Executive MBA

Executive MBA

Summary

Study level
Award
MBA
Location
Berlin or Online
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Looking for a world-class management career? Study your ​Executive MBA in Germany and accelerate your career across diverse industries with in-depth knowledge of business and leadership theory.

Do you already have managerial experience, but want to make the next strategic move in your professional life? The Executive MBA delivered at our Berlin campus is not like other MBA courses you may have come across. We use a holistic, multidisciplinary approach developed with change management at its core, giving you the tools you need to upgrade your existing leadership abilities so that you can step confidently into senior level positions in your organisation. 

On top of this, the learning environment here at Arden University Berlin fosters an environment of collaboration where you’ll be able to develop your creativity and entrepreneurial mindset. We’ll also help you widen your horizons when it comes to the true meaning of leadership - helping you better understand yourself, your organisation, and how to bring about lasting and positive change in your workplace. 

This course has dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), providing you with the prestigious CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management and ILM Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management. That means you’ll graduate with professional recognition and a qualification that’s recognised across the globe. And with your CMI Level 7 Diploma, you’ll be eligible for the fast-track route to Chartered Manager status.

                The UK’s number one Executive MBA as ranked by CEO Magazine
  
Exec MBA 2024

 

Master of Business Administration (CMI)
Video • 2 mins

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Award
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, supporting your career and connecting you with likeminded professionals. 

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Course details and modules

Through an extensive study of leadership styles and strategy, you’ll enhance your own management abilities and become an indispensable asset to your organisation. 

Oscar Bustillo

I have enjoyed doing my master’s here because it’s not like a traditional university where you sit in a classroom and a lecturer talks and you write down everything. I like that when we come here there’s actually a discussion and we do a lot of analysis.

Oscar Bustillo
MSc Project Management student, Arden University Berlin

Modules

Before you can receive your Executive MBA, you’ll need to complete 180 credit hours, which are comprised of the following 7 modules:

  • Competitive Strategy
  • Leading Global Teams and Organisations
  • Financial Management
  • Contemporary Marketing Communications Planning
  • Managing Digital Transformation and Innovation 
  • Project Analytics 
  • Business Transformation Project 

How do we assess you?

The way we assess our students provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your strengths in a number of ways. That’s why we choose a range of methods to keep track of how well you are progressing. These include:

  • Assignments
  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Portfolios of work
  • Exams

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our study centre in Berlin, Germany

The course is also available to students via online learning.

  
Simon Henry

I’ve found that studying my degree online with Arden has given me a much more comprehensive foundation of knowledge around the topics I don’t often encounter in my work role, including financial decision-making, ethics and strategy. This knowledge will enable me to progress to more strategic roles in the future.

Simon Henry
MBA Online

Full time, blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at our centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our online learning platform and university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study your degree successfully when you’re away from campus. You’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Full time study in Berlin is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students.

Learn more about our Berlin campus


Online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.  

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and online library which gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study with us).

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning. 

Learn more about online learning

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study your degree in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study this degree, we need to see that you have:

  • A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent
  • Two years suitable work experience

We also usually ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your motivations to study the course. We may also want references and evidence of relevant work experience.

English Proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 60-78; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide an English Proficiency letter. Get in touch to find out more.

If you don't have work experience

If you have limited or no management work experience, we are happy to consider, and positively encourage, your application to our MBA degree programme. On this MBA you'll learn the same advanced management and leadership skills found on other MBA courses, but without the requirement of previous managerial experience.

If you don’t have academic qualifications

At Arden University we are more than happy to consider, and positively encourage, an application from you if you have substantial management experience (typically 5 years) and can show us that you have the motivation to study the programme.

We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to study your master's course. We may also want references and evidence of relevant work experience.

Don’t have any of the above?

If you have other postgraduate-level business awards you may be eligible for entry and/or exemptions. This will be assessed on an individual basis.

If you don’t already have a degree, and you’re not quite there with the required amount of work experience, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our undergraduate degree programmes.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

 Dr Phungmayo Horam

Our business and management faculty in Berlin are a dedicated and passionate group of professionals who are here to help you reach your goals both in and outside of the classroom. Get to know some of our business faculty members before you start your programme by following the link below.

Dr Phungmayo Horam
Academic Lead

Career prospects

Where you use your Executive MBA is completely up to you, but after completing this course you’ll be ready to take on any exciting new challenge and more senior management positions.

  • Average Annual Salary for a Investment Banker in Germany is €89,000*.
  • Average Annual Salary for a Sales Director in Germany is €95,000*.
  • Average Annual Salary for a Financial Manager in Germany is €95,000*.

*sourced from PayScale.com, 2024.

What will I gain from this degree?

We strive to have all of our graduates leave their courses with demonstrable industry knowledge and transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of fields. The Executive MBA course at our Berlin campus covers the most important topics in business and leadership, so you will have a solid foundation to take on more senior management roles.

As a graduate, you’ll have gained knowledge of:

  • Strategically solving complex problems in the workplace with innovative solutions
  • Planning and personal development within the context of improving an organisation
  • Effectively working as part of a diverse, dynamic team
  • Communicating professionally through negotiating, persuading, and presenting information
  • Global issues, diversity, and ethics in management today

What can I do after Arden University?

An Executive MBA is one of the most highly sought-after qualifications in today’s workforce. After earning your MBA at our Berlin campus, you could go on to roles including:

  • Marketing Manager
  • Management Analyst
  • HR Manager
  • Senior Product Manager
  • Senior Management Consultant
  • Business Operations Manager
  • Financial Manager
  • Information Technology Director
  • Sales Director
  • Investment Banker
  • Business Consultant

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. The institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect you with likeminded professionals across diverse sectors. 

As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. They are also active in business policy making across the globe, and ensure that their more than 140,000 members are represented in policy decision making. 

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline. 

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

This course awards the IOEE Professional Extended Diploma in Business Innovation and Growth

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) is the first learning institute dedicated to developing and recognising enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Arden University has been recognised as an IOEE Academy and our courses are accredited. This demonstrates our commitment to enterprise and equipping students with the skills needed to set up and run their own business, work in a small enterprise, or bring entrepreneurial skills to a larger organisation.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

This course is accredited by the Institute of leadership and Management (ILM). You'll graduate with an ILM Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management.
The ILM is a professional membership body for leaders and managers, with a mission of inspiring great leadership through qualifications, training, and cutting-edge research. The institute is a globally recognised mark of quality for its members and provides valuable insights through its vast industry links and publications. 
As an Arden student, you’ll have free membership to the ILM throughout your studies, giving you access to over a thousand comprehensive learning resources, including webinars, videos, leadership assessment tools, a dedicated e-learning tool, careers advice, and networking opportunities.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

Career development resources

Once you’ve enrolled with Arden, our careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside our online platform, ilearn. The careers centre is here to help you discover the areas of your academic and professional life that you find most meaningful and rewarding, and then apply this to your career pathway. 
Just a few of the career tools you’ll find in the careers centre include:

  • CV360, which analyses your CV and provides instant feedback for improvement
  • Interview360, helping you practise your interview technique in a stress-free environment and tackle some of the most common interview questions - as many times as you need to
  • Aptitude tests to help your improve your critical thinking, numeric, and logical reasoning skills
  • 100s of interactive courses focused on giving you the skills and confidence you need to excel in your professional life. 
  • My Jobs, where you can search employment vacancies, browse employer profiles by location and, or connect with other employees on LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.