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MBA

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Transform how you lead

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Top 1% global triple-crown business school

Kent Business School is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA), giving you a globally recognised MBA that meets the highest international standards.

Internationally recognised leadership education

Ranked 151–200 globally in the QS MBA Rankings and accredited by AMBA and the Chartered Management Institute. Our MBA offers recognised quality and strong career value, with a CMI Level 7 qualification on completion.

Globally connected innovation

By embracing AI and responsible leadership, we bring global expertise, diverse professional and cultural perspectives, and real world insight into your transformational learning journey.

Transformational learning in practice

Our MBA is an engagement platform where theory meets hands-on activities with real businesses and real world cases, and where reflection extends beyond the classroom to support experiential learning. This commitment shapes every aspect of the programme.

Key information

50% MBA Scholarship available
Start
September
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
1 year full-time, 2 to 3 years part-time
Fees (per year)
UK:
International:
Typical offer
2.2 or above
All entry requirements
Professionally Recognised

Overview

Book a 1-to-1 MBA consultation

Want to know more about the Kent MBA? Book a 30-minute online consultation with MBA Director Maria Balta to discuss your goals, ask questions, explore the course and get personalised advice.

Book your consultation

In a world demanding ethical leadership, global awareness and bold thinking, today’s leaders need more than technical expertise - they need perspective, purpose and the ability to navigate complexity.

The Kent MBA is built for professionals ready to take that next leap - not just in title, but also in mindset.

You'll explore how leadership can be ambitious and responsible. How business decisions can deliver both profit and purpose. How innovation can create sustainable value. And how your own growth is inseparable from the impact you create.

This is not just about gaining tools - it’s about transforming how you think, lead and influence.

Through immersive projects, personal coaching and a truly global learning environment, you’ll build the confidence, skills and clarity to shape your next chapter - and make it count.

If who you become matters as much as what you learn, the Kent MBA offers a transformational learning experience designed to help you realise your potential.

Why Triple Accreditation Matters

  • Future-focused: Your teaching will meet the highest international standards – which are valued by employers worldwide.
  • Globally-connected: You’ll study alongside students and experts from all over the world – developing your own network.
  • Career-ready: You will gain real-world experience and practical skills that strengthen your career prospects and develop a stand-out CV.

Graduate with an MBA and a professionally recognised leadership qualification.

  • Professional qualification: Graduate with an internationally recognised CMI qualification, CMI L7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice alongside your degree, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status: Achieve Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status upon graduation, allowing you to stand out in the job market with post-nominals (designatory letters) after your name.
  • CMI membership: Enjoy complimentary CMI membership to support your employability and career growth. This includes award-winning career tools, study resources and access to events and professional networks.

Study the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Kent Business School and graduate with the confidence to excel in your career.

2 minutes 47 seconds

Transform how you lead: Caroline and John on the Kent MBA Experience

The course

The Kent MBA develops responsible leaders with the confidence, strategic insight and global perspective to lead through complexity, innovation and change.

What you'll study

The following modules are what students will typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Stage 1

The Kent MBA is designed to provide you with a transformative learning experience. You'll strengthen your decision-making, challenge how you think about leadership and learn to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities facing organisations today. Through immersive projects, experiential learning and collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds, you'll develop the skills, self-awareness and resilience needed to create meaningful impact.

Unique to the Kent MBA, the MBA Challenge gives you the opportunity to test your leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom.

You'll complete a Personal Challenge, an International Challenge and choose between a Consultancy, Business Start-Up or TechGenius Challenge, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests, ambitions and career goals while applying your learning to real-world situations.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

Leadership is crucial to organisational success and the form it takes and how it should be practiced is a provocative topic particularly in relation to grand challenges such as climate change, persistent inequality, and social exclusion. Today’s leaders must lead organisations in responsible and ethical ways that help to address these challenges while also continuing to provide competitive and sustainable products and services in a complex, dynamic and uncertain world. This module will advance understanding of the theories, perspectives, frameworks and debates about leadership, leaders and leading in contemporary organisations. Participants will develop understanding of how some leadership practices are more ethical, responsible, convincing, and evidenced than others. Through interactive lectures, class activities, exercises and case studies participants will gain practical insights into the form responsible and ethical leadership takes and acquire the skills of leading including creating a vision, inspiring followers, building trust, developing future leaders, and securing commitment. With this knowledge participants can build their understanding of what works and how they can develop their own leadership purpose which is ethically minded and focused on making a positive difference in today’s business world.

This module aims to deepen students understanding of operations management within both local and global business environments by exploring process analysis and design, capacity planning, inventory control and supply chain management. Students will undertake a critical examination of how operations management strategies intersect with broader organizational imperatives, such as fostering innovation, nurturing new ventures, and ensuring ethical and sustainable performance. Students will also engage with advanced principles and theories of project management, empowering them to skilfully navigate complex business landscapes with confidence and efficacy.

This module explores how strategic marketing supports all business operations to understand the needs of the consumer and the global markets the organisation is operating in. It equips students with the strategic insights and digital proficiency required to navigate the contemporary marketing landscape. Through a comprehensive exploration of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and digital tools, students develop the acumen to formulate and execute effective marketing strategies that drive organisational growth and innovation. Students will explore the key topics of market analysis, brand management, marketing mix optimization, digital marketing strategies, and the ethical dimensions of marketing in a rapidly evolving digital era.

This module will explore the dynamic world of creating and sustaining business ventures in a global landscape and the importance of entrepreneurship for the vitality of a national economy. From ideation to execution, this module combines creativity and strategic thinking, empowering students to reflect and harness their entrepreneurial spirit and turn innovative ideas into tangible realities. We explore the latest trends and practices in startup culture, disruptive technologies and the dynamic and competitive nature of the marketplace in which new products and services are introduced. Through case studies, interactive workshops, and real-world simulations, students learn to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurial ventures, while also embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Whether students aspire to launch their own startup or drive innovation within existing organizations, this module provides the essential skills and insights to make their mark on the global business stage.

This module will provide students with the knowledge and appreciation of the global economic context in which organisations operate and equip them with the tools required to consider the strategic rationale for growth. Business growth may take a number of forms and this module will provide students with the knowledge to evaluate whether growth is desirable and if so, what form is most appropriate in the context, recognising the trade-offs faced. At the end of this module, students will be able to apply the principles of strategy in business decision making.

The module provides an understanding of key concepts, theories and tools of accounting, finance and corporate governance. This knowledge is then used to investigate the various applications of financial analyses for decision-making within uncertain and constantly changing business environments. These investigations will emphasise environmental, social and governance issues within financial analysis. It explores possible pathways and potential conflicts of interest when focussing on sustainable and ethical financial decision-making. At the end of the module, students will be able to conduct relevant financial analyses, interpret outcomes with respect to specific business contexts and communicate recommendations for sustainable financial decision-making.

The aim of this module is to give students an intensive grounding in applied business modelling and hands-on experience in using industry-standard spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel®) to structure, analyse, and solve a variety of problems commonly encountered in business and management. At the end of this module, students will be equipped to carry out sophisticated modelling and support evidence-based decision making.

This unique module provides students the opportunity to apply and explore key areas of learning relating to the MBA priorities of developing transformational leadership through sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship and embracing new technologies.

This is achieved by undertaking two core MBA Challenges and a final MBA Report:

1. Personal Development Challenge: This challenge runs throughout the student’s time on the MBA. It allows students to step back from their busy lives and self-reflect on their current skills, learning preferences and leadership styles and to support their MBA learning journey with the following activities: Academic mentorship, Research skills, Leadership workshops, Executive Coaching and Networking events.

2. International Challenge: This is the opportunity to work with our European Business connections to explore the practicalities of doing business in Europe and working with International organisations. The week involves workshops and seminars, cultural visits and an international consultancy project to develop consultancy skills further.

And a choice of two of the following Challenges;

3. Consultancy Challenge: A week’s programme developing consultancy skills and applying these to a live company brief. The students work in a team to provide a solution to the business issue and present recommendations to the organisation. The involvement and commitment of the students adds value to local business owners and students benefit from the opportunity to apply academic and practical skills to real-world situations.

4. Business Start Up Challenge: A week’s programme working with our Aspire team and external entrepreneurs to explore and develop a business plan for a new business/new business development within a current role/industry.

5. TechGenius Challenge: A week's programme exploring the latest innovations and tech inventions which will disrupt future business practices.

How you'll study

Through experiential learning, personal reflection and real-world business challenges, you'll develop the confidence and capability to lead through complexity.

Diverse perspectives, shared ambition

Join a global cohort of mid-career professionals - blending international insight with UK industry experience for deeper learning and richer conversation.

Why study the Kent MBA?

International students, Fabien and Toshi tell us what it's like studying an MBA at Kent, and to be a part of a global community.
Watch our video

Transforming heritage

Tom is leading a major transformation for the UK Parliament to radically improve how we conserve UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tom's story

Take on The MBA Challenge

Transform theory into experience and make impactful and personal shifts in how you lead, not just what you know.

Responsible leadership

Tione led a transformative gender advocacy campaign for local disaster response strategies in Malawi.
Tione’s story

Entry requirements

2.2 or above

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second class UK degree or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a variety of subject areas and a minimum of three years' appropriate and relevant leadership work experience.

Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for senior managers with more than ten years’ managerial work experience who don’t have an honours degree.

An individual online interview will form part of the selection process, if you meet our general entry criteria.

Our professional community

Between 2020-2023, 20% of our students on the MBA have between 3-5 years of leadership work experience, with 40% having between 6-10 years, 19% having between 11-15 years and the remaining 21% having 15+ years of leaderships or managerial work experience. 

Application Deadlines

As places are limited, we advise applicants to submit their application early to guarantee consideration of an offer. Applications for the MBA received after 31 July will be considered on a case-by-case basis, if places are available. The course starts in mid-September.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Fees and funding

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • Full-time (UK)
  • Part-time (UK)
  • Full-time (International)
  • Part-time (International)

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2025/26 is £5,006.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities.

Chevening scholarships

This programme attracts many applications from Chevening scholars. Chevening is the UK Government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders, and Kent is a Chevening partner. 

For details of the funding available, see our Chevening Scholarships page.

The Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

Unlock a 50% discount off your tuition fees for proven leaders in sustainable business.

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

Your future

Lead with confidence. Create meaningful impact.

The Kent MBA prepares you to lead organisations, drive transformation and create meaningful impact in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

You'll graduate with the confidence, strategic insight and global perspective to navigate change, seize new opportunities and lead responsibly across industries, sectors and cultures. Through experiential learning, executive coaching, consultancy projects and collaboration with a diverse international cohort, you'll develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in senior leadership roles.

Leadership impact

Throughout the programme, you'll develop the confidence, self-awareness and leadership capability needed to progress your career and create meaningful impact. Executive coaching, mentoring, industry engagement and experiential learning opportunities support your personal and professional development throughout the MBA.

From live business projects and consultancy challenges to networking events and leadership development activities, you'll gain practical experience while building the confidence to lead responsibly in a rapidly changing world.

Our graduates go on to lead teams, organisations and entrepreneurial ventures across the globe, supported by a lifelong professional network of alumni, business leaders and fellow MBA graduates in ventures worldwide, including:

  • Cummins
  • NHS
  • Glassdoor
  • United Nations
  • Porsche
  • ExxonMobil
  • CISCO
  • Bank of Uganda
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • National Bank of Malawi
  • Kent Enterprise Trust

Professional recognition

The MBA programme is accredited by The Association of MBAs (AMBA), the international impartial authority on postgraduate business education. An accreditation with AMBA is a global standard for MBA programmes worldwide.

MBA Graduates earn

69%
more on average than Level 7 postgraduates. (LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes)

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK
Fauzia Idrees, MBA student

Breaking the bias

"I use my business to empower women. Many women that I have met along my life in Pakistan had qualifications and skills, but they are not actively encouraged to get jobs."
Fauzia's story
Kush Kanodia, MBA graduate

Driving change

"The MBA opened my eyes to the business case for systems change for disability inclusion. Worldwide, there are 1.85 billion disabled people, and the purple pound is valued at £13 trillion globally."
Kush's journey
James Harvey

Building a better tomorrow

"Decent pay and working conditions are key to addressing issues like trafficking, and the West has a big part to play in this, as we customers and corporations alike are the buyers of these goods."
James' fight for justice
Naila Alakbarova, Master of Business Administration (MBA) 2017

Investing in my future

"I strongly believe that earning my MBA demonstrates to my employer that I can successfully work within a diverse team to achieve project goals."
Naila's story

Why study at Kent?

Values-driven, globally recognised

Gain a double-accredited MBA from a triple-accredited business school committed to sustainability, ethics and responsible business.

Leadership, your way

Shape your journey through The MBA Challenge - choose projects that match your goals, from consultancy and entrepreneurship to AI and innovation.

More than a number

At KBS, you’re known by name. Individual coaching, academic mentorship, and tailored feedback ensure your learning is personal, not generic.

A learning community, not just a classroom

You’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit cohort representing diverse background - where peers, alumni and mentors help shape your thinking and your future.

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

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