MBA (CMI Accredited)
When can you start this course? |
Course code |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
 |
You can also start this course in January |
Why choose this course?
- All over the world, the MBA is the recognised management and leadership qualification. It's formal recognition that you have the strategic knowledge, insight and understanding to become a successful manager - and an inspiring leader.
- Our new MBA reflects the very latest management thinking. That is because we asked our industry partners to help us design it, ensuring that our students gain the skills and knowledge employers value.
- Our course is one of the few MBAs to be accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) - the UK's professional body for managers and leaders. This means that a Derby MBA is a big step towards achieving Chartered Manager status*, and proves that our course meets the highest professional management standards.
- We pride ourselves on offering a more personal experience - smaller class sizes, more attention from tutors, and a strong emphasis on applying the theory to your day to day working life.
* Chartered Manager requires a formal application process to CMI that includes an assessment questionnaire, submission of an independent business impact study and an assessment interview.
About the course
You can study our MBA either full time, part time, online or even in-company. And if you already hold an ACCA, CIMA, CMI Level 7, ABP/ABE or Edexcel Level 7 qualification, we even offer a one year top-up route.
However you choose to study, the MBA programme remains the same, you just study at a different pace.
Working with students from other cultures and backgrounds, you will study at an advanced and in-depth level how organisations work, their management, and the changing external environments in which these organisations operate.
You will develop a thorough understanding of the challenges of management and their implementation across core business areas. The emphasis is on the integration of theory and practice, with core modules covering managing people, strategies, finance, marketing and operations.
You will understand how to improve business and management practice, both systematically and creatively, and will challenge pre-conceptions of both business and management. You will learn how to evaluate the need for change, and at the same time gain the skills to manage and lead these changes.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a residential workshop which will help you get to know your fellow students and enable you to develop closer working relationships.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
The first stage, the Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies, gives you a broad awareness of the environment and context within which business operates. It's a practical introduction to the key knowledge, techniques and skills required to manage effectively in today's organisations.
The second stage, the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, enables you to step back and take a more overall view of organisations, and to develop more strategic thinking skills. You will develop your ability to decide and apply business tactics and strategies.
At the final stage of your MBA, you will develop your critical thinking skills even further. You will be enhancing your strategic management expertise as you apply your learning to current and future business issues and scenarios, assessing and achieving positive business impact.
Modules
Stage 1
Modules you have to take (core):
 Developing Skills for Business Leadership What will I cover in this module?
In the current employment market, successful careers can no longer be built on educational qualifications alone. If you are looking to move into leadership and management positions, you must develop a portfolio of transferable skills at
a professional level.
The overall aim of this module is to enable you to use reflective and personal development planning processes (PDP) to identify, and provide evidence of, your learning and development. You will gain skills to help you identify your own weaknesses, opportunities and threats and find ways to address these.
This will prepare you for the ongoing demands of your career and the need to take control of your own continuing professional development. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework
- 2,000 word in depth reflective statement on development during the m:odule with references to evidence within the portfolio of achievement
- Detailed personal SWOT analysis
- Current CV
- 12 month development plan.
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Managing Organisational Information What will I cover in this module?
This module is a crucial step in the MBA programme. If you are to successfully manage, you need a structured understanding of how quantitative information must be used to support your actions.
We will focus on financial information systems operating within the business, and economic information from outside. The aim is to emphasise system frameworks, and how they can be applied to help you be more effective at controlling, making decisions and planning. How will I be assessed?
40% exam; 60% coursework.
Coursework is made up of:
- An individual evaluation of the fundamentals relating to the use of organisational information, based on the use of a computer interactive assessment.
- A series of reports based on the outcome of an analysis of a business situation, 2,000 - 2,200 words.
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Managing the Dynamic Organisation What will I cover in this module?
Effective managers need to understand the complex, dynamic and systemic nature of the organisations in which they manage and lead staff. Organisational theory can help you do this, and this is what we'll cover in this module.
As you begin to understand how different parts of the business are interconnected with one another, and with the external environment, you will learn to consider the wider implications of management decisions and behaviour on organisations, teams and individuals. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework: - A portfolio of three 700 word assignments to be submitted bi-weekly in the first 6 weeks of the module.
- An individual timed (10 minute) presentation of your response to a management problem encountered on the residential which will require a critical evaluation of appropriate theory to support your rationale.
- A 500 word reflective statement about your learning within the module, particularly focusing upon synthesis of theoretical and practical knowledge and experiences in the residential.
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Sustainable Customer Value What will I cover in this module?
In this module we will consider how organisations must deliver superior and sustainable customer value to achieve long term competitive advantage.
You will learn to critically evaluate and justify, how customer value can be maximised, and recommend improvements to customer services, products and/or processes which help achieve this. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework - Individual time constrained assessment or an individual written assignment (3000-3500 words) How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 2
Modules you have to take (core):
| Improving Financial Performance What will I cover in this module?
As you become more senior in an organisation, it's likely that you will need to have the knowledge and skills to use financially based performance metrics at a more strategic level.
This module will help you confront any fears you may have about your understanding of accounting and finance! It follows on naturally from the Managing Organisational Information module, by providing you with a range of financial tools to help you gain the information you need and make a greater contribution to the overall performance of the organisation. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework.
This will be based either, for part time students, on a critical analysis of a work based action based study, which will take the form of a written report of 3000 words.
Or, for full time students, assessment will use a company case study to produce a series of evaluative reports, with a total of 3000 words. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Leading, Managing and Developing People in the Workplace What will I cover in this module?
All managers are required to develop core knowledge and skills in the field of people management. This module aims to develop your understanding of the principle areas of people management, which have been identified by research in this area.
We will cover contemporary changes, developments in linking practice to positive organisational outcomes, as well as the major debates about theory and practice in the specific fields of leadership, flexibility and change management. You will be asked to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint, and will come to see how you can add value to your own organisation. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework:
An 3,500 word individual written assessment using a case study or an organisational issue relevant to your workplace. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Strategy, Competition and Sustainability What will I cover in this module?
This module provides you with a holistic view of how different organisations manage the development of strategy and policy, in order to respond to changes and develop sustainable competitive advantage. We will also explore the differing theories about this topic among academics and business professionals.
We will cover the latest thinking and practices in this area, touching upon issues such as:
- globalisation
- innovation and creativity
- performance management and financial control
- markets, hierarchies and networks
- transformational change
- knowledge management.
You will learn different methods of analysing and bringing together information, critically evaluating and selecting a number of strategic options, and then recommending how these should be implemented.
You will also develop a wider international perspective; increase your awareness of organisational, industrial and cultural diversity and develop your analytical, problem-solving and decisionmaking skills. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework.
This includes an in-depth application of key strategy themes and constructs to an organisation or complex (organisation or industry) case scenario. You will be required to submit a 3500 word paper, which takes the form of a professional management report. Reading list
Core text
McGee, Thomas and Wilson (2005) 'Strategy - Analysis and Practice', McGraw-Hill How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Plus either:
| Corporate Social Responsibility What will I cover in this module?
The question of corporate responsibility - the way an organisation discharges their moral and ethical responsibilities - is vital to any contemporary discussion about the management of a business.
As organisations have become increasingly powerful, the need for them to be more transparent about how they behave and how they use this power has grown.
This module asks you to firstly consider the management of the organisation in terms of its ethical responsibilities, its ethical decision-making and the strategic and practical ways in which the organisation may choose to manage its corporate responsibilities.
We then ask you to consider the dynamic influences that may require the organisation to consider its ethical response. This learning will enable you to evaluate the values and ethics of the organisations and societies you are associated with. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework:
- An individual written report (3000 - 3500 words).
- A reflective statement on your response to the module particularly focusing upon your own value systems and participation in organisational ethics (1,000 words).
Reading list
Core text Crane, A. and Matten, D. (2007) Business Ethics (2nd Edn), Oxford, Oxford University Press. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Negotiated Module in Leadership and Management What will I cover in this module?
Management theory, practice and business technologies are advancing at a bewildering rate. Organisations have a choice - to adopt or not. If these latest practices are adopted the results may be disappointing, but not to adopt the latest thinking could leave your enterprise at a disadvantage.
This module can help you make the right decisions for your organisation, by giving you the ability to understand, and then critically evaluate new management theories, technologies, and initiatives, and identify those which are most likely to benefit an organisation.
You will undertake a research-based assessment of a current trend, technology, or recent innovation in management thinking, and critically evaluate how it may contribute towards the sustainable competitive advantage of a particular enterprise, organisation or business sector. You will work with your tutor to choose a topic that is of most interest to you. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework - may include oral presentation and/or written submission of up to 3,500 words. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Project Organisation and Management What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to improve your project management skills and awareness, and enables you to link project management with the ideas and concepts of previous modules.
We will focus on the relationship between operational and project management, in line with the strategic objectives of an organisation.
You will learn about the Project Life Cycle (PLC) and explore the first three phases in depth. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework - 3500 words Reading list
Essential reading:
Maylor, H. (2003) Project Management, 3rd Ed, London, Pearson
OR
Meredith, J.R. and Mantell S. (2003) Project Management : a managerial approach , International
Edition,5th ed. - New York; Chichester : Wiley, How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 3
Modules you have to take (core):
| Change, Challenge and Strategic Leadership What will I cover in this module?
This final stage module brings together your learning on all previous modules, to help you explore the global challenges involved in successful strategic leadership.
It will enable you to evaluate the major changes taking place in the business environment and how these impact on the different strategic and management approaches used by complex and/or international organisations.
You will therefore be able to develop different types of management strategy, and design management policies, that are appropriate for an era of increasing complexity. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework, split equally between two parts:
Coursework 1: a mixture of coursework and time-constrained work equivalent to a 2,500 word assignment. If you're studying part time, it will probably be work-related, and if you're studying full time it may use tutor-approved case studies to enable you to balance theory and practice. There may be a portfolio of smaller assessments equivalent to a 2,500 word assignment.
Coursework 2: A 2 hour time-constrained assignment.
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Plus either:
| Business Impact Study What will I cover in this module?
If you want to go on to apply for Chartered Manager status with CMI, you must take the Business Impact Study, rather than the Independent Study.
The Business Impact Study is also ideal if you are studying whilst working, because it allows you to identify, investigate and resolve a real management problem or issue within your own organisation. So it is a great opportunity to demonstrate to your employer a return on their investment in you.
You will need to provide an efficient, in-depth analysis of the most critical business functions and processes in your chosen area, consider the financial impact, and what resources are needed to implement the theoretical proposal.
It has two parts:
Part 1: You will investigate a chosen business to produce a Business Impact Proposal. The proposal should provide an organisational, business unit or departmentwide business-focused view of their operational vulnerabilities and opportunities.
Part 2: You will produce a Business Impact Report that demonstrates how your research and intervention has made a difference to the organisation. For example:
- Creating something that did not exist previously.
- Improving a current department or business activity.
- Achieving significantly more than expected due to your research and impact report.
- Implementing change to improve performance via new methods.
By undertaking a Business Impact Study, you will learn:
- how to apply a range of methods to develop, plan and implement an intervention proposal
- to critically investigate the working practices of a company, using research methods
- how to connect the theory and practice of strategy, marketing, HR and entrepreneurship, with other academic
and work disciplines.
Support: For your Business Impact Study, you will have the support of a tutor (your 'supervisor') who will guide you as you complete this large-scale piece of work. Your supervisor will have suitable experience and knowledge of your chosen topic. How will I be assessed?
You will submit a 8,000-10,000 word assignment. How many credits is it worth?
45 |
| Independent Study (MBA) What will I cover in this module?
Also known as a dissertation, this is a major piece of independently researched work, giving you an opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management problem or issue that has a strategic dimension.
Within this study, you will need to address organisational issues and provide a process for solving management problems. It is your chance to show us the knowledge and intellectual skills you have gained during the course, and is a good choice if you intend to move onto research afterwards, such as an MPhil or PhD.
By undertaking an Independent Study, you will learn:
- how to design a research project that critically evaluates a management problem to a professional standard
- to develop and work within an appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem, including reviewing relevant literature
- to reflect on the process of undertaking a significant piece of independent research using the ideas and concepts
from the course, and to plan your future development.
Support: We realise that the thought of conducting such a large-scale piece of work can be daunting, but don't worry.
For your Independent Study, you will have the support and guidance of a tutor (your 'supervisor') who has suitable experience and knowledge of your chosen topic.
How will I be assessed?
You will submit a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation.
How many credits is it worth?
45 |
Modules and content may change from year to year so this list is just a guide. We will confirm the exact modules that are on offer before you start your course.
Your career
The MBA itself is a well-respected award that proves you have met a high international standard in leadership and management. Our students and graduates find that the MBA's kudos and the content of our course here at Derby, bring them a whole host of benefits.
For example, Raju Byna from Oman graduated in 2007 and secured a job straight away as a strategic HR consultant for the Lighthouse LLC - a strategic business management consulting firm in Oman. He then worked his way up to a senior consultant and now is Head of Service Delivery for all strategic HR consulting assignments. Raju says, "I would go so far as to say that it was a transformational personal experience that has had a direct impact on my career success."
Furthermore, because our MBA is one of the few in the UK that has been accredited by the CMI, you can apply for a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management at the end of the course, on top of your MBA. It's an extra string to your bow, and will help you towards achieving Chartered Manager status - the highest status possible in the managerial profession.
How you'll learn
Our MBA tutors encourage you to contribute your experience and opinions. Using a range of teaching and learning styles, methods and contacts the aim is to bring the topics to life, helping you apply the theory to achieve real business situations:
- You will learn through a range of course materials, case studies, discussion, presentations, enquiry based learning, and problem solving activities.
- You will be provided with reading and research activities. You will also use UDo as a learning resource - the University of Derby's own online teaching portal.
- You will be encouraged to apply your learning to your workplace throughout the programme so you make an immediate business impact.
- We tailor our learning and teaching strategies to facilitate your chosen mode of study, whether that be full time, part time or online. This is because we understand different teaching approaches are needed to make your learning more effective.
- You'll benefit from guest speakers from businesses and professional bodies, so you're enhancing the breadth and depth of your knowledge, and applying it to different situations.
- You will share knowledge and experience, so you'll learn from other students too, and develop an ongoing personal learning experience through self-assessment and peer review.
How you're assessed
The focus is on developing your skills, rather than 'testing' what you can remember, so the majority of assessment is through coursework which is designed to help you develop your practical skills.
Assessment methods include computer aided tests, research projects, work based reports, case study analysis and reflective management reports.
Anything else?
About Chartered Manager status
Chartered Manager is a competence-based award that reviews your key achievements and the impact this has had on your organisation. It focuses on the practical application of your skills and expertise in leading people and managing change.
It's a streamlined and credible process with support every step of the way, and designed to fit with your work schedule:
- Online assessment questionnaire completed by yourself and six colleagues
- A validated submission to describe how you have applied leadership and change management skills to improve performance/results in your organisation over the last 18 months, and how you have developed as a manager.
- An assessment interview.
The University of Derby MBA (CMI accredited) helps you to achieve Chartered Manager status. You will be required to formally apply to CMI for Chartered Manager status. This includes an assessment questionnaire, submission of an independent business impact study (which you'll complete in the final stage of your MBA here) and an assessment interview.
Making the transition to masters study
You will be assigned a personal tutor for the Postgraduate Certificate stage of the programme, who will help you make the transition to postgraduate study.
Class times for part time students
Study part time and you can attend either two evenings a week or one afternoon and evening a week - you can choose the best combination for you, and you can rotate as required.
You will study two modules over 12 weeks in the Autumn semester (September to December), and the same in the Spring semester (January to May).
Part time class times are:
Postgraduate Certificate
Thursday 2pm-9pm, or Tuesday 6pm-9pm and Thursday 6pm-9pm.
Postgraduate Diploma
Wednesday 2pm-9pm, or Monday 6pm-9pm and Wednesday 6pm-9pm.
Masters
Tuesday 2pm-9pm, or Tuesday 6pm-9pm and Thursday 6pm-9pm.
Continuing Professional Development
You will have the opportunity to develop your professional development planning skills in the Developing Skills for Business Leadership module. As well as aiding your personal growth and development, this also helps you to meet the continual professional development (CPD) requirements of the CMI - essential if you wish to achieve Chartered Manager status.
Programme Leaders
Full time MBA:
Polina Baranova
T: +44 (0) 1332 591192 (direct)
+44 (0) 1332 591423 (MBA programme support)
E: p.baranova@derby.ac.uk
Part time MBA:
Gino Franco
T: +44 (0) 1332 591861 (direct)
+44 (0) 1332 591423 (MBA programme support)
E: g.franco@derby.ac.uk
Online MBA:
Online Distance Learning Admissions
T: +44 (0) 1332 592141
E: onlinelearning@derby.ac.uk
International students
Ask us a question at bclinternational@derby.ac.uk or submit an enquiry.
Start dates
You can start the MBA programme in January or September
Course code
- Full time: MN2CD
- Part time: MN2CE
Fees*
UK/EU students
- Full time: £9,000 in total
- Part time: £1,250 per module (you'll take 9 modules in total)
International students
- Full time: £12,500 (each year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
Course length
You can study the MBA full or part time.
- If you're studying full time it will take you one year. You will study at our Kedleston Road site.
- If you're studying part time, each stage (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters) takes one academic year (September to May), and each is a recognised qualification in its own right.
Entry requirements
You will need: An honours degree (at least 2.2), or equivalentAnd/or evidence of work ...
You will need:
- An honours degree (at least 2.2), or equivalent
- And/or evidence of work experience which will come from a relevant management or supervisory role. This should be evidenced on your application form.
- If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5
Do you already hold a professional qualification?
If you do, please contact Gino Franco to find out how you could top this up and achieve an MBA.
In the first instance, please email Gino at g.franco@derby.ac.uk to arrange a discussion.
Standard entry requirements
