Discover how Hull’s Global MBA blends up-to-date academic insight with industry expertise to build practical, leadership-ready business skills.
How can you be sure your MBA will prepare you for the leadership challenges ahead?
At the University of Hull, our Global MBA takes a different approach called authentic business learning. Professors bring current industry expertise into the classroom, assignments connect directly to your professional role, and the curriculum is continually updated to stay relevant.
To see how this works in practice, we spoke with Dr Tom Hoyland, Director of MBA Programmes. Drawing on his experience in both academia and consultancy for organisations such as the Global Stock Exchange Group and major insurance firms, Tom works to ensure the course blends the latest academic thinking with real-world application.
How do you make sure the course content stays relevant?
Tom: With an MBA, relevance is critical. We are one of only 2% of business schools worldwide to hold both AMBA and AACSB accreditation, and these bodies expect us to stay at the cutting edge of business education.
We do that in several ways. First, we work closely with our Advisory Board, which includes business leaders from around the world. They tell us what skills and capabilities they need from today’s managers, and we feed that insight straight into our regular module redesigns. After every module and course, we review what needs updating.
Second, all of us are research-led and active in industry. In my own case, I’ve consulted for organisations such as the London Stock Exchange Group and major insurance firms. That means I can bring fresh, real-world examples into the classroom, keeping our discussions grounded in the issues industry is talking about now.
Finally, the MBA itself is a chance for students to step back from their day-to-day work. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, and challenge the status quo—both in your own organisation and in the perspectives of your classmates. That process keeps you, and us, relevant.
Do the modules have a practical focus?
Tom: Our focus is firmly on building practical skills that managers can use immediately. That’s at the heart of our “authentic business learning” ethos.
Of course, we still use theory, but we present it as a toolkit rather than abstract concepts.
Theories emerge from lived experience, and consultants use them every day to solve organisational problems. We take those models and apply them to the complex environments our students work in, so theory supports practice, not the other way around.
Are assignments individual or group-based?
Tom: At the moment, assignments are individually focused and often applied directly to your own organisation. You might develop a marketing strategy for your business, for example, alongside a reflective component on your own leadership skills and areas for development.
That said, we constantly adapt the programme. If group assignments will better prepare students to lead teams or collaborate across borders, we’ll incorporate them. The goal isn’t assessment for its own sake—it’s about helping you grow as a leader and progress in your career.
Hull Online Global MBA: Gain practical skills to excel
Hull Online's Global MBA is designed for professionals who want more than just theory. It’s about applying what you learn immediately, gaining fresh insights from industry-connected academics, and developing the skills to thrive in a changing business world.
You can explore modules, careers and entry requirements on our Global MBA page:
