Master of Business Administration (MBA)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree and at least 3 years of professional experience in a role involving analytical work, such as:

• business manager
• project manager
• business analyst
• professional engineer
• accountant
• head of function/department
• CEO/business owner

You’ll also need to show evidence of career progression, as well as supervision or management of other people.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you have qualifications other than a degree, with relevant professional experience and evidence of ability, we will consider your application.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 9 months (semester 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and complete a business project covering a sector and organisation of your choice. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

The course also includes a non-credit bearing Leadership Development Programme (LDP), which runs throughout the year. This is normally held on Friday, while taught modules run on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.

The LDP includes a series of workshops focused on key leadership and management skills, which are often termed ‘soft skills’. It is designed to connect with your key learning experiences on the MBA, especially leadership skills.

It also includes sessions with top business speakers from industry, including companies such as IBM, Airbus, J P Morgan and Cap Gemini. You can also attend industry presentations and seminars hosted by the Business School.

Semester 1 overview

At the end of semester 1, as part of the ‘Global Business Environment’ module, we have a European study trip to Maastricht, Netherlands, where you will visit international companies in the local region. In recent years, we have visited:

• DAF Trucks
• Medtronics
• Q-Park
• the Wijn Kasteel Genoels Elderen

In addition, we visit the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, and attend talks about the economics and politics of the European Union.

The purpose is to expose you to realities of operating global businesses in Europe and how trade is conducted with the rest of the world. Following the trip each student will write a report based on a global issue related to the companies visited.

The full costs of the trip are included in the MBA tuition fee, except for the international travel cost (either plane or train) which you’ll have to pay.

Semester 2 overview

At the end of semester 2, as part of the Leading Sustainability, Innovation and Change module, you’ll take part in a ‘live’ international consultancy project with a client company.

Our client companies are highly innovative companies looking to grow their businesses internationally. They range from a variety of sectors, including: 

• media
• oil and gas
• financial services
• pharmaceuticals

We’ll assign you to an MBA project team and you’ll work on a strategic issue for a local client company. In May, you'll travel to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for a week to work in the client company’s office. Each project team is expected to suggest strategies for further development of the company and to present these in a final consultancy report.

The full costs of the trip are included in the MBA tuition fee, except for the international flight cost which you’ll have to pay. A sponsorship from Santander Universities can help you with part of the flight cost.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We teach through a mixture of:

• lectures with group discussions
• practical exercises
• case studies
• simulations
• ‘live’ business projects

We emphasise the importance of collaboration between students, as this is critical for developing your management and leadership skills. We’ll teach you in small groups, using a round-table classroom layout, to encourage discussion and develop your teamwork skills.

Through case studies, simulation exercises and games, you’ll learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world settings.

Assessment

Depending on the modules you take, we’ll assess your progress through a combination of:

• exams
• coursework assignments
• reflective reports
• group projects and presentations
• your final business project

Dissertation

You’ll complete a 12,000-word business project on a subject of your choice to show your mastery of business management and leadership.

Academic Support

We provide our students with a supportive learning environment. Your personal academic tutor will meet with you for help and advice, and you can speak to members of the dedicated MBA staff team for guidance.

Whether you want to improve your promotion prospects, bring new skills to your current role or show that you are ready to take on a higher level of responsibility, an MBA qualification will help you to achieve your ambitions.

This programme attracts managers from public and private sector organisations across the world, including:

• finance
• oil and gas
• IT and telecoms
• manufacturing
• health

Working closely with a diverse, international group will enrich your experience and give you a valuable insight into different business cultures.

To help you plan your next career steps, the Southampton MBA includes a Leadership Development Programme (LDP), which has a series of workshops tailored for MBA students and delivered by external practitioners. The LDP also offers careers coaching and employability workshops delivered by the University’s Careers and Employability Service. In addition, you’ll have access to worldwide MBA-level employment opportunities and recruiter fairs.

During your time on the MBA course you’ll become a member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving you access to a range of business management career and e-learning resources.

We invite industry guest speakers from companies such as:

• Cap Gemini
• IBM
• J.P. Morgan
• Prudential

You can also attend industry presentations and seminars hosted by the Business School.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £26,500.
• EU and international students pay £26,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK students: £250
• EU and international students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

It also includes the cost of two international trips:

• European study trip to Netherlands and Belgium
• “Live” international consultancy project in Brazil

This does not include the international travel cost, which you’ll have to pay. We will accept sponsorship from Santander Universities to help you with part of the flight cost.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Business Excellence Scholarship

We offer scholarships up to £9,000 for candidates who can display a combination of the following business excellence criteria:

• a high degree of relevant professional experience in management and/or leadership role

• evidence of rapid career progression

• clear ability to contribute to the quality of the MBA cohort

• strong academic ability / performance

• excellent performance at interview

If we offer you a place on the course, we'll automatically consider you for the Business Excellence Scholarship. There is no need to complete a separate application. The scholarship award is made at the discretion of the Business School.

The deadline to submit your application so it is considered for a scholarship is 31 July.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

Your application to study the full-time MBA course will be carefully considered by a specialist member of academic staff who will weigh up many factors; not only your academic achievements, interests and aptitudes, but also your motivation and your referee's confidential report.

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000