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    MBA
    2025 start September 

    MBA (Master of Business Administration)

    Management School, Faculty of Social Sciences

    Holding prestigious Triple Crown accreditation and Tier One status in CEO Magazine's Global MBA Rankings, The Sheffield MBA is the Management School’s flagship programme and has been running since 1969.
    Groups of students sat at tables working together.

    Course description

    The Sheffield MBA is our flagship programme, focusing on three core pillars of leadership, entrepreneurship and consultancy. Whether you're aspiring to take on a more challenging role, switch industries, relocate to another country or start your own business, the Sheffield MBA will help you to succeed in your next move. You’ll be able to understand and adapt to complex situations, solve problems, rise to challenges and lead your organisation forward.

    Experiential learning is at the heart of the Sheffield MBA. You’ll be part of a close-knit community of talented individuals from diverse industries, backgrounds and cultures. The course is designed to create a unique learning experience that maximises the potential of each individual. Throughout your MBA journey, you will be challenged to work in a group or individually and to apply your learning to live organisational issues, working directly with a range of local and/or international organisations.

    At Sheffield, your personal, professional and career development captivates our full attention. A dedicated module supporting this is integrated throughout the Sheffield MBA. You'll take part in interactive workshops, expert speaker events, networking, field trips and more. The module is empowered by world-leading academics, career experts, industry leaders and our robust alumni links. You’ll gain the skill-set, strategy, insights and networks needed for your career success, both locally and internationally.

    Your studies are enriched by the opportunity to immerse yourself in a trip to the London Career Safari and an international study trip to Frankfurt and Mannheim in Germany. These trips are designed to expand your worldview and ignite your professional aspirations.

    Discover more about The Sheffield MBA

    Accreditation

    This course is accredited by the Association of MBAs, EQUIS, AACSB, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

    Modules

    We're revising the curriculum of this course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information on this page gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you start. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Accounting and Financial Management

    As managers in businesses, social enterprises or governmental organisations, an ability to interpret accounting reports and exercise financial judgment is essential. The aim of the module is to equip non-financial students with an appropriate level of financial competence - and confidence - and hence view accounting and financial management from the perspective of general management: that is, as users of financial information. This means that learning does not take the form of a series of textbook technical exercises, but grasps concepts and applies them to the real world, as demonstrated on the case company. The accounting element of the module is concerned primarily with the usefulness and limitations of accounting and market data in published financial statements, governance and internal reports and controls, business planning, operational decisions, pricing decisions, and performance management. The financial management element of the module examines the role of accounting and market data to support financing decisions, investing decisions and cash and working capital management.

    10 credits
    Managing Organisational Behaviour

    This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of a systematic set of behavioural science concepts for analysing human behaviour in organisations. The major theories and research findings in this area derive from the academic disciplines of psychology, sociology and anthropology and students will be expected to familiarise themselves as directed. Further, the unit provides the opportunity to relate these theoretical concepts to realistic organisational problems and to consider appropriate managerial responses. In this way, the unit is designed not only to increase the ability to analyse behaviour but also to develop the skill to draw on appropriate concepts to influence and manage others effectively in organisational contexts.

    10 credits
    Operations Management

    This module is concerned with the effective and efficient marshalling of the organisation's resources to meet its objectives. An understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques will be provided and used by students to tackle cases which apply to manufacturing and service industries in both private and public sectors. The systematic and logical approach of Operational Research to the solution of management problems is also introduced.

    10 credits
    Global Managerial Economics

    This module focuses on the analysis of factors that affect strategic decisions and performance of firms from an economic perspective. This includes organisation-level factors and issues such as the contractual relationships among the different stakeholders of firms and optimal boundaries of firms, as well as the structure and contestability of markets within which they operate. There is particular emphasis on strategic interactions with competitors, designing of contracts in an environment of imperfect (asymmetric) information, and the role of transactions cost in influencing key strategic decisions involving both domestic and international operations of firms. Finally, there is discussion about the factors that influence the regulatory and macroeconomic contexts in which firms operate, including the relevance of interconnectedness of economies for domestic macroeconomic and regulatory environments. As such, the aim of the module is to provide a coherent picture of application of economic principles to different aspects of managerial decision making.

    10 credits
    The Intelligent Organisation

    An intelligent organisation strategically harnesses data and disruptive technologies to achieve its overarching objectives. The insights generated from extensive internal and external data pools empower organisations to operate with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency. For example, Big Data Analytics helps organisations to identify new opportunities and predict future scenarios. Simultaneously, disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things further strengthen data-driven organisations by automating underlying business processes. This module therefore focuses on how data and disruptive technologies enable organisations to achieve high levels of digital transformation. It also provides insights into how to assess the readiness for digital transformation and the challenges of delivering digital transformation projects. This module uses interactive lectures, hands-on sessions, guest lectures from industry experts, and case studies to introduce core concepts and their uses in the real world.

    10 credits
    Marketing Consultancy Challenge

    This module integrates consulting with marketing through application on a real company project. You will become familiar with the marketing process, the practice and critical importance of marketing as well as important managerial decisions including those about the choice of the target market, the nature of the offerings and marketing strategies that are aimed at communicating and delivering values. While marketing will provide a set of principles and context, consultancy will provide students with an opportunity to apply theoretically grounded consulting principles into a client based marketing problem. The rationale is that many business consulting projects are driven by the initial need for improvement in markets, products and channels to customers, branding, the design of associated processes etc.

    20 credits
    Personal, Professional and Career Development

    The Personal, Professional and Career Development (PPCD) module is an integral element in the MBA journey, which runs throughout your MBA programme. It is designed to help you cultivate your self awareness and develop the skills needed to achieve your personal, professional and career development goals. This involves personal development and career planning, and setting objectives and identifying strategies to achieve them. The personal element will encompass, for example, self-awareness, self-care, wellbeing, and defining what success means. The professional element is concerned with development activities linked to professionalism and leadership skills development. The career element of this module involves supporting you in achieving your career aspirations which might extend beyond one particular employer or entrepreneurial venture.  These skills include, for example, networking, team working, negotiation, interview skills, etc. The delivery of this module will be through a wide range of in-class learning, interactive sessions led by experts, industry visits and extra-curricular activities.

    5 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Upcoming events

    MBA events

    Throughout the year, there are lots of opportunities to meet our team online, in your home country or in Sheffield.

    Browse our upcoming events

    Postgraduate events

    An open day gives you the opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

    You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.

    Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    You will learn through a wide variety of teaching styles.

    You will take part in traditional forms of university teaching, such as lectures, seminars and workshops. Throughout the programme, you will also be challenged to apply your learning to live organisational issues. For example, you'll work in teams with a range of local and international businesses to provide solutions to real business challenges in marketing and internationalisation strategies. You will also have the opportunity to create and pitch a new business venture.

    You'll learn from our world leading academics. We also bring experts and business leaders from a range of industries into the classroom, including members of our global MBA alumni community. Our experts will share valuable insights from their careers to inspire you as you prepare for your future.

    We ensure you have opportunities to visit companies, both in the UK and internationally. The London Career Safari and the international study trip will broaden your horizons and enable you to explore a diverse range of career options. You'll also have the chance to network with your fellow MBA students and leaders from a range of sectors and businesses.

    Assessment

    The Sheffield MBA is a transformative academic programme, designed to challenge and stretch you. We'll assess you throughout the programme in a variety of ways. You will have some formal examinations and traditional coursework assignments. You will also work in groups to give presentations and reports, which will help you develop essential skills as a future business leader.

    At the culmination of the programme, you will draw together all of your knowledge, skills and experience to complete the Individual MBA Challenge. You can choose to complete a traditional research-based dissertation. Alternatively, you could apply for a company project. This gives you the opportunity to work alongside a company to complete your dissertation, focusing on a real issue that the company is facing.

    Your career

    Our MBA graduates go on to a wide range of industries and job roles across the world. Throughout your MBA journey, you will have opportunities to network and connect with our global MBA alumni.

    Explore the stories of our MBA graduates

    School

    Management School

    We are a leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.

    You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.

    We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.

    You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.

    We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.

    You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.

    Student profiles

    Image of student Carlos Vidal Miranda

    I strongly believe that Sheffield is the best city to be a student

    Carlo Vidal Miranda MBA

    MBA student, Carlo, chose to pursue his ambition of studying an MBA in Sheffield.

    Lavanya Krishnan.

    I was offered a job after doing my company project at BBraun Medical

    Lavanya Krishnan MBA

    After completing her MBA company project at BBraun Medical, Lavanya Krishnan from India went on to secure a permanent role with the company as a Project Manager.

    View all MBA student and alumni profiles, and student blogs

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2.1 undergraduate honours degree. At least three years’ full time postgraduate work experience. This should include appropriate management experience and show good career progression.

    Your application may be considered if you do not meet the academic requirement but have significant professional and/or management experience.

    You will be invited to attend an interview if your application is successful at the initial review stage. If you are unable to attend the interview in person we will arrange with you for this to be online.

    Find out more about the MBA application process

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

    The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Fees and funding

    Scholarships

    The Sheffield MBA scholarship scheme

    We're offering a limited number of scholarships for home and international students starting their MBA in 2025.

    Study trips

    The fee for this course includes one international study trip to a European destination, including flights, accommodation and excursions, and the majority of costs for a trip to the London Career Safari. The fee does not include any additional costs associated with the international study trip, such as visa applications. The school can’t guarantee that visa applications connected with the international study trip will be successful. You will not receive a refund for fees and costs associated with the international study trip if you don’t go on the trip. To secure your place on the international study trip, you will need to make a non-refundable deposit of £100.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Contact

    mba@sheffield.ac.uk

    +44 114 222 3491

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.