Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University

About Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University, formerly University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Prifysgol

Athrofâu Cymru, Caerdydd is a university which is one of three non-Russell group
universities located in the city of Cardiff. The university offers degree courses in a variety of
disciplines.

About Plymouth University

The University of Plymouth is a top 5 modern UK university*. It is a dynamic, ambitious and

award-winning institution with a research-led culture that encourages innovative and
creative ideas with the confidence to turn these into reality. Plymouth is an ever-evolving
campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain’s Ocean City.
Cardiff Metropolitan University

MBA Master of Business Administration (top-

up)

Intake and Fees

Next Intake Start Dates:
September 2023
January 2024
Fee:
£3180

Course Content
The course content is made up of two parts and takes approximately seven months to
complete. The first module is Research Methods (8 weeks) followed by the
Dissertation (3.5 months, elapsed time is approximately 7 months), where the student
will be required to submit an 8000 -10,000-word Dissertation on their chosen subject,
preferably related to their line of work.
The Research Methods module introduces research as practised in business and
management disciplines. Following satisfactory completion at the exam board, students
will progress to the dissertation.

At the end of the Research Methods module, students should be able to:

 Interpret existing research as a prelude to carrying out further investigation and

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of research designs and their
appropriate utilisation
  Source, evaluate and appropriately reference information from a range of sources

 Integrate the findings of existing research to ask a new research question

 Engage in critical thinking when reading and comprehending research articles

 Critically evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research paradigms

 Conceptualise a problem; formulate a methodology, aim and objectives; design a research

strategy, collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data as appropriate
 Apply theoretical principles underlying descriptive and inferential statistics

 Select and justify the most appropriate analyses, interpret the results, and write up the
results accurately and completely
 Develop a robust Research Proposal appropriate for an MBA Dissertation.
On successful completion of Research Methods, you will move onto the Dissertation, which
provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a topic relevant to management. It requires
students to:
 Critically evaluate major schools of thought within relevant management theory.

 Translate theory into practice through the study of its application in the real world.

 Undertake empirical research in this area.

 Draw conclusions about the implications of the results for managerial decision-making, in
particular strategic.
After completion of the dissertation, the student should be able to:
 Formulate research questions at a level appropriate for a Masters.

 Critically review the relevant literature.

 Select the most appropriate methodology for the collection of data, justifying that choice.

 Apply that methodology to collect primary or secondary data.

 Select a method of analysis appropriate to their research question, within the context of
what is commensurate to Masters level.
 Present the results in a manner that is clear and comprehensive.

 Draw conclusions about the results for the conduct of management.

Entry Requirements and Procedures

Students wishing to join the course must provide the following supporting documents:
A Curriculum Vitae
  A Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in a Strategic Leadership and Management subject
awarded by Edexcel BTEC, ATHE, SQA, or LRN in the last 5 years (students need to
submit both certificate and transcript on application)
 An Undergraduate Qualification Equivalent to UK Bachelors 2:2 or higher – work
experience may be considered for candidates not meeting this requirement
 A High School Certificate

 A Statement of Purpose

 Two letters of Reference/Recommendation

 A copy of your passport or another form of photographic ID

International Applicants

 A Secure English Language Test: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

 A copy of your passport (and all UK visas where applicable)

In addition to the above requirements, all applicants will be required to take a Microsoft
Teams interview with the Programme Director. Details of these arrangements will be sent
subject to your successful application.

Key Course Information

Intakes
The MBA Advanced Entry takes approximately 7 months to complete. For the first 2 months of
the course, students will have online contact with their tutor for the Research Methods module,
followed by approximately 4 months with their supervisor for their Dissertation.

Plymouth Business School

MBA Master of Business Administration
(top-up)

Duration 1 year

Part-time
Course type

Distance Learning
Location
The MBA is recognised worldwide as the premier postgraduate qualification in the field of
business management. This MBA is a ‘top-up’ programme designed specifically for holders of
postgraduate diplomas in business or management, allowing you to ‘fast-track’ your studies to
gain a full MBA award. The programme assessment is project based and supported through
expert supervision and online learning – it can be studied from any location worldwide.
Choice of three start dates: September, January and April.

Key features
 Postgraduate diploma holders can gain a prestigious MBA from a leading UK
University.
 Study from any location worldwide.
 Supported by online learning resources with access to the University e-library.
 Choice of three start dates: September, January and April.

Course details
  Year 1
 You will progress or articulate to the programme following the successful completion of
120 Level 7 credits in business and management or an equivalent postgraduate
diploma. You are required to undertake a single 60 credit Level 7 dissertation chosen
from a broad range of topics including marketing, human resource management or
international strategic management, under the supervision of an appropriate academic
with relevant subject expertise.
The programme consists of a single module: MBA project. The programme has no
taught modules and support is provided through specially developed online learning
resources and regular supervisory meetings, typically through email exchange and
Skype or an equivalent software system. The programme is designed to be an academic
challenge but appropriate support and guidance will be provided, particularly for those
who have been away from higher education for a while.
The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a
capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a
better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary
business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our
programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and
enables you to focus in on what really matters.

Entry requirements
 Minimum 120 Level 7 credits or equivalent in a business or management subject.
 Examples of such qualifications include:
• a Diploma in Management Studies from a British University
• Edexcel Extended Diploma in Strategy Management
• Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma in Management and Leadership
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business and/or Management related studies
• NCC Education PG Diploma in Business Management
 Qualifications and academic performance will be reviewed by the Programme Director.
 Advance Post Graduation Diploma in Maritime Business Management from IMBA.
 Candidates will be required to be competent in English. Candidates whose first language
is not English require IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent in
a secure English language test. If the candidate’s English language does not meet the
above standard, they will be given the opportunity to complete one of the University’s
pre-sessional English language courses. English language requirements.
 Work experience is considered as part of the application process but is not essential.
 We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted
qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding

 Student 2022-23 2023-24

Part time (Home) £4,995 £4,995

Part time (International) £4,995 £4,995

There is a possibility to pay fees in instalments. Find out more about paying your fees.

How to apply

When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made
throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You
will usually be required to supply:

 evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if

not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
 evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
 a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your
interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related
experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a
separate document
 your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant
professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for
overseas workers
 proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (L7DBM)

Postgraduate Level Programme

The NCC Education Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (L7DBM) is an Ofqual

regulated qualification that will help you understand and apply up to date management
theory and practice in the fields of marketing, information strategy, project management,
finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The Level 7 Diploma in Business Management is recognised as suitable entry onto Cardiff
Metropolitan University‘s MBA Top-up programme. Allowing students to fast-track their
studies to gain a full MBA award.
How to study the Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (L7DBM)?
Students can attend face-to-face classes with an NCC Education Accredited Partner Centre
(APC), or take the independent route and study 100% online. Our blended route offers the
best of both worlds, with a mix of face-to-face teaching and online learning.
To attend face-to-face classes or if you would like to take the blended study route please
contact one of our Accredited Partner Centres directly.
If you would like to study fully online, contact [email protected].