Master of Business Administration (Global Business Development)

When you join Hertfordshire’s MBA, you don’t just sit through lectures — you’ll get your hands dirty with real business challenges, work alongside peers from around the world, and tap into top-class support and resources. The programme mixes business theory with active, practical work: you’ll apply what you learn in real-life contexts, get feedback from experienced mentors, and build concrete experience that speaks on your CV.

Here’s how it happens in real terms:

• Live business incubation & start-up experience: Through the Young Enterprise Start‑Up Programme, MBA students get the chance to create and run their own enterprise — from developing a business idea to planning operations, finances and launching the venture. It’s not a simulation, but a real-world chance to test entrepreneurship.

• Work on real business problems with industry clients: As part of the programme’s approach, students are sometimes assigned strategic-issue projects with actual organisations — giving you insight into how companies operate and strategise in real markets.

• Participative learning — case studies, group work, peer experience sharing: Rather than passive lectures, you will engage in case study discussions, work collaboratively in groups, reflect on real organisational situations (including those from your classmates), and learn through dialogue, not just reading. 

• Access to extensive digital and physical learning resources: Through the university’s virtual learning environment (StudyNet) and the Learning Resource Centres, you’ll have access to over 100,000 e-books and e-journals, plus a vast library of printed volumes and thousands of computer workstations — perfect for deep research, assignments and exploring global business topics. 

• Guidance from research-active faculty with industry insight, and career support: Your mentors and lecturers are often active consultants working with major firms — they bring real business insight into class. On top of that, there's built-in career support: personal coaching on branding and leadership, networking events, guest lectures and connection to an alumni community — all helping shape your future career trajectory.

Graduating with this MBA puts you in a great spot to step into leadership, strategy or entrepreneurial roles — whether you want to work for a multinational firm, join a consultancy, or even launch your own venture. Many alumni go on to become Business Development Managers, Consultants, Start-up Founders or Senior Managers. With active support from the University plus its strong industry links, this MBA becomes a powerful springboard for varied and rewarding careers.

Because of how the University supports its students and connects them with employers:

• Career guidance & job-search support — You’ll have access to the University’s dedicated Careers and Employment Service, which helps you with CV & interview prep, job search planning, and ongoing advice — support that continues up to four years after graduation. 

• High employment outcomes — Overall at Hertfordshire, around 96% of graduates find employment or pursue further study within six months of finishing their course. 

• Access to a global alumni and employer network — The University has a worldwide alumni community of over 270,000 professionals — which can open doors for mentorship, referrals, business opportunities or even collaboration on ventures.

• Strong platform for entrepreneurship — If you aspire to start your own business, the University’s enterprise/start-up support gives you the tools and guidance to convert ideas into real ventures — a valuable option post-MBA. 

• Flexibility and credibility across industries — Because this MBA blends strategy, global business insight, finance, marketing and management skills, it’s respected across many sectors — giving you the freedom to pivot, specialise, or climb the corporate ladder depending on what you want long-term.

Further Academic Progression:
If you later decide to deepen your expertise or shift toward research or academia, you could go for a doctoral degree (PhD) in fields like international business, strategic management or entrepreneurship. Alternatively, you might pick up executive education, specialised master’s courses (e.g. in finance or international trade), or certifications aligned with your career focus — giving you flexibility if you want to grow or change direction even after your MBA.