HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Professional Practice
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1stTop university in Scotland for producing CEOs
- In-demandCourses aligned with top five skills in World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report
- 200+ yearsFounded in 1821, Heriot-Watt has over 200 years of academic excellence
- FlexibleStudy at your own pace, from anywhere in the world
- Performance-based admissionStart with the first course and prove your capability
- Global networkJoin The Watt Club, Heriot-Watt’s alumni community
This career-focused MBA is designed for working professionals looking to advance into senior leadership roles. Delivered 100% online, it offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace and apply new knowledge directly to your workplace. The programme combines academic excellence with practical, real-world impact, focusing on developing skills in leadership, strategy, decision-making, and business transformation. Edinburgh Business School, part of Heriot-Watt University, is a global hub for business knowledge with over 200 years of academic excellence. This MBA aligns with the top five most in-demand skills globally, including analytical thinking, resilience, leadership, creative thinking, and motivation. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Strategy Consultant, Operations Director, Finance Manager, and Chief Executive Officer. The programme structure allows for flexible study, with students typically completing the MBA in two years, though faster or longer study periods are possible. You will complete seven core courses and a Business Project, totalling 190 credits. Each course requires approximately 200 hours of study. The curriculum is designed to deliver measurable impact through a Business Project that addresses real-world challenges like sustainability, supply chain resilience, or digital transformation.
Curriculum
You decide how to start. Choose the number of courses you take at a time and the order you study them. You’ll complete seven MBA core courses and a Business Project – totalling 190 credits to earn your degree. Each course takes around 200 hours of study. Most students finish the full MBA in two years, but you can go faster – or take longer if you need. Flexible, practical, and built around your career.
- Core Courses
- People, Work and Organisations
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Delivering Successful Projects
- Developing and Executing Strategy
- Financial Decision Making
- Research Methods for Business
- Strategic Marketing
- Final Project
- Business Project
Careers
This MBA is designed to fast-track your career into senior leadership roles. With flexible online study, you can earn while you learn, build your CV, and apply new skills from day one. You'll gain access to over 500 industry courses on Coursera Career Academy and receive dedicated Careers Service support. Heriot-Watt University is ranked 1st in Scotland for producing CEOs and MDs and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability.
- Strategy Consultant
- Programme or Project Director
- Department Head
- Operations Director
- Finance Manager
- Chief Financial Officer
- Sales Manager
- Product Manager
- Chief Operating Officer
- Managing Director
- Chief Executive Officer
Entry requirements
Performance-based admissionEnrol and pass your first course to continue towards your full degree. No standard entry requirements are needed to begin.
Heriot-Watt is Scotland's most international university, with a global community of students from over 158 countries. Online programmes are designed and delivered by the same faculty who teach on its global campuses.
Fees
Tuition (international)Fees can be paid per course or in multiple courses at once. A 20% upfront fee reduction is available when purchasing all courses at once. An Emerging Economies rate is available for residents of selected countries, offering a reduction of over £3,000.
Tuition (home)Fees can be paid per course or in multiple courses at once. A 20% upfront fee reduction is available when purchasing all courses at once. An Emerging Economies rate is available for residents of selected countries, offering a reduction of over £3,000.
Living—
An Online Fees Calculator is available on the university website, requiring you to select the programme and your country of residence. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
How to apply
1. Start with one courseEnrol in and pay for your first course. This allows you to begin your studies immediately without a formal application process.
2. Prove your capabilityPass your first course. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to continue towards the full MBA programme.
3. Continue to the full programmeOnce you have passed your initial course, you can enrol in the remaining courses to complete your MBA.
Scholarships
Alumni Discount20%
Emerging Economies RateOver £3,000 reduction