Course details

Global Online MBA

Three start dates per year: January, May and September

Next course start date: 25 September 2023

Next welcome week: 18 September 2023

Duration: two years (part-time)

Format: online, with optional face-to-face events

Total fees: £12,000 (payment by instalment and funding options available)

Additional costs: due to the nature of the subject, and copyright restrictions placed on institutional libraries by some publishers, students will need to purchase some core texts.

Events and webinars: Want to find out how a Global Online MBA can help you to adapt to technological evolution? Watch our latest on-demand webinar: Watch now ❯

Support with your application: Contact our course adviser team today for application advice.

CMI_P_Logo_200px

This programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Management Institution (CMI), the only professional organisation for managers and leaders backed by a Royal Charter. Accreditation ensures the MBA meets an international benchmark for excellence in content, teaching quality, and resources.

Successful completion of the MBA means you’ll earn a postgraduate degree and a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to the CMI Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. In addition, you’ll become eligible for the CMI Fast Track route to Chartered Manager status – a unique and highly sought-after management accolade.

AMBA AACSB 617px

This MBA is part of the Hull University Business School, a leading UK business school with internationally recognised accreditations from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Why choose this Global Online MBA?

With the rapid rate of change and disruption across industries, future business leaders will need to be agile and resilient to take on unknown and complex challenges. Are you prepared?

Our Global Online MBA blends leading-edge academic thinking with industry best practice. High impact. Research-led. Always grounded in the real world.

This postgraduate programme will equip you with the expertise and tools needed to be an impactful leader in a future steered by carbon neutrality and digital transformation.

High profile global industry experts will speak on the modules, helping to bring the theory to life. You’ll learn how to understand the language of numbers, make data-driven decisions, lead people development, and much more.

Together, we’ll explore important societal themes of today and tomorrow, including Industry 4.0, social justice, and sustainability.

You’ll discover how integrating these themes into your corporate strategies can improve efficiency and increase profits, and how innovation and adaptability lead to growth.

You’ll begin to rethink conventional approaches to business, embracing change and applying creative, evidence-based solutions to existing issues within your workplace.

Your studies won’t focus purely on the development of knowledge and skills, but the development of soft leadership behaviours and psychologies through self-reflection.

With our support, you can look forward to a transformational journey to realising your full potential and to deliver return on investment back to your business.  

Plus, as our Global Online MBA programme is both online and part time, you’ll be able to immediately apply what you learn to your current work, while still earning your qualification in two years. 

Read the video transcript

[upbeat music plays throughout]

Dr Sarah Shaw: So my name is Dr. Sarah Shaw. I'm a senior lecturer and researcher at Hull University Business School.

Our Masters of Business Administration or MBA programme is a leadership development programme, and it's aimed at future leaders, senior managers and executives from all sectors. So that's private, public and third sectors globally. So whether you are leading complex change in your organisation or you're an entrepreneurial business owner that is looking to drive innovation and creativity in your new business or set up your own business, our world class MBA programme is right for you.

It will act as a catalyst and a springboard for you and your career. Be prepared to be stretched. We're going to take you on a transformational leadership journey. We will challenge you to look at different problem solving scenarios, crisis management as this is key to be able to manage in the new world, we need new ways for a new world. You're going to listen and hear from high profile industry speakers as well as our outstanding academics and their cutting edge research.

We recognize that many of you have not been in education for a long time and have been actually working in industry. So we spend a lot of time with you at the beginning of the programme, and during the programme to make sure that you understand how to write academically. So that by the end of the program you really are proficient in terms of conducting and producing an excellent piece of academic work that's grounded in the real world. But you're also able to conduct research and market research and business research effectively as well in your own organisation.

Well, this is a new MBA for a new world. So a seismic change is occurring in the way that we live and work. And as such, we have designed a new MBA programme, which has a really clear vision, and that is about shaping, inspiring and equipping the new generation of responsible leaders to handle disruption and manage the challenges in a digitally transformed and net zero and socially responsible world.

One of the key skills as well that we do tackle on the MBA programme that we are world experts in is systems thinking, and we use systems thinking throughout the program to tackle complexity. And it helps organizations and individuals to understand how to cut through the complexity and embrace disruption.

So our Global MBA online gives you the ultimate flexibility to study for an MBA programme. We have multiple entry points throughout the year to start the program. You've also got an opportunity to be part of a truly global MBA network. So this really plays to the kind of power of the network and inclusivity and diversity. You're going to learn from peers, from different countries about how they manage problems in different country contexts. So how we do something in India might not be how we do something in America. And this is really important. This is a truly global MBA.

What you learn

As an online MBA student, you’ll learn how to:

Drive the development, critical review, and implementation of operational policies and practices, plus ensure compliance with internal and external governances
Guide organisational strategy such as change and agile transformation programmes, diversification, new product implementation, and customer experience improvement
Interpret complex data to make decisions based on reliable evidence and strategic insight about organisational requirements such as financial budgets and resource allocation
Lead and respond to crisis management for solutions that meet the needs of both the organisation and its stakeholders in a responsible, ethical manner
Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with key senior internal and external stakeholders to influence key decision makers as appropriate
Proactively keep up to date with social, economic, and technological developments and promote innovation to approach changing requirements and new opportunities
Operate effectively in cross-cultural settings, with a deep understanding of the importance of globalisation and a strong awareness of different markets
Be a reflective, transformational leader in the achievement of business goals as well as continuous professional development opportunities for yourself and your team

We also offer an Executive MBA for individuals who would prefer to learn on-campus.

Course modules

Our modules have been thoughtfully designed to help you cultivate long-term success as a business professional. You study the following compulsory modules.

MBA Orientation & Leadership Catalyst (15 credits)

No matter who you are or where you’re from – we know you’ve got the potential to be a brilliant leader.  

We’ll start with an overview of the programme, but after that, it’s all about you – your experience, your skills, knowledge, behaviours, and your aims. 

You’ll reflect on and analyse your journey so far, using academic literature, inspiring case studies, and personal research to pinpoint areas to develop, skills to hone, and measure your growth throughout the course and beyond. This new level of self-awareness will provide a solid footing as you discover your own leadership style and unique place in the business world. 

Right from the get-go, you’ll be developing vital study skills and training in essential systems. As well as a strong academic and theoretical approach, you’ll explore fundamental principles of leadership, including growth mindsets, decision-making, and persuasion.

This module won’t just help you get the most out of your course; it will prepare you for your own transformative leadership journey. 

The Global Economic Environment (15 credits)

The world has been turned on its head and organisations have been forced to rapidly adapt to survive. Take a look at the wider global economic environment and its impact on business performance.  

Equipped with a knowledge of the concepts, tools, and approaches needed to view business through a critical economic lens (micro and macro), explore how global events and trends including AI development, cryptocurrency, the pandemic, and climate change affect decision-making and the way businesses and ventures function.  

You’ll develop a global mindset, learn how the market works, and the power individuals and communities have to influence the global economy.  

Strategy Making in a Complex World (15 credits)

We might not always be able to predict the future, but we can prepare for it.  

Every successful business has a clear strategy. It sets out their vision, their mission, and their direction, ensuring each moving part of the business works towards the common goal.  

But what happens when things go wrong? By understanding that organisations function within a far larger context – one where ecological, economic, and social systems interconnect; where disruption and challenges are often out of our immediate control – we can begin to develop a holistic understanding of complex systems to create more informed and effective strategies.

Strategy is only relevant in context, and you’ll be encouraged to relate your studies to your own organisational context throughout.

Not only will you gain a sound theoretical understanding of complexity, and how a systems thinking approach improves planning and decision making, but you’ll pick up the tools and practical techniques to form your own strategies in the real world. And with responsible leadership at our core, you’ll be assessing risk and strategic decision making for ethical and social value each step of the way. 

Marketing in a Disruptive Digital Era (15 credits)

In this volatile business landscape, disruption is the norm. Organisations have to be ready and willing to break the status quo. This could mean shaking up their entire business model or revamping their service or product, and it will almost always involve adapting how they reach their customers.

In this highly interactive module, you’ll gain real, hands-on experience. You’ll get to grips with the marketing platforms and analytic tools to understand how organisations use the very latest data and harness the most disruptive digital trends to build sustainable growth for stakeholders.

You’ll learn how to critically evaluate an increasingly competitive, online, and distraction-filled marketplace and identify key trends. You’ll understand the importance of reaching customers with the right product at the right price, at the right time, and through the right channels. By combining insight into the complete brand planning process with the University’s vision for a ‘fairer, brighter, carbon neutral future’, this module will inspire sustainable marketing plans that meet the needs of the organisation, the customers, and the environment – we call this Total Marketing.

Accounting, Finance & Corporate Social Responsibility (15 credits)

Accounting impacts every single aspect of a business.  

In this module, you will learn to understand, interpret, and communicate in the language of numbers. Get to grips with the fundamentals of accounting and finance, and learn how to apply these principles ethically. You will explore the pivotal role they play in planning and commercial decision making, culminating in the ultimate success of an organisation or venture.  

You’ll pick up the practical skills needed to work as an effective manager. Learn to think critically and make complex data-driven decisions, including understanding and analysing financial statements and business cases, appraising investment opportunities, and benchmarking, to inform your future leadership and strategic decisions. 

Leadership Behaviours and Psychology (15 credits)

Take a step back to reflect on your leadership behaviours and style. Look inwards, and explore what it takes to become an ethical and socially responsible role model, shaping internal cultures and promoting sustainable development, inclusivity, and diversity.

Examine new ways of working to become a transformational leader in an increasingly volatile and ambiguous business world, where developments such as new technologies and shifting customer demands continually shape the decisions we make as leaders. Discover how to respond to these changes with confidence and integrity, and learn to identify innovation opportunities amongst the chaos.

Global Talent Management and Human Resource Management (15 credits)

People: your business’s most valuable resource.  

In this module you’ll gain a profound understanding of people management within a complex, shifting, and increasingly globalised context.  

Split into three main parts, it covers the principles of human resources management, global talent management, and organisational culture. From this, you’ll develop helpful people management strategies to apply to your own real-life experiences – giving you the tools to become a responsible and ethical leader.  

From recruiting and managing talent in a global market, to committing to corporate social responsibility; from creating diverse and supportive cultures, to the implications of the psychological contract; and from workforce health and wellbeing to the global paradox; this module covers the full breadth of theories and practices relating to talent and human resource management.  

Sustainable Supply Chain Management (15 credits)

Never before has responsible and ethical supply chain leadership been so crucial to organisations and the world economy. Recent events such as the global pandemic, modern day slavery, the energy crisis and climate change have shone a spotlight on the importance and impact of supply chains.

Learn from academics and high-profile speakers to gain an in-depth understanding of: supply chain strategy and design; sustainability; how to analyse and design effective supply chain operations; how to use data models and simulation games to solve problems and inform decisions and scenarios; the role of warehousing and transport in modern supply chains; procurement; operations management; risk, resilience and project management.

You will become an ethical role model with a reputation for sustainable development in a global supply chain community, acting with integrity and promoting an ethical, inclusive and supportive culture.

Digital Transformation and Information Security (15 credits)

The emergence of Industry 4.0 has meant businesses need to rely on technology now more than ever.  

Explore themes in pioneering technologies and learn to think critically about how technology can be used – and abused – in an organisation or project. 

No previous technical experience is required as you’ll be introduced to cybersecurity from a management perspective, discovering the methodologies used to protect businesses from insider and outsider information security threats.  

Module Leader Dr Dionysios Demetis goes into more detail on this module in the below on-demand webinar:

Don’t miss out. Gain more valuable insights in the full video: Watch now

You can read the video transcript on this page

Creating an Entrepreneurial Organisation (15 credits)

How do you build an entrepreneurial business? 

Learn from leading innovators themselves to discover the importance of entrepreneurship and adaptability in a rapidly changing, technology-driven environment.  

You’ll gain the knowledge and framework to create solid entrepreneurial strategies to help businesses thrive in the real world. You’ll develop the confidence to lead by example, encouraging a company-wide entrepreneurial mindset and culture of creativity and innovation.  

You will be able to identify opportunities for growth and change, how to adapt and build a more dynamic business, and how to evaluate risk and measure entrepreneurial success.  

MBA Project and Consultancy (30 credits)

Put everything you’ve learnt to the test.  

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your learnings to a true-to-life consultancy project for an existing client in a supportive, low-stakes setting or lead a project within your own organisation. 

Now fully equipped with the advanced tools and knowledge, you’ll carry out high impact, relevant practitioner-based research and use your findings to generate solutions.

Harness your ability as a manager and develop valuable consultancy skills as you design, deliver and manage each aspect of your project; from research, analysis and diagnosis, to presenting your proposals and reporting. 

Aiming to be as realistic as possible, this project will prepare you for the real-life challenges you’ll face as a professional and will help deliver return on investment back to your organisation or client. 

Dr Sarah Shaw

Director of MBA Programmes

Dr Shaw is an award-winning Reader in the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics as well as the Business School. Her research interests include the development of sustainable performance measures, performance measurement & reporting, supply chain sustainability and food security. Sarah has 15 years industry experience of working in senior supply chain roles and is an active researcher and consultant. View Sarah's full profile.

Dr Geetha Karunanayake

Global MBA Programme Director

Dr. Karunanayake teaches a wide range of modules in Organizational Behaviour and HRM for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and also supervises Ph.D. research students. Her research interests include identity scholarship, leadership and cross-cultural issues in management. View Geetha's full profile.

Dr Dionysios Demetis

Module Leader, Digital Transformation and Information Security

Dr Demetis is a lecturer in management systems at the Hull University Business School. He is also Vice-Chair of the Humber Business Resilience Forum which promotes a secure Humber region by enhancing the cybersecurity of its businesses. You can read his full profile here.

Your professional development
Throughout the programme, you will benefit from professional development opportunities to help you progress in your leadership journey. Personality profiling and executive coaching will help you self-reflect to understand your behaviour and how that impacts others.

Executive 1-2-1 coaching

As part of your leadership journey, you will have 3-4 sessions with an executive coach, informed from personality profiling.

Clement Leadership Development has partnered with the Hull University Business School to release and accelerate your leadership potential, helping you deliver and return investment back to your organisation and career.

Clement Leadership Development provides contemporary management and leadership development, executive team and 1-2-1 coaching and, professional skills development. Its aim is to enhance capabilities through purposeful and practical development for today's complex world.

The Insights Discovery Profile

The Colour Works have integrated The Insights Discovery Profile into the Global MBA to help you reflect on your leadership style. Their mission is to create vibrant working environments in which everyone feels valued and heard, communication is honest and clear, decision-making timely and robust, and authentic leadership filters throughout the organisation.

Profiles are a personal and team development tool that you can use to enhance your own self-awareness and consider how building knowledge of your colleagues’ behaviours and preferences can help you adapt and therefore lead even more effectively.

The report is based on how you behave at work, including management style, strengths and weaknesses, connecting with others and much more. It is a great tool for evoking self-reflection, sparking conversations with colleagues about the ways we work together and supporting professional development overall.

Global Online MBA

Course details

Global Online MBA

Why choose this Global Online MBA?

Course overview
Hear from Hull's Director of MBA Programmes, Dr Sarah Shaw, as she shares who this innovative and future-facing programme is for, what students will learn, and what it's like to learn online.

Course overview
Hear from Hull's Director of MBA Programmes, Dr Sarah Shaw, as she shares who this innovative and future-facing programme is for, what students will learn, and what it's like to learn online.

What you learn

Course modules