MBA, 3 years part time
Subject overview
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Our degrees are taught by world-renowned faculty with a strong background in relevant areas of research. Our research was highly rated in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). On average 80 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and half rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Business studies at Sussex was ranked in the top 25 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013.
Our range of business, management and finance degrees builds on Sussex’s strong foundation of interdisciplinary study.
Our part-time MBA builds on Sussex’s extensive research reputation including that of SPRU – Science and Technology Policy Research, ranked 2nd science and policy think tank in the UK and 11th in the world (University of Pennsylvania: Global Go-To Think-Tanks Report 2012). The MBA focuses on the application of acquired knowledge and skills to practical and strategic challenges within the management of public- and private-sector organisations.
Our American Express-sponsored MSc in Technology and Innovation Management has a strong record of employment opportunities and many graduates go on to work with American Express.
The University of Sussex offers opportunities encompassing corporate risk management, entrepreneurship, international finance, and international and innovation management.
Our teaching is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to compete effectively in the fast-paced world of work. We are tailoring our taught degrees to meet current and future employer demands, and will continue to adapt to the changing employment market.
Our degrees offer a choice between practice-and research-oriented study opportunities. They have been developed drawing on the expertise and input of experienced practitioners from industry and professional bodies. These experts complement our own expertise in research, and help to enrich the learning experience for all our students.
Programme outline
Our MBA provides a broad, analytical and integrated study of business and management across the components of organisations (people, finance and operations) and their internal and external environments and relationships.
Year 1 is primarily concerned with these major areas and the wider economic and cultural environments of global business. Year 2 focuses on the management of innovation and the organisation of marketing, and you choose two options. In Year 3, the emphasis is on devising strategy and leading strategic change, and you choose a further option, culminating in a management project based on an issue of direct relevance to your own organisation. Throughout the degree, there is a particular focus on social responsibility and ethical practice.
The three options, taken in Years 2 and 3, enable you to extend your learning into areas particularly relevant to your career and/ or personal development. There are also opportunities to develop personal skills; sessions on group-working and communication, critical analysis, research techniques, problem solving and personal self-awareness; and reflection in both group and individual contexts. Similarly, formative and summative learning is reinforced through the assessment process, which may include both individual and group work.
Assessment
A substantial proportion of the assessment is based on the application of knowledge and skills to practical examples from your own working experience. This enables you to draw on your knowledge of organisations and to demonstrate the value of your learning in a real-world context.
Assessment includes formal examinations/class tests, individual written work (for example an essay, assignment report or case analysis) and group work including written reports and/or presentations.
Also visit Department of Business and Management: MBA.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience.In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
The MBA is taught over three years and, given its modular structure, the start date is flexible. It consists of 10 taught modules (seven core modules plus three options) with a final project or report. Each module uses a blend of learning methods consisting of two three-day blocks of teaching time (including weekends), focused discussion, and web-supported independent study.
Year 1: you take Accounting and Financial Management • Economic and Cultural Environment • Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Managing People and Organisations.
Year 2: you take Managing Operations and Quality • Marketing Management, plus two options. Options include Enterprise IT Strategy • Negotiations Management • Strategic Operations Management • Management Accounting in Action • Supply Chain Management • the MBA Directed Study module, involving individual, in-depth study of a subject in cooperation with a member of faculty • choice of any relevant MSc module (timetable permitting). Options in other subject areas may also be available, although not all options will be available every year.
Year 3: you take Strategy and Leadership • Project Report, plus one option. Options include Enterprise IT Strategy • Negotiations Management • Strategic Operations Management • Management Accounting in Action • Supply Chain Management • the MBA Directed Study module, involving individual, in-depth study of a subject in cooperation with a member of faculty • choice of any relevant MSc module (timetable permitting). Options in other subject areas may also be available, although not all options will be available every year.
Current modules
Please note that these are the core modules and options (subject to availability) for students starting in the academic year 2012.
Year 2
Core modules
Options
Year 3
Core modules
Options
Enterprise IT Strategy (MBA Option)
15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 3
In today's globally networked and volatile business environment, a key means of achieving business success comes from the ability to respond to new business opportunities before your rivals. There is a trend towards adopting corporate wide information systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Decisions must be made regarding strategic options such as outsourcing, cloud computing, emerging (and potentially disruptive) technologies. Effective strategy formulation and implementation are therefore essential. This module introduces the student to the concepts and processes of using information technology/information systems (IT/IS) to transform a company and gain competitive success. It provides the student with an awareness and understanding of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP), and the strategic analysis and implementation issues associated with the introduction of new technology.
We also take a critical approach to the strategic use of IT and question the real value of IT to organisations and how this is measured. This module examines, at a relatively high level, current research issues and themes which relate to the strategic use and management of information systems in organisations.
The aim throughout the module is to broaden your business and IT/IS perspectives; acquiring the practical skills required to develop and implement IT strategies; and on stressing the use of information and 'systems' as a strategic weapon. Emphasis is placed on the importance of frameworks for Information Systems management, the alignment of IT and business strategies, re-structuring business processes (eg BPR/BPO), IT/IS SMART outsourcing, Cloud Computing) and current trends in information systems management (including organisational analysis and IT evaluation/scorecards and benefitis realisation). You will be encouraged to study and comment on the relevance of these topics through discussion and critical review based on your professional practice.
Since this is a postgraduate-level the module is organised as a seminar (or series of seminars), and not merely as a series of lectures. This approach assumes that the lecturer, you and your fellow students can work together in a collaborative fashion. The role of the lecturer in this environment is to establish a framework and put together a set of materials for discussion, and to create the conditions suitable for learning. The underlying assumption is that we are all co-producers in learning.
Running the module as a workshop means that you and your fellow students are expected to participate and contribute equally to the discussion. It is assumed that you will have read and thought about the assigned materials before class and come prepared to contribute to the class discussion. The classes are intended to be a forum for critically reviewing and discussing the set readings; you are expected to participate fully in this process. Additionally, you are strongly advised to read more widely such as additional articles from any recognised journal in IS.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBA)
15 credits
Spring teaching, year 2
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge to understand and the skills to manage innovation at the operational and strategic levels. The management of innovation is inherently interdisciplinary and multi-functional, so we aim here to provide an integrative approach to the management of innovation. Specifically, we aim to integrate the management of market, technological and organizational change to improve the competitiveness of firms and effectiveness of other organisations. The module argues that the process of innovation management is essentially generic, although organisation, technological and market specific factors will constrain choices and actions. The module provides you with a broader understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the development of new ventures. Conceptual foundations are matched with practical training to enable you to formulate and explore entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities.
Marketing Management (MBA)
15 credits
Summer teaching, year 2
Gone are the stable markets of yesteryear. Today's markets are characterised by rapidly changing customers' wants, accelerating pace of technological advances, and intensifying competition, presenting major challenges for both incumbent and upstart enterprises alike. For most organisations, marketing is a major determinant of success. This module is designed to help you develop an appreciation of the role of marketing and the management of marketing functions in the modern organisation. The impact of marketing and the contribution of marketing to organisational performance in the dynamic, globally competitive markets of today will be addressed. The module will also focus on what being market oriented really means, in practice, to organisations operating in manufacturing and service industries, as well as in profit and non-profit enterprises.
The module will introduce you to the theories, concepts, models, techniques and current best-practices for developing and implementing marketing strategies and actions. Marketing decision-making should not take place in a vacuum. The module will familiarise you with the components of market analysis and strategy development with respect to the organisation, its customers, competitors and collaborators. There will be more indepth coverage of marketing implementation and control issues through the concept of the integrated marketing mix: the product/service offering and customer service, communications, pricing and channels. Specific learning objectives include: developing knowledge and understanding of key theories, concepts and models in marketing to guide the development and execution of marketing strategies; developing the skills to critically analyse marketing situations facing organisations; gaining understanding of marketing decision options and refining decision- making and analytical skills and developing written and verbal presentational skills relating to marketing case studies.
Project Report (MBA)
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, year 3
This module will provide you with an introduction to social science research. The research process is first explained, and then consideration is given to the advantages and limitations of three of the most widely-used research strategies: i.e. case studies; questionnaire surveys and personal interviews; and the statistical analysis of secondary data. In addition, instruction will be given in how to carry out and write a good literature review, and how to write a Management Project Report in the style of a research paper.
Basic concepts and terms
Ethics in research, objectivity
Research planning, including structuring of research
Problem identification
Source of information, primary and secondary
Discussion of research topics, evaluation of conclusions
Practical application of statistical methods to research including data analysis
Presentation of research projects with discussion
Case Studies
Strategy and Leadership
15 credits
Summer teaching, year 3
This module, which is intended as an integrative and summative component of the programme, explores various aspects of the strategic planning process, including environmental scanning, strategy formulation & implementation, and strategy evaluation & control. Through case study analysis, it explores how leading firms use strategy to gain competitive advantage, and how they relate strategy and leadership in a wide range of different organisations and contexts.
Leadership practices are not restricted to those in formal leadership positions but happen across all functions and levels, necessitating the development of new concepts and frameworks and a more inclusive approach. Core leadership functions include communication, motivation and the creative construction of goals and options. Realising these in practice often involves skilled negotiation whether formal or informal, internal or external. The module introduces fundamental concepts and skills in negotiation, and the challenge of developing negotiating capabilities in a modern organisational context.
Entry requirements
UK entrance requirements
You will have at least three years' management experience in a professional work environment, and will normally hold a first- or second-class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Overseas entrance requirements
- Overseas qualifications
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If your country is not listed below, please contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Country Overseas qualification Australia Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division Brazil Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 8 Canada Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+) China Bachelor degree from a leading university with overall mark of 75%-85% depending on your university Cyprus Bachelor degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5 France Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 13 Germany Bachelor degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better Ghana Bachelor degree from a public university with second-class upper division Greece Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.5 Hong Kong Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division India Bachelor degree from a leading institution with overall mark of at least 60% or equivalent Iran Bachelor degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15 Italy Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105 Japan Bachelor degree from a leading university with a minumum average of B+ or equivalent Malaysia Bachelor degree with class 2 division 1 Mexico Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8 Nigeria Bachelor degree with second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 Pakistan Four-year bachelor degree, normally with a GPA of at least 3.3 Russia Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 South Africa Bachelor (Honours) degree or Bachelor degree in Technology with an overall mark of at least 70% Saudi Arabia Bachelor degree with an overall mark of at least 70% or CGPA 3.5/5.0 or equivalent South Korea Bachelor degree from a leading university with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent Spain Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 Taiwan Bachelor degree with overall mark of 70%-85% depending on your university Thailand Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent Turkey Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 depending on your university United Arab Emirates Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent USA Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3-3.5/4.0 depending on your university Vietnam Masters degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent If you have any questions about your qualifications after consulting our overseas qualifications, contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each section. Internet TOEFL with 95 overall, with at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.
For more information, refer to English language requirements.
Visas and immigration
Find out more about Visas and immigration.
Additional admissions information
Please note: applications for the MBA are submitted direct to the School of Business, Management and Economics using the MBA online application form.
For more information, please contact the School of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SL; telephone +44 (0)1273 872668; or email bmec@sussex.ac.uk.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex
For pre-application enquiries:
Student Recruitment Services
T +44 (0)1273 876787
E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
For post-application enquiries:
Postgraduate Admissions,
University of Sussex,
Sussex House, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 877773
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E pg.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
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Fees and funding
Fees
Home UK/EU students: £15,7501
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £15,7502
Overseas students: £15,7503
1
The fee shown is for the full three years of the MBA for students starting in the academic year 2013.
2
The fee shown is for the full three years of the MBA for students starting in the academic year 2013.
3
The fee shown is for the full three years of the MBA for students starting in the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Chancellor's International Scholarship (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014
25 scholarships of a 50% tuition fee waiver
Fulbright-Sussex University Award (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 15 October 2013
Each year, one award is offered to a US citizen for the first year of a postgraduate degree in any field at the University of Sussex.
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Postgraduate Study (2014)
Region: UK
Level: PG (taught), PG (research)
Application deadline: 1 October 2013
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Postgraduate students following any postgraduate degree courses in any subject.
Santander Scholarship (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014
Two scholarships of £5000 fee waiver for students studying any postgraduate taught course.
USA Friends Scholarships (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 3 April 2014
Two scholarships of an amount equivalent to $10,000 are available to nationals or residents of the USA on a one year taught Master's degree course.
Faculty interests
The research interests of selected faculty are briefly described below. For more details, visit the Department of Business and Management, Department of Economics, Department of Mathematics, and SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research.
Mike Barrow Public-sector economics, local government, efficiency and value for money.
Dr Odul Bozkurt International human resource management.
Dr Ioanna Chini Social study of ICT, ICT policy.
Professor Ian Davidson Financial markets and instruments, application of quantum mechanics.
Dr Bertram Düring Applied and financial mathematics.
Rob Eastwood Demographic change and economic development.
Dr Sonja Fagernas Development economics.
Professor John Forker Financial accounting and reporting, earnings quality, equity pricing.
Dr Bruce Hearn Emerging financial markets of Asia and Africa.
Dr Surendranath Jory Mergers and acquisitions.
Dr Norifumi Kawai Internationalisation of Asian firms, strategic human resource management.
Dr Marv Khammash Marketing and consumer research.
Dr Andreas Kornelakis Globalisation and models of capitalism, outsourcing, training policies.
Dr Omar Lakkis Numerical analysis and scientific computing.
Dr Rebecca Liu New product development.
Professor Robert Livingston Intergroup relations, managing cultural and ethnic diversity, conflict resolution.
Dr Anotida Madzvamuse Bio-membranes.
Professor Emmanuel Mamatzakis Banking and finance, forecasting, public finance.
Dr Monica Masucci Strategy and entrepreneurship.
Professor Roman Matousek Bank efficiency, microeconomics of banking, monetary policy.
Dr Piera Morlacchi Entrepreneurship, organisation studies, technology.
Dr Mike Osborne Applications in economic theory.
Dr Dimitra Petrakaki Implications of technology in organisational change.
Dr Matias Ramirez Relationship between labour mobility, knowledge flows.
Professor Barry Reilly Applied econometrics.
Dr Josh Siepel Development of the venture capital sectors in the US and the UK.
Dr Malcolm Stewart Global marketing, digital marketing, advertising and branding strategy.
Professor David Storey OBE The economic environment in which small firms operate.
Professor Roger Strange Corporate governance and FDI decisions.
Richard Sykes Working for a range of clients in the public and private sectors.
Dr Qi Tang Mathematical and statistical modelling of financial, corporate and technological risks.
Dr Shqiponja Telhaj Economics of education.
Professor Joe Tidd Innovation strategy.
Dr Joana Vassilopolou Organisational behaviour, employment studies.
Dr Jie Wen Banking and finance.
Dr Mirela Xheneti Entrepreneurship in post-communist countries.
Careers and profiles
Our MBA is positioned to appeal to participants with an interest in mid-career development and to those who want a general management qualification. This degree will enable you to:
- demonstrate a full understanding of different approaches to business administration
- apply a critical evaluation of these approaches to current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of your field
- apply these methods making sound professional judgements, and be able to communicate these clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- demonstrate originality, self-direction and autonomy in planning and implementing business administration in organisations.
An emphasis will be placed on the development of ‘transformational skills’ alongside the more traditional management and leadership areas, focusing on attitudes, behaviours and communication, and including creativity and innovation, negotiation, presentation, collaboration and teamwork, pro-active behaviour, critical thinking and problem solving.
Gerard's student perspective
‘The Sussex MBA is tailored to my needs with just the right mix of practical know-how and strategy. It offers so many chances to gain new insights into issues facing a range of organisations.
‘The MBA is a great environment to share reflections on learning with other participants and apply the skills and knowledge gained to make a difference or solve a problem back at work.
‘The MBA staff recognise the pressures of studying and working and the course is designed to be as adaptable as possible. Seminars are welcoming, fun and interactive, with plenty of opportunities to explore areas that are most relevant. Each module has a series of expert tutors who bring a rich variety of contemporary business experiences and research insights. Key materials are available online, along with guidance on background reading which helps you prepare for seminars or for assignments.
‘Teaching takes place in a dedicated professional space away from distractions, which fosters a cohesive group but we’re still close to the student and research community and we are encouraged to access the wealth of other opportunities available.’
Gerard Cronin
Masters in Business Administration
For more information, visit Careers and alumni.
School and contacts
School of Business, Management and Economics
The School of School of Business, Management and Economics is a unique, research-focused business school, which takes a strong policy-directed view on business practices while also developing the underlying core disciplines.
School of Business, Management and Economics,
Jubilee Building,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9SL, UK
T +44 (0)1273 872668
E bmec@sussex.ac.uk
Department of Business and Managament
Department of Economics
Postgraduate Open Day 2013
4 December 2013, 1pm-4pm
Bramber House, University of Sussex
- talk to academic faculty and current postgraduate students
- subject talks and presentations on postgraduate study, research and funding
- choose from our exciting range of taught Masters and research degrees
- find out how postgraduate study can improve your career prospects
- get details of our excellent funding schemes for taught postgraduate study.
To register your interest in attending, visit Postgraduate Open Day.
Can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day? You might be interested in attending one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions.
Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions
If you can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day, you’re welcome to attend one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions. These are held in the spring and summer terms and enable you to find out more about postgraduate study and the opportunities Sussex has to offer.
Visit Discover Postgraduate study to book your place.
Other ways to visit Sussex
We run weekly guided campus tours every Wednesday afternoon, year round. Book a place online at Visit us and Open Days.
You are also welcome to visit the University independently without any pre-arrangement.