Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences

Master in Business Administration Programme

Specification

Academic Year: 2020-21

Degree Awarding Body: University of Bradford

Partner(s), delivery Dubai (teaching institution)

organisation or support
provider (if appropriate):

Final and interim award(s): [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

(FHEQ) level 7]

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Business

Administration (PGDip)

Postgraduate Certificate in Business

Administration (PGCert)

Programme accredited by (if AMBA; AACSB; EQUIS;

appropriate):

Programme duration: Executive: 36 months

Distance learning: 36 months

QAA Subject benchmark Business and Management (2015)

statement(s):

Date last confirmed and/or June 2018; April 2019; March 2020; September
minor modification approved 2020
by Faculty Board

Please note: This programme specification has been published in advance of the academic year to which it
applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but
changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which
impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them. Upon commencement
of the programme, students will receive further detail about their course and any minor changes will be
discussed and/or communicated at this point.

Introduction
The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) provides students with the skills of
responsible value generation. The aim, therefore, is to create strategic leaders capable of
sustainable and transformative change in a global business environment.
The Executive and Distance-Learning MBAs are aimed at mid-career managers who wish to
enhance their managerial skillset and provide the flexibility to fit studies around busy
schedules.

The material used for the MBA is unique to Bradford and has been tried and developed
over a number of years. The options allow the MBA to be tailored to the students’ career
trajectory. Options can be used to create a concentration in areas such as finance,
marketing and the circular economy. Or, to gain a breadth of knowledge across a diverse
range of modules, a variety of modules can be taken across different areas.

The range of subject areas studied will enable the student to assess and find creative
solutions to complex issues. Through developing critical skills the MBA student will be
able to appreciate and accommodate differing perspectives, challenge preconceptions,
traditional functional boundaries and standard practices.

The programme will help develop key personal skills including; the ability to communicate
solutions to complex scenarios and challenges in a logical and coherent manner and; the
development of strategic, ethical leadership skills allowing implementation of solutions
and transformational change effectively and efficiently.

Throughout the MBA, students will be expected to combine the academic insights attained
through previous managerial experience thereby grounding newly acquired knowledge
within previous professional experience. Students will be able to reflect on and learn from
prior experience and be in a strong position to integrate the new knowledge attained with
past experience and apply it to new situations.

On satisfactory completion of this programme students will be eligible for the award of a
Masters in Business Administration.

Distance Learning MBA: The Distance Learning programme is delivered to a world-wide

audience. The programme makes significant use of professionally developed materials
which student’s access via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The universal
accessibility of the resources means students are able to learn at a time, place and pace to
suit their individual needs. These online resources are accompanied by collaborative and
participative methodologies. For each module studied there is the opportunity to attend
live online tutorials and engage in further online debate and discussion with fellow
students and tutors using carefully selected technologies.

Executive MBA: The Executive MBA is delivered in Bradford and Dubai, facilitated by
experienced academics that will help connect students practice with theory. This means
that for each module studied students will use the School’s comprehensive online
materials as well as the online collaborative and participative technologies. This will
provide students with a highly flexible learning model that can accommodate busy work
schedules. Students will prepare themselves through the online material and the on-site
sessions will then provide deeper learning by contextualising practice with theory.

Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

• Develop management professionals with a sound understanding of key

management theories and practice.
 • Advance critical abilities enabling students to analyse complex situations and
problems, organising, synthesising and analysing the relevant factors leading to the
adoption of suitable decisions making techniques and solutions to the
problems/situations encountered
• Create leaders with a critical awareness and understanding of the issues affecting
organisations operating in a dynamic environment equipped with the knowledge,
skills and acumen to contribute to management practice that meets the highest
standards of ethics, sustainability and responsibility
• Develop the life-long learning skills necessary to support continuous professional
development necessary to practice as managers and contribute to business, the
wider community and society
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of how to organise, conduct and
disseminate organisational investigations in the area of business and management

Programme Learning Outcomes

To be eligible for the Degree of Master at FHEQ level 7, students will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of contemporary management

knowledge and scholarship, together with awareness of contemporary business
issues, and current research and practice in business administration in both
domestic and global contexts

LO2 Demonstrate a broad but rigorous understanding of the concepts, constructs and
frameworks applicable to business administration and of the tools and techniques
used to support decision making

LO3 Exercise personal initiative and responsibility in effecting solutions to complex

strategic business problems surrounding by uncertain business intelligence and
incomplete data

LO4 Evidence adaptability and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the
ability to work cooperatively with others and provide an impact as an ethical leader
in a range of contexts

LO5 Demonstrate a personal and critical understanding of sustainability and to be able

to make business decisions, taking into account the complexity of the sustainability
agenda in its broadest sense

LO6 Assess on-going professional and career development needs and to take action to
maintain the knowledge and skills required to practice

LO7 Critically evaluate and develop investigative designs that will facilitate the collection
of data to support the construction and presentation of business cases
Curriculum
FHEQ Module Title Type Credit Study Module Code
Level Type
7 Competitiveness through Technology and C 20 DL OIM7030-B
Innovation EX OIM7031-B
7 Leadership for Transformational Change C 20 DL HRM7028-B
EX HRM7029-B
7 Digital Marketing, Branding and Strategy C 20 DL MAR7018-B
EX MAR7019-B
7 Accounting and Economics for Decision C 20 DL AFE7036-B
Making EX AFE7037-B
7 Corporate Finance and Crowdfunding O 10 DL AFE7039-A
EX AFE7038-A
7 Entrepreneurship and Creativity O 10 DL EAE7004-A
EX EAE7010-A
7 Financial Risk Management in European O 10 Toulouse AFE7001-A
Banking
7 International Business Strategy O 10 DL SIB7002-A
EX SIB7016-A
Marketing Communications O 10 EX MAR7015-A
DL MAR7005-A
7 Global Supply Chain Management O 10 Ex OIM7007-A
7 Management Consulting O 10 Ex OIM7012-A
7 Digital Health and Informatics O 20 DL OIM7037-B
7 Materials, Resources, Energy and O 10 DL OIM7019-A
Competitiveness
7 Business Models for a Circular Economy O 10 DL OIM7020-A
7 Diversity, Scale and Development O 10 DL OIM7021-A
7 Enterprise and Innovation O 10 DL EAE7005-A

Postgraduate Certificate
Students will be eligible to exit with the award of Postgraduate Certificate if they have
successfully completed 60 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes.

Postgraduate Diploma
Students will be eligible to exit with the award of Postgraduate Diploma if they have
successfully completed at least 120 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes.

Degree of Master
FHEQ Module Title Type Credit Module Code
Level
7 MBA Management Project C 60 MAL7037-E
Students will be eligible for the award of Degree of Master if they have successfully
completed at least 180 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes.

Study Type – DL = Distance Learning; EX = Executive

Type – C = Core; O = Option

Learning and Teaching Strategy

The learning and teaching strategy has been customised to suit each programme. One of
the major factors influencing this approach is an appreciation that the MBA student body is
not homogenous. The level, type of and depth of work experience will vary as will the
approach to learning, the learning styles and motivation for studying an MBA.

The programme is structured into core and optional modules and the Management Project.
All participants complete four x 20 credits core modules and a choice of option modules
totalling 40 credits. The MBA is completed with a 60 credit Management Project, totally
180 credits that are required for a Master’s degree.

Distance Learning MBA: Distance Learning students will gain a sound insight into each
subject studied through the module study books. A deeper understanding of each subject
will be gained by consulting further resources e.g. textbook and journal readings,
professionally produced audio and film resources and formative MCQs. All of these
resources are accessed via the VLE.

A key element of the MBA involves the development of interpersonal skills and the
provision of opportunities to work and learn collaboratively with fellow students and/or
academics. On the Distance Learning programme these opportunities are available through
the allocation of an individual module tutor to help guide the students learning; a variety
of live online tutorials; various discussion forums and the provision of written feedback on
a series of formative tasks. The nature of the collaborative activities will vary, though
typically students may be required to engage as a group, develop and discuss a
case(s)/scenario and provide solutions based on sound analysis and logical argument
using information from varying sources. Constructive feedback will be provided by peers
and the module leader/tutor.

Interaction and engagement is also made possible through the opportunity to attend block
modules in Bradford and Dubai (typically delivered over 3days).

The detailed materials provided for each module coupled with the collaborative
opportunities and the students own managerial experiences will provide a holistic insight
into how the varying elements that make up the MBA programme are connected with one
another.

Executive MBA: The programme is based on a blended learning model. This means it is
facilitated by an experienced academic, based on pre-reading which is available to on-line.

In order to gain an understanding of the key theories and constructs associated with each
subject area students will be required to engage in self-directed learning. In practical terms
this will mean consulting the materials in the module study books and the accompanying
online resources before the module is delivered.

Students attend face-to-face classroom based sessions with a subject specialist. In these
sessions there are opportunities to re-visit/reinforce the understanding of key theories and
ideas. The sessions will primarily focus on analysing and evaluating organisational and
situational cases against taught theory and provide the opportunity to apply the learning
to work environments and those of colleagues. During the sessions students will be
required to undertake personal research, work in groups, manage and coordinate team
activities, develop and communicate solutions based on sound analysis and logical
argument using a range of media. Constructive feedback will be provided by peers and the
module leader/tutor. In order to ensure students gain a good understanding of the
relevant theories and frameworks they will later attend a series of online tutorials where
they will have the opportunity to discuss the subject specific theories and concepts with
the module leader and fellow students.

The detailed materials provided for each module coupled with the collaborative
opportunities and the students own managerial experiences will provide a holistic insight
into how the varying elements that make up the MBA programme are connected with one
another.

Assessment Strategy
Students can expect to be evaluated through a range of assessment methods including -
online MCQs, individual and group assignments, reflective personal reports, multimedia
presentations, online collaboration and discussion and viva voce, and formal examination.
The assessment strategies adopted will ensure the programme learning outcomes are met.
For example examinations and online MCQs will allow the student to demonstrate an
understanding of the concepts, constructs and frameworks whilst individual assignments
will require them to use their own initiative, solve problems and present solutions to
contemporary business issues.

All written assignments are submitted for evaluation through Turnitin which is a facility
within the institutional VLE. Turnitin provides a means of checking that work meets the
standards of scholarship expected of students of the University of Bradford and is the
mechanism by which marks and feedback will be provided.

All assessment tariffs, evaluation criteria, pass marks and marking scales comply with the
University of Bradford’s guidance and policies governing assessment.

Distance Learning MBA: Each module is assessed individually. The assessment strategy
adopted will differ between modules depending on the nature the module’s learning
outcomes. The assessment will typically require students to demonstrate an understanding
of key managerial theories and concepts. Further, they will be required to demonstrate an
ability to apply critically and creatively the various theories and frameworks to
organisations and/or case based scenarios.

Typical Distance Learning student characteristics e.g. working full time, living in varying
time zones, makes summative assessment involving meaningful levels of collaboration
problematic. This is overcome through the close management of any collaboration which
forms part of the summative assessment and the use of asynchronous collaborative
tools/technologies.

Executive MBA: Each module is assessed individually. The assessment strategy adopted
will differ between modules depending on the nature the module’s learning outcomes. The
assessment will typically require students to demonstrate an understanding of key
managerial theories and concepts. Further, they will be required to demonstrate an ability
to apply critically and creatively the various theories and frameworks to organisations
and/or case based scenarios.

Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are
available at the link below:

https://www.bradford.ac.uk/regulations/
However, there are exception(s) to these regulations as listed below:

• On completion of the taught element of the programme and at the Interim Exam
Board, a student who has 50 credits or more requiring supplementary assessment
will not be permitted to proceed to the dissertation stage of the programme. The
decision to allow progression will only be reconsidered at the Supplementary Exam
Board.

Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students and most important in
the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from
their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration
of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other
relevant experience.

Applications are welcome from students with non-standard qualifications or mature

students (those over 21 years of age on entry) with significant relevant experience.

An acceptable profile of an applicant with formal academic qualifications would be:

• At least 3 years postgraduate work experience including experience in a

supervisory, managerial or business capacity; evidence of numeracy and literacy
competences, e.g. a satisfactory GMAT1, which is valid for the year of entry; a good
first degree or equivalent overseas qualification from a recognised institution, and;
an approved test in English, if English is not the applicant’s first language.
An acceptable profile of an applicant with recognised professional qualifications would be:

• At least 5 years work experience in a professional capacity, post qualification;

evidence of numeracy and literacy competences, e.g. a satisfactory GMAT, which is
valid for the year of entry, and; an approved test in English, if English is not the
applicant’s first language.
An acceptable profile of an applicant without formal academic or professional
qualifications would be:

• Significant managerial or business leadership experience (normally 8 years);

evidence of numeracy and literacy competences, e.g. a satisfactory GMAT, which is
valid for the year of entry; an academic recommendation based on a one-to-one
Interview, and; an approved test in English, if English is not the applicant’s first
language.
As the programme is delivered entirely in English, applicants must be able to demonstrate
proficiency in the English language thus, UK educated students must have a GCSE grade 4
(C) or above. Non-native speakers must have a 6.5 score on IELTS test of English, 94 in the
internet-based TOEFL or a score of 60 or more in the Pearson English Test – exceptionally,
holders of a degree from a native English speaking country (as defined on the University
central admissions database) awarded within 5 years prior to entry to the Bradford

1
The nominal score varies between countries. Consequentially, all applications are individually assessed against
national norms.
programme may be exempt from these English test requirements, subject to the provision
of an employer’s letter indicating the communication medium used in the workplace is
English. Alternatively, English capabilities may also be assessed through the provision of a
portfolio of evidence as outlined in the Bradford English Matrices.

Applicants may be invited to take an online numeracy and literacy test and to discuss their
application with a member of the Bradford admissions team. Test results, references, and
the overall quality of an applicant’s profile will determine whether an offer of a place is
made.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If applicants have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate and
recognise this learning in order to provide applicants with exemptions from specified
modules or parts of the programme.

Minor Modification Schedule

Version Brief description of Modification Date of Approval (Faculty
Number Board)
1 Streamlined LOs January 2020
2 Specification reformatted and made accessible December 2020