Master of Business Administration (MBA Global Block Delivery)

Why choose the MBA Global (Block Delivery)?

The MBA Global (Block Delivery) at the University of Derby is a rigorous and internationally recognised Master of Business Administration designed for experienced professionals seeking career acceleration and strategic leadership capability, without taking a break from work. Through three short, high-impact on-campus study weeks, complemented by flexible online learning, the programme enables you to balance study with ongoing professional responsibilities across global time zones.

Programme highlights

• Designed for working professionals seeking an internationally recognised MBA without interrupting their careers
• Flexible block delivery: three one-week intensive study periods on campus, spread over 18 months, supported by online learning
• Option to undertake a Social Impact Project in lieu of a traditional dissertation, focused on real organisational challenges
• Small, professionally experienced cohorts with enhanced tutor support throughout the programme
• Delivered by an expert teaching team with extensive business, leadership and consultancy experience

A modern MBA for global leaders

Managers who can think, act and lead from a global perspective are in demand like never before. The MBA Global has been designed to develop confident, agile leaders who are ready to operate at a senior level in an international business environment.

This is a contemporary, practice-focused MBA that will challenge and transform the way you think about leadership, strategy and organisational performance. You will develop the skills to analyse complex business problems and implement solutions that create meaningful change within your organisation and industry.

As one of the most widely recognised and respected postgraduate business qualifications worldwide, MBA signals leadership capability, strategic insight and professional credibility to employers, boards and international networks alike.

Who you will study with

The Block Delivery MBA attracts senior managers, professional executives and ambitious leaders from diverse sectors, including construction, energy, aviation, public services and multinational enterprises. This diversity enhances peer learning, expands your professional network and deepens your understanding of global organisational contexts.

Expert teaching with real-world impact

Teaching on the MBA Global is informed by cutting-edge research, consultancy and close engagement with industry. Our lecturers bring substantial business and management experience, combining academic rigour with practical insight gained from working directly with organisations across sectors and markets.

Many members of the teaching team are actively involved in applied research and consultancy, ensuring that the knowledge, frameworks and tools you engage with are current, relevant and immediately applicable to professional practice. This means you will learn not only about leadership and strategy, but how to apply them effectively in complex, real-world business contexts.

The programme also draws on Derby International Business School’s strong partnerships with regional, national and international employers and professional bodies, giving you exposure to contemporary industry thinking and live organisational challenges. Our networks include organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Boots, JCB, Toyota, Bombardier, DHL, the NHS and international government ministries, helping to ensure your MBA experience is grounded in the realities of global business.

Global perspectives, international classrooms

A global mindset is essential for today’s leaders therefore every module is delivered with a focus on international business practices, equipping you with the skills to lead effectively in global markets. You will study in a small, genuinely international learning environment where discussion is lively, challenging and insightful. Our MBA community is truly diverse, with students and professionals joining from across the world, enriching classroom discussions and expanding cultural intelligence. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Applied, interactive and professionally relevant

Learning on the MBA Global is active, applied and highly engaging. You will be encouraged to apply theory directly to real-world business challenges and develop practical solutions with immediate professional relevance.

Your learning will include:

• Face-to-face and virtual lectures
• Case studies and simulations
• Boardroom activities and scholarly debate
• Collaborative discussions and presentations
• Enquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities
• Industry seminars, guest speakers and visits to business organisations

Alongside this, you will benefit from Personal Development Planning (PDP) throughout your studies. The PDP framework enables you to reflect critically on your learning, leadership development and professional practice, helping you clarify your career ambitions and plan your next steps with confidence.

You will also receive individual academic support from tutors, supported by access to key reading, global research resources easily accessible via the University’s virtual learning environment.

Block delivery and programme structure

This is a part-time MBA programme which is delivered over 18 months. The programme centres on three intensive one-week study blocks, one every four months (with classes taking place Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 17:00). Classes will be based at the University of Derby’s International Business School in The Cavendish Building - a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to foster collaboration, creativity and real-world problem solving in business education.

The Cavendish Building brings together innovative learning spaces such as creativity labs, immersive technology suites and professional simulation environments, enabling you to work alongside peers, academics and industry partners on live briefs and applied projects.

Between study weeks, you will engage in flexible, self-directed online learning via the virtual learning environment, supported by optional drop-in discussions with tutors. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to draw on your own professional experience to inform your academic study and the completion of applied, work-based assignments, allowing you to integrate learning directly with practice.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is designed to develop your professional, digital and transferable skills:

• Digital presentations and ‘sales pitches’
• Boardroom simulations
• Creation of digital artefacts
• Real-world social impact projects
• Case study analysis
• Reflective reports and collaborative activities

Our structured, formative assessment approach ensures regular feedback and guidance to support your progress.

The MBA Global significantly enhances your employability and positions you for strategic leadership roles internationally. Whether you are advancing within your current organisation or pursuing new opportunities, the MBA delivers the skills, confidence and credibility employers value.

You’ll also benefit from dedicated career planning support, including coaching, mentoring and workshops focused on professional development. In addition, graduates wishing to pursue research-intensive or academic leadership pathways can progress to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or other doctoral study routes, building on the MBA’s strong research and applied project foundations.

Careers and Employment Service

From day one, our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with support to ensure you leave Derby as a ‘work-ready’ graduate – industry aware, motivated and enterprising.

Throughout your studies and for up to three years after graduation, you can benefit from support including CV development, interview preparation, networking and access to opportunities that align with your ambitions.

To apply, you should normally hold a good honours degree (minimum upper second class) from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject or a professional qualification deemed to be of equivalent standing.

Alternatively, if you do not meet the above criteria / have not previously studied at university, we can also consider your application if you have significant management experience and a substantial record of achievement.

We welcome and encourage all applications from anyone considered to be adequately prepared to succeed on the programme.

If you have few or no formal qualifications, you may be able to gain entry to the programme if you have the required communication and learning skills as well as the knowledge, experience and motivation to succeed.

All applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be invited to an interview, either on campus or online, as part of the application process.

When submitting your application, please ensure it is complete, with all the relevant documents requested in the application form.

English Language Requirements

We welcome applications from international students. If your first language is not English, you will be expected to have IELTS 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each component). You may be exempt from providing evidence of English language proficiency if you have gained your undergraduate degree from a UK university. Please see further information for international applicants, including a list of documents required.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional fee information

*Note – at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the awards below.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MBA.

Additional costs and optional extras

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

We may also offer additional bespoke delivery start dates, dependent upon cohort size.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.