The Manchester Full-time MBA

150 hours of live client experience

This live consultancy project with a not-for-profit organisation is your first practical task. Learn more about the Social Impact Project from staff, students and previous consultancy clients in the video below:

The Social Impact Project will broaden your perspective and put you in new and challenging environments. It's your first opportunity to work in a multinational team with fellow students - giving you a good introduction to consultancy with real, demanding clients.

Example Social Impact Project clients include:

• Action for Sustainable Living
• After Adoption
• Age Concern
• Air Ambulance
• Big Life Group
• Foundation for Peace
• Henshaws Society for Blind People
• Intensive Care Society
• National Football Museum
• National Trust
• People's History Museum
• Prison Advice and Care Trust
• Royal Commonwealth Society
• Victim Support
• YMCA.

This simulated project will develop your knowledge of business analysis, UK mergers and acquisitions, strategy, accounting and finance. It will also test your negotiation skills.

What to expect

Your team will act as the acquisitions function of a major corporation. You'll analyse the company and its markets, formulate an acquisition growth strategy, value the company and select an acquisition. Next, you'll formulate and negotiate a merger. Will the board of directors, represented by AMBS faculty, accept your deal?

200 hours of live client experience

The Commercial Business Consultancy Project builds on your learnings from the Social Impact Project and involves working with an external client to solve a real-life business issue. Clients range from start-ups to local SMEs and multinational corporations.

What to expect

You'll work under realistic consultancy conditions and will gain experience in:

• Bidding against other teams
• Managing a project
• Delivering a solution to tight timescales and budgets.

You'll be expected to deliver practical and actionable recommendations that will have a genuine impact on your client's business. Although the companies are based in the UK, many of the projects have an international dimension. This project will prepare you for the International Business Consultancy Project.

You'll have the opportunity to bid for a range of clients across many industries. Recent clients include:

Start-ups

• AI Wind: Technology
• Behind Bars: Design
• Biramis: Consulting
• Canine Academy: Training
• Centre for Community Finance Europe: Financial services
• Env Friendly: Technology
• Klick Technology: Furniture
• Life 1000: Biotechnology
• Liverpool ChiroChem: Chemicals
• Music in Mind: Music
• Owen Drew: Retail
• Plastic Circular: Environmental
• PlayDale: Manufacturing
• SA Systems: Technology
• Victor Mobile: Telecommunications.

SMEs

• AD Aero: Aerospace
• Brompton Bikes: Manufacturing
• GB Partnerships: Property development
• iPortalis: Software
• My Digital Accounts: Software
• Platinum Stairlifts: Manufacturing
• Property Alliance Group: Property development
• Sofa: Retail
• Swann Group: Engineering
• TalkTalk: Telecommunications
• Travis Perkins: Retail.

Multinationals

• KPMG: Professional services
• Cisco: Technology.

550 hours of live client experience

The International Business Project (IBP) gives MBAs the chance to act as consultants for businesses with a complex international challenge or opportunity.

Learn more about the project, including a previous collaboration between MBA students and Manchester-based LAD Bible Group in the video below:

Build your own team, evaluate a list of exciting global briefs across diverse industries, then pitch your recommendations to clients as you compete with other MBA teams during a dynamic bidding process.

What to expect from the project

Your group will take on a piece of professional international consultancy for a live client. This will utilise and challenge your global outlook and give you access to senior executives from diverse organisations.

The IBP is your chance to apply everything you've learned and prove yourself in a high-pressure, high-risk business challenge.

You'll have the opportunity to bid for a range of clients across many industries. Recent clients in the IBP include:

Multinationals

• AO.com: E-commerce
• American Tower: Telecommunications
• AstraZeneca: Pharmaceuticals
• Ascendal: Transport
• BASF: Chemicals
• BP: Oil and gas
• Callcredit: Information services
• Cipla: Pharmaceuticals
• DCC Energy: Energy
• Gerdau: Manufacturing
• GSK: Pharmaceuticals
• Grupo Bimbo: Manufacturing
• Hilti: Construction
• Ishida: Manufacturing
• Landmark Group: Retail
• Lycamobile: Telecommunications
• Mastercard: Financial Services
• Nichols Vimto: Manufacturing
• Roche: Healthcare
• Siemens: Electronics
• W L Gore: Manufacturing
• Victrex: Manufacturing.

SMEs

• M&I Materials: Manufacturing
• My Digital Accounts: Software
• Steamaco: Software
• Stephenson Group: Chemicals
• TrakGlobal: Information technology.

Startups

• Air Black Box: Software
• Graphene Innovation Centre: Materials
• Manchester Innovation Factory: Innovation.

Contemporary businesses face two major transition challenges:

1. To re-evaluate the purpose of the firm in the 21st century and transition to a stakeholder value-driven firm
2. How to redesign the business model in the transition to a global net zero economy.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is the formal tool that companies use to manage these two transitions. On this course, we cover why these two major transitions are happening by covering concepts and analytical tools such as:

• Financialisation
• Shareholder value maximisation
• Corporate governance
• Firm purpose.

Then we analyse the rise of ESG as a mechanism for firms to achieve social and environmental responsibility and to transition to a net zero economy.

In this core course, you'll examine the field of organisational behaviour, evaluating questions such as:

• Why have contemporary management practices and organisational forms been adopted?
• What is their effect on people's behaviour?

You'll learn how to respond to contemporary management and organisational challenges, by applying the latest research, ideas, frameworks and practical case studies.

This is an enquiry-based course that explores the realities of decision-making in practice, as well as senior practitioners' experiences in business and management.

What you'll learn

You'll develop practical decision-making knowledge and skills for senior level roles in business and other sectors. These skills will be further explored and enriched throughout the MBA - for example, during the MBA consultancy projects and your internship, should you choose to do one.

Business leaders from across the industry will share their knowledge and expertise with you at the Guest Speaker Series. The speakers offer valuable insight into a range of industries and a chance for you to network with leaders in their field. Recent speakers include:

• Amanda Tincknell, CEO, The Cranfield Trust
• Simon Collins, Co-Founder of Gold Collins Associates and former Chairman, KPMG
• Katrina Hann, Head of Research, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Maria Parpou, Managing Director of Products and Innovation, Barclaycard Payment Solutions
• Susan Herbert, Global Head of Strategic Excellence, Merck Group
• Stuart Rowley, President, Ford Europe.

The school also attracts international figures to speak at our business speaker events. We encourage MBAs to attend these events, which are a valuable opportunity to network with the local business community.

This course will introduce you to the two main areas of accounting:

• Financial accounting
• Management accounting

We'll introduce you to the content, role and usefulness of financial reports. You'll then learn how to interpret, analyse and understand useful financial information. Alongside this, you'll develop an understanding of the theories, techniques and practices of management and cost accounting.

You'll also explore the design of management accounting and control systems.

This interdisciplinary course will help you develop a cutting-edge approach to strategy and competition that's fit for purpose in today's changing business environment.

You'll explore key areas of interest, such as:

• Competition
• Global instability
• The sharing economy and technology disruption
• Traditional, dominant schools of thought.

The course blends theory and practice, with an emphasis on team work and real-time case analysis.

This course will provide you with key knowledge about operations management and marketing. We'll encourage you to consider the interactions and potential tensions between these areas, and to critically evaluate the application of theory to real-life contexts.

You'll work in international groups to develop solutions to marketing and operations management challenges.

Build an MBA that suits your personal goals and interests. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a personal project in your area of choice.

18-month MBA

July to August

Choose from:

• An internship and 1 International Elective or
• 2 International Electives.

September to December

Choose from:

• 1 International Elective and 1 Global Study Tour or
• 2 International Electives

15-month MBA

September to December

• 1 International Elective from January-June.

July to August

Choose from:

• An internship and 1 International Elective or
• 2 International Electives.

Whether you're 100% clear about your future plans or intend to change direction, a 10-12 week internship gives you the opportunity to test drive a new organisation, industry, job function or location.

Working closely with our dedicated careers team, our MBAs secure internships with a broad range of organisations, from multinationals to startups. Some organisations our interns have worked with include:

• Amazon Launch
• Amazon Operations
• American Express
• CDC Group
• Citi
• Credit Suisse
• Curzon
• GSK
• Google
• Hilti
• Johnson & Johnson
• Microsoft
• NHS
• PA Consulting
• TalkTalk
• Travis Perkins.

We continuously update our MBA curriculum to ensure it delivers the skills that employers are looking for. Our range of electives has always included forward-looking subjects, such as disruptive technologies and big data, alongside more traditional options.

Current electives

• Big Data Analytics
  You'll be introduced to Big Data Analytics theory and applications, exploring essential tools, techniques, and case studies that show how organisations leverage big data for decision-making, strategy, and competitive advantage.
• Business to Business Marketing
  This six-month Business-to-Business (B2B) Marketing course equips participants with insights into the unique dynamics of B2B marketing beyond traditional models. It focuses on real-world applications of segmentation, targeting, and positioning.
• Corporate News and Shareholder Value
  Explore how corporate announcements impact stock prices and shareholder value - using tools like the efficient market hypothesis and event study methodology to analyse market reactions to events like mergers and ESG news, with hands-on case studies and research.
• Digital Economy: Platforms AI and the Firm
  Examine how AI and machine learning are transforming business operations. Focus on practical applications to leverage AI's strengths, address its limitations, and create value across industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.
• Digital Marketing Strategy
  You'll cover digital marketing strategies for B2B and B2C, focusing on social media, search engines, and data-driven approaches, with shared learning paths in AI and Big Data.
• Engaging Human Talent
  Gain strategic insights into attracting, developing, and engaging talent for organisational growth, integrating human resource practices with broader strategy through real-world examples and debates.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
  Entrepreneurship drives economic growth, creating jobs and fostering large business development. This elective hones skills essential for managing the entrepreneurial lifecycle - from recognising opportunities and crafting creative concepts to building innovative business models.
• Exploring Decision Making in Practice
  This elective provides practical tools to enhance decision-making skills, especially in group settings. Moving beyond textbook methods, it draws on insights from social psychology and behavioural economics to help managers navigate real-world, collaborative decision-making effectively.
• Fintech, Digital Banking and Blockchain
  Explore FinTech, digital banking, blockchain, and AI in finance, with case studies on innovation and digital transformation. Tackle a hands-on 'digital banking challenge' by designing and pitching a mock banking app.
• International Business Strategy
  This elective covers strategic management of multinational corporations, emphasising resources, capabilities, and cultural impacts on competitiveness to tackle real-world international management challenges.
• Leading Business Projects
  Gain a holistic understanding of driving strategic change through project design, leadership, and delivery, equipping you to lead impactful projects that align with broader goals like the UN SDGs.
• Managing Disruptive Technologies
  Explore how disruptive technologies like digital platforms and blockchain reshape business models, empowering leaders to recognize and respond to potential industry shifts for career advancement.
• Negotiation Skills
  Master essential negotiation skills through practical techniques and strategies. Learn how to navigate diverse business situations and achieve strategic goals with confidence.
• Platform Ecosystem Strategy
  Discover how digital technology reshapes strategy, from traditional approaches to innovative platform ecosystems, preparing you to lead in a world where digital platforms redefine competitive advantage.
• Practical Investing
  Gain hands-on experience in investing through practical simulations, client role-plays, and insights from seasoned industry professionals. You'll cover investment strategies, market dynamics, and client-focused portfolio creation to prepare you for real-world success in today's financial industry.
• Strategic Financial Analysis
  Engage in an intensive, hands-on elective that bridges strategy and finance through real company cases. Hone your ability to make sound business judgments, analyse financial information, and craft compelling corporate narratives amidst uncertainty.
• Strategic Supply Chain Management
  Learn to master strategic supply chain management to reduce costs, manage risks, and drive innovation. Build essential skills to optimise supplier relationships and enhance organisational value.
• Sustainable and Socially Responsible Business
  Examine key drivers and metrics impacting sustainable business practices, with tools and case studies to build socially responsible strategies that address environmental and societal challenges.
• Venture Capital and Private Equity
  Gain a practical understanding of Venture Capital and Private Equity, exploring key financial concepts and applying knowledge to real case studies. Take on roles as investors, company managers, and advisors to navigate investment and exit strategies.
• Work Psychology for Managerial Success - this elective is offered until January 2026.
  This course explores key psychological skills for managerial success, focusing on self-management, leadership, and career strategies to help students apply these insights to their own career goals.

We deliver our MBA electives through a blended learning format. Each course includes an intensive workshop residency (usually three days) where you can network and study with senior candidates from our Global MBA programmes. This is supplemented by online learning and self-study.

We deliver workshop residencies for MBA international electives across our international centres:

• Dubai
• Hong Kong
• Manchester
• Shanghai
• Singapore.

Our overseas study tour gives you the chance to travel with a group of classmates and immerse yourself in some of the world's most dynamic economies.

Over the course of a week, you will study international business, visit local companies and institutions, and enjoy free time to soak up local culture.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet AMBS alumni based in the region who could become invaluable future contacts.

We're proud of our graduates and the successes they achieve year after year. You'll get tailored career support throughout your MBA journey, starting before you even arrive in Manchester.

Our support includes:

• Weekly career skills workshops - these are scheduled during your core academic programme
• Sessions with external specialist career practitioners
• Unlimited individual meetings with our experienced Senior Careers Consultants
• On-campus recruitment activities including guest speakers, industry experts and company recruitment presentations
• Networking events in London and Manchester
• Student clubs
• Events focusing on entrepreneurship and women in business
• Practice interviews.

We also encourage you to work on your own initiatives and ideas, to develop your business networks and validate your plans.

Throughout the MBA, we encourage you to participate in business competitions around the globe, and we cover costs for several of these. A great asset to your CV, competitions are a chance to showcase your talent, challenge yourself and test your ideas.

Key competitions include:

• Alliance MBS Case Competition
• Climate Investment Challenge
• European Business Plan Competition
• Financial Times MBA Quiz
• International Finance Competition
• International Healthcare Case Competition
• Rotterdam Private Equity Competition
• Sustainable Venture Capital Investment Competition
• University of Manchester Venture Out and Venture Further entrepreneurship competitions
• Venture Capital Investment Competition.

From the moment you join our programme, you become a lifelong member of our alumni network. This thriving community includes over 70,000 ambitious professionals from diverse backgrounds, spread across 182 countries.

As an MBA, you're in good company - around 25% of all AMBS alumni are MBA graduates.

Through the alumni community you can network with business professionals, make contacts overseas and build relationships that will last a lifetime. You'll also be invited to join a range of activities, including:

• Networking events
• Seminars
• Socials
• Regional and special interest groups.

From sports clubs to social events, there are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in life beyond the classroom. You can find out more about life as a Manchester MBA student.