The Liverpool MBA is designed to extend your existing expertise and build strategic leadership capabilities. You’ll build a deeper understanding of core business and management disciplines, and learn how they link together strategically and operationally.
Introduction
The MBA programme:
Helps build your strategic leadership capabilities and the ability to make and communicate connections across complex ideas
Exposes you to the key dilemmas facing organisations in advancing technological development and economic growth, while balancing issues of sustainability, social responsibility and stakeholder management
Develops your creativity and critical thinking skills, as well as self-awareness, emotional/social intelligence and interpersonal skills
Through compulsory and optional modules, the programme will expose you to core management and leadership challenges, including:
Designing and implementing strategy
Using the power of data analysis to anticipate, rather than follow
Building and investing in teams and allocating organisational resources
Innovating in processes, platforms and culture
Navigating the politics of power
Leading with presence and authenticity
We focus on enhancing your understanding of the interplay of organisation dynamics—people, power, politics and systems—and on gaining new analytical skills to identify, dissect and solve complex business problems. We also focus on you as a leader and the development of your personal capabilities to lead and drive change.
Who is this course for?
Students join our MBA programmes to achieve several professional goals. Typically they will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant management experience in the private or public sector, managing budgets/people/projects.
Students may be planning to:
Start a new business
Move into a more senior strategic role
Improve the performance of their current company
Change the function, sector or country they work in.
Generous scholarships for 2025
If you have 3+ years managerial experience, you may be eligible for one of our generous Management School Awards. We’re offering 50% tuition fee discounts for this globally ranked MBA programme for students starting in September 2025.
Places are limited, so we encourage you to apply to the MBA programme early to avoid disappointment. Awards will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, with applicants to the programme assessed automatically for eligibility.
Our students come from a range of sectors, industries, backgrounds, countries and cultures. Read our students’ stories and find out about why they chose the Management School, highlights of the programme to date, and valuable advice if you’re considering an MBA.
Study trip
You are invited to attend a study trip to a European city destination alongside your fellow MBA candidates. The trip allows you to put theory into practice, offering a deeper understanding of business management in an economic and social context and helping expand your professional network through connecting with business and our alumni.
For more information, please see the Fees and Funding section below.
CEO Magazine Global MBA rankings
For the eighth year in a row, the University of Liverpool Management School has been recognised as one of the top business schools worldwide for its on-campus MBA programme after being awarded Tier One status in the 2024 CEO Magazine Global MBA rankings.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The 12-month full-time programme consists of 10 compulsory modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation or consultancy-based project.
If you’re studying full-time, you’ll undertake taught modules from September to May. This will be followed by your dissertation or consultancy-based project over the summer.
180 credits are taken in total.
Students wishing to study full time can start in January 2025 or September while those wishing to study part time will need to start in September. For details of the part-time programme structure, please contact us.
Compulsory modules
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION (ULMS847)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
This module explores topics in organisational behaviour at the individual, group, and organisational levels. At the individual level, the module looks at individual differences in key attributes that lead to work effectiveness such as personality and motivation. At the group level, the module builds on earlier content to establish how teams function and explores the role of effective leadership in influencing teams. At the organisational level, the module looks at organisational culture and change and consolidates the content by looking at a range of organisations and sectors. The module will offer students several reflection points on their work behaviours on which they will receive targeted feedback.
Managing Financial Resources (ULMS701)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature of financial resources available to an organisation; how resources can be managed to add value; how business activities are summarised and the relationships between different activities summarised and predicted; and how the core skills and competencies of an organisation are identified and managed.
STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION (ULMS822)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Leaders and managers of organisations today face many types of challenges. The essence of strategy is in successfully achieving the appropriate fit between resources and environment in an increasingly dynamic and turbulent world. The aim of the module is to provide the students with a comprehensive overview of strategic analysis, strategy formulation and implementation, and to enable them to develop and implement strategies in their own organisations. The module pays particular emphasis on helping students to understand the environment in which strategising takes place, including the industry and country environment. Furthermore, the module aims to enable students to understand and appreciate the organisational context in which strategic decisions are made. The module takes a critical approach. It draws on insights from a variety of sources and disciplines, including managerial and industry economics, but also behavioural perspectives and organisation theory in order to provide an integrative perspective on strategy.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SIMULATION (ULMS774)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to enable students to practically and critically apply key aspects of strategic management through business simulation exercises. Students work in a team environment to develop and reinforce their knowledge and skills in strategic decision-making, with a number of tasks centred on strategy, finance, marketing, and operations. During the exercises teams compete against each other in a simulated business environment and the strategic decisions they make have various impacts on their organisations. Decisions are coordinated within the team based on the interpretation of various forms of information. Students reflect and are assessed on their evaluation of both technical performance, complexity, temporal impacts and team/process issues.
Marketing in the Digital Age (ULMS842)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Marketing in the Digital Age is a forward-thinking MBA module that puts diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and responsible marketing at the forefront of modern marketing practices. In this transformative journey, we explore the intersection of these critical dimensions with the evolving world of digital marketing. This module empowers students with the knowledge and skills to excel in contemporary marketing. Students will gain insights into the power of inclusive marketing, understand the vital role of sustainability, and embrace responsible marketing practices.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (ULMS843)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Efficient and effective management of supply chains is observed to be highly critical for organisations across sectors and geographies. Since disruptions, both at the local and global levels, are occurring at a much higher rate in recent times, importance of supply chain as a function has been stressed even more and been significantly invested in to build the necessary capabilities for the future. Given that supply chains are receiving such a high level of attention in practice, it is crucial to train MBA students on the management of supply chains. This module will start by training students on the core concepts of supply chain management that will include different types of supply chains, the role of inventory management, and the relevance of embracing lean and agile strategies. Following this, the module will dive deeper into explaining the interaction between different types of digital technologies and supply chains, covering the nuances of technology integration and management for supply chains. Finally, the module will sensitise students on how supply chains can play a significant role in delivering on the sustainability development goals.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
The 12-month full-time programme consists of 10 compulsory modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation or consultancy-based project.
If you’re studying full-time, you’ll undertake taught modules from September to May. This will be followed by your dissertation or consultancy-based project over the summer.
180 credits are taken in total.
Students wishing to study full time can start in January 2025 or September while those wishing to study part time will need to start in September. For details of the part-time programme structure, please contact us.
Compulsory modules
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT (ULMS849)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an understanding of the major drivers of the internationalisation of business activities. Based on the understanding gained from lectures, seminars and individual and group research activities throughout the module, students will be able to analyse the strategic implications of internationalisation for organisations and assess how to manage international business activities effectively. The module outlines the main theories and latest research evidence on major issues of international business management and explores key factors that make international business management different from domestic strategies and operations. The application of theoretical models and concepts to practical issues in the management of organisations is central to the module’s objectives. The module provides students with a sound knowledge of not only the theory and evidence on key topics in the internationalisation processes of organisations, but also applies this to how to manage effectively in the context of a complex and evolving international business environment. Examination of the major drivers of evolution of the international business environment (for example, the rise of emerging economies, and economic, technological, political and cultural changes affecting international trade and investment) provides the basis for assessing how organisations may best adjust to the changing patterns of internationalisation. By the end of the module, students will understand how business strategies and operations fit into the fast changing global arena and will have a good appreciation of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing organisations that operate internationally, as well as of implications for their personal careers in an international context.
Corporate Governance and Sustainability (ULMS718)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
Corporate governance is concerned with the ownership, control and direction of companies. It is embedded in the institutional and legal framework of nations and is fundamental to understanding the character, conduct and significance of business locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Through lectures, seminars, individual and group research the module will consider the essential meaning of corporate governance and how it operates at, national, firm, board and managerial levels of analysis. Sustainability affords the module a context constituted by an array of substantive matters by which to consider challenges and opportunities facing governance actors and institutions including company boards of directors that relate to the role of business in society. In this regard the module will focus on the “G”(governance) but cross into the “E”(nvironmental), “S” (ocial) rubric that is now such a part of business discourse, investment practice, and societal consideration. Module coverage will go beyond a conception of the function and purpose of corporate governance as it relates to shareholder primacy to consider other constituents as well as challenges that sustainability presents for understanding what constitutes effective corporate governance. The module will relate corporate governance to ideas about: corporate strategy and profitability, value creation, responsibility and accountability; corporate ownership, investor behaviour and stewardship; company purpose and the role of business in society. By the end of the module students will have developed a critical awareness of: types of corporate control and ownership; internal and external mechanisms of corporate governance; the role and effectiveness of boards of directors; governance codes, and varieties of corporate governance and they relate to varieties of capitalism and business systems; failures of corporate governance; changing corporate governance to meet the sustainability challenges.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ULMS704)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The objective of this module is to integrate the two fields of innovation and entrepreneurship focusing upon management practice and creating change in a range of sectors. It will approach the analysis of innovation and entrepreneurship by drawing attention to relevant theories and research but placing more emphasis on applying these to practice in a broader context including the private, public and third sector and ways of creating new business models, opportunities, value and change. In particular, the module will examine issues and dilemmas in “doing” innovation and entrepreneurship.
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING IN PRACTICE (ULMS850)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
Management consulting projects offer great opportunities for learning and exchange, but they need to be carefully managed in order to achieve the expected outcomes. In this module, students gain first-hand practical experience in management consulting by working on a live project with a client organisation. Students are expected to offer a solution for the client’s issue in presentation format to be delivered to senior client managers.
The module provides the participants with both conceptual foundations and practical experience in the management of consulting projects, which can be delivered either by external consultants or by internal employees. The module builds on and integrates content from other MBA modules, such as Managing Financial Resources, Strategic Management Simulation and Strategy and Organisation. Students will develop skills related to management consulting, in particular project management, teamwork, data analysis, and oral and visual communication. Further learnings will depend on the exact project specified by the client, i.e students will gain insights into the client’s industry and the functional topic of the project, e.g. strategy, business development, marketing, etc. Typical projects could relate to market analysis, change management or product innovation and tasks could include industry analysis, external and internal benchmarking and firm-internal data analysis.
Optional modules
ADVANCED CORPORATE FINANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (ULMS538)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
Advanced Corporate Finance and Financial Management aims to endow students with a comprehensive coverage of key finance areas, including equity/bond valuation, investment appraisal methods, portfolio theory, asset pricing, debt financing, initial public offerings, dividend policy, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions. Delivered through block teaching over five weeks via a mix of lectures, seminars and in-class exercises, the module provides students with a thorough understanding of key aspects of financial decision making, allowing them to better appreciate the enhanced – and ongoing – complexity of contemporary capital markets in terms of their functions, the variety of financial instruments available, the globalisation process and how it affects them and the concomitant changes in their reigning institutional design.
Effective HRM (ULMS886)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to enhance students’ knowledge and skills in Human Resource Management (HRM). The module covers several important topics in managing human resources, such as functional HRM, strategic HRM and the implications of HRM to organisational performance. This knowledge will increase students’ capabilities of implementing HR practices and develop their skills in human resource management.
Strategic Branding (ULMS540)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module covers the significant aspects of strategic branding, which involves critically evaluating the importance of brands for consumers and other stakeholders, decomposing the brand architecture, harnessing the power of social media, and using research-driven knowledge to measure brand equity and its impact on financial performance. This module is delivered via interactive lectures, seminars, presentations, case studies, and independent reading. The managerial insights will be a priority throughout the materials. The ultimate goal is to equip students with successful strategic brand management tools.
Advanced Analytics for Business (ULMS885)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will introduce students to the use of data analytics to aid decision making. Through the use of case studies from a variety of industries (e.g. aviation, health, sport), students will learn how different industries and organisations use analytics to gain insight from data in order to improve their operations. It also establishes the importance of data science for business intelligence, and describes opportunities and limitations in the use of analytics.
Upon completion of the module students will be able to interpret analytical results found in organisational reports, industry press, relevant literature and journal articles, and be able to make objective judgements on the quality, validity and usefulness of analytics performed by others.
Students will engage in data management and analysis, and familiarise themselves with existing platforms and software tools to develop core skills and expertise needed to process and visualise big data. The software package R will be used throughout the module and students will be able to perform analysis, including using machine learning, themselves.
The module will be delivered in an interactive style. Student participation and class exercises will allow students to gain a practical understanding of why data analytics has become an important tool in the business environment.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Candidates can choose either a dissertation or consultancy based project.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (ULMS706)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The dissertation is a major academic component of the MBA. This module aims to equip students with the skills and resources required to effectively prepare for and produce a dissertation. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to diagnose and investigate a contemporary business issue (i.e. selecting a topic); to locate the work within the body of academic knowledge (i.e. conducting a literature review); to collect and analyse data (i.e. choosing a research design for data collection/analysis); to derive supportable conclusions and, organise and discuss the findings; to present results in a logical and clear manner; and to make practical and actionable recommendations for change, improvement or enhancement of current practice.
The module also aims to support the students in developing a research proposal as a part of the dissertation process. On completion of the module students will understand the purpose and structure of dissertations and have the skills necessary to conduct an independent piece of research. It will enable them to develop and embed their conceptual skills, data analytical skills, ethical awareness, critical evaluations skills, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their research findings to both an academic and practitioner audience.
There are three parts to the assessment: topic choice form; dissertation proposal; and the dissertation itself. During the dissertation phase of the module students will be individually supervised. The design and delivery of the Dissertation module is such that students engage with the research methods workshops in order to prepare a research proposal and be able to execute and deliver that proposal as a full MBA dissertation.
Consultancy Based Project (ULMS823)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module provides an alternative to the traditional academic dissertation, and is aimed at those students who have secured a client organisation to work with on a consultancy basis.
This module prepares MBA students to undertake their consultancy based project which is the final integrative activity of the MBA Programme.
The aim of this module is to provide a process which will enable students to use and extend knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their programme of study. Using appropriate management research methodologies and/or data collection methods, students will have the opportunity to explore an area of interest within management in significantly greater depth than during the taught modules themselves. Students will work on a specific project for an organisation. The organisation selected will function as the ‘client’. The aim of this path is to enable students to undertake a self-managed process of systematic practitioner inquiry within the domain of management.
The main output will be two documents, one for the client, in the format appropriate to that organisation, and one for academic purposes which incorporates those elements that are important to an academic research project of this nature, but are not required by the client. This will also include a reflective piece on the student’s personal development. In alignment with the sister module ULMS706, there will be a requirement to produce a proposal that summaries the project parameters.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
You’ll study your MBA in a dedicated, purpose-built teaching space, the Brett Building. Its facilities include state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, a lecture theatre, break-out spaces, and social zones.
Through your studies you will explore how business challenges can be addressed by considering real case studies of international organisations. Virtual business simulation exercises will ask you to make strategic financial, marketing and HR decisions as a team. You will interpret the stock market and other relevant information, and assess the real time impact of your choices on business performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to tackle real crisis management scenarios, through participation in action learning sets, formulating new business proposals and presenting solutions to senior business leaders. You will have access to personalised learning support which covers study skills and English language skills. Academic advice and mentoring is provided by your Academic Advisor and the alumni network.
How you're assessed
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or consultancy based project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and you will be supported by your academic supervisor and the alumni network.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MBA.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, you will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study. However, you can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Each year our MBA students form lasting friendships and build a supportive global network. The MBA student community meets regularly, following a calendar of social events to make the most of all Liverpool has to offer.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
The MBA has significantly contributed to my career progression. The programme provided me with a comprehensive skill set, strategic thinking abilities, and a valuable network.
Our MBA Career and Professional Development Programme is designed to enrich your MBA journey by challenging your thinking about your own professional, career and leadership development. Active participation in the Programme will deepen your awareness of yourself, your strengths, motivations and aspirations, and support you in confidently articulating and leveraging your MBA with impact and influence.
Networking is a central part of the MBA journey, network with peers, MBA Alumni and Guest Speakers. The Programme enhances professional networking skills both in person and virtually.
Careers support doesn’t end when you graduate from your MBA programme. You are a lifelong member of the MBA community and we encourage you to stay connected and in turn become mentors to the next generation. You will also benefit from access to a wide range of careers and professional development support, advice and webinars up to five years after you’ve graduated.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
In practice, the Career and Professional Development Programme offers:
Full psychometric profiling and feedback
A personal career development plan
Unlimited access to support throughout the year and up to five years after graduation
Access to a Mentoring Programme, connecting with leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who will inspire and guide you
Support with interviews, CVs and job applications.
Recent graduates are working within Liverpool, the North- West and across the world at:
Accenture
Airtel
Arab Bank
Bank of America
Barclays
Capgemini
CitiusTech
Cummins
CSL Seqirus
Deloitte
Deutsche Bank
Dubai Cable Company
Goldman Sachs
Hewlett-Packard
Jaguar Land Rover
KPMG
Lloyds TSB/Capita groups
Oracle
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Proctor & Gamble
PwC
Saudi Aramco
Skye Bank PLC
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£25,950
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£32,950
Please note, the fee for this course includes one international study trip to a European destination, including accommodation and excursions. The fee does not include any additional costs associated with the trip, such as flights and visa applications. The School cannot guarantee that visa applications connected with the study trip will be successful. Fees will not be refunded to students who do not participate in the international study trip.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
MBA Candidates are normally expected to have a minimum of 3 plus years of substantive managerial experience in the private or public sector.
They will have managed budgets/people/projects.
Qualifications
Candidates will normally be expected to hold a 2:1 Honours degree (which may be in any discipline) from a UK university, or an equivalent professional qualification from a similar non-UK institution.
Non-graduates who possess extensive professional experience (more than 5 years) and/or a postgraduate qualification are encouraged to apply.
Non Standard Entry
Non Standard entry relates to applicants who may not hold a degree or the required degree classification. We would still encourage applications if you have:
Significant management experience (more than 5 years),
Below 2:1 or no formal university degree
Substantial record of achievement in business and leadership (for example accredited training courses, learning & development courses).
Each application is considered on a case by case basis and will include an informal, online interview with the MBA team. The interview is an opportunity to discuss your suitability to MBA programme, your experience and interest in the MBA programme.
Applicants should apply via the normal route. For more information on this non-standard entry process, please contact ulmsmba@liverpool.ac.uk.
Personal Statement
The personal statement encourages students to write between 100-200 words for each of the following sections:
your interest and experience in this subject area,
your reasons for choosing this particular programme,
your future aim or career plan
how the programme of study enables you to achieve this.
GMAT Score
A GMAT score is not a mandatory requirement; however, we do encourage candidates who have undertaken the examination to submit their scores for consideration alongside other criteria during the admissions process.
We look for a balanced score across all components of the GMAT and will only accept scores which are still valid (attained within the last 5 years) by the time of entry to the programme.
Our institution is listed as University of Liverpool, University of Liverpool Management School and the programme code for the full-time and part-time MBA is: ZCC-MW-92
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have you got a question about this course? Email the admissions team
