In today’s fast-moving, digitally driven world, the MBA is more than a qualification—it’s a global standard for professionals ready to lead innovation, drive sustainable growth, and navigate complex challenges across international markets.
Rebrand your career with a globally focused MBA
Prepare for the next stage of your professional journey with our cutting-edge online MBA Global. Designed for ambitious graduates and business professionals with an international mindset, this programme 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. Our MBA Global prepares you to meet that demand—equipping you with the critical knowledge and tools to navigate 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
Our 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 the programme, 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 cultivate a global mindset, our 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
Our 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.
We 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 online MBA Global 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. Our lecturers are not only experienced educators, but they are also 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
Ways to study the MBA
It is also possible to study the MBA on campus, full time or part time or through block delivery:
We're building a new home for Derby Business School, serving as an international centre of excellence. The superb new teaching facilities will build on our established reputation for inspirational teaching and research excellence, as we shape the next generation of qualified business leaders.
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.
We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enrol.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Online MBA Global Q&A: August 2025
Thursday, 28 August 2025 12.00 - 12.30
If you're interested in joining the MBA Global programme, join the live Q&A to hear from Dr. Justin Okoli, Programme Leader for MBA Global (online) and get your questions answered.
A flexible, interactive learning experience designed for you
Our 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.
Our 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. We 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, we 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, we encourage you to collaborate and network with both your student community as well as external organisations.
Our 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
Our structured approach to formative assessment means that you will receive lots of support, guidance and feedback on your progress throughout your MBA journey.
Don't just take our word for it...
Graduate Nicolas Goddard talks about his time as a student with University of Derby Online Learning.
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Personal Academic Tutor
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Who will teach you
Dr Justin Okoli
Programme Leader
Dr Justin Okoli
Justin Okoli is a Senior Lecturer in Business and Management at Derby Business School
MBA Director and Senior Lecturer in International Strategy Management
David Orton
David Orton is a Senior Lecturer in International Strategy Management and the Director for the suite of MBA Programmes offered by the University, both in the UK and overseas.
Additionally, David is the Programme Leader for the MBA Glob...
Senior Lecturer for Business and Management, Nauman Moazam Ali, is a senior business analyst and has vast experience as an academic professional, working with different Higher education institutes in UK and overseas.
Simon is a Lecturer at the University of Derby. He has earned his PhD from the University of Derby, UK; an Executive MBA from Preston University; and an MBA from American University of Central Asia and is now pursing his PhD with focus...
Our MBA Global course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.
You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.
The international focus of our MBA Global adds powerful value to your CV, helping you stand out in an increasingly competitive and interconnected job market. Our emphasis on practical, work-based learning means you’ll graduate with more than just knowledge—you’ll have the confidence and skills to make an immediate impact, whether you’re stepping into a new role or accelerating your growth within your current organisation.
Career planning and professional development are embedded throughout the programme. Whether you're aiming for senior leadership, changing industries, or launching your own venture, the MBA Global gives you the tools, network, and credibility to make your next move with confidence.
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for three years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
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.
We welcome and encourage 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.
English language qualifications
We 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.
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.
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying
Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases
Masters funding options
Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.
If you are considering applying for a student loan, please also see our additional guidance on Loans for Online Students.
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
Current CV
Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
The date of the translation
The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
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