MBA Top-Up
Programme Overview
The Master of Business Administration (Top-Up) is a postgraduate research and applied management programme designed to enable learners holding an appropriate Level 7 qualification to progress to the award of MBA through advanced independent research and strategic investigation.
The programme integrates supervised research, applied investigation and critical evaluation, enabling learners to apply advanced business, management and leadership knowledge to complex organisational, managerial and strategic challenges.
Learners are expected to undertake independent research, critically evaluate evidence, apply appropriate research methodologies and develop strategically relevant and evidence-based recommendations and solutions within contemporary organisational contexts.
The programme supports progression into senior professional, managerial and leadership roles across a wide range of industries and organisational environments, while also supporting further academic and professional development.
Course Information
Course Objective
Develop Advanced Research & Strategic Capability
Build advanced research, analytical, and strategic management capability relevant to complex organisational environments.
Apply Advanced Business & Leadership Frameworks
Enable learners to critically evaluate and apply advanced business, management, and leadership theories, concepts, and frameworks.
Build Evidence-Based Decision Skills
Develop independent research capability and evidence-based decision-making skills relevant to organisational and strategic challenges.
Solve Complex Organisational Problems
Strengthen professional competence in analysing, investigating, and solving complex organisational and managerial problems.
Integrate Postgraduate Learning into Practice
Support the integration and application of prior postgraduate learning within applied business and management contexts.
Advance Professional & Academic Progression
Prepare learners for senior leadership, professional advancement, and further academic progression.
Programme Outcomes
- Critically evaluate advanced business, management and leadership theories, research methodologies and strategic frameworks relevant to complex organisational challenges.
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of research design, analytical techniques and ethical considerations within applied business and management research.
- Critically analyse complex organisational and strategic problems using evidencebased reasoning and advanced analytical techniques.
- Synthesise theoretical, managerial and empirical insights to develop innovative and strategically appropriate solutions.
- Design and execute a substantial applied research project addressing a realworld organisational, managerial or strategic issue.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies, analytical techniques and strategic management frameworks to generate evidence–based recommendations and solutions.
- Communicate complex strategic, managerial and research findings effectively to academic and professional audiences.
- Demonstrate self-direction, autonomy and reflective practice in managing an extended research project.
Course Structure
The Master of Business Administration (Top-Up) comprises a supervised research and applied investigation through a Research Proposal module and a substantial Management Investigation (Capstone Project), totalling 60 credits at Level 7.
The programme enables learners to integrate and apply advanced business, management and leadership knowledge in the investigation of complex organisational, managerial or strategic challenges within contemporary business environments.
Learners are expected to undertake independent research, critically evaluate evidence, apply appropriate research methodologies and develop strategically relevant and evidence-based recommendations or solutions.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M08001 | Research Proposal | 20 |
| M08002 | Management Investigation (Capstone Project) | 40 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Teaching & Learning Strategy
Delivery is designed to support advanced, research-led and applied learning through a range of academically rigorous and professionally relevant teaching and learning approaches, including:
- Lectures, workshops and seminars
- Case studies, business simulations and applied organisational activities
- Research supervision and academic mentoring
- Online learning resources and discussion forums
- Independent study and guided reading
- Peer learning, collaboration and research presentations
Teaching and learning activities support both theoretical understanding and practical application within contemporary organisational environments. Where appropriate, learners will engage with real-world organisational and strategic scenarios, enabling the application of research methodologies, strategic frameworks and evidence-based decision-making approaches to complex business and management challenges.
Assessment Strategy
Assessment is designed to evaluate research capability, strategic analysis, professional practice and applied management competence.
A range of assessment methods are utilised to support the development and evaluation of analytical, managerial and research skills, including:
- Research-based assignments and critical evaluations
- Research proposal development
- Applied organisational investigation
- Management Investigation (Capstone Project)
Formative feedback is provided throughout to support progression and academic development.
The summative assessments for the research stage are outlined below.
| Module Code | Assessment Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| M08001 | Research Proposal (3,000 words) | 100% |
| M08002 | Management Investigation (Capstone Project) Report (8,000–10,000 words) | 100% |
Entry Requirement
Applicants must have:
- A recognised Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) in a relevant business, management or cognate subject area
- English language proficiency, evidenced through Medium of Instruction (MOI) or an equivalent recognised English language qualification.
Accepted qualifications may include:
- Postgraduate Diplomas awarded by recognised higher education institutions
- Regulated Level 7 qualifications awarded by recognised professional or awarding organisations including CMI, CIM, ATHE, Pearson and OTHM
- Recognised postgraduate qualifications awarded by ISBM University London, ISBM University India, ISBM Group Institutions or equivalent international institutions, subject to equivalency and recognition of prior learning requirements
Applicants may also be required to demonstrate relevant managerial, professional or entrepreneurial experience.
Admission is subject to institutional regulations, academic equivalency review and recognition of prior learning policies.
Progression Opportunities
To be awarded the MBA, learners must:
- Successfully complete all 60 credits
- Achieve a total of 60 credits at Level 7 within the programme
- Satisfy all assessment and academic requirements in accordance with institutional regulations
Join a generation of students who think globally and act locally.
