Master of Business Administration

16 Months On Campus Masters Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

The MBA at Bournemouth University is designed to help you become a confident, capable leader in today’s fast-moving business world. It’s perfect if you want to strengthen your management skills, think strategically, and gain the practical know-how to tackle real business challenges.

Curriculum Structure

First phase

In your first semester, you’ll dive into core subjects like Change Management, Mindful Operations, Contemporary Business Strategies, and Financial Decision-Making. These courses will teach you how to lead teams through change, understand modern business operations, make strategic decisions, and get comfortable with the financial side of business — all essential skills for any manager.

Second phase

Next, the focus moves to forward-looking topics such as Future of Work, Business Analytics & Risk, Entrepreneurship, and Business Research Method. You’ll explore modern workplace trends, learn to make data-driven decisions, tackle risk management, and think creatively like an entrepreneur. Plus, you’ll develop research skills that help you apply your learning to real business problems.

Final phase (Capstone / Project + Placement)

Finally, you’ll complete a Project: Applied Research and Industry Insights, where you can either research a real-world business problem or create a consultancy-style project. This is your chance to put everything you’ve learned into practice. If you choose the optional 30-week work placement, you’ll gain hands-on experience that can open doors to future career opportunities.

Focus areas: “Leadership and management, strategy and finance, operations and sustainability, analytics and risk, entrepreneurship and innovation, applied business research.”

Learning outcomes: “Lead and manage change effectively, integrate strategy and finance into decision-making, use analytics and risk tools confidently, develop entrepreneurial thinking, conduct independent research, and apply business knowledge in practical settings.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM), giving your MBA global credibility and recognized professional value.

Reputation (employability rankings): BU’s MBA equips graduates for strong careers in management, leadership, and consultancy, with roles like Director, Project Manager, Head of Departments across sectors including business, finance, marketing, and HR.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MBA at Bournemouth University is all about learning by doing. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom — tackling real business challenges, working on consultancy-style projects, and making decisions just like a manager in the real world. BU makes sure you have access to all the resources you need to succeed, including industry connections, practical workshops, and expert guidance, so you’re not just learning theory — you’re building skills you can use immediately in your career.

Here’s how that comes to life:

Optional 30-week industry placement: Work full-time in a real company, gain professional experience, and expand your network — often leading to graduate opportunities.
Consultancy projects & industry engagement: Collaborate on real business problems with external clients, putting your knowledge into action.
Workshops, guest lectures & masterclasses: Learn from industry leaders, explore case studies, and gain insights into current business trends.
Focus on responsible & sustainable business: Address real-world challenges like sustainability and the UN SDGs, preparing you for today’s evolving business environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with an MBA from Bournemouth University opens the door to exciting leadership and management roles across industries. Many of our alumni step into careers as Business Consultants, Project or Operations Managers, Strategic Planners, or even Entrepreneurs, equipped to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and tackle real-world business challenges. The program combines practical experience, placements, and industry insights, so you’re not just ready for a job — you’re ready to make an impact.

Here’s how BU helps make that happen:

University support: CareersBU and the BU Business School Employability Programme guide you with CV preparation, mock interviews, networking events, job fairs, and mentoring.
Employment outcomes: Most postgraduate students find work or continue studies within 15 months of graduating, giving you a strong head start.
Industry partnerships & placements: Optional 30-week placements connect you with real companies in the UK or internationally, letting you apply your learning and gain professional experience.
Accreditation & credibility: The MBA is accredited by AACSB, CMI, and IDM, meaning your qualification is respected globally and adds long-term value to your career.
Graduate outcomes: BU MBA alumni succeed in roles across consulting, finance, management, and entrepreneurship, benefiting from both the practical and strategic skills gained during the program.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies after your MBA, you could explore doctoral programs (PhD) in Business or Management, or specialised postgraduate courses like Data Analytics, International Management, or Entrepreneurship. This can further deepen your expertise and open doors to research, academic, or high-level strategic roles.