Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Global

The Master of Business Administration (MBA Global) at Derby provides in-depth, applied knowledge of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and sustainable business practices, preparing graduates to become responsible, authentic, and future-ready business leaders.

The programme offers the opportunity to undertake a six-month social impact project, enabling the practical application of skills to address current organisational and societal challenges while delivering tangible value to real businesses. Students study alongside peers from around the world and build strong professional networks across the private, public, and third sectors through collaborative, practice-based learning. Teaching is delivered by academics engaged in cutting-edge research and consultancy with leading global ‘blue-chip’ organisations, ensuring that learning remains current, relevant, and informed by real industry practice. Full-time international students also have the option to undertake a 9–12 month placement in a relevant sector in the UK, gaining hands-on professional experience and significantly enhancing employability within a competitive global job market.

The contemporary business and commercial environment is evolving at an exponential pace, driven by disruptive technologies and increasing demands for responsible and sustainable business development. Organisations seeking to succeed in this rapidly changing landscape require leaders and managers equipped with advanced knowledge, professional skills, ethical traits, and strong behavioural capabilities to navigate uncertainty, add strategic value, and support organisational growth. The MBA Global programme is designed to cultivate these competencies, with a focus on digital innovation, artificial intelligence, modern working practices, and the embedding of sustainability into business decision-making and leadership.

For full-time international students, the degree may be studied with a 9–12 month UK-based industry placement integrated into the programme, subject to successful completion of all taught modules. Dedicated support is provided through the Careers and Employment Service alongside the MBA Global programme team, including tailored guidance for placement applications, networking events, CV development workshops, and interview skills training to enhance professional readiness.

The curriculum is aligned to key global initiatives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a strong emphasis on responsible leadership and ethical business practice. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of how value can be created in ways that enhance organisations, employees, consumers, wider society, and the natural environment. The programme aims to produce graduates capable of generating innovative insights and proposing effective solutions to contemporary business challenges while demonstrating the values and professional standards expected by organisations and society both now and in the future.