Course information
UK fee £19,150
International fee £19,150
Taught by School of Business
Accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Dual awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2041
ulsb@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
Launched in 1989, the AMBA-accredited Leicester Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an inspiration and pioneering global executive-education programme. Our flexible, part-time distance learning course allows you to gain an MBA degree in two years through our accelerated route or two and a half years through our standard route, all without having to take a break from your career.
The Leicester MBA has a rich heritage of innovation and digital technology implementation. It is one of the oldest AMBA-accredited distance learning MBA programmes in the world, with a strong international reputation. With over 12,000 graduates we have truly global MBA alumni network of professionals and business leaders working in a wide range of sectors.
With the Leicester Global MBA you can study fully online and can supplement your studies with residential learning. Your online study will include viewing recorded lectures, taking part in live online seminars and workshops, interacting with tutors and fellow students in online discussion boards and learning from our online study guides. You also have the option to attend our residential Leicester Masterclass that takes place at the School of Business' new £16m campus.
All teaching is delivered by School of Business staff who combine cutting-edge teaching techniques with innovative and forward-thinking research to help you develop your expertise. Your studies will be in small groups (up to 20 students) with extensive opportunities for teamwork and networking (in teams of 3-5) between students and tutors.
Each cohort comprises of students from both the UK and overseas offering you unparalleled opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
The Leicester MBA gives you an opportunity to specialise in one of three areas:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Marketing
The course is competitively priced with a number of payment options and offers you a great return on investment.
In addition to being AMBA-accredited, the Leicester MBA is also accredited by, and enables you to gain professional qualifications from:
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI): In addition to gaining the MBA degree, upon completion of the programme (and subject to successful moderation) you will be awarded a Level 7 Certificate or Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice plus being awarded Foundation Chartered Manager status.
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA): exemptions from CIMA examinations on eight of our modules (subject to satisfactory completion).
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM): If you select to follow our MBA Marketing specialist route, you will have the opportunity to gain module exemptions on professional qualifications with CIM.
If you choose the standard two and half year route you will study all modules sequentially before moving onto your MBA Project. In our accelerated two-year model you will study module one before studying modules two and three simultaneously, before going on to study your fourth module and then the MBA Project.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You will need to have at least one of the following academic or professional qualifications:
- First or second class honours degree from a UK university, or
- Equivalent degree from a non-UK university or academic institution, or
- Postgraduate degree or diploma from a recognised institution, or
- Equivalent graduate level professional qualification, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Chartered Certified Accountant qualification or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Professional Qualification.
You will also need a minimum of three years' appropriate and relevant postgraduate work experience (defined as having worked in a supervisory, managerial or professional role).
All unconditional offer holders will have the opportunity to benefit from a 20 minute online welcome conversation with the Leicester Global MBA Deputy Director before starting their studies.
Reference
Your application must include a signed and dated reference (or contact details for someone who will provide a reference). Your referee could be a manager, supervisor, mentor or work colleague. They should be able to confirm your professional or managerial work experience and your suitability for this degree.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listsFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- £19,150
As a distance learning student you can pay:
- in full by the payment deadline stated on your offer, or
- in two equal instalments: the first by the payment date stated on your offer and the second one year later, or
- in six equal instalments over your first two years of study.
If you are starting your course in the 2025/26 academic year and you pay the full fee prior to the start of your course, you will be eligible for a 5% discount on your total course fee.
Additional costs
Additional costs are yet to be confirmed. As an indication, the following applied for students starting in previous years:
- Your course fee includes residential workshops, exams and study materials. There is a separate charge for the Leicester Masterclass.
- The fee does not include travel to, or accommodation at, residential workshops or the Leicester Masterclass.
Scholarships and funding
- Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
- Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- £19,150
As a distance learning student you can pay:
- in full by the payment deadline stated on your offer, or
- in two equal instalments: the first by the payment date stated on your offer and the second one year later, or
- in six equal instalments over your first two years of study.
If you are starting your course in the 2025/26 academic year and you pay the full fee prior to the start of your course, you will be eligible for a 5% discount on your total course fee.
Additional costs
Additional costs are yet to be confirmed. As an indication, the following applied for students starting in previous years:
- Your course fee includes residential workshops, exams and study materials. There is a separate charge for the Leicester Masterclass.
- The fee does not include travel to, or accommodation at, residential workshops or the Leicester Masterclass.
Scholarships and funding
- Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Accreditation
Accreditation
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
The Leicester Global MBA is accredited by AMBA, seen as the global standard for all MBAs. Our MBA was one of the first distance learning MBAs to achieve MBA accreditation.
AMBA are the only professional membership association connecting MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers in more than 110 countries.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
We offer a dual award from CMI whereby upon successful completion of the Leicester Global MBA you will be awarded CMI’s Level 7 Certificate or Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice (subject to moderation). In addition, upon completion of the qualification, you will also be awarded CMI’s Foundation Chartered Manager status.
CMI are the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. It is the only organisation awarding Chartered Manager status, the hallmark of any professional manager, and encompasses a membership community.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Our course holds exemption accreditation with CIMA on eight of their subjects.
CIMA is the professional body of management accountants. Exemptions are subject to satisfactory completion of the selected modules.
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
The University of Leicester School of Business MBA (Marketing) is accredited by the leading professional marketing body, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
CIM works alongside universities worldwide, mapping their degree content against CIM's most sought after professional marketing qualifications.
This offers you the opportunity to gain exemptions on modules of the CIM qualifications, reducing the number of module assessments taken. These exemptions make it more efficient and cost0efective to gain a professional marketing qualification.
CIM's qualifications are based on detailed research and ongoing employer feedback, sharing the skills and knowledge required for today's marketers. This helps our students to advance into practitioners, stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of securing their first-choice graduate position.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
We recognise that career development is a major factor in your decision to embark on an MBA programme. At ULSB, we develop MBA graduates who have knowledge and skills to:
- Lead individuals, teams and organisations to both achieve organisational objectives and improve the wellbeing of individuals, organisations, communities and societies.
- Think critically, reflectively, and strategically.
- Make decisions and manage decision-making in an evidence-based way.
- Manage and integrate across functional areas.
- Work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy and be generators of sustainable value for their organisations and society at large.
- Manage their careers and professional development and engage in life-long learning.
When you choose the Leicester MBA, you will have support from the School of Business dedicated Careers Team who will provide you with personal and professional development guidance throughout your MBA. Working closely with the academic team, the Careers Team run a number of initiatives including:
MBA Executive Group Coaching
Aligned to module delivery and the stage you have reached in your programme, our expert-led MBA Executive Group Coaching is an opportunity to support you in your personal and professional development and to enhance your academic study.
Tailored to the current business climate, the session focus is to:
- Increase individual confidence levels and personal empowerment.
- Promote collaborate problem-solving and create team cohesiveness.
- Facilitate networking.
- Offer an opportunity to share experiences and differing perspectives.
Business-Focused Events
We work closely with business contacts to give you opportunities to interact with industry professionals and alumni and gain insights into a wide range of business areas including sector insights, leadership essentials and journeys along a variety of potential careers paths. Through events, including our Career Development Exhibition, Investment Conference and Management Conference, you will have the opportunity to network with business representatives at all levels from SMEs to large corporates. Previous organisations represented have included J P Morgan, Santander, Lloyds, GSK, Goldman Sachs, Boots, NatWest, DPD, British Gas, National Grid, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Cummins, LinkedIn, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ericsson and M&C Saatchi.
AMBA and Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Career and Professional Development Resources
AMBA and CMI give you access to a wide range of online resources to support:
- Academic studies
- Job search, recruitment and selection and career change
- Skill development
- Business insight
- Events and networking opportunities
Career and Professional Development Resource
Our on-line resources contain a wealth of resources to inform and guide you at every stage of your career journey. There are links to available opportunities, upcoming careers and employability events, awards and competitions, together with recordings of careers sessions and seminars. A selection of interviews with industry professionals and University alumni provides a first-hand insight into a range of business sectors and career success stories. You will also find resources to support you in skills and career planning, including CV and application advice and interview tips.
Through this structured framework of online expert-led sessions, professional development events, and online resources, the aim of the personal and professional development support is to:
- Identify strengths and weaknesses to enable you to progress in a positive direction.
- Develop confidence to support leadership.
- Underpin the ability to implement and drive change.
- Explore strategies to expand networks to enhance career progression and support business development.
- Build lifelong learning and career management skills.
Additional resources:
Career Hub
If you are ever visiting Leicester, our Career Hub @ Brookfield is open Monday to Friday 11:00 to 14:00, no need to make an appointment. The Hub, staffed both by members of the ULSB Careers Team and our student Future Makers, provides an opportunity to talk about all things careers and employability-related and signpost you to available opportunities and further areas of support.
Business Start-up and Enterprise Support
We offer support if you are considering starting your own business, are in the early stages of business or how have an established business you wish to develop. Support includes events, online resources and our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
Lifelong Support
Our careers support to you is lifelong and continues even after you have completed your studies and we have welcomed you into our alumni community.
Our award-winning University Careers and Employability Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Related courses
Our academics
Our academics
Dr Olga Suhomlinova, Leicester MBA Programme Director
- Role: Associate Professor in Management, MBA Programme Director.
- Research interests: Olga’s research interests span the areas of organisational change, gender and diversity, and leadership.
- Industry links: Olga has conducted research projects in secondary education, healthcare, banking, and the prison service.
- Other: Olga has twenty years of experience of designing and delivering innovative online learning courses.
Dr Abdul Jabbar, Leicester MBA Programme Deputy Director
- Role: Associate Professor Data Strategy and Analytics, MBA Programme Deputy Director.
Abdul’s expertise is in data visualisation, data management, organisation, storage, and cleansing. These areas come together well to support managerial decision making with real time business analytics and interpretative decision making. - Research interests: His current research interests looks at how technologies such as Smart contracts, Blockchain and AI can change the way business operate to make them efficient and agile.
- Industry links: Abdul has excellent links across a range of industries from consultancy to manufacturing. Currently Abdul is working with SMEs in the midlands looking at how technology can help organisations achieve net zero sustainability targets.
Alumni
Alumni
Professor Adam Boddison, Leicester MBA, 2022
“The Leicester MBA programme is both well-structured and comprehensive, which has enabled me to develop my leadership capacity as well as my ability to think critically. My decision to enrol on the Leicester MBA programme has paid dividends; it has helped me to develop a significant competitive advantage in my professional life and has undoubtedly had a profound impact on my career trajectory”.
Cardelle Fergusson, Leicester MBA (Marketing), 2020
“I thoroughly appreciated the diversity in my cohort. This afforded me varying opinions based on environmental and situational context. I liked the programme sought to build your network by providing opportunities to interact in both virtual groups and face-to-face at the residentials”
Course structure
MBA modules
MBA modules
Core modules
- Managing and Developing People and Organisations
- Managing Value Creation Processes from Idea to Market
- Managing Finances and Strategic Decision Making
- Learning and Professional Development Portfolio
- Research Methods and the Project Proposal
- Organisational Research and Consultancy Methods and the MBA project
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
- Managing International Marketing Communications, Brands and Relationships
- Managing Finance for Corporate Policy and Strategy
- Managing Data, Analysis and Application
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
MBA specialisms
MBA specialisms
To gain an MBA with a specialism you must successfully complete the core modules, the option module relevant for your chosen specialism (indicated below) and your MBA Project in your specialist area.
MBA (Business Analytics)
MBA (Finance)
MBA (Marketing)
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
The Leicester Global MBA is AMBA-accredited and has held this prestigious accreditation since 1998. AMBA is the quality seal of approval for MBA programmes.
The Leicester Global MBA has been offered as a distance learning programme for over 30 years and has the expertise, reputation and credibility that comes with this experience.
Our Leicester MBA students are award-winning holding both the AMBA Best MBA Student of the Year 2021 and CMI Student of the Year 2021.
You have the flexibility and choice to study an accelerated or standard route through the programme, choosing to complete your studies in two or two and a half years. Whichever route you choose the total course fee is the same and you can change your mind when you start the programme.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught by academics who have international research and teaching expertise, as well as practical experience in their respective fields. You will also have an academic personal tutor who will provide support and guidance to enable you to make the most of your studies.
Our programme gives you the flexibility to fit your studies around your professional and personal commitments, while ensuring that you meet the learning and progression requirements.
The programme consists of five modules, each taking 6 months and running 1 April to 21 September and 1 October to 21 March, with 9/10-day breaks between modules. When studying a module, each week you will either view a two-hour recorded lecture or participate in a one/two-hour live online seminar. These will be further supported by our online study guide, additional learning materials, and online forum discussions with your tutors and peers. Online teaching takes place via our Leicester learning environment, which also houses your learning materials. Live seminars are undertaken in small groups and scheduled so that they are convenient for different time zones. As this is a global MBA some of your seminars may be scheduled within what constitutes your normal working hours.
During each module you will have the opportunity to participate in a residential workshop, held in February and August. Because we know you are doing a distance learning degree for flexibility, the February workshops are held online and the August workshops in person in both Leicester and the UAE.
Each August you will also have an opportunity to attend a Leicester Masterclass, held at the University of Leicester School of Business campus.
Of the five programme modules, the first three are your core modules, assessed by a mid-term online open-book examination (lasting 72 hours) and an individual assignment, submitted at the end of the module. The fourth module is an option module, with the choice of three options to correspond with the MBA specialisms offered: business analytics; finance; and, marketing. This module is assessed by a group assignment and an individual assignment. in the final module you will provide your MBA Project, which will help you improve your career prospects by allowing you to conduct a live consultancy-style study in your own organisation, undertake a market research for your next start-up, or explore in depth any business or management topic of interest.
Distance Learning
Online learning is an important feature of this course, therefore it is essential that you have reliable, regular access to the internet (preferably with a broadband connection) in order to participate.
As a distance learning student, you will have access to the University Library's electronic service, the Leicester Digital Library, which includes a large number of e-journals and e-books.
If you live close to Leicester you can, of course, visit the Library in person. For UK-based students who wish to use other libraries, we can issue you with a card which allows you to do so. This is a national scheme which allows distance learning students to borrow material from up to three other participating libraries.
Key dates
April 2025
Start date: 7 April 2025
Application deadline: 17 March 2025
Payment deadline: 31 March 2025
Registration deadline: 2 April 2025
October 2025
Start date: 6 October 2025
Application deadline: TBD
Payment deadline: TBD
Registration deadline: TBD
April 2026
Start date: 6 April 2026
Application deadline: TBD
Payment deadline: TBD
Registration deadline: TBD
Enquire now
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Business Administration | Qualification MBA | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Business Administration | Qualification MBA | Duration 2.5 years part-time | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
