MBA Top-Up

Program Overview

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MBA Top-Up MBA

Overview

This Master of Business Administration (MBA) Top-Up is for people who already hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies or an equivalent postgraduate qualification.

We understand that your MBA is part of an onward journey. We offer extensive career support to help you gain a rapid return on your investment in yourself – and achieve your personal goals.

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 and learning methods include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, and applied study.

Assessment is mainly through the dissertation and assignments, as well as exams in some subjects.

Course modules

For the 90-credit Top-Up, you will study one of the 30-credit MBA core modules and complete your 60-credit MBA Research Project. The module you study will depend on when you start and your entry qualifications.

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.

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

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team for further information.

This course is designed to support career acceleration for suitable graduate applicants. All levels of practical/work experience will be considered including applications from graduates with limited
o work experience post their master’s degree who can display they'll benefit from a course of this type.

This course converts a standard master’s level qualification to an MBA. Therefore, a relevant postgraduate or equivalent professional qualification is a requirement to apply for this course.

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:

• £9,000 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £9,500 if you're an international student

See the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

The applied nature of our MBA course will build on your previous managerial experience while moving you forward on a journey of practical professional development. The course is an investment in yourself that can lead to higher salary, promotion opportunities, greater employability, and flexibility in an evolving job market.

Graduate success

Business graduates from Sunderland have secured roles in organisations such as Facebook, Microsoft, Sage, HSBC, IBM, Enterprise, Nissan, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Merck & Co, Barclays, 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.

Meet the students

• "The MBA is the very foundation and motivation for the initiative." - Abedalrahman Al-Zghoul
• "Sunderland has provided me with brand new critical thinking skills." - Mohammad Adwan
• "It's been absolutely great, inside the class, and the experience outside the class as well." - Octavian and Hanneke Lazin

Meet the team — MBA Top-Up

• Kym Maria Drady, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management
• Sharp Cooper, Senior Lecturer in Operations Management
• Yashar Salamzadeh, FHEA, CMBE, Senior Lecturer in Digital Business
• Julia Janfeshar Nobari, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance

View all staff for MBA Top-Up

Related courses

• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MBA Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• PgCert/PgDip Management Studies

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MBA Top-Up program at the University of Sunderland is designed for individuals already holding a postgraduate diploma in Management Studies or an equivalent postgraduate qualification. This program builds upon existing management expertise, enabling participants to further their professional development and gain an edge in the competitive job market.

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Objectives:

• Enhance participants' professional skills and knowledge in various management areas.
• Cultivate critical thinking and strategic decision-making abilities.
• Prepare graduates for higher-paying positions and promotion opportunities.
• Enhance career flexibility and employability in a changing job market.
### Description: The MBA Top-Up program comprises a 30-credit MBA core module and a 60-credit MBA Research Project. The specific core module taken depends on the program start date and entry qualifications.

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Key Features:

• Practical Applicability:
The program emphasizes real-world application of management concepts, enabling participants to immediately contribute to their organizations.
• Career Advancement:
Graduates of the program see an average of 10% salary increase with 25% going into senior/leadership roles (as per 2016 - 2023 career survey).
• Industry Recognition:
The program's content aligns with industry demands and the university has established strong ties with businesses, offering participants valuable networking opportunities. ## Outline: ### Content: The MBA Top-Up program delves into diverse management-related topics, including:
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management
• Research methodologies
### Structure: The program features a blend of learning formats, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Class discussions
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Applied research
### Course Schedule: The program starts on October 14th, 2024. ### Modules:
• MBA Research Project (60 credits):
This module entails conducting independent research on a company or industry of interest, culminating in a research paper. The research process benefits from seminars and workshops on personal competence, digital skills, and research methods.
• Additional Core Modules:
Depending on program commencement and previously earned qualifications, participants might also take one of the following 30-credit core modules:
• Strategic Management
• International Business
• Finance for Managers
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
## Assessment: ### Assessment Methods:
• Dissertation and assignments
• Exams in some subjects
### Assessment Criteria:
• Clear communication of knowledge and understanding
• Critical analysis and problem-solving
• Practical application of theoretical concepts
• Rigorous research methodologies and insightful findings
## Teaching: ### Teaching Methods:
• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Individual and group assignments
• Case studies and simulations
• Guest lectures by industry experts
• Project work and independent research
### Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified academics with extensive industry experience
• Research-active professors at the forefront of their respective fields
### Unique Approaches:
• Program emphasis on real-world applicability through diverse learning activities.
• Collaborative learning environment that fosters peer-to-peer learning and interaction.
• Strong emphasis on individual development and career advancement.
## Careers: ### Career Paths: Graduates of the MBA Top-Up program pursue diverse careers across various industries and sectors, including:
• Management Consultancy
• Financial Services
• Marketing and Communications
• Human Resources
• Operations Management
• Project Management
### Career Opportunities:
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Operations Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Consultant
### Career Outcomes:
• Graduates see an average salary increase of 10% after program completion.
• 25% of graduates secure senior leadership positions within 1 year of graduation.
• Participants from diverse backgrounds secure employment with reputable organizations like Facebook, Microsoft, and Sunderland Football Club.
## Other: ### English Language Requirements:
• For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required.
## Notes:
• The above information is based on the context provided.
• For specific information about individual courses, application deadlines, and tuition fees, please refer to the University of Sunderland website or contact the university directly.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• £8,500 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £9,000 if you're an international student
• European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who don't qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 24/25 admission, you'll receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies.
The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.