The Distance Learning MBA from the University of Bradford is structured into core, executive skills and optional modules along with a final management project.

Demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of contemporary management theory and practice, along with an awareness of emerging organisational issues in local and global contexts.

3rd in the world for value for money

Our Distance Learning MBA will help you to develop a strong foundation in business and management. Our curriculum is designed to allow you to explore the electives that suit your professional goals or even follow a specialised module cluster study pathway to ensure that your bespoke MBA degree stands out.

Embracing a holistic approach inspired by our ethos "Doing well by doing good” our programme emphasises that profit, people and the planet are equally important. Ranked 1st in the world for value for money, 1st in the world for ESG and net zero teaching and 1st in the UK for MBA satisfaction by the Financial Times Rankings (2024), our programme is designed to provide flexibility and depth to your online learning experience. As part of our dedication to continuous improvement, we’ve refreshed the content of all of our existing modules and introduced eight new modules in 2024-25.

Established over 60 years ago, the University of Bradford School of Management has a rich history and international reputation as one of the leading innovators in business education.  We have one of the longest-running MBA programmes in the world and have been delivering a Distance Learning version of our MBA for 25 years.

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion and our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the past three years.

Our students belong to a supportive academic community and achieve the best outcomes as graduates.

Embarking on the Distance Learning MBA will give you the skills to lead your business and further your career while focusing on some of the most pressing issues facing businesses today such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI).

5th in the world for ESG and net zero teaching

19th in the world overall

by Financial Times

20th out of 100 online

MBAs by CEO magazine

We are proud to be in an elite group of fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide to hold the quadruple crown accreditations of EQUIS, AMBA ,AACSB and Business graduates association. In addition, we are one of only 16 institutions globally (5 in the UK) to also be Business Graduate Association accredited. For the fifth year in a row, Bradford tops the English Higher Education Social Mobility Index, which measures the change in a person’s socio-economic situation before and after attending a university.

Critically evaluate and develop credible approaches to gathering, evaluating and using data to support the construction and presentation of business cases.

Exercise personal initiative and responsibility in implementing solutions to complex strategic business problems in an uncertain, complex and volatile world.

Develop a broad, yet rigorous understanding of the concepts, constructs and frameworks used to support decision-making.

Demonstrate a personal and critical understanding of sustainability and its implications for business decisions.

Encourage innovation

Reflect on your own professional and career development needs, recognising how to take action to maintain the knowledge and skills required to practice.

Executive skills modules run concurrently throughout the programme to allow you to practice and refine your business leadership skills focus on your professional development.

• Accounting & Economics for Decision Making
• Leadership for Transformational Change
• Marketing, Branding & Organisational Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Organisations
• Circular Economy Principles and Strategies
• Contemporary Issues in International Business
• Contemporary Marketing Communications
• Corporate Finance and Venture Funding
• Data Visualisation for Business Leaders
• Design for Circularity
• Digital Health & Informatics
• Digital Resilience, Innovation and Transformation
• Diversity, Scale and Development
• Entrepreneurial Leadership​
• Financial Risk Management in European Banking
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Management Consulting
• Organisational Agility 
• Organisational Sustainability in Practice 
• Project Management
• Responsible Innovation 

The University of Bradford is committed to helping students develop and enhance their career progression. 

Our Careers Services can help with both enhancing future employability and skills for continuous professional development.

Some essential information about the Careers Services:

Study mode

Part-time online

Duration

2-3  years

Start dates

January, April, July

or October

Fees

£21,200

Rankings

Essential information 

About the Distance Learning MBA

Quadruple crown accredited programme

Gain the skills to make a difference

Course modules

Core modules

Optional elective modules

Meet our academics

Careers

About Bradford

What our students say

Entry requirements

Learn leadership skills

Find solutions in data

Handle complex situations

Effect positive change

Create your future

Source: Financial Times Online MBA rankings 2026 and CEO Magazine 2025

Work experience

Candidates must have at least three years’ of management or leadership work experience, which can be from any industry, including both private and public sectors, and charitable organisations. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we may need evidence of your proficiency in English through a recognised test (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE-A). You will be required to achieve a minimum score of:

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no sub-test less than 5.5; or

Internet-based TOEFL:

For EU, non-UK applicants: 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 17, Reading – 18, Speaking 20, Writing – 17

For International, non-UK/EU, applicants (UKBA requirement): 90 overall, with minimum scores of: Listening – 21, Reading – 22, Speaking – 23, Writing – 21; or

PTE-A (Pearson Test of English Academic): 60 overall, with no sub-test less than 51

If you have not taken an English test, but have extensive experience of working and being taught in English, then we may be able to waive the requirement for a formal test.

Academic and professional achievements

You should have a good first degree awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification. If you do not have a first degree or professional qualifications you will need to demonstrate significant management or business leadership experience (normally at least eight years). We will also consider an academic recommendation based on interview.

Numeracy and literacy competencies

We will require evidence of numeracy and literacy competencies, and you may be required to complete an authorised online aptitude test such as the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or school equivalent (The Bradford Test).

• Personal Leadership Skills and Practice
• Executive Development and Research Skills

Executive skills modules

Study pathways and specialisation options

Your MBA journey should be as unique as your aspirations. That's why the University of Bradford offers carefully crafted study pathways designed to equip you with specialised knowledge and skills relevant to today’s dynamic business landscape. Our expert faculty has developed three engaging module clusters for our Distance Learning MBA: Digital Economy, Sustainability and Innovation & Enterprise. 

Each student will study the core modules. The distinct module clusters will allow you to focus on a particular specialisation that can help your MBA stand out in a crowd. 

We also offer the specialised Innovation, Enterprise & Circular Economy MBA in the Distance Learning format. 

To earn a specialisation in Digital Economy, your curriculum will include the core modules and the following module cluster: 

• It’s free to use
• It’s available to all MBA students and alumni up to 5 years after graduation 
• Career coaching appointments are available
• You can find exclusive careers webinars for MBA students and graduates  
• You can join online and face-to-face career workshops 
• You can become part of the AMBA Network

Some of the additional independent certificates, awards and accreditations that you can undertake while doing your MBA:  

• Project management 
• Google 
• CIMA certification 
• Careers Booster Week event

We encourage our students to access this support early in their programme and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website. 

• AI for Organisations 
• Data Visualisation for Business Leaders
• Digital Resilience, Innovation and Transformation

To earn a specialisation in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, your curriculum will include the core modules and the follow module cluster: 

• Corporate Finance and Venture Funding
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Organisational Agility
• Responsible Innovation 

To earn a specialisation in Sustainability, your curriculum will include the core modules and the following module cluster: 

• Circular Economy Principles and Strategies
• Design for Circularity
• Diversity, Scale and Development
• Organisational Sustainability in Practice 
• Responsible Innovation 

MBA management project