Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Learners on the programme should already be in work and/or have significant work experience, as the Karren Brady MBA is designed to help develop your existing career by meeting the needs of employers.

It is aligned to the current CMI benchmarks, and Arden University have academic staff embedded within the CMI benchmark review process.

The Karren Brady MBA programme offers the degree of flexibility required to ensure that even those in full-time employment have the opportunity to study. The programme will develop your skills, behaviours and knowledge, enabling you to confidently enter the business, leadership and management environment, or improve your existing career prospects within it, once you graduate.

While studying this MBA, you’ll develop and refine a range of transferrable skills and will be provided with opportunities to evidence said skills. The final project, in particular, offers the opportunity to demonstrate higher level academic skills, such as critical thinking, synthesising information and deep data analysis.

It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge to evaluate and apply various technological solutions to contemporary business challenges in the global environment. You'll also benefit from access to an e-career coach throughout your studies, who will be on hand to offer career guidance and counselling.

To be eligible for the Karren Brady MBA at Arden, you must have:

A UK Honours degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent
2 years' suitable work experience
For students whose prior learning was not taught in English, you must have IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (no less than 6.0 in any element)

As a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Higher Education Partner, the Karen Brady MBA will provide you with a CMI accredited MBA*.

This means you'll receive free CMI membership for the duration of your course, giving you access to extensive online resources such as mentoring, careers tools and CPD opportunities, as well as a Level 7 CMI Diploma.

Industry mentors
Throughout the programme, you will receive careers guidance and executive coaching. Focused on the development of career management skills and identifying career options, mentors will offer full support as you make important decisions about your future.

PCM diagnostics
Study modules which incorporate interactive, psychological inventories from talent assessment business, PCM. You can complete validated and respected questionnaires online and receive diagnostic reports to assess essential skills.

Business communication training
Master the characteristics of outstanding leadership with this optional, world-class training. Helping you refine your communication skills, no matter what stage of your career you're at. Led by professional consultants, attendees will receive a certificate upon completion of this session, which will take place at the first networking e vent (see below for more).

Karren Brady Masterclass Series
Each module will include a Masterclass from Baroness Brady, giving you the opportunity to gain a real insight into what it takes to become a successful leader, from one of the UK’s most successful women in business.

Residential networking
Networking is a vital part of MBA courses, so you'll get the chance to attend two residential workshops, where you'll meet likeminded, fellow MBA students, and benefit from peer-to-peer learning, development and support. You'll also get to hear from Karren herself, as well as other renowned business leaders, gaining leadership training and setting the scene for the programme learnings and outcomes. These sessions will also include business communication training and an introduction to your entrepreneurial project (year 2).