Master of Business Administration MBA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Sussex MBA is designed for ambitious professionals who want to take their career to the next level. You’ll learn how to lead with confidence, make smart strategic decisions, and drive positive change in any organisation, all while being supported by world-class academics and industry experts.

Curriculum Structure

Autumn (Term 1)

You’ll start with the essentials that every business leader needs to know. Modules like Managing People and Organisations, Marketing Management (MBA), and Managing Operations and Quality (MBA) give you a solid understanding of how businesses work, how teams function, and how to deliver results in real-world environments.

Spring (Term 2)

Next, you’ll focus on leadership, finance, and innovation. Accounting and Financial Management (MBA), Leadership and Personal Development, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBA) help you understand how to manage resources, inspire teams, and turn great ideas into successful projects.

Summer (Term 3)

Finally, you’ll put it all together with Strategy and Applied Research Methods. You’ll learn how to analyse complex business problems, develop actionable strategies, and use research to make confident, evidence-based decisions. Along the way, optional modules like International Business, Management of Negotiation (MBA), and Managing Digital Transformation (MBA) let you tailor the MBA to your interests.

Focus Areas

Responsible leadership, strategy & innovation, organisational effectiveness, digital transformation, international business

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the MBA, you’ll be able to think strategically, lead with confidence, solve complex business challenges, make data-informed decisions, and navigate the global business landscape with ease.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

AMBA-accredited, which guarantees the quality and relevance of the MBA
Eligible for a CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Diploma
Taught at a EQUIS-accredited Business School, known for excellence in teaching and research

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Top 50 in Europe in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025
High employability: 91% of graduates have completed work experience during the MBA
A strong focus on research and real-world business application ensures your degree is respected globally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, the MBA is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit through lectures — you’ll tackle real business challenges, work in teams, and get hands-on experience with tools and environments used by industry professionals. From our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Lab to collaborative workspaces in the Jubilee Building, everything is designed to give you the confidence to make decisions that matter in real businesses.

Here’s a closer look at what that experience looks like:

Hands-on Marketing in Nature: In Marketing Management, you step outside the classroom — literally. Using Sussex’s green campus spaces, you develop marketing campaigns inspired by nature, learning to think creatively and mindfully.
Consulting on Real Business Projects: Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBA), you work on real client problems, from developing branding strategies to identifying sustainable market opportunities.
Operations Workshops: In Managing Operations and Quality (MBA), you tackle real-life operational challenges using case studies, team exercises, and presentations, giving you practical problem-solving skills.
Digital Transformation in Action: The Managing Digital Transformation (MBA) module exposes you to AI, big data, and cloud technologies, with group projects that simulate actual business environments.
Paid Employer Projects: You can take on paid projects with UK organisations, working in teams to solve meaningful business problems and gain professional experience.
Entrepreneurship & Career Support: With resources from StartUp Sussex and the Ideas Lab, you get mentoring, workshops, and support to launch your own business ideas or prepare for leadership roles.

At Sussex, learning isn’t just about absorbing knowledge — it’s about applying it, building confidence, and preparing you to thrive in the real world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Sussex MBA opens doors to senior leadership, consultancy, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates often move into roles such as Management Consultant, Business Development Manager, Strategy Director, or Founder / Entrepreneur, equipped with practical experience and strategic insight gained during the programme. Your career growth is supported every step of the way:

Personalised Careers Support: The Careers and Entrepreneurship team provides one-on-one guidance, helping you clarify goals, perfect your CV, and prepare confidently for interviews.
Hands-On Work Experience: Around 91% of MBA students gain practical work experience before graduation, boosting your employability.
Employer Projects: You can work on live, paid projects with UK organisations, solving real business challenges alongside experienced mentors.
Strong Industry Connections: Sussex maintains active partnerships with companies ranging from dynamic startups to global organisations, giving you networking and mentoring opportunities through the Business Mentors Scheme.
Accreditation That Counts: Your MBA is AMBA-accredited, and you’re eligible for the CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Diploma — credentials respected by employers worldwide.
Career Outcomes: Sussex graduates enjoy strong employability, with the university ranked 16th in the UK for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Management, opening doors to advanced consulting roles, executive leadership, or academic careers.