Global Online MBA
A world-class MBA experience, delivered in an online format
Key information
Start date: September 2022 or January 2023
Location: Online
ECTS: 90 credits
Overview
Ranked 1st in the UK, 2nd in the world in the QS Online MBA rankings 2021 and 3rd in the world in the Financial Times Online MBA rankings 2021.
The Global Online MBA is a part-time programme delivered in an online format that will enable you to advance your career whilst studying at a global top 10 university.
The Global Online MBA programme has been updated to enable for greater flexibility, to fit around with your commitments and career goals. You will tailor your studies with new flexcore modules, a diverse portfolio of elective modules and the new option to complete the programme in 21, 24 or 32 months.
This highly interactive, online MBA is designed by our in-house technology educational specialists. Studying via our online learning platform, The Hub, you will learn from world-class faculty at the Business School, whose academic excellence and industry knowledge will enrich your MBA experience.
You will have the opportunity to meet your class and faculty on-campus in London at the compulsory induction week and Capstone module at the end of your studies, as well as take part in global experiences.
Benefit from our connection with Imperial College London by accessing the College’s world-renowned STEM research, entrepreneurial ecosystem and networks.
Study programme
The Global Online MBA is a part-time programme that is delivered in an online format, focusing on innovative thinking and new technology to deliver a practical curriculum.
The programme offers several possible completion points at 21 months (early), 24 months (standard) or 32 months (extended), allowing you to complete the programme at your own pace. The number of modules to be completed remains constant, regardless of the chosen exit point.
The programme consists of pre-study modules, core modules, flexcore modules and electives. Each module lasts between four days (on-campus elective modules) and 10 weeks. You may choose to personalise your curriculum to specialise in Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Leadership and Organisation, Business Analytics and Operations, or Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and optionally have this specialisation certified for your employer.
Modules have been carefully designed for online study via The Hub. The on-campus Capstone module provides you with a practical opportunity to apply and integrate what you’ve learnt during the programme
To truly put the ‘global’ in Global Online MBA, the optional international experiences on the programme will broaden your outlook and understanding of the global work environment.
Through the IB Glocal Electives, you can deep dive into specialist courses and better understand how selected themes relate to the region you're studying in. The Global Experience Week will provide you with valuable real-world experience where you will work with community businesses to help create results.
Careers
Unlike many online MBAs, Imperial’s Global Online MBA also offers a full careers support package. The combination of your enhanced professional skills and a strong understanding of business will ensure you can pursue senior-level managerial positions.
Professional accreditation
We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.
Structure
Pre-study modules
The online pre-study modules will ensure you have the basic knowledge and skills required for the start of the programme. You will complete these modules before commencing the programme.
- Accounting Primer
- Maths Primer
- Finance Primer
- Introduction to Corporate Sustainability, Social Innovation and Ethics
- Plagiarism Awareness
Year 1
Core modules
You will study all of the following core modules during your first year.
- Corporate Finance
- Financial and Management Accounting
- Organisational Behaviour
- Strategy
- Managerial Economics
- Marketing Management
Year 2
Flexcore modules
You will choose two Flexcore modules from the options below. Each is worth 7.5 ECTS credits:
- Corporate Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Business Analytics
Optional modules
Additionally, you will choose further elective modules to the value of 20 ECTS credits. This can be a combination of the 5 ECTS credit modules below or the 7.5 ECTS credit flexcore modules listed above. You may be able to take up to 12 ECTS at one of our partner institutions around the world.
The Global Online MBA elective portfolio consists of 19 online modules across a number of subject areas. You can also choose up to two of the 30+ classroom-based elective modules that we offer at Imperial College Business School, which are shared across our entire suite of MBA programmes.
Combined with your flexcore module choices, you may choose to specialise in Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Leadership and Organisation, Analytics and Operations, or Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and have this specialisation certified for your employer (optional).
Finance
- Advanced Corporate Finance (Online)
- Mergers and Acquisitions (Online)
- Private Equity (Online)
- Venture Capital Finance (Online)
- Advanced Company Valuation (On-campus)
- Alternative Investments (On-campus)
- Banking and FinTech: Strategies and Challenges (On-campus)
- Clean Technology Investment (On-campus)
- Entrepreneurial Finance (On-campus)
- Topics in Asset Management (On-campus)
- Financing the Blue Economy (IB Glocal elective)
Marketing
- Applied Strategic Marketing (Online)
- Brand Management (Online)
- Digital Marketing (Online)
- Marketing Analytics (Online)
- Market Research (Online)
- Pricing Strategy (Online)
- Consumer Behaviour (On-campus)
- Service Analytics (On-campus)
Strategy
- Advanced Strategy (Online)
- Business Problem Solving (Online)
- Digital Business (Online)
- International Business (Online)
- Mergers and Acquisitions (Online)
- Breakout Strategy (On-campus)
- Building and Managing Reputations During Good Times and Bad (On-campus)
- Climate Change and Business Strategy (On-campus)
- Design for Business Transformation (On-campus)
- Digital Business Model Design (On-campus)
- Digital Transformation: Leading Real-World Change (On-campus)
- Economics of Information and Intellectual Property (On-campus)
- Energy Business (On-campus)
- Leadership for Sustainable Organisations (On-campus)
- Management Challenges in Healthcare (On-campus)
- Strategic Networks for Innovation and Change (On-campus)
- Strategy in Volatile and Uncertain Environments (On-campus)
- Sustainability and Competitive Advantage (On-campus)
- Digital Opportunities: Insights from the Startup Nation (IB Glocal elective)
- Financing the Blue Economy (IB Glocal elective)
- The Future of Cities (IB Glocal elective)
Leadership and Organisation
- Defining Moments (On-campus)
- Leadership (Online)
- Leading YourSelf (Online)
- Managing Negotiations (Online)
- Climate Change and Business Strategy (On-campus)
- Digital Transformation: Leading Real-World Change (On-campus)
- Family Business (On-campus)
- Leadership for Sustainable Organisations (On-campus)
- Leading and Executing Strategic Change (On-campus)
- Sales Management and Leadership (On-campus)
- Strategy and Leadership in a Digital World (On-campus)
- Strategic Networks for Innovation and Change (On-campus)
- The Future of Cities (IB Glocal elective)
Analytics and Operations
- Big Data, AI and Machine Learning (Online)
- Data Analytics and Management (Online)
- Marketing Analytics (Online)
- Operations Management (Online)
- Project Management (On-campus)
- Service Analytics (On-campus)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Digital Business (Online)
- Venture Capital Finance (Online)
- Banking and FinTech: Strategies and Challenges (On-campus)
- Breakout Strategy (On-campus)
- Clean Technology Investment (On-campus)
- Climate Change and Business Strategy (On-campus)
- Design for Business Transformation (On-campus)
- Digital Business Model Design (On-campus)
- Entrepreneurial Finance (On-campus)
- Entrepreneurial Journey (On-campus)
- Idea SMARTCamp (On-campus)
- Financing the Blue Economy (IB Glocal elective)
Further electives
- Global Experience Week
- Independent Project
Capstone (on-campus)
During your second year, you will also study the compulsory Capstone module.
The Capstone module provides you with a practical opportunity to apply and integrate what you’ve learnt during the programme - including knowledge gained from your strategy, finance, innovation, management, entrepreneurship and leadership courses - and enables you to think more strategically when faced with the challenges of bringing new ideas to market.
Alongside a series of lectures on innovation, design, and entrepreneurship, you will ideate and develop an innovation and develop a business case for it so it can be realised within a company.
You will be required to use analytical skills to explore the existing capabilities and worldwide strategy of a company, analyse its industry, and flex your creative skills to develop your own project.
During this on-campus module, for a whole week, you will work in a team with complementary skills and experience.
IB Glocal Electives
The IB Glocal Electives, which are shared across the MBA portfolio, teach students how to explore contemporary global business problems with a local perspective. Led by Imperial College Business School faculty, these intensive four-day study abroad programmes give students who want to enrich their academic curriculum a stimulating experience. You will gain a deeper insight into international issues in a particular geography and will benefit from the in-market exposure and teaching the trips provide.
Locations include the following, subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions:
- New York, USA
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Mahe, Seychelles
Global Experience Week
During your second year, you have the chance to participate in the Global Experience Week.
A highlight of the programme for many, the Global Experience Week is a unique hands-on learning experience. Together with the rest of the cohort, you will travel to another country for an intensive week-long trip to explore a new culture and business in an international context.
Please note this is an additional cost and an optional element for Global Online MBA students.
Read more on the Imperial College Business School's website.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
The Imperial College Business School believe online technologies have reached a stage where it is possible to deliver an MBA online.
The majority of your learning will be undertaken via The Hub virtual learning platform, however, on-campus elements form an important part of your learning experience. The way the programme is designed and the community is on-hand to you all contributes to a learning experience that places engagement and technology at the forefront.
Teaching
The programme combines academic rigour and practical relevance. There is a careful balance of teaching and learning, individual and group work. Case study methodology and class-based discussions are used to strengthen the conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills of the participants in real situations. In addition, there are regular seminars by external expert speakers.
- Lectures
- Practical classes and field work
- Equipment/technique demonstrations (e.g. Bloomberg, DataStream)
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Case studies
- Group work exercises
- Formal presentations
Independent learning
You are expected to spend significant time on independent study outside of face-to-face contact time. This will typically include accessing resources online, reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, reviewing lecture notes and watching lecture recordings, working on individual and group projects, working on coursework assignments and revising for exams.
- Pre-programme VLE modules
- On-line discussion forums
- On-line lecture materials
- Interactive content including video and module quizzes
Assessment methods
You will be assessed using a range of methods:
- Essays
- Continuous assessments
- Written Examinations/Tests
- Multiple Choice Tests
- Formal Presentations
- Reports
- Case Studies Participation
Balance of assessment
For compulsory modules:
- Coursework – 80%
- Exam – 20%
For electives, assessment will be 100% coursework based.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (details at the bottom of this page).
Entry requirements
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.2 degree or an approved professional qualification.
Acceptable qualifications include:
- Any Institute of Chartered Accountants in the UK or Ireland (Full membership)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (Full membership)
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (Full membership)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (Associateship or Fellowship)
If you don't have a first degree (but have suitable experience and/or professional qualification) you may be eligible for entry via a Special Qualifying Examination. You may be asked to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) at the discretion of the Programme Team.
You’ll need a minimum of three years’ continuous relevant full-time work experience after graduation.
If your maths does not seem to be at the required level, you may be asked to sit a short maths test, prior to an offer being made.
Special Qualifying Examination
Applicants who do not hold a first degree (but have suitable experience and/or professional qualification) may be eligible for an alternative entry route onto the MBA, via a Special Qualifying Examination.
Applicants may be asked to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) at the discretion of the Programme Team.
International qualifications
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View Imperial College Business School's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Imperial College Business School
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
If you are applying to the Business School, you may only be considered for one programme per admissions cycle, with the exception of applicants to our Finance Master's programmes, who may select two programmes.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £135 for MBA applications
- £80 for all other taught Master’s applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The fees for the Global Online MBA are the same for UK and international students.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
September 2022 or January 2023 entry
£42,600
The tuition fees are split equally between the two years of the programme.
Additional costs
These additional costs will apply if you choose to participate in these optional elements of the course:
| Description | Mandatory/optional | Guide to cost |
|---|---|---|
| Global Experience Week | Optional | £2000-£2400 tuition + accommodation costs. Flights, meals and other expenses are additional cost and vary dependent on student location. |
| International Exchange | Optional | Flights, accommodation, meals and other expenses vary dependent on student location. |
| Digital Opportunities: Insights from the Startup Nation | Optional | Flights, accommodation, meals and other expenses vary dependent on student location. |
| The Future of Cities (Glocal- New York) | Optional | Flights, accommodation, meals and other expenses vary dependent on student location. |
| Financing the Blue Economy (Seychelles) | Optional | Flights, accommodation, meals and other expenses vary dependent on student location. |
| These are optional elements of the programme. | ||
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
There are a number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students, find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
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