Join Kent Business School’s inclusive community. Receive high-quality teaching with real-world relevance and benefit from our commitment to sustainable innovation and strong links to business. We’ll help you to make your mark.
Are you looking to fast-track your career and become an inspirational leader recognised for cutting-edge innovative, sustainable, entrepreneurship-minded thinking? If so, Kent Business School is the place for you to realise your ambition.
The AMBA-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a prestigious and internationally recognised degree of the highest status. Studying the MBA, you learn about organisations and the context in which they operate, re-interpret these organisational frameworks and apply this acquired knowledge, practically. MBA students frequently springboard into high-calibre roles. MBA Alumni/graduates often become entrepreneurs and launch their own ventures, or take their sought-after skills to public bodies, such as the NHS.
The MBA at Kent Business School is delivered by academics and business leaders at the highest level of their expertise. You will be encouraged to think deeply, question everything and find solutions to some of the most critical and convoluted issues facing business of tomorrow’s world.
Your expertise, business acumen and ability to think on your feet will be tested on our exciting and demanding MBA Challenge module/experience which covers four areas vital to success in business. Throughout this course you will apply your learnings via industry visits, workshops, and our MBA Study Tour.
If you are interested in studying an MBA, or have already applied and want to find out more, then Kent Business School’s MBA online briefings offer a unique insight into the criteria and learnings of the course – if you want to get a head start on securing your place, registration is essential.
Not only will you hear directly from MBA Director, Debbie Kemp, who will run through the programme in detail, but also you will get the chance to ask current or past MBA students questions.
Check out the upcoming dates and secure your place.
You’ll be gaining a broad overview of knowledge required to be an exemplary business leader, including global strategy and economics, strategic marketing, people management and leadership, innovation, business analytics and corporate responsibility and sustainability. You will end your Master's with a series of four challenges including personal development, a consultancy project, an international business challenge, a business start-up task and write an independent research project under the supervision of a expert supervisor.
We are updating all of our modules on this course to ensure we provide you with the tools you need to make a real impact after you graduate. We are currently working with CMI to make sure these modules meet industry standards and retain this course's accreditations.
Kent Business School is within the top 1% of business schools globally to receive the 'triple crown' accreditation.
We introduce you to our business partners, giving you the opportunity to work on projects with leading organisations such as IBM, Barclays and AstraZeneca.
Hear testimonials from Kent MBA students and from our MBA Director, Debbie Kemp.
Our MBA course is double accredited by AMBA and the CMI. This is the hallmark of quality that helps you make rapid progress in your career.
Study our MBA on your timeline. You can complete the course in 1 year full-time or in 2-3 years part-time to fit around your professional schedule.
Below, you will find information on application procedure and entry requirements for the MBA course at Kent Business School.
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.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from the UK
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
The MBA is designed to provide you with a transformative learning experience, so you can take the next step in your career and develop your entrepreneurial and leadership skills. The MBA is designed to be delivered in immersive block teaching, so you can more easily work alongside your studies. This also ensures the course is co-delivered with Full-Time and Part-Time students benefitting from studying together, creating wider networks.
The MBA Challenge module is unique to this course, giving you the opportunity to test your skills across a 'Personal challenge', an International challenge' and your choice of either a 'Consultancy', 'Business Start-Up' or 'TechGenius' challenge depending on your own talents, goals and ambitions.
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.
We use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, small group seminars, group projects, presentations, expert speakers, company visits, computer-based workshops.
Classroom-based learning is supported by the latest online technologies and learning platforms.
The MBA course builds on 3 pillars:
Your progress on this course is assessed by a variety of means, including written examinations, essays, presentations, reports, projects.
This course aims to provide a transformative learning experience for mature students looking to increase their Business and Leadership skills to enhance their careers and make a positive impact in local and global communities they work in.
The MBA Challenge module is unique to this course which gives you the opportunity to test, apply and reflect on your leadership and entrepreneurial skills. It includes the following Challenges:
Core Challenges:
Optional choice of two Challenges to suit the students learning journey from the following:
Consultancy Challenge, Business Start-Up Challenge or TechGenius Challenge.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
Our lively and active postgraduate community is brought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close community between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching.
Students have regular contact with their course and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work.
We introduce you to our business partners, giving you the opportunity to work on projects with leading organisations. Our long-standing relationships include:
Meeting with other professionals and discussing the challenges faced by business helps to further your understanding of contemporary business. We give you lots of opportunities to build your network.
This annual event is organised in partnership with the Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and Locate in Kent.
Our MBA students receive an exclusive invitation to attend the event each year.
The conference is attended by local and national businesspeople, as well as people working in local and regional government. It promotes collaboration between Kent business, local government and academics in ensuring sustainable economic growth for the county.
In 2023, our Summit provided the ideal forum to debate topics such as productivity, sustainability, place-making and skills. The Summit took place in Kent Business School, allowing participants the chance to take part in interactive workshops, put their views to local business leaders and listen to keynote speakers at this important time for the region.
At these informal networking events Kent Business School academics pair up with external experts to present their views on business topics to an audience of students, alumni and regional stakeholders.
We also invite businesspeople, external academics and Kent Business School alumni to share their experiences in business or their latest research. Their insights add another dimension to your studies and give you the chance to extend your contacts across a range of fields.
Kent’s MBA graduates play a key role in Kent Business School’s thriving alumni network, which facilitates social, business and networking opportunities. With over 23,000 graduates, it keeps alumni in touch with each other, with the school, with current students and with the latest developments in business.
Our MBA graduates also become part of the Association of MBAs Alumni Network, an international, professionally diverse network of more than 45,000 members.
Your fellow students will become part of your network, giving you insights into their cultures and countries; some will become lifelong friends. Events such as our Business Start-Up week and MBA challenges give you opportunities to learn from and support each other, while making progress together. The focus on team unity and collaboration ensures you gain skills that will be valuable whether your ambition is to progress in your current company or start your own.
Wherever you’re from, we’ll introduce you to your local MBA community, who we hope will inspire you to join them as one of our country ambassadors and continue to promote the values of the MBA programme.
Our Canterbury campus provides a welcoming environment and a close-knit student community. Kent Business School is based within the Sibson Building which opened in 2017 and its impressive design won the RIBA Regional and National Award. It houses well-equipped lecture and seminar spaces, as well as breakout spaces for group work, computer labs, a dedicated MBA suite, and our ASPIRE Lab Space. There is also a cafe on site.
The School is conveniently located at the University of Kent’s campus, close to continental Europe and with easy access to London. World-famous Canterbury Cathedral is situated in the heart of the historic city centre, just a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Kent Business School has close links with: Universität Innsbruck; Beijing Normal University - Bay Area International Business School; ESSEC Business School; Neoma Business School; Rennes Business School; EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht; Freie Universität Berlin; City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Baptist University; University of Hong Kong; Institut Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute of Technology); Università Carlo Cattaneo in Castellanza; Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence); IE Madrid; Stockholm University.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Our world-class academics influence management strategies and practices world-wide through our outstanding research projects and direct involvements with industry. We address some of the biggest challenges of our time such as sustainability and responsible leadership to drive progress and create better business globally.
At its core, our research strategy is about delivering a sustainable tomorrow - a theme that Kent Business School embodies in all areas. We want to answer the big questions - How can innovation that enables sustainable long-term economic growth be created and supported? How can sustainable business practices improve environmental and social conditions? These are the problems we are here to solve.
We are global leaders advancing knowledge through constant collaboration and promotion of innovative research. We collaborate with local, national and international business, but we don't stop there. We have forged partnerships with other academic institutions and organisations such as the NHS. This wider focus allows us to advance towards our goal of a sustainable tomorrow.
Research Departments
Department of Accounting and Finance – The Department enjoys a significant international presence and reputation in several fields, including critical accounting, accounting history, sustainability accounting, corporate finance, banking and options pricing and performance.
Department for Analytics, Operations and Systems – The Department offers world class education and conducts internationally leading research in operational research, data analytics, operations management, information systems and sustainability.
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business – The Department brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Department of Leadership and Management – The Department is a cross-disciplinary community dedicated to tackling complex business and societal challenges. Our teaching and innovative research encompasses the economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts in which organisations operate worldwide.
Research centres
The Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics – The Centre helps companies to address a wide range of transport, logistics, and supply chain problems with sustainability considerations.
The Centre for Productivity and Workplace Performance – The Centre contributes to the evidence base for competitiveness, environmental growth, regional productivity, technology and innovation.
The Centre for Quantitative Finance – Providing quantitative analysis of issues in the financial markets for businesses and policymakers.
Dynamic Publishing
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, Organizations and Society, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Financial Accountability & Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, Management Science, Transportation Science, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, British Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, European Journal of Operational Research, European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Marketing Review.
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.
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.
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.
Whatever your ambitions, an MBA from Kent Business School equips you with an impressive portfolio of skills, specialist knowledge and practical experience to help you progress in a competitive job market.
In today’s business climate employers are increasingly demanding more from new employees, we are therefore proud that they continually target our graduates for their organisations across the globe. Employers respect our robust teaching and reputation for delivering international business expertise, leading global research and an outstanding international learning experience.
From the outset, we work with you to identify the soft skills you need to focus on alongside your main academic studies. We provide an extensive skills development programme.
Our careers and employability support at Kent Business School is designed to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, when you study with us you can expect:
Additionally, the Postgraduate Employability Edge programme, available to postgraduate students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week until the end of your studies and is designed to enhance your career prospects further. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our MBA graduates become senior managers in a variety of industry sectors or go on to launch their own successful business start-ups. They also find work as entrepreneurs in the public and private sectors or for charities.
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
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.
We are updating all of our modules on this course to ensure we provide you with the tools you need to make a real impact after you graduate. We are currently working with CMI to make sure these modules meet industry standards and retain this course's accreditations.
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
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. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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.
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. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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.
Find out more about 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.
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.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
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.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
Accommodation
