How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: MBM

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: Essex Business School

Do you want a fast-paced career in management? Are you looking for a business Masters to develop your operational management skills and strategic knowledge?

During periods of economic uncertainty, businesses require managers who are agile, collaborative and can deliver better outcomes in times of crisis. This Master of Business Management degree is a broad business and applied management Masters, which is designed to reflect the current business landscape and give you the edge in applying for well-paid managerial positions. It is open to those without a degree in business, as well as those already in work, but without the necessary experience to undertake an MBA.

Our Master of Business Management (MBM) provides knowledge of the main functional areas within organisations, their structure and processes and the changing environments they operate in. We develop your quantitative skills in analysing financial data, so you can make informed decisions to solve complex business challenges.

You learn how to formulate strategies to meet performance objectives, as well as how to manage and allocate resources to sustain competitive advantage. You explore how to run business operations effectively in cross-cultural settings and explore the process of creating your own entrepreneurial venture.

Study areas may include:

strategic management and leadership
financial decision making for managers, including financial and management accounting
supply chain and operations management
international marketing
human resources management
business research and consultancy
managerial economics
entrepreneurship

We help you to reach your leadership potential by developing your transferable skills in:

teamwork
negotiation
networking
problem-solving
project management
critical thinking
communication, including engaging with different stakeholders

During your course, you apply your business knowledge and strategic management skills to undertake a dissertation in an area of your choice.

This course is delivered by Essex Business School at our Southend Campus. Our School is home to an international community of students and staff and our students join us across our two campuses from more than 40 different nationalities.

This course is available to study starting in January or October and can be studied on a full or part-time basis. You may be eligible for scholarships and discounts, including those for students joining us from overseas.

Why we're great.

Choose between starting your course in October or January and take optional modules to tailor a Masters degree that is unique to you.
Develop a suite of practical management skills from leading data and business experts.
A great choice for those without a degree in business, or those already in work, but without the necessary experience to undertake an MBA.

Our expert staff

Our expert staff have world-class research reputations. They're at the forefront of real-world data, management and entrepreneurial issues, ensuring you experience the very latest teaching and thinking to prepare you for the modern business world.

Our staff specialise in areas including:

internationalisation
innovation
new product development
human resource management
management science and data analytics
leadership and strategy
organisation studies
ethics
social responsibility
sustainability
data analytics

Our academic staff are active members of the School's Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship Group, which carries out cutting-edge research into issues affecting the sustainable growth of business, society and the economy.

Many are also part of the national Business and Local Government Data Research Centre, which is based at our Colchester Campus and carries out research into issues impacting entrepreneurship and innovation, such as local economic growth and access to broadband. Not only does the centre have expert data analytics facilities, but you're also taught by academics who are actively involved in researching big data and collaborating with businesses to solve real-world issues.

When you join our school, you will benefit from world-leading research being conducted by our senior academic staff, like Professor of Technology Strategy Suma Athreye. Her teaching is informed by her work around the evolution of technology markets, inclusive innovation and international research and development management. She has consulted with the World Intellectual Property Organisation and is on the Editorial Board of the Innovation and Development and Multinational Business Review. She also advises the Big Innovation Centre.

Academic staff at our Southend campus also contribute to research for the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI) which specialises in interrogating the research and practice of entrepreneurship, international management and innovation.

Specialist facilities

Our Masters of Business Management (MBM) is taught at our Southend Campus, just 40 minutes from the City of London and in the heart of the Thames Gateway - one of the Government's priority areas for economic growth, offering fantastic internship and networking opportunities.

Essex has the highest number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK – meaning you are ideally located when it comes to finding entrepreneurial organisations that could potentially be used as case studies in your assessments, particularly your final business research project.

Southend-on-Sea combines the charms of a traditional seaside resort with the attractions of a vibrant, modern town and our campus sits right at the centre. With seven miles of coastline, a thriving arts and cultural scene and a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife all on your doorstep, it's the perfect place to live and study. Our town centre location has excellent transport links and London Southend Airport is just five minutes away by train, offering flights to over 50 destinations across Europe.

When you choose our Southend Campus for your studies, you'll have access to a superb learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including:

24-hour Learning Hub with computer suites and study pods
extensive public and academic library
student services desk
modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms
employment support, events and initiatives
study skills advice
Faith Centre
our cosy SU Lounge, with pool tables and large-screen TV for socialising and relaxation

Your future

Our Master of Business Management (MBM) equips you with the essential analytic and problem solving skills required to launch a successful career as a manager or consultant in the private or public sectors. Inspired by your studies, you may also decide to follow in the footsteps of our successful student entrepreneurs and launch your own business. Recent graduate startups include international business incubator 0100Ventures and entrepreneurship website SlovakSTARTUP.

We work with the University's Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Read our graduate profiles to find out the types of organisations our Masters students go on to work for.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree or international equivalent, in any discipline.

We will also consider applicants who hold a professional qualification such as a CIM, CIPD or CMI and two years' relevant Professional or Managerial experience.

You may also be considered with a lower class degree, where you have at least three year’s relevant work experience (please provide your CV in your application).

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, such as in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Dissertation

(45 CREDITS)

This module develops your ability to conduct independent business and management research, using a range of methodologies for data collection and analysis. You learn how to plan, conduct and manage original research in an area of your choice and communicate your findings through a 9,000 word dissertation. The project gives you the chance to apply your business knowledge and strategic management skills.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Financial Analysis and Decision Making

(15 CREDITS)

This module equips you with a practical and critical understanding of financial analysis and the decision making of divisional and functional managers. You explore topics such as financial accounting, management accounting and financial management, including how to prepare financial accounts. You learn how accounting information is used to plan, monitor and make decisions and how financial statements can be used to infer business performance.

View Financial Analysis and Decision Making on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Global Supply Chain and Operations Management

(15 CREDITS)

Matching the ability to supply a product or service with customer demand is vital for any organisation. Excess supply can lead to wastage and increased costs, but too little can irritate customers and result in lost revenue. Supply chain management is a complex and challenging task, but, done right, it can create significant competitive advantage. This module explores how organisations manage their product range and operations to best align supply with demand in a global environment, categorised by expanding product variety, increasing outsourcing, and continuous advances in business analytics. You explore areas such as industry competition, resource allocation, organisational learning and competitive dynamics.

View Global Supply Chain and Operations Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Digital Marketing and Social Media

(15 CREDITS)

This module focuses on the impact of 'digital' on the world of Marketing. You explore the changing nature of business and consumer behaviour, communication, and market research. You will investigate current practical and theoretical issues within Digital Marketing and Social Media. You will study the academic field concerned with marketing and digital media and the challenges and opportunities it affords to marketers, consumers, organisations and society at large. Marketing practices have dramatically changed with the rise of social media, mobile apps and new technological developments in devices, platforms, and applications. We will explore together the rapid evolution of the digital environment presents new opportunities and challenges for marketers.

View Digital Marketing and Social Media on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Research Methods

(15 CREDITS)

Gain the key skills and competencies to carry out management research or prepare a comprehensive business plan, suitable for the completion of a Masters level programme. You address the philosophical issues underlying management research, and discover how to select methods and judge the quality and value of research outcomes.

View Research Methods on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Strategic Management

(15 CREDITS)

This module explores how to develop profitable business strategies. You learn how to analyse a firm’s external environment, including examining the economy and its competitors, assess its internal resources and set objectives. You examine the differences between corporate, competitive and functional business strategies and develop your decision making and analytical skills. By the end of the module, you understand how a manger can shape a firm’s direction to meet its goals and stakeholder expectations.

View Strategic Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Creating and Managing the Digital Entrepreneurial Organisation

(15 CREDITS)

This module helps you to identify and understand the main business functions that can support an entrepreneur when determining whether there is sufficient opportunity to launch a new venture. You acquire the critical, transferable and practical skills required to create or manage a new or entrepreneurial organisation. You explore how new businesses are developed and managed, including spin-offs from large firms and social enterprises, and learn how to identify new business opportunities. Topics include: idea generation; the development of business models; networking; marketing; finance; human resource management; customer relationship management and driving growth.

View Creating and Managing the Digital Entrepreneurial Organisation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

Organisation and Leadership in a Globalised World

(15 CREDITS)

Examine past and new approaches in relation to the study of organisations and draw relevant connections between organisational theory and practice and other sub-disciplines of management, sociology, and economics, where issues of learning, collaboration and networks are given particular attention. You explore the role of people and human behaviour alongside the study of systems, functions, and models.

View Organisation and Leadership in a Globalised World on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 09: COMPULSORY

Managerial Economics

(15 CREDITS)

Managerial Economics applies economic theory to business management, decision making and forward planning. This module explores how economic concepts, such as profit, demand, cost, pricing production, competition and business cycles, can be used to solve business problems.

View Managerial Economics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 10: OPTIONAL

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 11: COMPULSORY

Professional and Academic Development (PAD)

(0 CREDITS)

View Professional and Academic Development (PAD) on our Module Directory

Teaching

We develop your practical management skills and functional knowledge through:

lectures, seminars, lab sessions, group work and workshops
an optional research seminar series from our Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship group where you can hear from world-respected academics

Assessment

Coursework and exams.

Dissertation

You undertake a dissertation in an area of your choice.
If you start this course in October, you will start work on your dissertation during the summer term (term three) after you have completed your autumn and spring term modules.
If you start this course in January, you will start work on your dissertation during the summer term (term two) and you will receive feedback on your first draft. You will continue to work on your dissertation during the autumn term (term three) and will have the opportunity to incorporate learnings from your autumn modules before you submit the final version at the end of the year.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£15,000

International fee

£23,500

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Southend Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing southend@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2025 Open Days (Southend Campus)

Saturday 11 October 2025 - Southend Open Day

Find out more

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

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