About this course
About
Become a business leader of tomorrow.
The MBA course will educate and develop you as a manager and business specialist, improving your future career prospects through providing an integrated, applied and critical understanding of management and organisations. You will develop transferable and intellectual skills that are essential for successful general and strategic management in both private and public sector organisations. The course considers the current local, regional and international market trends so you can apply your skills to real life environments.
Aimed at developing management and leadership skills for graduates of any discipline, the objectives of the MBA are to:
- Develop multidisciplinary and international perspectives, concepts and issues in the major management disciplines
- Provide toolkits and techniques for analysing business and management issues
- Stimulate your ability to analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and understanding to solve management problems critically, rationally and rigorously
- Appreciate and apply contemporary management and information systems to aid strategic decision making in business and management
- Develop an appreciation of, appetite and responsibility for lifelong learning and personal development
- Prepare you for leadership and transformational roles in business in the changing external context in which they operate
- Develop strategic thinking, innovation and entrepreneurial skills
- Develop interpersonal and group-working skills
Applied management skills:
Our MBA will help to develop you to become a successful manager and equip you with the knowledge and transferable skills that are required to succeed.
You will develop your skills in the areas of:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Team working
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
Advanced Practice:
At the Advanced Practice stage, you’ll chose between two options:
- Option one: An Internship & Professional Development Project, which is a 12-week internship at an external company.
- Option two: An Applied Consulting Project, which involves working on a live business project in industry.
MODULES
ACF734 Accounting and Finance
Using case study examples to illustrate accounting concepts within a real-world context this module will introduce you to the key areas of financial and management accounting. Covering basic but essential numerical calculations there will be an emphasis on understanding the issues around the numbers and the context within which they are set.
Whilst this module is not intended to equip you with detailed accounting knowledge by the end of the module you will be able to engage in intelligent discussion with financial experts, grasping the big picture rather than getting lost in the detail.
The assessment for the module will strike a balance between calculation, interpretation and discussion.
BMG735 Managing People in the Organisation
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of individual and group behaviour within organisations. Studying the core areas of Human Resource Management you will be able to apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of organisational settings.
To make the module as engaging and relevant as possible, you will undertake a personality profile alongside a number of awareness raising exercises which will inform a 12 week team project. This case based teaching will let you practically apply concepts learned to real world scenarios.
MKT703 Marketing
This module focuses on the challenges management faces in developing and implementing both marketing philosophy and successful marketing programmes. You will gain an understanding of practical marketing principles with case study learning and an opportunity to analyse and make marketing recommendations for a company of your choice.
Marketing plays a critical role as the boundary function between an organisation and the marketplace. Changes in the market require changes from the company; changes made by the company create changes in the market. Marketing is concerned with managing this ever-changing relationship and this module will teach you how.
BMG855 Operations Management
In the dynamic environment in which businesses operate the importance of business improvement cannot be ignored, operations management is about creating the highest level of efficiency possible within an organisation.
The ability to remove costs, optimise value creation, understand the competencies, and effectively reconfigure the organisation in the context of a continuous improvement philosophy is crucial. This module will teach you the skills to address these issues and how to manage the internal and external chain of customers.
BMG835 Management Research
During this module you will be exposed to a range of research methods, consultancy skills, and project management techniques. You will then use your new-found knowledge of various research and project management methodologies to develop an applied project proposal and project plan in preparation for undertaking your business project.
BMG738 Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is having an ever changing impact on business and society, this module will explore how using a range of organisational contexts. Supported by practical case studies you will learn how digital technologies can disrupt industries by transforming industry value chains, as well as explore patterns of demand and competitive pressures. You will gain an understanding of how digital technologies and frameworks can be applied in a digital transformation strategy and the organisational and people capabilities required to support and implement such strategies. Critically evaluating current practice and theory on digital transformation, an industry guest speaker will help you relate your learnings to the workplace.
BMG743 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The identification, evaluation and exploitation of opportunities; innovation and entrepreneurship are drivers for value creation in modern economies.
In an ever changing and dynamic environment it is important to be progressive and forward thinking, finding solutions and challenging the norm. Applying theory to practice you will undertake a live project analysing and making recommendations on the innovation strategy and business model of a client organisation. Featuring an industry guest speaker and a visit to local accelerators and incubators currently mentoring start ups in the local area this module presents a contemporary exploration of the nature of innovation and entrepreneurship.
BMG744 Leadership and Change
Get the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader. During this module you will consider the key theories of leadership and their effective application in leading organisational change. You will analyse and critically discuss the leadership approach and change management style of the main leaders in a case study organisation allowing you to apply theory to a real-life working environment.
BMG758 Strategy
An introduction to the key concepts in business strategy, on completion of this module you will be able to conduct a strategic analysis of an organisation, its environment, and its future strategic options. Provided with the tools to equip you to answer real life strategy decisions, you will also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of international strategy; appreciate some of the key issues associated with strategy implementation and critically evaluate current theory and practice.
ECO701 Economics and the Business Environment
This module aims to enhance your understanding of, and ability to adapt to, changes in the environments in which you will be operating. Helping you develop systematic analytical techniques based on rigorous economic principles you will first study the problem of scarcity of resources before analysing the demand - supply – equilibrium model of economic analysis. This will be followed by an examination of the internal and external environments within which firms must operate, focusing on production, cost, profits, market conditions and the objectives of the firm. You will learn to make informed strategic decisions in a managerial context.
BMG843 Business Project
With the freedom to choose your own topic, the business project gives you an opportunity to investigate an important organisational issue of interest to you. Applying writing and research skills to a real life business topic you will pursue the practical, ethical and strategic issues within your chosen area for this written assessed piece.
Perhaps there is a current newsworthy topic you want to explore, you have a particular interest in a specific business or industry or want to cover something relevant to a previous business you have worked for – there are lots of options to ensure you get as much as possible from this module.
Using work based research the aim of the project is to develop and test your conceptual and analytical skills helping to enhance your work related abilities and prepare you for future research.
Examples of previous Business Projects which students have worked on include:
- Developing an online social media strategy for innovative modular housing that promotes access to ownership, urban regeneration and flexible social mobility.
- Investigating industry applications of Industry 4.0 – Cyber physical systems on maintenance activities in a multinational packaging business.
- Developing a low resource online social media strategy for a craft beer SME.
Advanced Practice Modules (You will choose one of the two options):
Option One: Internship & Professional Development Project
Designed to further enhance your employability and professional development you will undertake an internship normally lasting 12 weeks. During the internship you will undertake an organisational project and complete a reflective professional development report, allowing you to apply the theoretical concepts encountered on your course to a "live" management issue.
Option Two: Applied Consulting Project
Designed to enhance your practical and employability skills you will undertake a consultancy project for a real-life case study client. This module will require you to draw on relevant theories from previously studied MBA modules, and apply them in business contexts to deliver valuable project outcomes for client companies.
Why Study at Ulster University Business School?
A Well Established and Innovative Business School
As a member of the UK's Chartered Association of Business Schools, the Harvard Business School’s Microeconomics of Competitiveness Affiliate Network, and as a collaborator with Babson College, Boston, Ulster University Business School has established itself as a forward thinking and well-connected business school. One of the largest business schools in the UK we are ranked 7th for the impact of our research (REF 2014).
Teaching Excellence
We have an 89% student satisfaction rate (National Student Survey, 2018). With our lecturers actively engaged in research and industry collaborations you can be assured that you will experience up to date and expert knowledge from business insiders.
Supportive, Dynamic Learning
We are committed to offering excellent support, both in academic study and in helping you develop as managers and leaders. The course content is dynamic utilising real life case studies to ensure learning is forward thinking and relevant.
Networking Opportunities
Our industry connections mean you will be invited to exclusive business events (such as the Management and Leadership Network conference) expanding your knowledge and offering excellent networking opportunities.
Access to Top Business Leaders
Our Business Leader Mentoring Programme matches postgraduate students with local business leaders to give you a real-life insight into the business world. Sharing their experiential knowledge, networks and giving honest and constructive feedback and advice the mentors will help with your personal and career development. An invaluable opportunity to add value to your study, make connections and become industry ready for the constantly evolving world of business.
Value for Money
Our MBA courses are offered at a competitive price so you can get the skills and knowledge to further your career at an affordable price.
Attendance
Students can commence the full time MBA with Advanced Practice in September or January.
Students who commence in September complete:
- 4 modules in the autumn semester
- 4 modules in the spring semester
- Vacation in the summer semester
- The Advanced Practice option in the autumn semester
- 2 modules and the Business Project in the summer semester
Students who commence in January complete:
- 4 modules in the spring semester
- Vacation in the summer semester
- 4 modules in the autumn semester
- The Advanced Practice option in the spring semester
- 2 modules and their Business Project in the summer semester
Modules are normally taught through weekly sessions across 12 weeks although some modules are completed on a 'block' basis (9.30am to 5pm usually over 3 consecutive days). Advanced Practice modules are taught through supervision and some face to face sessions but are more organisationally based in nature.
Start dates
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September 2022
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January 2023
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The MBA is taught in a lecture format which is highly interactive, this allows students to discuss management theory and practice leading to an in-depth understanding of the subject area. This form of teaching also allows students to explore ideas and learn from each other as well as from the lecturing staff.
The course is mainly assessed via coursework (individual and group).
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Fees and funding
Scholarships, awards and prizes
There is a sponsored prize available on the MBA awarded to the student who has produced outstanding work during their studies.
Additional mandatory costs
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) vaccinations inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
