Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program Overview

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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Study level: Postgraduate

Conversion course

Progress in your career with our online MBA degree, designed to offer you the flexibility to learn around your current work, family or other commitments.

Year of entry

Location

100% online study

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2-5 years (part-time)

Course code

FBLT163

Start date

September 2025
January 2026
May 2026

About us

At Coventry University, we continuously review the courses we offer to ensure we reflect industry-relevant emerging best practice and technology. As a result, this course is undergoing continuous improvement assessment and will be launched with a renewed curriculum starting in September 2025. Module content and titles will be updated. Course title, learning outcomes and assessments may also change. We expect our new curriculum to be fully updated in June 2025. Please return to this page to see the final course details.

Course overview

This course is aimed at aspiring or practising managers who wish to develop an in-depth understanding of how an enterprise operates.

The course will offer you the chance to:

• learn how to initiate and bring about change within an enterprise
• enhance your ability to think critically and strategically in an ever-changing and ambiguous business environment
• develop responsible and ethically based and culturally sensitive practices.

Why you should study this course

• This MBA is studied 100% online via our innovative social learning platform. Study when and where it suits you best, fully supported at every step.
• This course provides you with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to progress to more senior management and leadership roles.
• You can develop core knowledge of business models and concepts, together with a strong understanding of processes and practices to develop your leadership, financial and project management skills.
• An MBA is an internationally recognised business qualification widely regarded as essential for managerial positions in a world characterised by strong global competition and continuous change.

Memberships

Small Business Charter (SBC)

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award, and currently holds the award until 2025. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining high standards of teaching and research.

The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)

Coventry Business School is signatory to The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative.

What you'll study

The MBA programme covers three distinct but interconnected stages – Certificate, Diploma, and Master’s.

The online MBA programme covers two initial modules which provide a detailed foundation into business, leadership and financial processes and the environmental factors affecting the business environment.

These are followed by an independent project and two specialist modules in project management, decision-making and risk.

Modules

Certificate Stage – The Modern Enterprise and Business Environment

• Business Models and Processes - 15 credits
  This module aims to introduce you to business model thinking and innovation and business process design and analysis and provide both knowledge and a higher level of understanding of the role that these play in the global context. Through developing a “live” business idea, you will look to develop an appreciation for differing models and processes, how they can best be applied to different environments and understand the relationship between frameworks for business strategy and planning (models) and the processes through which work gets done. A variety of topics will be dealt with in this module, including business model thinking and innovation, business process design and analysis, the challenges presented through globalisation, business sustainability, dealing with complexity and adapting to change.
• The Geopolitical, Economic and Legal Environment - 15 credits This module introduces you to the three main factors that strongly influence business in the external and the internal environment as well as the local and international environment. These three major factors (geopolitical, economic and legal environment) have an impact in the development of organisations and countries. The module will explore and analyse the concept of geopolitics and examine theories and debates through discussion of the main elements of the geopolitical environment. The aim is to develop your ability to think critically about political issues surrounding us and their impact on the business environment.
• Financial Analysis - 15 credits
  This module is designed to develop your ability to interpret and use financial information within the strategic framework of an organisation. It is oriented towards the user rather than the preparer of corporate financial statements.
• Organisational Behaviour and Learning - 15 credits This module is designed to provide you with a clear insight into how the behaviours of people within an organisation can impact an organisation’s effectiveness. It reflects the critical role played by Human Resource Management (HRM) in the management of people’s behaviours within organisations in both the national and international contexts.

Compulsory

Diploma Stage – Preparing for Tomorrow

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 15 credits
  This module will foster your entrepreneurial and innovation skills by blending theory and practice to enhance your understanding of the functioning of modern enterprises to ensure sustainability and growth. It aims to endow you with the skills to utilise innovation in either setting up a new venture or bringing an innovative and entrepreneurial vision into an existing organisation.
• Leadership and Change Management - 15 credits This module is designed for aspiring leaders and managers who wish to challenge assumptions and develop an in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead an organisation. It also focuses on how leaders understand change and consider what leadership capabilities are required for transformational change. From these discussions, the module will go on to explore how various leadership capabilities may be suited to different organisational structures and different approaches to change.****
• Strategy and Decision Making - 15 credits Effective strategy planning, decision-making, implementation and ongoing management are dependent on deep and wide analysis of current information and data regarding an organisation’s strategic position. This module seeks to widen your perspective and understanding of the principles of strategic management and introduces a variety of analytical models of strategic analysis and strategy formulation. You will also explore the pros and cons of strategic choices and consider the impact of and consequences of strategy implementation.****
• Global Marketing - 15 creditsThe module aims to introduce and develop a contemporary perspective of the global marketplace by focusing on the strategic marketing paradigm. The module requires you to critically discuss and analyse key managerial decisions on formulating and executing global marketing activities, keeping in mind the cultural demands of the various markets across the globe. Marketing research is also included within the module to support the critical evaluation of international markets.****

Compulsory

Master's Stage

• Project Management – 15 credits
  This module aims to prepare you in delivering strategic change and transformation through the management of projects in organisations. It will develop your understanding of the stages, tools and techniques required for project initiation, planning, execution, control and termination.
• Decision Making and Risk – 15 credits
  This module aims to promote an understanding of decision-making in a management context. It will examine theoretical knowledge underpinning decision-making and develop skills to solve problems and influence others in the workplace. It will also consider aspects of bias in decision-making from psychological and sociological perspectives.
• The MBA Consultancy Project - 30 credits This module aims to ensure integration between theory and practice. It enables you to apply your skills and management theory in carrying out live consultancy projects within your own or a host organisation where possible2. It also provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your knowledge, experience, and practice. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical, and analytical skills developed during your programme. To equip you with the additional research skills required to successfully execute the research, you will be supported by a series of resources on research methodology and writing a consultancy project.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Study 100% online

This course is studied completely online via our digital learning environment. It can be studied as a full-time master's programme over three semesters in one year, or on a part-time basis.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

When studying online you will have access to a complete set of online learning materials delivered through our approved platforms. The learning materials contain all the essential teaching you will need to complete your course and undertake your assessments. You also have access to our library's electronic resources 24/7, including thousands of books, ejournals and newspapers.

In addition to the learning assets, you will have the support of an Associate Lecturer. The Associate Lecturer will undertake weekly live sessions (recorded for those unable to attend). These sessions will be seminar based, discussing the learning materials, giving clarity, depth and direction to your learning.

The Associate Lecturer will also offer fortnightly one to one surgeries for any individual requirements and will be available for questions on platform and via email.

Prefer to study with time on campus? Click here to view our on campus course.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 15 credit module requires a total of 150 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first and second semester you can expect 2 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with an Associate Lecturer or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

• essays
• group work
• presentations
• coursework
• technical reports
• business plans.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK and International

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants must have a minimum of two years post-degree full-time work experience in management/admin/ professional capacity.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Africa

Americas

Central Asia

East Asia

Europe

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component area
• If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
• For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK and International | £17,000 | Request fee information

The tuition fee stated above is calculated for the entire duration of this programme. You also have the option to pay fees by credit hour, rather than making a full upfront payment.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Fees will be reviewed annually; however, any increase will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or must extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as re-assessments should you need them.

Scholarships, bursaries and discounts

We offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and discounts. For more information, visit our fees page or contact our study advisor.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All students have access to these facilities in Coventry:

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Student Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio and the Enterprise Hub.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

• financial concepts, theories and their application to real-world situations
• financing arrangements, strategies and governance structures of business entities
• complex operation and function of financial markets in different regulatory settings
• contemporary and controversial issues of finance in global financial markets.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

• demonstrate diagnostic and decision-making skills in dealing with financial management problems.
• use advanced mathematical and statistical techniques for financial and investment analysis.
• select, retrieve and analyse relevant data and information from finance-related databases, to solve practical problems.
• design and conduct research in financial management using appropriate methodologies to advance knowledge in these areas.
• critically evaluate the conceptual and theoretical frameworks of finance and challenge assumptions.
• exercise judgment in the selection of different methods and approaches to financial management in the corporate environment.

This master’s level course can help lead to careers in financial services, corporate finance, fund management, treasury or banking and insurance sectors. Equally, the skills developed during the course could prepare you for a potential future career in the public or private sectors, in financial management or in management more generally.

During your study, you should develop strong analytical skills, clear perspectives on strategy and strategic thinking, and highly effective communication and research skills. These are all in demand from employers in private, public, and third-sector organisations around the world.

Typical roles may include financial planners and controllers, treasurers, stockbrokers, commodities traders, cash and fund managers, insurance adjusters and other positions in banking and finance.

Where our graduates work

Past graduates have gone on to work in varied roles, such as a Financial Planning Analyst for City Bank Indonesia, Senior Finance Officer for Royal Jordanian Airlines, HR Manager within the Marriot Hotels and Financial Administrator for Bank of China, the NHS, UNICEF, Barclays Bank, Standard Life and UK public sector.

1Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

2UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

3Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

4Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.