MBA Master of Business Administration - MBA Global

At Derby, the MBA isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll spend a lot of time working on real business challenges, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, and applying what you learn to actual organisations. You’ll benefit from a variety of teaching formats (in-person and online), realistic business simulations and case work, and even placements or projects that reflect live business needs. This ensures you're getting hands-on experience right from Day One, and building professional readiness long before graduation.

Here’s what that practically looks like:

• Social Impact Project: As part of the curriculum, you’ll work on a six-month social impact project — that means applying your skills to real organisations, tackling live societal or organisational problems, and contributing meaningful value in a professional context.

• UK-based Industry Placement (for full-time international students): If you’re studying full-time as an international student, there’s an option for a 9–12 month placement in an industry sector in the UK, giving you real work experience, boosting employability, and enabling you to apply your MBA learning in a real business environment. 

• Practical teaching methods — simulations, boardroom activities, case studies, debates, guest lectures and company visits: The programme blends academic teaching with business-style learning: case studies, board-room simulations, problem-solving tasks, online collaboration — all to mirror real business decision-making. 

• Collaborative, international cohort — network and peer learning from across public, private, and third-sector backgrounds: You’ll study alongside peers from around the world and a variety of sectors, giving you exposure to different business cultures and strengthening your global network — a key asset when working in international business.

• Support and resources via University facilities — library, online portals, student services, career and employability support: Alongside academic learning, the university ensures access to online reading/research resources, a teaching portal, career coaching, mentoring, and employability workshops, helping you move from learning to working confidently. 

Completing the MBA Global at Derby puts you in a strong position to step into senior roles, whether that’s leading teams, shaping strategy, or driving innovation in your organisation. Many graduates move into careers such as management consulting, project or operations management, business development, or other strategic roles across private, public and nonprofit sectors. And because Derby’s MBA blends academic learning with real, applied business experience, employers see you as someone who’s ready to contribute from day one.

Here’s how Derby supports your long-term success:

• Dedicated career support throughout your journey: You’ll have access to Derby’s Careers and Employment Service for personalised guidance, including CV and LinkedIn development, interview coaching, employer events, and job-search support. What’s great is that this continues for up to three years after graduation, so you aren’t navigating your career alone.

• Stronger earning potential: According to Derby’s official data, postgraduates earn on average £6,000 more per year than graduates, with a typical postgraduate salary of around £40,000 — a meaningful boost as you advance in your career.

• Connections with major employers: Derby has well-established links with organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, DHL, Bombardier, and Marriott International, giving you opportunities to learn from industry experts, access employer-led sessions, or gain exposure to real business environments.

• A qualification that keeps opening doors: The MBA Global is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which means you can pursue Chartered Manager status — a widely respected professional credential that strengthens your long-term credibility as a leader.

• Graduate-ready strengths: Through placements, projects, and international peer collaboration, you finish the MBA with practical experience, a global perspective, and the confidence to make strategic decisions — all qualities employers look for in future leaders.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep building your academic profile, the MBA Global also prepares you for advanced research pathways. Many students choose to progress into PhD or doctoral-level study, using the research and analytical skills gained during the programme as a foundation.