Reflect on, and plan, future learning and professional development needs around circular economy, enterprise and innovation in relation to their current and future professional role in order to ensure continued fitness for practice. 

3rd in the world for value for money

The University of Bradford’s School of Management is proud to offer the world’s first and only MBA focused on the Circular Economy. This unique post graduate degree closely examines the new Circular Economy model, which aims to use resources and energy more effectively, reuse products and materials and deliver increased profit for organisations.  

Developed in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), you will receive a solid foundation of traditional MBA topics from a world-class programme while honing your skills with specific topics like:  

• Regenerative product design 
• New business models 
• Reverse logistics 
• Materials, resources, energy and competitiveness 
• Operations, marketing and strategic management 

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

Are you looking for an MBA that will open doors to top leadership roles? When you study with the University of Bradford’s School of Management, you are part of an elite group of business schools to hold the quadruple crown accreditations of EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB and Business graduates assocition. 

If you aren’t sure of the weight of these accreditations, there’s data to show just how much we’ve changed the lives of our graduates for the better. For the third year in a row, our School of Management tops the English Higher Education Social Mobility Index, which measures the change in a person’s socio-economic situation before and after attending university.  

Take charge of your future and study with the University of Bradford completely online.  

Develop innovation in practice, identify opportunities and create effective strategies for dealing with the complex issues in applying circular economy at different scales. Build your adaptability and originality in tackling and solving problems and the ability to work cooperatively with others. 

Articulate the role and relationship between circular economy thinking and action, sustainable development and education for sustainable development. 

Demonstrate a broad but rigorous understanding of the concepts, constructs and frameworks applicable to business administration and of the tools and techniques to support decision making 

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
• Marketing, Branding & Organisational Strategy
• Leadership for Transformational Change

• Project Management
• Corporate Finance and Venture Funding
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Contemporary Marketing Communications
• Management Consulting
• Organisational Sustainability in Practice
• Financial Risk Management in European Banking
• Digital Health and Informatics
• Data Visualisation for Business Leaders
• AI for Organisations
• Contemporary Issues in Global Business
• Organisational Agility

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

Plan for the future

Find innovative solutions

Promote sustainable development

Contribute to broader knowledge

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

• It is free to use 
• This is available to all MBA students and alumni up to 5 years after graduation 
• Career coaching appointments are available
• Exclusive Careers Webinars for MBA students and graduates    
• Online and face-to-face career workshops 
• 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. 

MBA management project

Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy Modules

• Circular Economy: Principles and Strategies
• Design for Circularity
• Diversity, Scale and Development
• Responsible Innovation

Demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of contemporary management knowledge and scholarship, together with awareness of contemporary business issues and current research and practice in business administration in both domestic and global contexts, with a specific focus on circular economy management practice. 

Strengthen your leadership capabilities