Part-time MBA

The Part-time MBA stream is aimed at candidates who have at least five years of significant managerial experience who wish to further develop their understanding of, and effectiveness in, their organisational and business context.

Entry to the programme is in late Septembe and February. The overall period of study is typically between two and three years, depending upon the time of entry and the amount of time that can be devoted to attending units and to private study. Students must complete the six core units and any six option units within a three year period. A further six months is allowed for the dissertation.

The average age of participants is about thirty six years. It is unlikely that anyone much under the age of thirty would be deemed to have sufficient managerial experience to obtain maximum benefit from this stream of the MBA programme.

 

Programme structure

During each academic year, half of the core units will be scheduled during day-time ( 9am-5pm), normally Fridays, and the remainder in weekday evenings ( 6pm-9pm), Monday to Thursday. Core units delivered in day-time during one year will normally be delivered in evenings during the following year, and vice-versa. In this way, students are able to choose whether they undertake mainly day-time or evening study, or simply choose whatever pattern of attendance happens to suit them from time to time. Optional units may be delivered during day-time or evenings.

The MBA is divided into 4 parts:

1.Core modules

Key Management Skills and the Effective Leader

Organisations in Global Context

Contemporary Marketing

Quality and Operations Management

Accounting: Measuring and Managing Performance

Corporate Finance

Strategy

Managing People for Performance

Decision Modelling and Analysis

2. Optional modules - choose two

Logistics Management

Supply Management

Project Management

Other modules available from our MSc programmes, featuring risk; entrepreneurship and consultancy

Specialist Group of Options

3. Application of Management Skills for Business Impact

A feature of our MBA is the opportunity to use the core elements previously studied in the context of a leader's role. This element of the course highlights creativity; innovation decision analysis; change; and strategic decision making - all skills sought by employers.

4. Dissertation

Workload

Clearly, a student’s workload at any point in time will depend upon the overall duration of study (anything between one and three years) and the number of units studied in any Semester.

Over three years, the total attendance time averages out at one core unit and one option unit per Semester, which equates on average to eight days (or sixteen evenings) spread across approximately twelve teaching weeks. Private study for reading and work on assignments would add approximately eight hours per week.

Spread over two years, attendance time would average about one day or two evenings per week, or some equivalent combination, plus about ten to twelve hours of private study.

Completing the degree within one year would be equivalent to full-time attendance, but with a different schedule to the full-time stream. It would not be realistic to study the programme in one year and to have significant other work commitments.

How will you learn?

Your understanding of the subjects covered and your ability to use the knowledge and skills gained will be enhanced through a variety of methods and strategies. Some of the key learning approaches that you will experience as a student in the School will include:

  • Group work
    Group work is recognised as vital in your development when looking forward to, or continuing in, a management role. You will be supported in learning how to form and maintain group cohesiveness to achieve clearly defined outcomes, such as a business report, a group presentation or a combination of both.

  • Case-studies
    You will be presented with many different business case-studies that reflect the reality of decision-making and problem-solving activities in today's business environment. The case studies are selected to reflect the specific needs of your programme or unit of study.

  • Learning alongside other students
    Throughout your time with us you will be working alongside fellow students from a wide range of cultural and geographical backgrounds. This is a powerful resource and we are particularly keen to encourage you to set up learning networks with other students that may extend beyond the time of your study at Southampton.

    To help with this style of networking you will be expected to learn to communicate with each other as well as your teachers in a variety of contexts. For example, during a large group lecture you may be given the opportunity to discuss a specific problem or complete a task in small groups, often with people who are sitting alongside you. The possible answers would be shared by the large group as guided by your teacher.

    The example noted above indicates that you are expected to be an 'active' learner through taking part in small group discussions and offering your views on many occasions.

Examinations and assessment

A range of assessment methods are used including essays, case studies, coursework, examinations and the dissertation.

Student Support Service for Learning

The School has a Learning and Teaching Coordinator and a Management librarian who are able to support your learning needs throughout your time of study. For example they provide induction programme of academic skills sessions, including on-line search techniques, as well as individual support in study skills, where appropriate.

You will also be allocated a personal tutor, normally the Programme Director, who is there to support your academic development and other points relating to your programme of study such as option choices.

 

Programme Specification

To view the programme specification for this MBA programme follow the link.

Further Information

For further information or for an informal conversation about our MBA programmes please contact Helene Glasspool on +44 (0) 23 8059 8612.