MBA Top-Up

Build on your previous managerial experience and relevant qualification. Further your professional development. Gain an advantage in an ever-evolving job market.

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Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1340

Duration7 months

Fee(s)View fees

LocationOn campus

Course summary

The MBA Top-Up is designed for professionals who already hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Management Studies or another equivalent postgraduate qualification. This course allows you to build on your existing experience and qualifications to achieve a full Master of Business Administration (MBA).

You can choose to complete either 60 or 90 credits, depending on your previous study, giving you a flexible route to finish your MBA in a way that suits your goals and commitments.

We understand that this stage of your learning is part of a bigger journey. That’s why we provide comprehensive career support to help you get the most from your qualification. As part of your MBA experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to hear directly from business leaders who visit the University to share their insights. Past guest speakers have included the Head of Sales and Marketing at Divine Chocolate and the CEO of Sunderland Football Club.

Our MBA course is designed to be applied and hands-on, building on your existing managerial experience while helping you develop the practical skills needed for the next stage in your career. It’s an investment in yourself that can lead to a higher salary, promotion opportunities, increased employability, and greater flexibility in today’s fast-changing job market.

Graduates from our Business School have gone on to impressive careers with global organisations such as Facebook, Microsoft, Sage, HSBC, IBM, Enterprise, Nissan, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Merck & Co, Barclays, Marriott Hotels, Viacom 18, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Adidas.

Why Sunderland for Business and Management

What you'll study

If you're studying the 90-credit top-up course, you'll study one of the 30-credit MBA core modules and complete the 60-credit research project. The module you study will depend on when you start and your entry qualifications.

MBA Research Project (60 credits)+

How you'll learn

Assessment is mainly through the dissertation and assignments, as well as exams in some subjects.

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, and applied study.

Entry requirements

On-campus entry requirements

This course converts a standard master’s level qualification to an MBA. Therefore, a relevant postgraduate or equivalent professional qualification is a requirement to apply.

This course supports career acceleration for applicants with suitable academic qualifications. We'll consider all levels of practical work and work experience. This includes applications from candidates with pre-graduation or limited/no work experience post-degree if you can demonstrate that you'll benefit from this course.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above. This must include maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Study Centre entry requirements

If you're studying at a study centre, please contact the centre directly for more information on their specific requirements and equivalent qualifications from outside the UK.

Fees and finance support

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See all course tuition fees.

Study Centre fees

If you're studying at a study centre, please contact the centre directly for information on fees.

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Start date/study mode:

UK students

Full-time October 2026
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International students

Full-time October 2026
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Current students

Current undergraduate students of the University of Sunderland, please use this apply link.

Full-time October 2026
Apply now

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.