MBA Masters in Business Administration 18 months University of Bolton

Course Overview

This MBA program is designed as a full-time career development pathway, equipping you with the strategic thinking skills essential for success in today’s global economy, regardless of your current sector.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain crucial skills and knowledge applicable across various organizations. Key focus areas include enhancing your understanding of management and leadership practices, developing creative and systematic solutions to core business challenges, and improving overall business operations.

Over the span of 18 months, the program aims to cultivate vital intellectual capabilities, including research, critique, synthesis, and innovation. This culminates in a master’s level professional capstone project that showcases your acquired skills.

To optimize your learning experience, we employ a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, group tutorials, individual tuition, and guest speaker sessions. The course emphasizes strategic thinking, helping you develop the analytical and critical competencies that top employers highly value.

Highlights

Postgraduate Community: Join a well-established community of professionals aspiring to advance their management careers.
Expert Faculty: Learn from a dedicated team of experienced instructors with backgrounds in both business and academia.
Comprehensive Resources: Enjoy access to excellent libraries, 24/7 IT facilities, WiFi, and study areas.
Academic Support: Benefit from an academic skills and professional practice module to enhance your studies.
Research Opportunities: Collaborate with experienced academics to undertake research and develop expertise.
Engagement with Organizations: Gain direct exposure to local and regional businesses, many of which have international significance.

Key Features

Critical Knowledge Development: Deepen your understanding of organizations, their management, and the complex business issues they encounter.
Capstone Project: Apply your research and analytical skills in a culminating capstone project.
Academic Skills Module: Access a module tailored to build the academic skills necessary for successful study.
Dedicated Teaching Team: Learn from specialists with strong connections to business and industry.
Online Resources: Access course materials online to prepare in advance, ensuring dynamic in-class interaction.
Vibrant Location: Experience Bolton’s shops, bars, and restaurants, with Manchester—a lively multicultural hub—just 20 minutes away by train. The North West is also known for its stunning countryside and heritage, making Bolton an ideal base for cultural and outdoor exploration.

Entry Requirements

A lower second-class honours degree (2.2) in any subject (or an equivalent professional qualification) is typically required, along with at least two years of work experience in a business or management role.
Applicants without the specified academic qualifications but with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience may also be considered.
Applications may be accepted where appropriate work experience can substitute for or complement the listed academic qualifications, in accordance with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
An interview and/or portfolio submission may be required.
A reference from your current employer must accompany your application, detailing your employment duration and outlining your roles and responsibilities.
Include a reflective overview of your managerial responsibilities to date with your application.

Career Opportunities

Regardless of your current sector, the Bolton MBA is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the challenges facing businesses and organizations. This program equips you with the analytical and critical skills necessary to identify effective solutions. As a graduate, you’ll have a comprehensive grasp of key business practices and enhanced expertise in areas such as operations management, marketing, strategy, and financial management.

An MBA can serve as a powerful tool for career advancement or a pivot into a new field. Organizations across the globe actively seek professionals with an MBA, as every business—from small startups to large corporations—requires knowledgeable individuals who can support essential functions like accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, public relations, sales, and management.

What Can I Do with This Qualification?

A diverse array of employers—including financial institutions, technology firms, blue-chip companies, and SMEs—actively recruit MBA graduates. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program are highly transferable, making graduates attractive candidates across various sectors. The MBA’s emphasis on foundational business principles contributes to its universal appeal.

Common career paths for MBA graduates include:

Human Resource Management
Investment Banking
Management Consultancy
Marketing
Supply Chain Management

The MBA is globally recognized, making it particularly valuable for those interested in pursuing international business careers. UK business school qualifications, in particular, are highly esteemed, providing a competitive edge whether you wish to specialize in your current field or transition to a new industry.

If you’re interested in furthering your education after graduation, you may consider pursuing a research degree (such as an MPhil, DBA, or PhD).

Alternative Career Options

An MBA also opens doors to a variety of other career paths. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or additional postgraduate qualifications. Potential options include:

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 Bolton MBA, you are well-equipped to embark on a fulfilling career in a variety of fields.

Modules

The modules outlined below may include a combination of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that not all modules may be available for study as part of the program.