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    MBA
    2024 start September 

    MBA (Master of Business Administration)

    Management School, Faculty of Social Sciences

    Triple Crown accreditation means we meet the high standards of three of the world’s most prestigious accreditation bodies: AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
    MBA students in a lecture.

    Course description

    Experiential learning is at the heart of the Sheffield MBA. Our programme is designed to provide unique learning experiences that maximise the potential of each individual as part of a close-knit community. We recognise that you are an ambitious individual with unique attributes ready to take on the challenge of reaching your full potential.

    We understand that the challenges of the 21st century require globally minded individuals who can understand situations, adapt to rapidly changing environments, and then lead their organisations forward. To this end, we have designed our MBA around three core pillars of consultancy, entrepreneurship and leadership.

    Our course is diverse and tailored to your journey as a student, your individual development needs and career aspirations. Our world-class academics will inspire and challenge you to apply your learning to live organisational issues.

    At Sheffield, your personal, professional and career development demands our full attention. A dedicated module supporting this is integrated throughout your MBA journey, empowering you to explore your inner capabilities and cultivate the essential skills necessary for your personal and professional growth.

    With a focus on self-awareness, career planning, goal setting, and strategic identification, you will possess the tools, insights, and networks needed to pave your path to success.

    Applying for this course

    We use a staged admissions process to assess applications for this course. You'll still apply for this course in the usual way, using our Postgraduate Online Application Form.

    Accreditation

    This course is accredited by the Association of MBAs, EQUIS, AACSB, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Accounting and Financial Management

    As managers in businesses, social enterprises or governmental organisations, an ability to interpret accounting reports and exercise financial judgment is essential. The aim of the module is to equip non-financial students with an appropriate level of financial competence - and confidence - and hence view accounting and financial management from the perspective of general management: that is, as users of financial information. This means that learning does not take the form of a series of textbook technical exercises, but grasps concepts and applies them to the real world, as demonstrated on the case company. The accounting element of the module is concerned primarily with the usefulness and limitations of accounting and market data in published financial statements, governance and internal reports and controls, business planning, operational decisions, pricing decisions, and performance management. The financial management element of the module examines the role of accounting and market data to support financing decisions, investing decisions and cash and working capital management.

    10 credits
    Managing Organisational Behaviour

    This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of a systematic set of behavioural science concepts for analysing human behaviour in organisations. The major theories and research findings in this area derive from the academic disciplines of psychology, sociology and anthropology and students will be expected to familiarise themselves as directed. Further, the unit provides the opportunity to relate these theoretical concepts to realistic organisational problems and to consider appropriate managerial responses. In this way, the unit is designed not only to increase the ability to analyse behaviour but also to develop the skill to draw on appropriate concepts to influence and manage others effectively in organisational contexts.

    10 credits
    Operations Management

    This module is concerned with the effective and efficient marshalling of the organisation's resources to meet its objectives. An understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques will be provided and used by students to tackle cases which apply to manufacturing and service industries in both private and public sectors. The systematic and logical approach of Operational Research to the solution of management problems is also introduced.

    10 credits
    Global Managerial Economics

    This module focuses on the analysis of factors that affect strategic decisions and performance of firms from an economic perspective. This includes organisation-level factors and issues such as the contractual relationships among the different stakeholders of firms and optimal boundaries of firms, as well as the structure and contestability of markets within which they operate. There is particular emphasis on strategic interactions with competitors, designing of contracts in an environment of imperfect (asymmetric) information, and the role of transactions cost in influencing key strategic decisions involving both domestic and international operations of firms. Finally, there is discussion about the factors that influence the regulatory and macroeconomic contexts in which firms operate, including the relevance of interconnectedness of economies for domestic macroeconomic and regulatory environments. As such, the aim of the module is to provide a coherent picture of application of economic principles to different aspects of managerial decision making.

    10 credits
    The Intelligent Organisation

    An intelligent organisation knows how to use data and information, effectively and efficiently, to achieve organisational goals. Where once technology was the key driver of organisational processes and innovation, today we have entered into the second machine-age where technology is simply a basic requirement for operations, deployed like a good personal assistant. The challenge today is in effectively managing the giant pools and streams of data, information, and intellectual assets that are essential for operational effectiveness and the key drivers of innovation. From enabling a digital workplace, to managing, using and securing its intellectual assets, the intelligent organisation is also cognisant of evolving digital transformations and scans cautiously and tactically for disruptive technologies (e.g., social, mobile, analytics, cloud) while adopting an effective digital strategy. Using case studies, pseudo simulation and discussion, this module will examine and ponder the breadth of digital issues facing todays organisation.

    10 credits
    Marketing Consultancy Challenge

    This module integrates consulting with marketing through application on a real company project. You will become familiar with the marketing process, the practice and critical importance of marketing as well as important managerial decisions including those about the choice of the target market, the nature of the offerings and marketing strategies that are aimed at communicating and delivering values. While marketing will provide a set of principles and context, consultancy will provide students with an opportunity to apply theoretically grounded consulting principles into a client based marketing problem. The rationale is that many business consulting projects are driven by the initial need for improvement in markets, products and channels to customers, branding, the design of associated processes etc.

    20 credits
    Personal, Professional and Career Development

    The Personal, Professional and Career Development (PPCD) module is an integral element in the MBA journey, which runs throughout your MBA programme. It is designed to help you cultivate your self awareness and develop the skills needed to achieve your personal, professional and career development goals. This involves personal development and career planning, and setting objectives and identifying strategies to achieve them. The personal element will encompass, for example, self-awareness, self-care, wellbeing, and defining what success means. The professional element is concerned with development activities linked to professionalism and leadership skills development. The career element of this module involves supporting you in achieving your career aspirations which might extend beyond one particular employer or entrepreneurial venture.  These skills include, for example, networking, team working, negotiation, interview skills, etc. The delivery of this module will be through a wide range of in-class learning, interactive sessions led by experts, industry visits and extra-curricular activities.

    5 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

    Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

    You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    • Lectures, seminars, workshops and guest speakers
    • Interactive, requiring proactive learner engagement
    • Live business projects

    Assessment

    • Individual and group assignments and presentations
    • Project report
    • Formal examinations

    Your career

    • Masterclasses: skill development
    • Careers development
    • Networking and industry insights

    Learn about what our alumni do after graduating

    Department

    Management School

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    We have an international reputation for practical and real-world economics.

    We are a leading business school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.

    You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging business school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.

    We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.

    You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.

    We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.

    You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.

    Entry requirements

    • Minimum 2.1 undergraduate honours degree.
    • At least three years’ full time postgraduate work experience. This should include
      appropriate management experience and show good career progression.

    Your application may be considered if you do not meet the academic requirement but have significant professional and/or management experience.

    You will be invited to attend an interview if your application is successful at the initial review stage. If you are unable to attend the interview in person we will arrange with you for this to be online.

    Find out more about the MBA application process

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Fees and funding

    Scholarships

    The Sheffield MBA scholarship scheme

    We're offering a limited number of scholarships worth £10,000 each for home and international students starting their MBA in 2024.

    Apply

    We use a staged admissions process to assess applications for this course. You'll still apply for this course in the usual way, using our Postgraduate Online Application Form.

    Apply now

    Contact

    management-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk

    +44 114 222 3491

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.