Master of Business Administration (with Internship)

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

Queen’s MBA (with Internship) is built for ambitious professionals who want more than classroom learning — it gives you world-class business training and a guaranteed long-term internship so you graduate with real experience, not just theory. Over two years, you’ll develop the confidence, strategic thinking, and leadership skills needed to move into higher-level roles in today’s fast-changing business world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year focuses on building a strong foundation in how modern organisations work. You’ll explore modules such as Leading Transformation in a Digital World, Marketing Management, Accounting for Managers, Operations Management, and Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century. Together, these courses help you understand how to make decisions, analyse data, manage teams, and lead innovation. By the end of the year, you’ll feel more confident in both your strategic thinking and your day-to-day management skills.

Year 2 (Internship + Advanced Learning)

Year two is where the MBA becomes truly hands-on. You’ll complete a substantial internship of at least nine months, giving you the chance to work inside an organisation, build your network, and gain experience that employers really value. Alongside your internship, you’ll study advanced modules like Global Economic Environment, People Management & the Future of Work, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management. You will also complete your MBA Applied Project, where you tackle a real business issue for an organisation.

You can further personalise your studies by choosing an elective such as Sustainability and Social Innovation, Global Technology Innovations, International Business Negotiations, or an International Study Experience.

Focus Areas

Sustainability & Social Innovation; Global Technology & Innovation; International Business Negotiations; Strategic Leadership; Experiential Learning through Internship

Learning Outcomes

A deeper ability to lead people, think strategically, analyse financial and operational issues, manage change, and confidently apply business concepts in real organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MBA is AMBA-accredited, a mark held by only the top global business schools. Queen’s Business School also holds EQUIS accreditation, confirming its strong international reputation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

As a Russell Group university with excellent employer connections, Queen’s offers strong career support and high graduate employability. The built-in internship, networking events, and personalised coaching make the program especially attractive to employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning sits at the heart of the Queen’s MBA (with Internship). Instead of just hearing about leadership, strategy, and innovation, you’ll actually practice them — in workshops, real companies, and during your long-term internship. The programme is designed to build your confidence through hands-on challenges, supportive coaching, and access to some of the best facilities in Queen’s Business School.

Here’s how you’ll learn through real experience:

Leadership Residential – Early in the year, you’ll head off-site with your cohort for a high-energy leadership residential organised by the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute. It’s a mix of teamwork challenges, simulations, and practical leadership exercises that set the tone for the rest of your MBA.
Personal Development Tools – You’ll take psychometric assessments and keep a reflective journal so you can understand your leadership style and track your personal growth.
Live Consulting & Case Challenges – Many modules include live client problems and case studies, meaning you’ll be applying strategy, operations, and marketing concepts to real organisational issues instead of hypothetical scenarios.
Collaborative Group Projects – Expect plenty of teamwork. Whether you’re developing a business strategy or presenting in a boardroom-style setting, you’ll build the communication and collaboration skills employers look for.
9-Month Internship – This is the centrepiece of the programme. You’ll spend at least nine months working within a host organisation, gaining meaningful experience, building your network, and applying everything you’ve learned.
MBA Applied Project – Alongside your internship, you’ll complete an applied research project based on a real business challenge, allowing you to make a visible impact.
Industry Exposure – Company visits, guest speakers, and executives-in-residence give you direct insight into how leaders make decisions in the real world.
Digital Learning Tools – Through Queen’s online platform (Canvas), you’ll access interactive content, podcasts, videos, and online discussions that support your in-class learning.
State-of-the-Art Business School – You’ll study in Queen’s modern business school environment, complete with a computer lab, the FinTrU Trading Room, modern breakout spaces, a tiered lecture theatre, and dedicated employability and engagement facilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Queen’s MBA (with Internship) step into careers where they can make real strategic impact — whether that means leading teams, solving complex business problems, or launching their own ventures. Many students use the internship year as a springboard into roles such as management consultant, senior manager, business analyst, or entrepreneur, often receiving job offers directly from their placement organisations. This combination of academic depth and hands-on professional experience gives you a competitive edge in the global job market.

To support your future success, Queen’s offers a strong ecosystem of career development and employer engagement:

Dedicated Business School Careers Team – You’ll receive one-to-one guidance, CV support, mock interviews, and targeted internship and job opportunities throughout your studies.
Graduate Support after Completion – Even after you graduate, you can continue using Queen’s MyFuture careers platform for up to two years, giving you access to job boards, employer events, and coaching sessions.
Industry Connections & Employer Partnerships – Queen’s Business School maintains strong links with top employers such as Deloitte, Citi, BT, Danske Bank, Rentokil Initial, RBC, and local SMEs, helping students secure internships and long-term roles.
Accreditation that Boosts Your Career – With AMBA accreditation and the Business School’s EQUIS status, your MBA carries long-term international credibility that employers recognise and value.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Many graduates move quickly into leadership roles, thanks to the mix of strategic learning, practical experience, and professional exposure built into the programme.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies after the MBA, you can advance into a PhD in Management or Business at Queen’s or another research-intensive university. You can also build specialised expertise through Queen’s Business School’s executive education and professional development courses in areas like digital leadership, strategy, and innovation.