--- title: "MBA (Top-Up)" description: "Accelerate your path to a complete MBA qualification with Arden University's Online MBA Top-Up Degree course. Achieve your career goals at your own pace. Apply today!" canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/mba/mba-top-up" published: 2020-10-22 updated: 2026-07-14 author: "Arden University" --- # MBA (Top-Up) ## Course details and modules This top-up master’s degree is designed for practising managers who are looking to take the next step up in their careers. When creating the course modules, we listened to our graduates and alumni and worked with experienced industry leaders to produce a well-rounded, innovative course of study for students. ![Abdulrahaman Usman](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2020-06/Abdulrahaman%20Usman%20Distance%20Learning%20Student.png) 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 ### Modules - Transformation Capstone Project (60 credits) ### How do we assess you? A big part of your online MBA (Top-Up) work will be the opportunity to create and take ownership of a detailed piece of research relating to a management issue. To back your development, Arden will provide you with academic support to make sure you have the skills and resources you need to successfully complete the assessments. Your tutor will also be able to give you suggestions and tips for improvement - and help you learn how to apply your newly-acquired skills to real life settings. A variety of methods are used to assess your progress, allowing you to demonstrate your strengths as you study. These assessments include: - Case studies - Proposals - Dissertation ## Study options This course is available to students as a fully online programme, which gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere worldwide. ![Simon Henry](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2022-04/Simon%20Henry%20%282%29.png) 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 #### 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 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](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/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. ### Eligibility To be eligible for this MBA (Top-Up) course, we need to see that you have: - 120 credits at Level 7 in a broadly-based business/management award, such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, or an equivalent international qualification. ### English Proficiency - If your Level 7 qualification was taught in English, this can serve as your proof of English proficiency. If you studied outside the UK, your institution may be able to provide a medium of instruction letter demonstrating that your Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma was taught in English - Alternatively, an English Language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each component) if English is not your first language. If you don’t already have the required qualifications for this MBA (Top-Up), Arden may be able to offer you a place on our full MBA programme. You can also explore our [MBAs](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/qualification/mba). ### Funding and Scholarships 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. ## Meet the faculty ![Dr. Hassaan Khan](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-06/Hassaan%20Khan.png) Hassaan Khan brings 15 years of experience as a senior academic in higher education. Hassaan studied accounting and finance at the University of Kent, followed by an MSc and PhD in Finance from Durham University. Prior to joining Arden, he was associate dean at the Global Banking School, looking after the finance and business management degrees. Hassaan was director of programmes at BPP University where he was responsible for degrees in finance and applied management as well as professional courses and degree apprenticeships in accountancy. Dr. Hassaan Khan Head of School - School of Management and Executive Education ## Career prospects By graduating with an MBA (Top-Up) degree, you’ll be setting yourself up to take on senior leadership challenges in any organisation or business, both in the public and private sector. An MBA (Top-Up) qualification will equip you with the skills you need to progress to a senior management role in diverse industries all over the world. The specialist skills you’ll possess after graduating are highly valued by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Related courses - [ Executive MBA ](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/mba/executive-mba) - [ Executive MBA (Data Analytics) ](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/mba/executive-mba-data-analytics) - [ Executive MBA (Finance) ](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/mba/executive-mba-finance) Related Articles - [ Business and Management Articles ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/subject-areas/business-and-management) - [ Career Advice ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/career-advice) ### What will I gain from completing this degree? After graduating, you’ll have: - Demonstrated you can apply knowledge and skills at a strategic level - Undertaken activities that have improved your own organisation - Used your personal development and planning skills to contribute to society and the workplace - Used your problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions - Shown genuine deep knowledge in your chosen specialist area - Taken a world view, demonstrating that you understand global issues, diversity and ethical questions - Developed your communication skills ### What can I do after Arden University? So where will your career take you next? Our MBA (Top-Up) gives you the scope to take on new and exciting challenges while preparing you for senior and leadership roles in any industry of your choosing. ## Industry skills ![Chartered Management Institute (CMI)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2021-04/Arden%20University%20joins%20forces%20with%20CMI_standard_card.png) ![CMI Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2023-02/fCMgr-eligible-badge---Arden-800px%20%281%29.png) ### Chartered Management Institute (CMI) This course awards a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status \* The [Chartered Management Institute (CMI)](https://www.managers.org.uk/) 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 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and gain CMI Foundation 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. ![Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2023-02/AACSB-logo-member-color-RGB.png) ### 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)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2021-07/BGA_Member_logo-1.png) ### 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. ![enterprise incubator](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/kb_image_low__resize/public/2024-03/AEI%20logo.jpg?VersionId=2aBJxGjskqotz2fHdQiU7oXRPIIbUmmC&itok=ykQCd1OO%20) ### 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. ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "MBA (Top-Up)", "description": "Accelerate your path to a complete MBA qualification with Arden University's Online MBA Top-Up Degree course. Achieve your career goals at your own pace. Apply today!", "datePublished": "2020-10-22T15:40:04+01:00", "dateModified": "2026-07-14T20:00:01+01:00", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Arden University" }, "mainEntityOfPage": "https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/mba/mba-top-up" } ```