Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

Phase 1: September - January
Introductory programme
Research Methods Workshop
Study visit
The Organisation in its Environment

• Law workshop
• Management Environment and Economics
• Organisational Behaviour

Managing Performance

• Quantitative Methods Workshop
• Management Business Processes
• Accounting

Phase 2: January - April
Consultancy Skills Workshop
International Study Visit

Managing Systems: People, Information and Knowledge

• Information Systems Management
• Human Resource Management

International Strategic Planning and Marketing

• International Business Strategy
• Marketing in an International Context

Phase 3: April - September
Global Management Forum
Career Development Workshop
Developing International Strategic Capability

• Financial Strategy
• International Corporate Strategy
• Management Change between Cultures

Elective studies.
Topics vary to reflect current business issues and staff research interests, e.g. entrepreneurship, e-commerce, international business and supply chain management.
Successful completion leads to the award of Master of Business Administration.
Management development emphasis The Brighton MBA focuses on management development by building knowledge, confidence and competencies to address complex business problems in a fast changing global business environment. The course initially covers the key functional management areas of business management and then progressively develops strong strategic management capabilities to develop well rounded effective managers with the potential for rapid career progression or to manage their own business.
Developing internationalism The strong international orientation is particularly evident through:

• The nature of the internationally diverse MBA group itself.
• Two international study visits are highlights of the programme. One is normally to Belfast, Northern Ireland, in November, to develop research and consultancy skills through attempting to solve a real business problem. The second visit is normally to Brussels (Belgium) and to Reims (France), in February, and involves sessions with company directors of multi-national companies concerning marketing and corporate strategies.
• A Global Management Forum brings in guest speakers on international business and management.
• The 16 month MBA International Management programme involves a study period or work placement in another country. Students may join partner programmes in either France, Germany, Italy, Spain or, possibly the USA (limited places available with exchange).
• Optional language tuition is provided in another European language to help preparations for those who opt to study abroad.

International students The University of Brighton has an excellent reputation for welcoming International Students and offers an Orientation Week prior to the start of the course. Student counselling, chaplaincy and help with finding accommodation are also available. Applicants whose first language is not English may be offered the University's pre-sessional course in English for Academic Purposes to help them prepare for studying in English at masters level.
Supportive learning environment and innovative teaching To maximise the chances of success, a safe and effective transition into the course is achieved through the selection procedures, and the provision of a non-assessed introductory programme. Research has found that students who learn together with others are much more likely to succeed. On the MBA this is recognised by the establishment of student project groups and learning support groups, the provision of academic personal tutors, and a culture of openness and support. The MBA also includes special workshops to support learning in areas such as research and consultancy skills, as well as career advisory support.
New learning technologies Brighton supports its learning community with a set of computer-meditated tools that are important for any level of study. In addition to extended use of the internet, the MBA provides access to course materials via the 'Studentcentral' a managed learning environment. Scholarly journals are available online, as are academic databases and financial/economic resources. The university's library catalogue is available electronically and reservations can be made online.
Learning with others One of the greatest strengths of the programmes is the participants, who are chosen from a variety of functional backgrounds and from countries around the world. Relationships between the tutors and the students are professional and supportive. The MBA is taught in small groups that promote high interactivity and exchange of perspectives from students from different sectors, occupations and countries.
Learning support groups Brighton is an internationally recognised leader in Action Learning which is a method of management development that applies the ideas and concepts studied on the programme to real problems that are encountered in the workplace. Action Learning suits people who like to have a large degree of control over the process of their own learning. The Brighton MBA offers Action Learning as an optional means of learning support where students work together in small, mutually supportive learning groups which gives students confidence to try out their own ideas and explore alternative 'solutions' to business problems.
Qualifications Successful participants will be eiligible for the award of the MBA. Those who also satisfy the requirements of the additional period of study abroad will be recommended for the award MBA International Management.
Graduate employability We are particularly proud of our employability record which over recent years has seen 90% of new graduates employed within six months of completing the MBA course. The Sunday Times ranked the University of Brighton 6th of all universities in graduate employability. Typical careers for MBA graduates include general management, business negotiators, banking and teaching. Companies employing Brighton's MBA grduates include Price Waterhouse (China), Hewlett Packard (Germany), Microsoft (Mexico), PepsiCo (India), Royal Bank of Scotland (UK), Deliotte and Touche (Spain), Fuji Bank (Japan) and Total Oil Marine (UK). The University's careers service can help you with all aspects of career plannning.
Research and consultancy Brighton Business School is most active in business research areas and has a number of specalist research units such as:
management development; small business development; economic and social transition; supply chain management and eLearning. Many of the staff have provided consultancy work for local and internationally renowned organisations.