Skip to content

MBA Distance Learning

MBA

Duration
Start date
Location

Suitable for applications.

As a mother, wife and someone working full-time in a very demanding role, having the flexibility to tailor my learning and study time has enabled me to have a good work/life/study balance. Tatjana, Distance Learning MBA

Entry requirements

If you'd like a quick view on your suitability and eligibility for The Bradford MBA before you complete a full application, simply send us your CV and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Please email it to [email protected]

All applications are considered on their individual merits and will be assessed using a collective approach, which takes into account professional status and work experience as well as academic achievement.

Work experience

Candidates must have at least three years’ postgraduate work experience, which can be from any industry, including both private and public sectors, and charitable organisations.

Academic and professional achievements

You should have a good first degree awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification. If you do not have a first degree or professional qualifications you will need to demonstrate significant management or business leadership experience (normally at least eight years). We will also consider an academic recommendation based on interview.

Numeracy and literacy competencies

We will require evidence of numeracy and literacy competencies, and you may be required to complete an authorised online aptitude test such as the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or School equivalent (The Bradford Test).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we may need evidence of your proficiency in English through a recognised test (IELTSTOEFL or PTE-A). You will be required to achieve a minimum score of:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no sub-test less than 5.5; or
  • Internet-based TOEFL:
    • For EU, non-UK applicants: 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 17, Reading – 18, Speaking 20, Writing – 17
    • For International, non-UK/EU, applicants (UKBA requirement): 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 21, Reading – 22, Speaking – 23, Writing – 21; or
  • PTE-A (Pearson Test of English Academic): 60 overall, with no sub-test less than 51

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Learning and assessment

Our Distance Learning MBA programme consists of three stages:

  • Core modules – designed to help you get back in to learning and provide fundamental knowledge of management principles and theory, before leading into an in-depth understanding of specialist topics that are essential and relevant to the contemporary commercial world
  • Elective modules – designed to help you explore contemporary management topics in more detail
  • Skills profile modules – challenges you to link your learning to the programme and personal goals, encouraging continued professional development and helping you to build a credible skills profile, linked directly to all the core themes of the Bradford MBA.
  • Management project – enables you to put the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme to practical use on a relevant management issue

To help you focus on your career trajectory, the range of subject areas will enable you to assess and find creative solutions to complex issues. Your knowledge and understanding of each subject area studied will be assessed by the most appropriate means.

Learning experiences and assessments are done through the following methods which reflect the tasks and behaviours of senior leadership roles:

  • individual and group assignments - for example producing actionable plans and advice for your organisation to solve their problems
  • live online tutorials
  • various discussion forums
  • reflective personal reports on shared experience
  • multimedia presentations
  • online collaboration, discussion and viva voce
  • online multiple-choice quizzes
  • formal examination

How you study

Each module contains study units that you will progress through each week under the guidance of a module leader. This equates to approximately 14-16 hours of study per week. Module content is available 24/7 to supplement live scheduled teaching sessions.

If work or family life is particularly busy we offer flexibility for completion of the MBA in two to three years.

Student with back towards the camera, arms spread, overlooking a sea. The student is wearing a shirt saying 'See the world'.

Study abroad

You may decide you want to accelerate your studies, learn about a particular subject area, study alongside other University of Bradford students or simply broaden your horizons and spend some time studying overseas. You can do this by studying optional modules at no extra cost (other than travel, accommodation and subsistence) at our hub in Dubai or partner institution in Toulouse, France.

University of Bradford School of Management (Dubai)

Our Dubai MBA programme has now been running for more than a decade. Students can attend optional module blocks at our study centre in Dubai's Knowledge Village. Please note that access to these modules is subject to availability.

Toulouse Business School (France)

You can study the 'Financial Risk Management in European Banking' module at TBS Education (Toulouse Business School) in France. This module is taught in the international business language of English and is studied and completed in a one-week block including an assessment examination.

School of Management’s International Summer School

You will be able to attend the annual School of Management International Summer School. Here, you can study week-long optional modules, earning 10 credits towards your MBA. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon successful engagement and attendance.

There is also the opportunity to undertake Professional Development certificates from our partners such as the Project Management Institute.

At the end of the week, you will be able to attend the MBA Summit. This is a great opportunity to network and meet the rest of your cohort. You will have the opportunity to hear keynote talks, engage in panel discussions and take part in practical workshops.

Study support

Each module has been designed so that your understanding and knowledge is developed through using a variety of materials from textbooks and academic journal papers through to video clips, podcasts, online discussions and live online tutorials.

Supporting materials

For each module you will be provided with electronic access to readings, the core textbook and discussion boards through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will also have 24-hour access to online academic textbooks via the Perlego digital library.

Tutorial groups

While distance learning allows you more flexibility to study, we ensure that you will never feel like you are studying alone.

When studying a module you will attend live online tutorials with an academic. You can also discuss topics with other distance learning students and academics through discussion boards and informal networking sessions online.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

The University of Bradford School of Management uses Canvas as a virtual learning environment and Menitmeter for real-time interactive lectures. Each module you study will have a dedicated site containing:

  • guidance on the assessment used for the module
  • PowerPoint slides and lecture recordings
  • access to Microsoft Teams for live tutorials
  • key readings selected by Bradford academics from leading academic journals, trade publications and broadsheet newspapers
  • selected audio and video clips helping to underline your knowledge and understanding of particular subject areas
  • additional non-compulsory readings enabling you to further engage with a subject and advance your understanding
  • formative assessments allowing you to monitor your understanding and get instant feedback on your progression

University of Bradford School of Management Library

As a distance learning student you will have access to the University's online library resources. This means that from wherever you are in the world, you can access thousands of academic journals, market reports and textbooks all from your computer.

Distance learning students also have their own dedicated librarian who can provide students with photocopies of various materials including journal papers, book chapters and company reports.

Academic Skills Advice Service

It may be some time since you last studied for a formal qualification and so some of your key learning skills such as essay writing, critical analysis and revision may require some attention. The School of Management Academic Skills Advice Service can provide you with all the help you need to overcome such obstacles. A variety of additional information is available and you can even have a one-to-one consultation with our effective learning advisor.

Research

The material is research-led with contemporary material for current managerial and business issues. The rationale for the redesigned MBA is that it maps on to the three research centres of the School of Management.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.