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Executive MBA

Summary

Study level

Postgraduate

Award

MBA

Full time

1 year

Part time

1 year+

Location

Berlin, London, Manchester or Online

Apply today

Faculty of Business and Innovation

What makes Arden University special?

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.

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.

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.

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

The driving force behind Arden University’s Executive MBA is to help experienced managers like you disrupt conventional ways of thinking to lead business transformations. The programme equips you with the key skills needed for modern global business management, helping you gain a competitive edge in your industry. Rooted in a learning-by-doing methodology, the degree emphasises directly applying what you learn to your day-to-day role, allowing you to demonstrate immediate impact in your organisation. This, combined with Arden’s flexible learning, means your degree will complement your career, not get in the way of it.

With industries transforming faster than ever, organisations will require jobholders to be agile and tech-savvy. That’s why we’ve ensured our Executive MBA takes a digital-first, global, and contemporary approach to your learning, ensuring you gain the modern strategic, financial, and people skills you need to meet the current and future demands of a constantly evolving sector. Our esteemed lecturers bring a wealth of experience from senior roles in both the private and public sectors, along with significant academic expertise. They have designed the course in consultation with leading UK employers and our international alumni, so you can be confident your studies will provide you with the advanced skill set to become a future leader of tomorrow.

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 course is ideal for experienced managers who are looking to take their careers to the next level. We also offer MBA pathways focused on finance and artificial intelligence, as well as a specialised MBA to help those without work experience break into the world of business management.

The UK’s number one Executive MBA as ranked by CEO Magazine for two consecutive years

Accreditation and Memberships

ILM Accredited

Institute of leadership and Management (ILM) accreditation means you'll graduate with an ILM Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

BGA Membership

Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), meaning students will receive complementary BGA membership.

AACSB Membership

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

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

CMI Accredited

This course awards a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice and grants graduates Chartered Manager Status.

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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

Make your organisation the focal point of your Executive MBA

Combining management theory with real-world business application is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we offer the valuable opportunity to follow a single narrative throughout your studies: your organisation. At each stage, you’ll be able to apply your current work environment to your assessments, examining your organisation from a fresh perspective and adding to your management expertise and credentials with every module.

Become a confident leader in today’s business landscape

Our course is carefully curated to incorporate real-life case studies, offering content that mirrors the challenges and dynamics of today’s business world. These case studies are drawn from various industries and workplaces so that all students have the opportunity to apply their learning and leverage their understanding in context. We also ensure our module content remains relevant and aligned with industry standards to keep you at the forefront of current developments.

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

Modules

Competitive Strategy
Leading Global Teams and Organisations
Financial Management
Contemporary Marketing Communications Planning
Managing Digital Transformation and Innovation
Project Analytics
Transformation Capstone Project (60 credits)

How do we assess you?

No exams in sight! Instead, we’ve designed innovative assessments to allow you to demonstrate your strengths and put your new knowledge into practice in real-world scenarios. This includes live projects and client briefs, virtual internships, writing case studies and reports, delivering presentations, and creating proposals. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply both assignments and an original research project relating to a management issue relevant to your role and organisation.

Experience a collaborative learning environment

Connect with peers at similar career stages, share ideas, and expand your global network.

Our Executive MBA emphasises community-driven learning and reflection. You'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals at the same stage of their careers, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate. The international cohort on the programme adds another exciting dimension, bringing diverse perspectives and enriching your course content through personal and cultural experiences.

Industry guest speakers from around the world

Throughout our Executive MBA course, we introduce industry guest speakers who bring their valuable experiences to the table through engaging lectures and talks. You'll have the opportunity to gain real-world management insights directly from these skilled professionals, leveraging their expertise to supplement your studies. You can then apply these insights to enrich your learning journey.

Pathways

We provide the opportunity to focus on a specialised degree in finance or data analytics.

Executive MBA (Finance): Develop your skills in financial decision-making with the 'Analysing Business and Financial Performance' and 'Managing Strategic Finance and Risk' modules.

Executive MBA (Data Analytics): Develop deeper insights into the data that drives business success and disrupt conventional ways of thinking with the 'Analysing Big Data' and 'Managing Cloud Based Business Solutions' modules.

MBA: If you don’t meet the entry requirements for our Executive MBA degree because of limited work experience, take a look at our MBA course, which has been designed for those with limited or no previous work or managerial experience.

Study options

This course is available to study full time through our blended learning study mode at our campus in Berlin, Germany, London Stratford and Manchester.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees..

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

Full time, blended learning

How does it work?

Our blended learning study mode combines structured in-person learning with the flexibility of guided independent study. You’ll attend eight hours of timetabled, face-to-face classes each week, spread over two days at your chosen Arden University campus.

Alongside this, you’ll spend approximately 25 hours each week on independent study. You’ll use iLearn, our digital learning platform, to access key resources, submit assignments, and stay connected with your tutors and classmates. Whether you prefer studying in our on-campus learning spaces or at home, you’ll be supported throughout your journey.

Blended learning is ideal if you value regular in-person teaching and want the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. With classes concentrated over just two days, you’ll have more control over your time, while still benefiting from face-to-face interaction and access to university facilities.

This course is also available to study full-time at our Berlin, Germany campus.

Learn more about Blended Learning

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 access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree 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 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.

What if I don't have any management experience?

Take a look at our MBA course

Find out more

Standard entry requirements

To be eligible for the Masters in Business Administration, we need to see that you have:

A UK bachelor’s degree at second class level (2.2) or an equivalent international qualification
2 years of work experience in a management role (take a look at our MBA if you don’t have this)

English proficiency

Online Learning: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent

Blended Learning in the UK or Berlin: IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 60-78; or equivalent. Free English language support is also available at the Arden Berlin campus.

Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

Don’t have prior work experience?

For those without prior work experience, we have an MBA programme that could be the perfect fit. Arden’s MBA has been designed to help students like you not only complete a full MBA, but also use their qualification as an entryway into a management position.

Non-standard entry requirements

We’re happy to receive an application from you if you have substantial management experience (typically 5 years) and can show us that you have the motivation to study this programme.

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

Course fees and funding

Funding and Scholarships

UK students can apply for up to £12,167 funding from Student Finance England fund your studies.

If you’re an international student, we have a number of Regional Offers that can help you save money on your tuition fees.

Refer a Friend

When you help a friend or family member to study with Arden through our Refer a Friend programme, both you and the person you refer will receive a £500 Amazon e-voucher or £500 tuition fee credit.

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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. Syed Ali Tarek is the Head of Department for MBA and Executive Education programmes. With over 16 years of experience, he has excelled in senior leadership roles and managed large academic teams. He led Arden’s MBA and EMBA to global recognition as top tier programmes in CEO Magazine's 2024 edition. Dr. Tarek has contributed to quality assurance in UK higher education and advised international initiatives, including collaborations with the UN. He will lead the department by setting strategic goals, ensuring high academic standards, integrating sustainable practices, and fostering innovation to enhance student satisfaction and programme quality.

Dr. Syed Ali Tarek PhD, MSc Oxf, SFHEA

Head of the Department - MBA and Executive Education

Career prospects

Ready to upskill and join the elite ranks of business management? A Master of Business Administration degree is the gold standard for employers looking for leadership potential. Our modern, international learning approach means your CMI and ILM accredited Executive MBA will give you the edge in the eyes of employers worldwide. Whether you want to progress with your current organisation or to take on a new challenge, the Arden Executive MBA provides the tools you need to unlock your full potential.

Related courses

What can the Arden Executive MBA degree do for me?

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to build on your existing skills and experiences using the latest developments in business, helping you become a better manager and upskill to a more senior-level role. Because you’ll focus on adopting modern perspectives and taking a wider view of business issues, you’ll find the skills you develop are transferable to a range of industries and roles. Whilst studying, you will:

Become equipped with leading-edge skills, knowledge, and experience to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0.
Learn the latest industry developments and apply your experience to global and contemporary business theories and practices.
Demonstrate you can apply your knowledge and skills at a strategic level.
Complete projects or tasks that directly improve your organisation’s success.
Develop communication and interpersonal skills required for key positions in the industry.
Use problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions to modern business challenges.

What can I do after Arden University?

A comprehensive survey by Accenture in 2020 revealed that 74% of jobs were likely to change significantly over the next five years. In a post-pandemic world, industries are rapidly transforming, with 95% of positions requiring jobholders to be upskilled in digital technology.

Because we’ve aligned our Executive MBA with the latest developments in business management and the CMI and ILM, graduates of this degree will be ready to lead these transformations and take on senior-level roles within national and international organisations across the public and private sectors.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and offers CMI Full Chartered Manager Status *

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. 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. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

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.

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and gain CMI Full Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

Arden University is an approved IOEE Centre of Excellence, highlighting our commitment to staying at the forefront of education and industry standards. We continuously update our services to meet market and student needs and offer IOEE membership to our staff, students, and learners.

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 receive free membership to the ILM for a year after your graduation, 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.

Arden Enterprise Incubator

As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.

The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts, so our students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, we foster an entrepreneurial culture among our students. We are dedicated to supporting their continuous growth by promoting enterprising thinking and practical entrepreneurial skills.