Full-time MBA programme content and structure
An outline of the Bath full-time MBA’s modules, our Multi-Project Suite and how we teach the programme.
The Bath MBA combines the latest teaching techniques with practical projects. You’ll be able to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real business situations.
Leadership and personal development form the backbone of the Bath MBA. You’ll do a series of projects including an individual leadership project. You will also develop your personal skills through our programme of workshops.
You’ll get great opportunities to meet business leaders, network and build relationships through:
- our guest speaker series
- company visits
- the optional international business experience activities
- an optional paid internship
All assessment focuses on practical learning: coursework, presentations and other hands-on methods. We avoid exams because we think it’s more important for you to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Please note that the modules and course information below relate to the 2022/23 full-time MBA programme. Optional module choices are subject to change due to factors like topicality, student demand or faculty availability.
Programme timeline
Discover a year of opportunity with the Bath MBA.
All timings are approximate.
September
Orientation
Meet your new classmates and the MBA team
Big Team Challenge: meet a corporate partner and work on a business challenge
October - December
Core modules and the consulting project
Study the first set of core modules.
Consulting in action project: work with an organisation on a real consulting project
Careers: MBA graduate leadership schemes
January - March
Core modules and the change project
Study the second set of core modules.
Change in action project: Work in groups on different aspects of a complex change initiative
Careers: Recruitment into senior/experienced roles
March - May
Core modules and the entrepreneurship project
Study the third set of core modules.
Entrepreneurship in action project: Work as a team on a new business idea. Pitch it to a panel of experts.
Careers: Recruitment into senior/experienced roles
April - June
Optional modules
Tailor your MBA to your interests by choosing four or five optional modules.
July - September
Integrated project
Choose from a group project with a corporate client or an individual project on a topic of your choice.
Careers: Recruitment into senior/experienced roles and internships
September
Optional internship
Add to your CV with an optional internship
December
Graduation
Celebrate your success at one of Bath’s historic venues
Multi-Project Suite
With our unique Multi-Project Suite, you’ll complete four different projects instead of doing a final project focusing on one topic.
The Multi-Project Suite lets you work on a range of business problems with a variety of organisations. It includes individual and group work. Immerse yourself in topics like entrepreneurship, change management and consulting.
The Multi–Project Suite lets you apply what you’ve learned from your core and optional modules, and think creatively about solving real business challenges. You will:
- improve your research and consultancy skills
- get exposure to different types and sizes of organisation
- have real-world project work to add to your CV
Entrepreneurship in action
Work as a team on a new business idea which you’ll pitch to a panel of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Consulting in action
A two-week real consulting project, usually for a small local business or third sector organisation.
Change in action
Work in groups on different aspects of a complex change initiative.
Integrated project
Work in a group with a corporate client on a detailed business challenge, or do an individual project related to a business or management topic of your choice.
The Multi-Project Suite is a big differentiator for Bath. Instead of just doing one big dissertation, we do four independent projects, providing a much broader experience. I have worked with three companies, ranging from a large corporate, to a travel start-up and an award-winning app.
International business experience
The Bath MBA provides opportunities to build cultural awareness and understanding of the complexities of global business through the optional International Business module.
This optional module aims to foster a deeper understanding of cross-cultural business through a combination of taught and experiential content. Delivered during a week-long trip to an overseas destination (subject to circumstances at the time), this module gives you the chance to visit and learn from organisations and engage with taught content in an international setting.
As part of this module, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in activities such as:
- trips to a city, region or country where you can meet with businesses and academics to understand their cultures and approaches to business
- virtual visits and interactions with business leaders, company representatives and academic thought leaders
Please note that if you choose this module, you must take part in the trip for which the costs are met by students individually. You should budget approximately £2,500 for this module.
While we aim to deliver the same learning outcomes each year, the location of the trips and whether or not they are conducted in-person, online or cancelled altogether, will depend on the circumstances at that time and may be beyond our control.
Core modules
We’ve designed our eight core modules to give you a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of business.
Optional modules
With almost a quarter of the programme dedicated to options, you can tailor your MBA to your personal interests. You can pick four or five optional modules.
Optional module choices are subject to change due to factors like topicality, student demand or faculty availability. Sometimes we may cancel a choice for unforeseeable reasons.
Optional internship
Add to your CV with an optional internship at the end of your MBA.
With over 300 business partners, our MBA Careers team will help you find the right placement for your career goals. Recent MBA students have interned at Grey Advertising, Perrigo and Bath-based social enterprise The Genesis Trust.
Internships start in September, after you have finished your studies. They can last from three to six months.
Internships are not guaranteed. Places are competitive and we advertise opportunities to students.
Interact with industry
The Bath MBA brings you together with business leaders and organisations.
Business is at the core of the Bath MBA. You will interact with our business partners from your first week. Get insights into different industries and help build your network.
Guest speakers
Hear insights and experiences from a range of leaders from diverse sectors. Our guest speakers will share their thoughts on topics like current business issues, corporate strategies and complex management situations.
Recent speakers have included experts in:
- digital and social media
- management consulting
- data analytics
- branding
- global trading platforms
- private equity
- entrepreneurship
Company visits
Visit a range of companies and find out how they manage in a competitive global environment. Recent visits include Jaguar Land Rover, Amazon, Wimbledon Tennis and Wessex Water.
Peer-to-peer learning
Our MBA students come from a range of backgrounds and sectors. Enhance your MBA with student-led peer learning. You’ll share:
- your individual experiences
- information about your culture and backgrounds
- thoughts on topical leadership challenges
Further information
Information about how we deliver the Bath MBA and additional costs.
Teaching and learning
Occasionally we make changes to our course in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies or the requirements of accrediting bodies.
You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised course, in accordance with our terms and conditions.
You’ll learn from academics who are experts in the fields of business, management and finance. Your learning experience will be enriched by the research activities and collaborations of academic staff.
The Bath full-time MBA is a campus-based programme. Most modules are taught in-person, on campus. Occasionally, we may offer guest speakers, individual lectures and/or workshops online. If circumstances mean we have to move to blended or remote learning, we will let you know of any changes in advance.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including:
- lectures
- online resources
- practical sessions
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
Methods of assessment
Exams are not a feature of the Bath MBA. Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework/essays, presentations, in-class participation and portfolios.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers tuition and academic materials. Other aspects (e.g. social activities, networking and events) are provided at the University’s discretion and are not part of the tuition fee.
The fee includes the cost of:
- essential textbooks
- case material
- journal extracts
We provide all course materials in digital format.
Some modules involve visits away from the University campus, and you may need to pay some or all of the costs of meals on such trips. We will pay for your transport.
If you choose to take the optional international business module you will be expected to take part in, and meet the costs of, the international business trip. You should budget approximately £2,500 for this.
Regulator
This course is regulated by the Office for Students.
Entry requirements
The academic and professional experience you'll need to apply for our full-time MBA