You may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work. Your application must include a reference from your current employer, detailing your employment duration, job content, and responsibilities. Additionally, please provide a reflective overview of your managerial responsibilities to date.
Career Opportunities
The Bolton MBA is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by organizations across various industries. Regardless of your current field, this program will enhance your analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling you to identify effective solutions to real-world business problems. As a graduate, you’ll gain insights into key business practices and develop expertise in areas such as operations management, marketing, strategy, and financial management.
An MBA often serves as a pathway to promotions or career transitions. Employers across all sectors—ranging from startups to multinational corporations—actively seek professionals with MBA credentials. Every organization needs knowledgeable individuals who can effectively manage essential business functions like accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, public relations, sales, and management.
What Can I Do with This Qualification?
MBA graduates are sought after by a diverse array of employers, including financial institutions, technology firms, blue-chip companies, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). The skills and knowledge acquired during the MBA program are applicable in any organizational context, making it a universally respected qualification.
Popular Career Paths for MBA Graduates:
- Human Resource Management
- Investment Banking
- Management Consultancy
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
The global recognition of an MBA, particularly from a UK business school, can open doors for international career opportunities. This qualification not only enhances your prospects in your current sector but also allows you to pivot into new industries.
If you’re considering further academic pursuits after graduation, options include research degrees such as MPhil, DBA, or PhD.
Alternative Career Options
An MBA can also serve as a launchpad into various other careers. While some roles may require relevant experience or additional postgraduate qualifications, the following options are worth exploring:
- Accountancy
- Hotel and Leisure Management
- Public Relations
- Financial Management
- Information Systems
- Market Research Analysis
- Product Management
- Health Policy and Information
- Purchasing
- Teaching and Education
- Media (TV, Film, Online, Newspaper, Magazine)
- Advertising
- Self-Employment
- Logistics
- Banking
- Auditing and Quality Assurance
- Project Management
- Risk and Insurance
With the versatile skill set gained from an MBA, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate and excel in a variety of roles across the business landscape.
Modules
The modules available in this program may include a combination of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that you may not have the opportunity to study every module listed below as part of your course.
- Leadership and Management
- Marketing and Operations
- Financial Management and Decision Making
- Strategy
- Organizational Behavior
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Digital Business and Data Analytics
- Business Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Professional Project
- Academic Skills and Professional Practice