Overview
We offer the world’s first and only MBA focused on the Circular Economy.
This new economic model aims to:
- use resources and energy more effectively
- reuse products and materials
- deliver increased profit for organisations
As a student you’ll have a unique degree and first-mover advantage, opening up a range of new career opportunities. You’ll learn the core aspects of a traditional MBA programme, augmented by in-depth study of this contemporary economic model – equipping you with the skills you need to tackle the business, social and environmental challenges of the twenty-first century.
The curriculum has been developed in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. You’ll study topics including:
- regenerative product design
- new business models
- reverse logistics
- materials, resources, energy and competitiveness
- operations, marketing and strategic management
The programme is studied part time through distance learning, using a combination of self-study, online teaching and group discussions. This flexibility means you can fit your learning around your work and home commitments, and complete the MBA at a pace to suit you in anything from two to six years.
Contact our Distance Learning MBA team
- Enquiry form
- Email: distancelearningmba@bradford.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44(0)1274 790 112
Professional accreditation
We are proud to be in an elite group of business schools to hold the triple accreditations of Equis, AMBA and AACSB, often referred to as the "Triple Crown".
Rankings
Times Higher Education Business School of the Year 2021
The Times Higher Education Awards recognise outstanding achievements in UK higher education. The School of Management was recognised for our focus on economic and social regeneration.
Our award citation states, "During the pandemic, the school focused its initiatives on helping graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds navigate the disrupted job market and on providing support for local businesses dealing with crisis trading conditions. The judges commended Bradford's "inspiring" support for students, alumni, schools and local businesses."
Find out more about our Times Higher Education Business School of the Year 2021 award
Learning and assessment
Our Circular Economy MBA programme consists of three stages:
- 20-credit core modules – designed to help you get back in to learning and provide fundamental knowledge of management principles and theory, before leading into an in-depth understanding of specialist topics that are essential and relevant to the contemporary commercial world
- 10-credit core modules – designed to help you explore contemporary management topics in more detail
- Management project – enables you to put the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme to practical use on a relevant management issue
Your knowledge and understanding of each subject area studied will be assessed by the most appropriate means. This will typically involve the completion of a written assignment, an exam, or in some cases an assignment and an exam.
How you study
Each module contains study units that you will progress through each week under the guidance of a module leader. This equates to approximately 14-16 hours of study per week.
If work or family life is particularly busy we offer flexibility for completion of the MBA in two to three years.
Career support
AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS)
The School of Management has joined the prestigious worldwide AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). All students will be given an opportunity to enhance their employability skills, helping to make them ready for the world of work.
AWS Academy is a global program that provides educational institutions with access to cloud computing content to support student learning in a competitive digital workplace. As a member of the AWS Academy, the University of Bradford will help students become proficient and certified in the use of AWS technologies and ready to join the dynamic cloud IT workforce.
All learners will have the opportunity to seek professional certification with the skills gained through AWS Academy content, delivered by University staff that are AWS Academy accredited.
Career Booster
During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:
- The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
- Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
- Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
- Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.
In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.
Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.
Career prospects
An MBA is an opportunity to either change career direction or consolidate experience then return and progress in a previous industry or job. The Financial Times Global MBA rankings show that alumni continue to operate in a wide range of sectors with, on average, 20% of them being in board level positions within three years of graduation.
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Study abroad
You may decide that you want to accelerate your studies, learn about a particular subject area, study alongside other University of Bradford School of Management students, or simply broaden your horizons and spend some time studying overseas. You can do this by studying up to 20 credits in block modules (i.e: three days of intensive study) at no extra cost (other than travel, accommodation, and subsistence) at the School of Management or at our partner institution in Dubai (within COVID travel guidelines and regulations).
University of Bradford School of Management (UK)
Distance Learners can join elective block modules, which are taught at the School of Management in Bradford.
Students are welcome to attend these blocks, having the opportunity to: "study business in your own little village and gaze out on stunning views stretching to the Yorkshire Dales and Haworth, the Bronte home" (The Independent Newspaper, A-Z of Business Schools).
With our students coming from varying backgrounds, attendance at these block sessions gives you a real opportunity to learn not only from some world-renowned academics but also from your classmates. Please note that access to these modules is subject to availability.
University of Bradford School of Management (Dubai)
Our Dubai MBA programme has now been running for more than a decade. Students can attend elective blocks at our study centre in Dubai's Knowledge Village. These block modules run over a three-day period. Please note that access to these modules is subject to availability.
Study support
Study support
Each module has been designed so that your understanding and knowledge is developed through using a variety of materials from textbooks and academic journal papers through to video clips, podcasts, online discussions and live online tutorials.
Supporting materials
For each module, you will be provided with electronic access to readings, the core textbook, and discussion boards through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Tutorial groups
While distance learning allows you more flexibility to study, we ensure that you will never feel like you are studying alone.
When studying a module you will attend live online tutorials with an academic. You can also discuss topics with other distance learning students and academics through discussion boards and informal networking sessions online.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
The University of Bradford School of Management uses a virtual learning environment. Each module you study will have a dedicated site containing:
- Guidance on the assessment used for the module
- PowerPoint slides and lecture recordings
- Access to Zoom for live tutorials
- Key readings selected by Bradford academics from leading academic journals, trade publications and broadsheet newspapers
- Selected audio and video clips helping to underline your knowledge and understanding of particular subject areas
- Additional non-compulsory readings enabling you to further engage with a subject and advance your understanding
- Formative assessments allowing you to monitor your understanding and get instant feedback on your progression
University of Bradford School of Management Library
As a distance learning student, you will have access to the University's online library resources. This means that wherever you are in the world, you can access thousands of academic journals, market reports and textbooks all from your computer.
Distance learning students also have their own dedicated librarian who can provide students with photocopies of various materials including journal papers, book chapters, and company reports.
Academic Skills Advice Service
It may be some time since you last studied for a formal qualification, and some of your key learning skills such as essay writing, critical analysis, and revision may require some attention. The School of Management Academic Skills Advice Service can provide you with all the help you need to overcome such obstacles. A variety of additional information is available, and you can also book a one-to-one consultation with our effective learning advisor.
Find out about the support available to all our students.
Research
The Circular Economy components of the course are based on the latest research and thought leadership from around the world, supported by our academic partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
