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

The University of Bradford's prestigious School of Management has a long history of delivering world-class MBA programmes. A Bradford MBA comes with the distinction of being part of a small group of schools worldwide to hold the quadruple crown accredition EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB and Business graduates assocition.

With this tradition of business education excellence, our MBA programmes have developed over the decades to include a topically diverse and forward-thinking curriculum that allows you to focus on subjects fitting your professional goals. Designed and taught by seasoned academics and industry experts, a Bradford MBA will help you develop in-demand skills in topics such as sustainability, data analysis, digital marketing, and more. 

When you study for one of the University of Bradford's online MBAs, you will be able to balance your professional responsibilities with your postgraduate education. Flexibility is at the core of our online format, so you can have the freedom to study part-time, from any location worldwide. 

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.  

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

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:

Rankings

Programmes

About the programmes

Quadruple crown accredited programme

Gain the skills to make a difference

Meet our academics

Careers

About Bradford

What our students say

Entry requirements

Learn leadership skills

Find solutionsin data

Handle complex situations

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).

• 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. 

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

Effect positive change

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.

Create your future

Distance Learning MBA

Innovation Enterprise, and Circular Economy MBA Online