Start Date

September, January, May

Format

Part-time

Duration

2-3 Years

Location

Online

Fees

UK
£13,950 (2025/26)

International
£13,950 (2025/26)

Overview
   
Course Content
 
How you learn
 
How you are assessed
 
University
 
Entry Requirements
 
Apply

Overview
   
Course Content
 
How you learn
 
How you are assessed
 
University
 
Entry Requirements
 
Apply

Overview

In our digitally driven, globally connected world, the MBA is a global standard degree for professionals ready to lead innovation, drive sustainable growth, and manage complex challenges across international markets.

Rebrand your career with a globally focused MBA

Prepare for the next stage of your professional journey with the University of Derby MBA Global online degree. Designed for ambitious graduates and business professionals with an international mindset, this masters course will give you the strategic insight, leadership skills, and confidence to thrive in senior management roles across global markets.

As the pace of international business accelerates, the demand for leaders who can think globally, and scale strategically has never been greater. The MBA Global prepares you to meet that demand, equipping you with the critical knowledge and tools to manage complex challenges and drive sustainable success across borders.

Throughout the course, you will gain practical skills in key areas that are highly valued by industry, ensuring you are ready to make an immediate impact in the global business arena.

A cutting-edge MBA designed for global impact

The online MBA Global is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering you to apply your learning directly to real-world business challenges. Going beyond traditional classroom education, this programme immerses you in contemporary, global scenarios where you’ll put your knowledge to work from day one.

Throughout the course, you will critically explore a broad range of academic and policy topics, including strategic management, authentic leadership, sustainable business practices, business analytics and decision-making, transformation and innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial management.

In the final stages of your degree course, you will choose between two impactful pathways: conducting in-depth research through a management-focused dissertation or tackling a major societal issue via our transformative social impact project.

Expertly designed to develop a global mindset, the MBA Global equips you with the skills and insights to lead with confidence across international markets and complex business landscapes.

Take the first step toward a more sustainable future

The forward-thinking curriculum is closely aligned with global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring your education is both relevant and impactful. You will gain a deep understanding of how to create lasting value, not just for organisations and shareholders, but for employees, consumers, communities, and the planet.

The University of Derby are committed to developing graduates who think beyond short-term gains. You will be equipped to tackle the pressing challenges businesses face today, armed with fresh insights and sustainable solutions. More importantly, you will embody the values and ethical leadership that modern organisations, and society, demand now and in the future.

Connect with a diverse, career-driven professional network

The MBA Global online degree brings together a diverse community of students from around the world and across sectors, private, public, and non-profit, creating a truly global learning environment. This collaborative approach not only enriches your learning experience but also opens the door to exceptional networking opportunities.

As you work on real-world business challenges, you will connect with professionals from a wide range of industries and cultural backgrounds, building lasting relationships and a powerful international network that will support your career far beyond graduation.

Be inspired by experts at the forefront of business and innovation

Learn from distinguished academics who bring a powerful blend of scholarly expertise and real-world business insight. Programme lecturers are both experienced educators and active researchers and consultants, leading influential projects on both national and international stages. What they teach is grounded in the latest thinking, ensuring your learning is always ahead of the curve.

You will join a collaborative and professional learning environment where you can experiment, innovate, and co-create knowledge alongside experts and industry leaders. This dynamic approach empowers you to build the confidence, creativity, and strategic mindset needed to lead and succeed in today’s fast-evolving business world.

Skills you will learn

  • Strategic awareness
  • Critical thinking
  • People management and responsible leadership
  • Business Analytics
  • Strategy in a complex and uncertain environment
  • Innovation and enterprising
  • Techniques for business transformation
  • Financial management
  • Digital marketing
  • Research methods

Course Content

You will study seven core 20 credit modules and one 40 credit module for an independent study project involving a traditional dissertation or you can undertake a Social Impact Project.

the University of Derby will will advise you of your study plan – the running order and availability of the modules – when you are invited to enrol.

Core Modules

Code: 7HR537

The global business landscape has witnessed several complex contemporary challenges, demanding organisations to enact new values and new models of leadership. These challenges affect the survival of organisations, the well-being of their workforces and wider society. To address these challenges, it is imperative to question the traditional standards of leadership. This entails examining leadership models that acknowledge the interconnected nature of modern issues and actively implement innovative leadership standards. This module will examine the changing mission and purpose of organisations, and explore how leaders in their roles, can unlock sustainable and responsible progress through authentic leadership.

The Responsible and Authentic Leadership module explores the principles, theories, and practices associated with such leadership in contemporary organisational contexts. It delves into the concepts of responsibility, authenticity, and integrity in leadership, emphasising their importance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustainable organisational performance. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, critical insights, case studies and practical/experiential learning activities, you will identify skills in the content and determine how they impact responsible leadership. You will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become responsible and authentic leaders who can inspire positive change and contribute to the greater good.

This module challenges the notion that leadership is a prescribed set of behaviours and allows students to examine and explore new leadership styles that adopt relational and behavioural skills. It will cover the principles and practices of authentic and responsible leadership by looking at the philosophical foundations of each model and how they apply to real-life cases. This will allow the you to combine your knowledge and practical skills to develop authentic and responsible leadership to create value for you, your organisations, the people you work with, and of course the wider community and society.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Engage with classic leadership theories and critically analyse the nature of contemporary leadership narratives
  2. Critically apply responsible and authentic leadership principles to address contemporary organizational challenges
  3. To critically reflect upon your own personal leadership style and values and your alignment with responsible and authentic leadership principles

Module content

  • Classical leadership theories and the need for a new narrative for leaderships
  • Beyond CSR – purpose, mission, and value creation in organisations
  • The impact and influence of the role of leaders in your organisation
  • The origins of responsible leadership and its role in contemporary environment
  • Leadership effectiveness in navigating changing circumstance for organisational purpose and success
  • The individual nature of leader abilities to be responsive and adaptive to changing circumstances
  • Exploring the nature of contemporary leadership and the need for responsible and authentic leadership
  • Authentic leadership development: leading with inspiration and purpose
  • Cognitive, relational, and behavioural competencies for responsible leaders
  • Fostering integrity, trust and wellbeing through responsibility and authenticity

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7GN504

Entrepreneurship, which is considered as the pursuit of opportunities, has become a highly influential approach towards innovation which has grown from its traditional base in new and small businesses to span all forms of organisation, including large, corporate, public sector, and social enterprise. Entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial activities have also been closely linked as a primary driver of social and economic growth.

In the current global environment where there is a challenge with economic growth, there is a pressing need for students to learn how to operate in a dynamic, uncertain, rapidly changing, and entrepreneurial environments. The aim of the module is to support you in developing an entrepreneurial mind-set; whether to decide to start your own business, now or in the future or to be an enterprising employee within an organisation. You will be tasked with developing a new product or service in this module. Through this, you will develop entrepreneurial and enterprising skills, and a way of thinking that inspires, challenges, and enables you to find innovative solutions, create opportunities, and develop an innovative product or service.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Plan and promote a value-added product or service for a specified set of stakeholders
  2. Critically evaluate appropriate entrepreneurial models, frameworks and theories, and their application in developing and delivering the value-added product or service
  3. Develop, reflect upon, and critically assess, personal development goals, skills and learning in relation to the entrepreneurial context
  4. Explore how the proposed value-added product or service can be digitally marketed and promoted

Module content

There are various enterprising activities, skills and behaviours which will be addressed throughout the module, and these include such areas as:

  • Opportunity recognition, creation and risk evaluation
  • Investigating and critiquing historic entrepreneurial contexts
  • Research of potential market opportunity, focus, data and size
  • Problem solving and decision making supported by critical analysis
  • Implementation of ideas through leadership, management and negotiation
  • Incorporate awareness of civic and social responsibility
  • Taking action, reflecting on that action, judging its success (or failure) and determining how this could be improved
  • Identifying the role of digital marketing strategies for value creation
  • Interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills

You will apply appropriate academic underpinning with a strong practical focus, the aim is for you to experience how simple it is to become your own boss or to own and grow the idea and to reflect on the pros and cons of achieving that goal. The focus will be on you using your own skills, knowledge and interests as a basis from which to progress.

Whilst undertaking this module you will not produce a typical Business Plan but, instead, offer a proposal for your ‘added value concept’.

The module is progressive through the semester so you will be continuously working on your value-added offering. This will give you the chance to practice and demonstrate the skills necessary to deliver value to a specified set of stakeholders and allow you to reflect upon your experience.

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7SG506

This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of the principal areas of strategic management, awareness of financial performance and risk and how these coupled together, can inform appropriate and necessary business transformation in pursuit of organisational competitive advantage, both in national and international domains of organisational activity. The module allows you to take an organisation-wide, holistic view of the scope and direction of organisational vision, mission, and objectives and how these should address Ethics, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) aspirations broadly and elements of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically.

These ESG aspirations and linked SDGs will be considered within the context of the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) conditions that impact upon the external and internal environments within which organisations operate allied to the diverse forms of Artificial Intelligence and how they affect production, resource utilisation, service delivery, competition and consumption.

The module follows a sequential process of 1) strategic analysis, 2) strategic choice and 3) strategic implementation, resulting in changed actions, or business transformation.

The module will develop your critical thinking, strategic awareness and strategic sense-making of issues externally and internally, such as assessing and evaluating the financial health and performance of organisations and identify appropriate and necessary courses of action for an organisation to adopt that addresses both challenges and weaknesses and exploits opportunities and strengths.

For businesses to either realise or maintain a competitive advantage, strategic thinkers and leaders have to manage contemporary challenges such as globalisation, innovation, technology (including AI), sustainability, crises and Black Swan events. Therefore, this module provides a broad representation of the diverse concepts and theories that reflect current debate among academics and practitioners alike. It explores how today’s leaders and managers utilise and manage competitive intelligence and knowledge in diverse cultural, industrial, commercial, international and organisational contexts in order to develop innovative strategies for competitive advantage.

The module will challenge you to reflect critically on theory and your own methods of strategic thinking and strategic problem solving, drawing upon experiences from global strategic leaders and managers. You will develop a wider global and international perspective; increase your awareness of the different management approaches for successful strategy development and implementation in a variety of organisational, industrial, international and cultural contexts.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate the contemporary research and debates on the relationship between mission, vision, organisational objectives and broad stakeholder approaches to satisfying ESG and SDG aspirations
  2. Critically evaluate the performance of an organisation, identify and assess financial and non-financial risks and propose courses of action that ameliorate these risks and build organisational resilience
  3. Critically analyse the contemporary issues facing the successful formulation and implementation of organisational transformation strategies

Module content

The module content provides you the opportunity to consider the wider strategic obligations of organisations, beyond shareholder/owner maximisation, towards broader ESG aspirations and contribution towards elements of the UN’s SDGs. The module moves beyond the strategic analysis of contemporary issues to the consideration of courses of action, or forms of organisational transformation, in pursuit of competitive advantage.

The following areas are indicative of areas to be covered in the module.

  • Strategic Management in a Changing Environment; Change and Competitive Advantage; Managing Strategic Change and developing dynamic response in dynamic and volatile environments
  • Vision, Mission and the incorporation of ethics, sustainability and governance in contributing towards the achievement of the UN’s SDGs and competitive advantage
  • Strategic analysis and sense-making of volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments and the impact of AI
  • Understanding and diagnosing organisational performance, and financial health, including, analysing financial statements to assess performance and financial risk through ratio analyses
  • Stakeholder analysis and consideration of; power, politics and conflict
  • Forms of organisational transformation; including digital, green, crisis transformations
  • Managing organisational change
  • Building organisational resilience

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7LO520

Recent global issues and changes in the way business management operations are conducted have seen a dramatic increase in the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, particularly following the pandemic and the push towards achieving a net zero carbon future. Companies have undergone a substantial paradigm shift, encompassing operations, logistics, procurement, and delivery methods. Alongside these changes, the evolving landscape of customer demands underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into operational strategies.

To give you the opportunity to critically evaluate theories, concepts, and tools and demonstrate your ability to apply these tools in a real-life project. You are required to carry out research to identify global sustainable goals relevant to business operations management. You must then define the development project aims and objectives and formulate a detailed project plan.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Develop the context and concepts, theories, models, and practices of sustainable business operations
  2. Critically analyse technology-based transformative managerial processes and procedures based on relevant global sustainable goals
  3. Develop comprehensive, well-structured, and sustainable management functional strategies and their implementation within specified business sectors

Module content

  • The concept and context of sustainability to include global sustainable goals
  • Operational and project management processes and procedures
  • Quality management and impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty
  • Theoretical perspectives on business operational management towards sustainability
  • Business games, and case studies, especially designed for business students to implement academic theory and to develop sustainable business operations
  • Strategic principles that will increase the probability that a sustainable approach will succeed to achieve improvement
  • Competition and business ethics
  • The concept of risk and risk management in operations
  • Innovative management within operations for continuous improvement
  • The role of technology and transformation for operation optimization

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7MK524

The exponential growth of digital tools, technologies and platforms, coupled with increased consumer adoption, has empowered many organisations to excel and compete through innovation. This module aims to increase your knowledge of different types of digital marketing strategies and their suitability across different international markets and demonstrate how organisations can foster innovation to effectively leverage digital marketing as a strategic asset in the global context.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the strategic implications of the digital marketing environment considering the global context
  2. critically assess the development of innovative strategies and objectives to support the business rationale
  3. develop a strategic plan to implement digital marketing tools and techniques to enhance stakeholder engagement across international markets

Module content

  • Digital environmental analysis
  • Customer profiling and journey
  • Market intelligence and organisational dynamics
  • Digital Strategy modelling
  • Digital marketing tools and techniques
  • Evaluation and Action plan using frameworks
  • Global marketing digital trends
  • Corporate Digital Responsibility
  • The future digital landscape and role of Artificial Intelligence

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7SG505

This module introduces key business analytical methods and tools for strategic decision making. Ethical, data protection and data governance issues are considered, summarising and visualising management information leading to the application of statistical inference and hypothesis testing. A range of forecasting and analytical problem-solving techniques are introduced, which are appropriate for management decision making.

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to evaluate and respond to various business needs based upon the understanding and application of data analytics principles, concepts, tools, and techniques for strategic decision making. In this module you will learn to explore, describe, visualise, analyse, and interpret data using statistical analytics software and Generative AI to develop your decision-making skills. This module will enable you to structure and conduct an analytical project including visualisation and communicating the project’s results to the end-user/ business audience.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically understand the concepts of data privacy, security, ethics, big data and data analytics
  2. Use a range of descriptive analytics techniques to discover, describe, visualise and interpret patterns in data
  3. Select and critically apply appropriate statistical tools for data analysis and predicting future outcomes and model scenarios to address a range of business problems
  4. Critically evaluate and communicate insights derived from data analysis to audiences to make them relevant to aid business decision-making

Module content

  • Big Data, Ethics, GDPR, Data Governance
  • Presenting Management Information & Visualisation
  • Management Statistics: Summary & Descriptive Statistics
  • Market Research and Statistical Inference
  • Hypothesis Testing: e.g. Z-Test, Chi-square
  • Forecasting Techniques
  • Analytical Problem-Solving Techniques: Goal Seek, LP, Clustering
  • Further Analytical Techniques & AI
  • Game Theory
  • Data Description, Visualisation and Analytical techniques
  • Data and Decision Making
  • Future trends and managerial considerations

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Code: 7IM992

Independent Study normally forms a significant part of a master’s programme. This is a major piece of independently researched work, providing an opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management problem or business issue that should normally have a strategic dimension which addresses organisational issues and provides a process for solving management problems.

Independent study will provide you with the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during the course, by means of an extensive investigation of a significant management area. This module provides the prerequisite underpinning knowledge and research proposal needed for those studying any of the specialist programmes to explore an in-depth research topic relevant to that programme. It also provides the opportunity for you to reflect on the research experience and use what you have learned to guide your future development via a reflective statement and development plan. As a result of developing and applying an analytical framework based on a specialist issue, you will be able to enhance your own competencies for undertaking future business, management and finance research or analysis. You will be better able to evaluate the research analysis carried out by others and better able to plan your own development.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Act autonomously in designing a research project that critically evaluates a problem or issue to a professional standard. The topic should be relevant to the title of the programme and should meet the University’s ethical guidelines
  2. Reflect on the process of undertaking a significant piece of independent research using the ideas and concepts from the course and plan your future development

Module content

Independent study represents a major learning experience for participants, providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of management and/or business strategy, building on the study of relevant concepts, models and paradigms. At the beginning, and as part of this module, a dissertation/project proposal will be individually negotiated, designed and assessed. The proposal will have to demonstrate that the proposed research can be achieved. You will also have to complete an ethical approval form that meets the Universities ethics guidelines. The purpose of the proposal is to outline the topic area, aim and research objectives, describe and justify a rigorous methodology intended to meet the aim and objectives and provide a brief critical review of the relevant research in the area. The Independent Studies Supervisor will work with you to finalise the aim and objectives to ensure they are clear and set at the correct level for a Level 7 piece of work.

20 Credits
Core
Coursework

Optional Modules

Code: 7IM991

Independent Study normally forms a significant part of a master’s programme. This is a major piece of independently researched work, providing an opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management problem or business issue with a strategic dimension which addresses organisational or sector issues and provides a process for solving management or business problems.

Independent study will provide you with the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during the Independent Study: Research Methods module, by means of an extensive investigation of a significant business or management area. The module provides an opportunity for those studying any of the specialist programmes to explore an in-depth topic relevant to that programme. As a result of developing and applying an analytical framework based on a specialist issue, you will be able to enhance your own competencies for undertaking future business, management and finance research or analysis. You will be better able to evaluate the research analysis carried out by others and better able to plan your own development.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Devise and conduct an appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem or issue, reviewing pertinent literature, analysing primary and/or secondary data to an appropriate depth and demonstrating strategic awareness within the discipline of your pathway

Module content

  • The Independent Study: dissertation module represents a major learning experience for you, providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of business, management and/or strategy, building on the study of relevant concepts, models and paradigms
  • Each study will be supervised by an Independent Studies Supervisor, appointed by the Derby Business School. The dissertation/project proposal will have been individually negotiated and assessed in the Independent Study: Research Methods module. You will also have to complete an ethical approval form that meets the University’s ethics guidelines if not already submitted
  • The dissertation will be assessed by an Independent Study Supervisor. The work may take the form of dissertation or action based study. Where this happens, a means by which individual effort and contribution are to be assessed will be established and documented at the outset, with the supervisor

40 Credits
Optional
Coursework

Code: 7IM529

The emphasis of the Social Impact Project (SIP) is on undertaking a project working alongside a live organisation, or developing your own project, such as through the University’s Enactus scheme, where strategic business, organisational, societal or community-based solutions are sought that address Economic, Social, or Governance (ESG) needs within the local community. It offers an opportunity to students to see the impact of linking theory to applied real world practice and offer value to local society, contributing to the University’s civic engagement and responsibility agenda.

Sponsoring organisations may identify a project need that you may apply for. If successful, you will then be tasked with addressing this need through both academic and applied practical research, drawing upon the skills that they have been taught on your academic programme allied to professional and personal experiences they may have gained away from academic study. Alternatively, you may design and undertake your own project, that will also address ESG needs within a community. In either instance, the project, as with a dissertation, will be supported by a project supervisor, who will support the learning process, and as with a dissertation, the project proposal must be approved and must adhere to the University’s Research Ethics requirements, before being undertaken. This process of engagement with external organisations and community stakeholders provides an invaluable opportunity for you to apply your learning, skills and experiences to date, to further your employability and networking skills and contribute, in a practical sense, to the improvement of lives for a given community.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse and apply academic theories, personal skills, and experiences to practical scenarios
  2. Self-manage and work collaboratively with external stakeholders, for an extended period of independent learning
  3. Contribute to a social project that addresses a practical, business, organisational or community need, and evidence your professional behaviour, academic credibility and integrity
  4. Demonstrate problem solving skills through application, research and resolution
  5. Critically reflect upon experience gained and critically evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses and personal values as they relate to ethics, responsibility and sustainability

Module content

The Social Impact Project (SIP) will differ in context and project brief for each student, however, the remit for each student will remain the same – to contribute to the delivery of a real-world project that benefits an identified stakeholder community. Following a period of research and investigation, you will produce a personal reflection report and showcase your project and its outcomes at a SIP module symposium.

A SIP may be achieved by working with an organisation or for an organisation. Should you wish to present your own SIP opportunity, this may be accepted, but would first need to be ratified by the SIP module leader, ensuring parity in terms of objectives, criteria and level.

The following topics are indicative of areas to be covered in this module:

    • Identification of a SIP project
    • Developing professional practice and working with external stakeholders
    • Establishment of a mechanism for research or investigation including obtaining ethical approval
    • Identification and application of relevant theories, skills and experience
    • Sharing of project conclusions and resolutions specifically relating to the initial project brief

40 Credits
Optional
Coursework

How you learn

A flexible, interactive learning experience designed for you

The University of Derby MBA Global is delivered 100% online through an intuitive, user-friendly digital learning platform, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, from anywhere.

You will engage with expert academics and fellow students through live virtual classrooms, tutorials, and guest lectures. All sessions will be recorded and available on demand, so if you can’t attend a session in real time, you will be catch up in your own time.

Collaboration is at the heart of your learning experience. You will take part in vibrant discussions via forums and community spaces, and work together on group projects using interactive tools like wikis and shared workspaces. You will also have easy access to a wealth of digital resources, including eBooks, academic journals, databases, and more through our comprehensive online library.

The programme teaching team blends academic expertise with real-world business insight, ensuring that everything you learn is not only relevant, but immediately applicable to your career.

Pace of study

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. The programme team recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two 20-credit modules in one trimester, they recommend 40 hours of study per week.

Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. If you choose to study on the accelerated rate, you will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.

It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.

How you are assessed

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as; written work, presentations, portfolios, and creative projects, scenario exercises and personal reflections.

You will be introduced to Generative AI expected to demonstrate the use of Generative AI and other forms of AI/XR, as appropriate, across a range of modules.

Whilst the assessments are individual submissions, you will be encouraged to collaborate and network with both your student community as well as external organisations.

The wide-ranging assessment methods are designed to enhance your transferable skills, personal and professional development. They will provide you with the opportunity to undertake:

  • Digital ‘sales pitches’
  • Digital presentations
  • Creating digital artifacts
  • Board room simulations
  • Real world social impact projects
  • Case studies
  • Reflective reports
  • Collaborative activities

The structured approach to formative assessment means that you will receive lots of support, guidance and feedback on your progress throughout your MBA journey.

About the University of Derby

Powering your potential, wherever you’re starting from.

We partner with the University of Derby because of their strong track record in delivering career-focused education underpinned by real-world impact. Like us, Derby believes education should transform lives and meet the changing needs of students, professionals, and industries alike.

The University of Derby is a modern, career-focused university located in the heart of England. Known for its supportive community, cutting-edge research, and real-world teaching, Derby has earned a reputation for delivering education that makes a difference.

Why choose Derby?

  • Top 5 in the UK for Employability – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
  • Top 5 for Course Quality – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
  • Top 15 UK University – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
  • 96% of Graduates in Work or Further Study – Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey
  • Top 25 in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction – Complete University Guide 2025

Postgraduate excellence

A postgraduate qualification from Derby is more than a degree – it’s an investment in your potential. With flexible study options, including online and block delivery, you can shape your learning to fit your life. You’ll benefit from:

  • Top 10 in the UK for Postgraduate Study – Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
  • Top 15 for Teaching and Skills Development – Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024
  • World-leading academics driving research in critical areas such as sustainability, AI, and zero carbon
  • Strong industry links and professional body accreditations
  • Real-world projects and practical learning

A welcoming, student-friendly city

Derby is a vibrant, diverse, and safe city, officially recognised with Purple Flag status. Rich in history and full of places to relax, explore and connect, it’s a place where you’ll quickly feel at home.

International community

Join over 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries who have chosen Derby as their academic home.

Your story starts here. Apply today, and let Derby be the launchpad for your next chapter.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a good honours degree (minimum upper second class) from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject or a professional qualification deemed to be of equivalent standing.Alternatively, applicants may have significant management experience and a substantial record of achievement. Applicants meeting these criteria may not have previously studied at university.The University of Derby welcomes and encourages all applicants as long as they can be considered adequately prepared to succeed on the programme. Applicants with few or no formal qualifications, may be able to gain entry to the programme if they have the required communication and learning skills as well as the knowledge, experience and motivation to succeed.All applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be invited to an online interview, as part of the application process.

When submitting your application, please ensure it is complete, with all the relevant documents requested in the application form.

Please contact our team who will be able to assess your suitability for the programme ahead of making a formal application: clientservices@illuminare-executiveeducation.com

English language qualifications

The University of Derby welcome applications from international students.

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need to have IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill area) or equivalent.

All applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be invited to an interview, either on campus or online, as part of the application process.

When submitting your application, please ensure it is complete, with all the relevant documents requested in the application form. Please contact the Illuminare Executive Education team with any questions you have and for support with your application.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Have you already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or does your work experience appear equivalent to one or more modules of your chosen course? If so, you may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards your course modules, so you don’t have to study them again.

Further information about applying for credits for prior learning can be found in our recognition of prior learning section. Please contact the Illuminare Executive Education team for support.

Apply

To enquire and apply please complete the form and upload your CV (preferably as a PDF). Our application team will then check your eligibility for this course.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

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MBA Global (Qatar)

Managers who can perform, think, and act from a global perspective are in great demand. This MBA Global programme is designed to challenge you intellectually, boost your professional reputation, and make you more capable of solving real-world business challenges.

Master of Medicine

The Master of Medicine (MMed) is a comprehensive 3-year medical training programme providing structured postgraduate training in General Medicine leading to the award of a Master of Medicine from The University of Buckingham.

PG Dip Healthcare Leadership – Awarded by University of Wolverhampton

The leadership in healthcare diploma provides a comprehensive exploration of leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and strategic management within the healthcare context.

EMBA Healthcare Management – Awarded by University of Buckingham

Studying our MBA Healthcare Management online allows you the flexibility you need as a busy healthcare professional to progress your career without interfering with your existing commitments.

PG Dip Healthcare Management – Awarded by The University of Buckingham

Bridging the gap between business and healthcare, our one year, online Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Management is for management-level or aspiring management healthcare professionals looking to advance their leadership, industry and management skills.

PG Dip Leadership in Healthcare – Awarded by University of South Wales

If you aspire to take on management and leadership roles in healthcare, our 1 year, online Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership in Healthcare will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career.

MSc Leadership in Healthcare – Awarded by University of Wales

Our MSc in healthcare leadership examines various leadership styles and theories, allowing you to cultivate your own leadership style.

MSc Healthcare Leadership – Awarded by University of Wolverhampton

The master’s in healthcare leadership offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and strategic management within the healthcare context. You'll cover topics such as ethical decision-making, team dynamics, clinical governance, and change management.