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 learn from academics who are experts in their fields. This will give you a firm grounding in the fundamental areas of leadership and business. Their leading research keeps the content fresh and relevant, enriching your learning experience. You’ll be able to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real business situations.
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 2023/24 full-time MBA programme. Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes and timetabling factors, as well as a student’s ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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
Programme integration: teamworking workshops, personality profiling
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, often with the same client from your Consulting in action project suggesting how to implement your recommendations
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, third sector organisation or medium sized employer.
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 forces you to experience all aspects of the business lifecycle, from start up to growth stage through to transformation. What is great is that it prevents you from hiding in your comfort zone and gives you the chance to learn new skills, not just relying on your prior knowledge.
International focus
The Bath MBA provides opportunities to build cultural awareness and understanding of the complexities of global business. Throughout the programme you will:
- join a multi-cultural class, sharing ideas and experiences to enrich your learning
- be taught by academics from across the world who are experts in their field
- visit UK-based global organisations and learn about the challenges and opportunities they face
- engage with international organisations and business leaders through workshops and lectures
- have the chance to take part in the optional International Business module, delivered during a week-long overseas trip (subject to additional costs and circumstances at the time). Further information can be found in the optional module outline below.
Core modules
We’ve designed our eight core modules to give you a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of business.
Optional modules
Almost a quarter of the programme is dedicated to optional units, letting you personalise your MBA to fit your career aspirations. After completing your core studies, you’ll pick four or five optional modules. These allow you to expand your learning and explore more content in key areas, helping you to make the MBA your own.
Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes and timetabling factors, as well as a student’s ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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 identify and apply for the right placement for your career goals. They will also support you during your internship. Recent MBA students have interned at Babcock, PepsiCo and environmentally conscious Delphis Eco.
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 all 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 engage 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, Thatcher’s, Wimbledon Tennis and Airbus.
Peer-to-peer learning
Our MBA students come from a range of backgrounds and sectors. Enhance your MBA with student-led collaborative learning. You’ll share:
- your individual experiences
- information about your culture and backgrounds
- thoughts on topical leadership challenges
- perspectives on international markets and business models
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 their fields. This will give you a firm grounding in the fundamental areas of leadership and business. Their leading research keeps the content fresh and relevant, enriching your learning experience.
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, although this amount may vary as a result of destination, inflation or other external pressures. Should there be insufficient numbers, the trip may not go ahead.
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