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Master of Business Administration (Digital Business)

Home Courses Postgraduate Business & Management degree

Summary

Study level

Postgraduate

Award

MBA

Full time

1 year

Part time

1 year+

Location

Online

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Faculty of Business

Course Overview

Our MBA (Digital Business) will help you stay agile and at the forefront of digital business, with skills that will enable you move up to the next level in your professional life. The course has been developed to meet the needs of those working in the emerging digital landscape, and is the perfect opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in taking on leadership roles in technology enabled organisations.

Learning to confidently utilise new technologies such as artificial Intelligence, machine Learning, big data sets, the internet of things, and the artificial intelligence internet of things, means you’ll be in possession of workplace skills that set you apart from your peers once you’ve graduated from this MBA. On our digital MBA degree, you’ll examine these areas through virtual simulations which give you a unique opportunity to put your decision making to the test in a safe, experimental environment. You’ll also be exposed to state-of-the-art software platforms like Salesforce, Amazon Web Services, SPSS, and more, helping you become proficient in some of the most pervasive technologies used by forward-looking organisations today.

Having graduated successfully from the course, you’ll understand what it means to be strategic leader in the digital space – with highly sought after and transferable skills applicable across a wide range of industries. As well as these key technical skills in digital business, you’ll also develop your resilience, people and ethics skills, and will understand how to manage successful teams as an inspired and informed leader.

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Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

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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

Our MBA (Digital Business) has been designed to engage and inspire students via a range of activities that maintain a ‘real world’ focus. You’ll be exposed to a range of software applications that are geared towards business effectiveness and efficiency. These include and are not limited to Salesforce and Amazon Web Services.

Students will be required to work collaboratively. You’ll work with peers to exchange your professional experiences to learn and grow as a group – ensuring you leave with a network of supportive peers who you can continue to engage with well beyond graduating.

Technology and digitisation are at the heart of this programme. You will explore contemporary business practices and will be expected to evaluate the contribution of digital applications, develop hands on technology skills, and reflect on their contribution to business progress.

Throughout the modules listed, you will be required to cast a critical eye on the business world of the past, present, and future.

Here at Arden we know the decision to undertake postgraduate study is a major one for all students.

Is now the right time to study a master's degree?

I’ve found the Arden MBA 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

Modules

Core Modules

Competitive Strategy in the Digital Business Environment (20 credits)
Digital Finance and Ledger Systems (20 credits)
Introduction to the Digital Supply Chain (20 credits)
Leading and Working in the Digital Business Environment (20 credits)
The Digital Business Environment (20 credits)
Digital Business Project (60 credits)

Elective modules (select one)

Analysing Big Data (20 credits)
Managing Cloud Based Business Solutions (20 credits)
Managing Customer and User Experience (20 credits)

*The order and availability of the optional modules within each level may vary depending on intake and subject to demand.

How do we assess you?

Unlike many more traditional MBA courses, you won’t be required to sit exams on this course. The MBA (Digital Business) focuses on ensuring that apply your learning to real-word scenarios, helping you align your studies to how you will operate as a manager and leader in the digital business environment after you have completed your MBA.

Practice-driven

All of your assessments will be practice-driven, focusing on your real-life experience as an industry practitioner while encouraging peer-to-peer sharing and exchange. The approach is designed to encourage you to apply your knowledge to organisations or data sets systematically. This may be through examining industry case studies or applying information and approaches to your own organisation.

Virtual simulations

During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to use virtual simulations to predict, model, and scenario build for future business decisions and operations, enabling you to respond to real life opportunities and challenges that may appear in future managerial or leadership roles. Through these virtual simulations you’ll have the freedom to take strategic decisions within a safe environment, helping you gain confidence in running online businesses and making bold decisions - without the consequences that taking a trial and error approach could have in the real world. This will give you the confidence and experience to make important operational and strategic decisions without fear when faced with extreme uncertainties.

Digital Business Project

The MBA (Digital Business) concludes with an independent study assessment which forms the Digital Business Project module. You’ll identify a topic which is of interest to you in the field of digital business and then apply your own research to the discussion, building upon content you’ve studied in previous modules and developing a managerial digital transformation plan related to your own organisation or one you are familiar with.

Other assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through additional assessments including:

Reflective analyses
Strategic plans
Negotiated assessments
Digital business analyses
Software appraisals
Development of digital strategies

Study options

This course is currently available to students as a fully online programme, which gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere worldwide.

As a mature student the key factors that I wanted when deciding which university was best for me was quality content, a flexible learning schedule, and programme accreditation. During my research I found that Arden really stood out, and I could study without having to give up my job.

Abdulrahaman Usman

Master of Business Administration

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying the MBA (Digital Business) online on a part-time basis 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 when used along with our supplementary library, Perlego, 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 your 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.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

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 do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for our MBA (Digital Business), we need to see that you have:

A first degree or equivalent at 2:2 level or above plus two years management level experience.
Candidates who lack formal qualifications but possess at least five years relevant experience at managerial level will also be considered.

We also consider candidates who lack formal qualifications but possess at least five years of relevant managerial experience in any discipline.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as 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 the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course fees and funding

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Meet the faculty

Here at Arden University we strive to provide a fresh and unique approach to your business and management education. With ideas and experiences taken from employers and thought leaders across the world, we give you the opportunity to put proven business skills and techniques into practice during your studies. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Dilshad Sheikh

Dean of the Faculty of Business

Career prospects

A Master of Administration degree is still the gold standard for employers looking for leadership potential. The MBA (Digital Business) takes the fundamentals from more traditional MBA courses and modernises the content so you can become a truly contemporary leader.

The skills you gain will be transferable to the public and private sector, so the opportunities are endless. Your MBA (Digital Business) will give you the skills you need to demonstrate senior-level leadership, enhancing your CV for current and future employers.

Related courses

What will the MBA (Digital Business) do for me?

You’ll gain a wide range of management, leadership, and digital skills on your MBA (Digital Business) course, as well as exploring competitive strategies, digital finance, and the digital business environment, all within a real-world context. And because you’ll focus on adopting new perspectives and taking a digital approach to solving business challenges, you’ll learn to see managerial or organisational challenges from a fresh perspective.

Whilst studying, you’ll also develop the ability to:

Evaluate and analyse data sets using digitally-driven analytical tools   
Explore the various leadership approaches and styles that are appropriate in the digital business environment  
Assess the compliance issues, ethical  considerations, and legal constraints (for example, GDPR) that impact the digital business environment  
Develop and evaluate business leadership strategies for success in the digital business environment

What can I do after Arden University?

The MBA (Digital Business) will help you develop the right skills and knowledge to accelerate your career to a senior leadership role in change, transformation, or business management. Whether you want to join or continue working for an already established business, start your own company, or become a consultant, the course will give you everything you need to explore multiple career paths. Some roles you may want to consider after graduation include:

Entrepreneur
Chief Technological Officer
Business Director
Head of Marketing
Digital Transformation Manager
Database Lead

Industry skills

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.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning. Membership with the BGA means that Arden University will support its students’ professional growth, allowing them to contribute to an international network in which ‘Leaders Never Stop Learning’.