Program Overview

Master of Business Administration: The Essex MBA

The Essex MBA is designed for ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who are eager to deliver sustainable business solutions and build a future they believe in. Based in the Essex Business School, this program cultivates talent and empowers students to think faster and smarter.

Overview

• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Part-time
• Duration: 3 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• The Essex MBA goes beyond a degree, providing hands-on experience in key business areas like strategic marketing, sustainable operations, and finance.
• With a focus on globalization, sustainability, and innovation, students develop the edge to lead and drive change.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 degree in any subject
• At least three years of good quality, relevant, professional work experience post-graduation
• Experience managing people, projects, or budgets
• Progression in career and/or involvement in additional entrepreneurial or community-focused activities
• Non-standard applicants require at least five years of relevant managerial experience and must submit an essay outlining business situations they have experienced and what they have learned from them

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted
• Contact the Graduate Admissions team for specific requirements

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all components
• Pre-sessional English pathway available for those who do not meet IELTS requirements

Structure

Course Structure

• The Essex MBA is structured around eight core modules, the MBA Essentials, and three further modules, the MBA toolkit
• Students have the opportunity to select an elective module from the MBA options
• The program culminates in the Capstone, where students complete a consultancy project, business plan, or dissertation

Components and Modules

• Core: Modules that must be taken and passed
• Core with Options: Modules where students can choose from available options and must pass
• Compulsory: Modules that must be taken, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Compulsory with Options: Modules where students can choose from available options, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Optional: Modules that can be chosen, with limited opportunities to continue if failed

Teaching

• Each module is delivered in a one-week period, including three or four days of module workshops
• Prior learning may be required before the module begins, using Moodle, the University's virtual learning environment
• Assignments or assessments are completed after the module workshops

Assessment

• Assessment for each taught module usually consists of coursework, with no exams
• Coursework takes the form of individual written essays, group projects, and presentations
• The Business Planning module supports students with their final MBA Project

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• £9,333 per year
• The Essex MBA Dean's Award offers tuition fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value

International Fee

• £9,333 per year
• The Essex MBA Dean's Award offers tuition fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value

Scholarships and Financial Support

• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with the cost of the course
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

What's Next

Open Days

• The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year
• Events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex and give students the chance to tour the campus and accommodation, meet students and staff, and get answers to questions about courses, student finance, graduate employability, and more

Applying

• Applications can be made online
• Before applying, check the necessary documents required, such as official transcripts and personal statements
• MBA applicants will be asked to take part in either a face-to-face, online, or telephone interview

Additional Documents

• Official transcript(s) in English or a certified translation of academic results
• A personal statement with a 500-word limit to support the application
• Two references, one of which must come from a current employer or appropriate other person, confirming employment status

Visit Colchester Campus

• Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, the Colchester Campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour
• Virtual tours are available for those who cannot visit in person

Related Courses

• Master of Business Administration: The Essex MBA (Modular Study)
• Master of Business Administration: The Essex MBA