Full Time MBA

Course overview

Why choose the Leeds MBA?

• Practical, real-world learning. You’ll work with a range of organisations, consider different business case studies and learn from guest speakers.
• Our signature Live Business Challenges. Collaborate in teams with industry professionals to examine real, contemporary business challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Gain a global perspective. Our internationally focused curriculum and study opportunities help you to become a global business leader. During the International Study Tour, you’ll work on a real consultancy project with an international organisation.
• Join a diverse professional community. Work closely with MBA colleagues and make connections from across the world. We bring together driven business professionals from many countries with a wide variety of industrial backgrounds and specialisms.
• Future-focused and data-driven. Explore established business subjects along with the latest trends and developments, such as AI and digital transformation. Our MBA curriculum is regularly updated to prepare you to be a future-thinking, progressive leader and manager.
• Personal Careers Coach. A dedicated MBA Careers Coach will support you while you’re studying and for three years after graduation, helping you to identify your goals, shape your career path and achieve your ambitions.
• Extensive links with industry, worldwide. You’ll experience this through guest speaker events, networking opportunities, alumni talks and with partner organisations during your live challenges.
• Study in one of the UK’s largest cities for business. Leeds is a leader in the digital, financial, professional services and tech sectors, and has Britain’s fastest growing legal sector.

MBA course highlights

Live Business Challenges

During three Live Challenges, you’ll collaborate with business professionals from real organisations and apply your knowledge to genuine, contemporary business challenges. The challenges are staggered throughout the year and include:

• New Venture Challenge: generate ideas for new commercial opportunities, often for a high-profile global organisation.
• Consulting Challenge: provide consultancy support to an external business, usually a social enterprise or voluntary sector organisation.
• Innovation Challenge: the grand finale of your MBA experience, where you’ll draw on everything you’ve learnt to develop a new product or service. Our specialist start-up services, such as Spark, can even help you take your new product or service to market.

Future-focused MBA Curriculum

Our MBA learning culture is one of continuous improvement, meaning we regularly update our programme to give you a world-class, up-to-date MBA experience. Course content is continuously reviewed to reflect the latest needs of industry.

The Leeds MBA curriculum and our lively classroom discussions are distinctly future-focused. We make sure you cover the well-established foundations of business management and how these functions interact, but you’ll also explore emerging business trends and developments, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation.

You’ll have access to up-to-date business knowledge and practical management know-how, along with the latest academic thinking. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to respond to the latest needs of organisations worldwide, with the skills to be a future-thinking, progressive leader and manager.

Learn from leading researchers and practitioners

You’ll learn from respected thought-leaders, researchers and practitioners who are actively shaping the future of business. With deep expertise across strategy, innovation, sustainability and digital transformation, they bring real-world insights and cutting-edge thinking into the classroom.

Global experiences and Study Tour

The Leeds MBA will increase your global business awareness and intercultural understanding.

You’ll consider essential management and leadership disciplines through an international lens, with opportunities to examine the dynamics of cross-border operations and the global business environment.

In the final months of your MBA studies, you can take part in an international study tour, enabling you to extend your global awareness and experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing organisations around the world.

“The International Study Tour was a pivotal part of my MBA experience, offering a unique blend of practical exposure and cultural insights. Visiting companies like Zalando, BMW, SAP and the German Chamber of Commerce allowed me to observe and understand diverse business models and operational strategies firsthand.” Deepanshu Prakash, Class of 2024

Find out more

Professional connections

The Leeds MBA will connect you to a world of corporate partners, practitioners and alumni, with plenty of opportunities to build your own professional network. We have existing relationships with organisations including Marks & Spencer, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, Universal Music, KPMG and the National Health Service (NHS), as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises, charities and social enterprises.

You’ll meet prominent external speakers and connect with business professionals through networking opportunities, guest speaker events and alumni talks. Our Leaders in Residence scheme also offers mentoring with senior leaders in a range of sectors.

Studying alongside MBA colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds will also broaden your perspective and provide you with a close support network that will extend beyond graduation.

Accreditation

The Leeds MBA is accredited by The Association of MBAs (AMBA).

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading international bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. The Business School is also accredited by the UK Small Business Charter as a business school that excels in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and the local economy.

This means you'll join one of the UK's top MBAs at a prestigious business school, with a global reputation for teaching and research.

Course details and modules

The Leeds MBA begins with an induction that will ensure you gain the most from your MBA experience. You are introduced to the learning culture and the study skills you’ll need to succeed. You’ll also have time to meet and network with the other professionals in your cohort.

Through a variety of taught modules, you’ll gain an understanding of the key components of business management – marketing, accounting, finance, operations and human resource management.

Alongside these subjects, we explore how to manage and lead people in organisations through modules in decision making, organisational behaviour, strategy, entrepreneurship and leading in practice.

You’ll learn how to solve problems and develop solutions through modules on creative and analytical thinking, as well as exploring emerging business trends and developments, such as Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation.

You’ll also deepen your understanding of the broader business landscape through modules such as International Management and the Economics of Strategy.

You’ll put your new skills and knowledge to the test by tackling three live challenges. The Creative and Innovative Thinking module will culminate in a live, capstone challenge – an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired to deliver a business plan for a new product or service.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Full Time MBA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Your interactions with other students are also a key element of your learning experience.

Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your programme and modules.

As an MBA student, you’ll make use of specialist business facilities, including our new MBA suite and MBA Lounge.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying

Entry requirements

Work experience

More than three years of postgraduate work experience is required before you apply. Five years minimum of postgraduate work experience is usually desirable. All work experience must include at least three years of appropriate management responsibility (projects, teams, divisions, business units etc.) and show significant career progression.

If you don't have the required amount of work experience, you might like to consider our MSc Management.

Academic

A good Bachelor degree (equivalent of a UK 2:1 hons degree), or an acceptable professional qualification.

A GMAT score is not a mandatory requirement in most cases; however, if your degree qualification is below a 2:1 (hons) or overseas equivalent, or you don’t have a formal or professional qualification, you may be asked to complete a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) with a minimum score of 600 (GMAT scores should be valid for the year of entry). These applications are considered at the discretion of the Programme Director.

We do encourage candidates who have undertaken the GMAT examination to submit their scores to enhance their application. Please upload a copy of your official GMAT score report in the qualifications section of your online application – we do not accept paper copies by post.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible; our deadlines are as follows:

International applicants: Friday 31 July 2026

UK applicants: Friday 14 August 2026

Find out more about how to apply for the Leeds MBA.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

As part of your application you will need to submit:

• A completed application form
• An up-to-date CV, showing evidence of the required amount of work experience (More than three years of postgraduate work experience is required before you apply. Five years of postgraduate work experience is desirable. All work experience must include at least three years appropriate management responsibility and show significant career progression)
• Original academic qualification transcripts, certificates and certified translations (if your documents are not in English)
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language. You can apply for the MBA before you take an approved English language test
• Personal statement - please see guidance on our How to apply page
• Contact details of two references, one academic and one professional.It may be appropriate to select referees from your professional area of work if you have been out of education for more than 5 years or are applying with evidence of work experience.
• If you have a GMAT result, please upload a copy of your official score report as part of your online application
• A copy of your passport showing passport number and expiry date
• If you have previously studied in the UK on a student visa then you need to provide official evidence of this including CAS, visas and BRP

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

MBA Admissions Office

Email: mba@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £ 39,250 (Total)

International: £ 39,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

The basic course fees do not cover visa and flight expenses for your International Study Tour. Prices for these may vary depending on the location of the tour.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

We award a range of scholarships to particularly deserving candidates.

Leeds University Business School is pleased to offer up to £500,000 of MBA Excellence Scholarships to applicants for 2026 entry. Scholarships will be awarded to candidates who can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, career progression and potential to contribute to the MBA programme, the school, business and society.

You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application, your suitability for the scholarship will be assessed on your application for the course, and at interview with the MBA Director.

Read more about scholarships and funding for the Leeds MBA.

Career opportunities

Whether you want to change industries, step into a senior leadership role, pursue international career opportunities or launch your own business, the Leeds MBA is a decisive step in your career.

You’ll be prepared to take control of your future and be equipped with the management and leadership skills and confidence to pursue senior roles in any industry.

MBA career support

The Leeds MBA careers service offers dedicated, tailored support to help you achieve your goals. Away from the daily pressures of work, this is your opportunity to reflect, refocus, and take control of your career with expert support at every step.

Careers coaching

You’ll benefit from personalised, one-to-one support from a dedicated MBA careers coach, focused entirely on your individual goals and aspirations. You’ll deepen your self-awareness, identify strengths and refine your career objectives to align with your values, interests and long-term vision.

Careers consulting

The Leeds MBA is taught by industry experts with extensive global recruitment experience, as well as sector specialists across finance, consulting, technology and marketing. You’ll benefit from intensive bootcamps in topics such as self-branding, job search strategies and salary negotiation, along with valuable insights from alumni panels. Regular workshops including CV-tailoring, networking and LinkedIn optimisation will equip you with confidence and skills to successfully pursue and secure your next role.

'Next Step' programme

Your MBA journey doesn’t end at graduation, and neither does our support. We know that career development continues well beyond your first post-MBA role. That’s why our careers service is available for up to three years after you graduate. Whether you’re considering a promotion opportunity, preparing to negotiate a higher salary or considering your next strategic move, our coaches are here to help you make confident, informed decisions as your career evolves.

Enterprise and starting a business

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, you’ll also benefit from the award-winning support of Spark – our specialist team will be there to support and encourage you in turning your business idea into a reality.

Career outcomes

Recent graduates have gone on to work worldwide in a range of roles and sectors, including:

• Supply Chain Manager in the distribution industry, North Africa
• Digital Transformation Leader in the finance sector, India
• Global Finance Specialist in the travel and tourism industry, Northern Europe
• Senior Buyer in the Energy sector, South America
• Senior Analytics Consultant in the technology sector, USA
• Associate Director for Growth Marketing in healthcare tech, India
• Head of Strategic Partnerships in insurance services, UK
• Associate Director in the music industry, China

Skills for your future

The Leeds MBA will equip you with the professional skills not only to excel in your chosen career path, but to manage your career for life. You’ll develop capabilities in critical areas that will be increasingly in demand as your career progresses and prepare you for senior leadership or C-suite roles, including:

• Commercial awareness
• Interpersonal and softer leadership skills
• Critical and questioning outlook
• International perspectives
• Creative and analytical thinking
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Self-reflection and goal setting

Study tours