Program Overview

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Master of Business Administration (HRM) MBA

Overview

An MBA is an internationally respected business qualification. In one year, you'll develop a strategic understanding of all aspects of managing a successful business.

This Master of Business Administration (MBA) has a specific focus on human resource management. It'll prepare you for senior roles that have major responsibility and our aim is to accelerate your progress towards well-paid positions of leadership.

Why us?

• We've been shortlisted for Business School of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024
• Benefit from employer engagement opportunities, employer visits and our guest speaker programme

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, and applied study. Your progress will be assessed with the dissertation and assignments.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you'll find that this master's degree requires a higher level of independent reading and research.

Please note, this specialist MBA route is available for October starts only.

See further information on the generic MBA route.

Course modules

Strategic Leadership for a Sustainable Future (30 credits)

Analyse theoretical approaches to leadership before applying these to strategic and sustainable business issues. Engage with business leaders to identify and develop the employability skills sought after in the digital and global work environments of the future. Conduct reflective practice throughout the module, working to develop a deeper understanding of your own leadership style and identify areas for future development as sustainable business leaders.

International Business in Context (30 credits)

Explore the unique opportunities and challenges of conducting business internationally as globalisation and the digital revolution have increased global connectedness in business. Develop innovative and sustainable solutions and strategies for current and emerging international business issues. Critically analyse approaches to leadership and management in a strategic, international business context to develop diverse stakeholder management acumen and digital business competencies.

Digital Enterprise and Innovation (30 credits)

Gain an insight into digital enterprises and the nature of sustainable innovation. Explore issues of culture, communication and leadership within digital enterprises considering the unique opportunities and challenges they face. Work in conjunction with local and national digital enterprises, and apply your understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts learned to authentic business challenges and develop your digital competencies for future employability.

Managing the Employment Relationship (30 credits)

The aim of the module is to understand and analyse the main HR interventions which take place during the employment relationship from vacancy to termination and steps between. It will provide you with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the full employment cycle set within the historical context and enable analysis of the contemporary changing nature of this. The module is designed for both knowledge acquisition, understanding and application of practices in order to develop/enhance HR skills and behaviours.

MBA Research Project (60 credits)

Critically examine a suitable topic by completing a research project into an organisation or industry sector with which you are familiar. Complete a series of personal competence, digital skills and research methods seminars all designed to support your research project. Develop a critical understanding of the role and importance of research into sustainable business practice, and by investigating an authentic business issue, you will be better prepared for your return to, or entry into, the world of work, along with an enhanced awareness of your own professional development as a future business leader.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Reg Vardy Centre is a modern building with views of the river, and just a short walk from both the coast and Sunderland town centre.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• a bachelor's degree (3 years) with a 2:2 classification

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team for further advice.

This course is designed to support career acceleration for suitably academically qualified applicants. All levels of practical work/work experience will be considered including applications from candidates with pre-graduation or limited
o work experience post degree who can display that they will benefit from a programme of this type.

We require a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualifications.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

• 2025/26 fees are:
  • £18,000 if you're from the UK/Europe
  • £19,000 if you're an international student

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

An MBA is a challenging qualification which requires significant dedication. Employers recognise its worth and the value that an MBA-qualified business leader can bring to their organisation.

Business graduates from Sunderland have secured roles in organisations such as Facebook, Microsoft, Sage, HSBC, IBM, Enterprise, Nissan, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Merck & Co, Barclays, Nissan, Marriott Hotels, Viacom 18, PricewaterCoopers, and Adidas.

Industry links

We invite business leaders into the University to share their experiences with students. Past speakers include Divine Chocolate’s Head of Sales and Marketing and Sunderland Football Club’s CEO.

Learning from business professionals can be very useful if you’re not sure what career to pursue when you graduate. If you already have a plan for your career, these events are an excellent way to start building a network of business contacts.