Master of Business Administration (MBA)
If you're looking for a step up the career ladder, want to move in a new direction or have plans to start your own business, the Stirling MBA is the course for you.
Key facts
- Award MBA
- Start date September 2023, January 2024, September 2024
- Application notes For students who need a visa: we are closed for September 2023 entry. Applications for September 2024 entry will open in September 2023.
- Duration Masters full-time: 12 months, Masters part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Accreditations
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Overview
The University of Stirling MBA (accredited by the Chartered Management Institute) is designed to transform capable managers into successful business and organisational leaders. Our MBA qualification is unique in the way it focuses on the practices, processes and outcomes of managing in a range of contexts, from large multinationals to small and medium sized enterprises. There is an emphasis on personal development, responsible business, strategy and how to effectively manage limited resources with maximum impact. These are supported by the professional and personal development modules that are designed to help each individual focus on developing current skills as well as identifying and developing new skills.
This sought-after qualification will give you a thorough understanding of the functional areas of business and management including:
- accounting and finance
- marketing
- operations management
- human resource management
By completing this course, you'll gain the confidence and resilience to respond to continually developing circumstances, the skills to build and lead a team, and the theoretical knowledge and its link to practice to successfully manage the challenges of the modern business environments.
You’ll have the chance to go on regular site visits with senior executives and industry experts, as well as the opportunity to undertake a consultancy project with a business or organisation across the public, private and non-profit sectors. This allows you to integrate the knowledge and skills from your MBA to solve a real business challenge, subject to Scottish Government regulations as well as business circumstances.
Our MBA is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – ensuring that you graduate with two qualifications, an MBA and a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
Learn from the experts
You’ll be taught by internationally recognised subject experts, many of whom have extensive business and consultancy experience. Throughout the course, you’ll also be able to engage with senior executives from the private, public and third sectors, as well as entrepreneurs. This provides you with a practical perspective on contemporary business topics. We have a series of guest lectures and workshops which provide many networking opportunities with potential employers, subject to Scottish Government regulations as well as business circumstances.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
Understanding the practices and processes of business in terms of inclusion, environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability is central to the course. These concerns and perspectives are explored in the context of a wide range of industries and economies. Throughout the world, these issues are increasingly being taken more seriously, and this course is the first MBA in Scotland specifically designed to cater to these important agendas.
Developing business leaders of the future
Postgraduate education at the University of Stirling Management School goes beyond text books and lecture rooms; we also focus on your personal and professional development.
We believe that everyone has the capacity to be outstanding and we help you to become aware of your untapped capabilities. Our MBA is unusual in its holistic approach – it is not only focused on sustainable strategy, but also on sustainable selves. As a result, you’ll develop an understanding of both functional and operational demands as well as your personal role as an inspiring leader.
At the University of Stirling Management School, we understand the importance of your MBA to help you with your career choices. We understand the skills and personal qualities that recruiters look for in an individual, so we’ve carefully embedded opportunities for you to identify, practice and develop those skills in the personal and professional development modules you will undertake with us.
Our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career. These range from practical skills, like effective public speaking, to developing ways to work under pressure in difficult situations such as conflict management. Find out more about Flying Start.
Professional accreditation
Our MBA is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – ensuring that you graduate with two qualifications, an MBA and a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
Research overview
80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies is classed as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree, or an equivalent professional qualification. You must also have a minimum of three years of work experience. If you don’t have formal qualifications
Additional requirements
As part of your application, you will also need to provide a copy of your current CV, detailing your professional experience and achievements to date.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Personal and professional development is a key feature for the duration of our course. There’s a focus on self-awareness and personal capability. We’ll help you identify, develop and practice key skills that contribute to a successful managerial career. It includes handling conflict in groups, managing group dynamics, assertiveness, facilitation, critical reasoning and argument building.
The broad range of subjects that you will study ensures that you’ll gain an insight into each important management function, such as accounting and finance, marketing, human resource management, operations management. This gives you the valuable opportunity to develop skills in all aspects of business and management. We also help you to understand how these functions are integrated through our strategy classes, enabling you to see the big picture along with the detail, and work comfortably with both at the same time.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through lectures, group work, case studies, role-play simulations, workshops, guest speakers, master classes and presentations. Our master classes are delivered by world-renowned academics and industry leaders, and practitioners who are responsible for shaping management thinking today. We also have excellent links with local, national and international organisations. Senior executives from across the private, public and third sectors regularly engage with our MBA students, providing a practical perspective on contemporary business topics through a series of guest lectures and workshops.
If you successfully complete the taught element of this course, you'll receive the Diploma award and then you can continue on the course for the MBA award. To receive an MBA award you'll complete a 10,000-word dissertation based on an original research question agreed by yourself and your supervisor, or a consultancy project on behalf of an external client organisation, with an 8,000 word report.
Fieldwork
You’ll go on field trips and industry visits where you can gain an insight into the workings of specially selected successful Scottish companies. Visits will include an overview on the company's history and culture, as well as understanding their approach to strategy development.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a mixture of coursework (individual and group-based), including written assignments, class tests and presentations.
Classroom hours
The timetable is currently under review.
A detailed timetable of activities, covering lectures, student-led group work and personal and professional development workshops will be provided at the outset of the course.
Course director
Key staff
Dr Craig Anderson brings a range of applied research knowledge to the programme. They have a background in environmental consulting and have specialisms in achieving sustainable business
They have consulted with nationally relevant organisations such as Zero Waste Scotland as well as being a jury member for the Green Key Ecotourism Certification with Keep Scotland Beautiful.
A number of our lecturers have published cutting-edge research and new knowledge is integral to our teaching. Our MBA expert teachers include:
- Professor Bernard Burnes
- Dr Gerry Edgar
- Professor Iain Black
- Dr Chris Coles
- Dr Ou Lyu
- Dr Peter Flett
- Dr Tom Kane
- Dr Knut Laaser
- Dr Carol Marshall
- Dr Najib Murad
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £19,145 | £19,645 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £19,145 | £19,645 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £23,325 | £23,825 |
| European Union students | £23,325 | £23,825 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
Stirling Management School Postgraduate Scholarships
We’re committed to investing in academically talented students, helping them to further their education with one of our University degree courses. We offer a number of Scholarships that are specific to the MBA and are on offer for the 2021-22 year. For further details and to discuss your funding requirements, please get in touch with our Course Director, Professor George Burt: mba@stir.ac.uk.
Other sources of funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Our highly sought-after MBA qualification offers you a route to securing a more senior management position and a higher salary. The skills you'll gain are also transferable to many different career opportunities, and our graduates have gone on to work in senior management in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that everyone has the capacity to be outstanding, and it’s the role of our Stirling MBA to facilitate your continued development. The Stirling MBA focuses on the development of the whole person. It enables you to become aware of your untapped capabilities. Our MBA is unusual in its holistic approach – it's not only focused on sustainable strategy, but also on sustainable selves. Consequently, you’ll develop an understanding of both functional and operational demands as well as your personal role as an inspiring leader.
An important part of our MBA focuses on building your employable skills, and our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career.
Alumni
The Stirling Management School alumni family has grown to include over 16,000 people in 70 countries, and our MBA alumni are currently working in countries across the globe, including the UK, Germany, India, USA, Japan, China, Canada, Uganda, Chile, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
We’re proud to play our part in shaping the future of everyone who studies at Stirling, and we make sure there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to stay connected with us, and one another.
Employability skills
At Stirling Management School we understand the importance of your postgraduate degree to help you with your career choices. We understand the skills and personal qualities that recruiters look for in an individual. With such an understanding we have carefully embedded opportunities to identify, practice and develop those skills during your time with us, which is reflected in the personal and professional development modules. We think that the development of these skills is complementary with a world-class management education.
You’ll learn great transferable skills throughout the MBA. During the year you’ll learn to improve your presentation skills, and your ability to research and analyse complex data. We understand the skills and personal qualities that recruiters look for in their future managers.
Stirling Management School has a dedicated Employability Manager and from the very beginning of the course your career is our focus.
Everything you do while studying here is designed to help you build the personal skills that will make you stand out to future employers. You’ll start your MSc course on our Flying Start leadership Programme which will challenge your perspective of culture and develop your self-awareness, as well as team-working, problem-solving and presentation skills.
Consultancy projects
If you’re seeking to enhance your employability and add value to a business client you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a three-month consultancy project over the summer, as an alternative to the traditional dissertation.
Consultancy projects allow you to work with an organisation to investigate a ‘real-world’ issue, enhance your transferable business skills and make professional connections that may lead to a job offer in the future. Current clients range from start-up businesses to international organisations in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Companies we work with
Employers of our graduates span the private, public and voluntary sectors. These include:
- Citibank International
- HSBC
- KPMG
- ExxonMobil
- The Bank of China
- L’Oreal
- Barclays Bank
- Adidas
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Vodaphone
- Various governmental agencies
HigherEd Global Talent Portal
As a Management School student, you have access to the HigherEd Global Talent Portal where you’ll find internship, trainee positions, apprenticeships and graduate positions from companies around the world. It helps international students looking for placements back at home and local students that want to explore an international experience.
The global talent portal is in addition to all other existing initiatives and resources available for you through the Careers and Employability Service, and the Target Connect vacancy and events system.
What our students said
United Kingdom
MBA Master Business Administration
Read Salman's storyI am employed in the National Health Service. I strongly believe that the MBA has enhanced my skills and given me the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the health system from a business perspective. There are multiple opportunities to broaden my career progression into areas such as medical leadership and management helping me work towards making a positive impact in the health service.
India
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Read Isha's storyThe University of Stirling has made my dream of studying a degree come true. It's a warm and welcoming environment for anyone who is studying for the first time.
Austria
MBA
Read Daniela's storyThe benefits of studying the MBA at the University of Stirling are that you learn a lot more using in future careers such as how to adapt to new situations and how to conduct a sustainable change to common behaviours. Working together with students on the course from different countries let me learn how to face cultural differences and learn how to cope with them and work as a group.