Online MBA degrees: an explainer

The modern business environment is a fast-paced and ever-evolving one, but the benefits of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) remain an unchanging constant. Whether you want to ascend the corporate ladder, build an entrepreneurial venture, and simply do your job more effectively, an MBA is a powerful investment in your future.

However, it’s also a significant investment. Studying for an MBA can be costly, plus it’s time-intensive, often requiring people to take a break from their careers to complete their programmes.

These are just a few of the reasons why part-time online MBA programmes are rising in popularity within higher education. They’re typically more flexible and accessible than their on-campus, full-time MBA counterparts, and often more cost-effective, too, making them a compelling path towards a valuable postgraduate qualification. 

What online MBA degrees are available at Wolverhampton?

The University of Wolverhampton offers four online MBA programmes, including:

• Online MBA
• Online MBA Finance
• Online MBA Entrepreneurship
• Online MBA Psychology 

Enrolment on one of our global online MBA programmes grants you access to a virtual learning environment. This is where you’ll submit your coursework; access course content such as webinar videos, interviews, and podcasts; and explore global business ideas, examples, and case studies with your fellow MBA students.

The benefits of an MBA degree

Career progression

An MBA is highly regarded as a catalyst for career advancement on a number of career paths. This is because it equips students with leadership skills and competencies, builds a solid foundation for organisational decision-making, and explores core areas of business, from business strategy to the supply chain and operations management.

For example, MBA graduates are often considered prime candidates for leadership roles across various sectors, from financial services to healthcare.

“Graduates from top MBA programs often land positions that put them on an accelerated path into leadership,” says a 2020 article in the Harvard Business Review. “The reason is simple: Employers expect graduates of these programs to have the academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills to solve complex business problems.”

Salary

Research continues to show that investing in an MBA degree can significantly impact your earning potential, with MBA graduates often seeing a substantial increase in salary when compared to other degree holders.

For example, a 2023 report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) – the organisation that administers the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT – found that MBA salaries in 2023 are expected to be higher than 2022 projections – while industry and business Master’s salaries may actually dip.  

Why study an MBA online?

Choosing to study an MBA online comes with a number of advantages. One of the most commonly cited is the flexibility to learn at your own pace and around your own schedule, which is invaluable for anyone balancing professional commitments and a personal life.

There are also financial benefits. For example, tuition fees at some business schools and universities, like Wolverhampton, allow students to pay on a per-module basis, so they can spread out the costs of their studies. On top of that, online study means students can save on relocation or commuting costs.

Some of the other benefits include:

• Specialisations. Many online MBA programmes offer students the opportunity to specialise in a particular area and these range hugely, from data analytics and project management to sustainability and human resources. Wolverhampton, for example, offers specialisms in finance, entrepreneurship, and psychology. These specialisations mean that students can tailor their studies to their specific career goals or work experience.
• Enhanced networking. The online format of distance learning MBAs opens students up to peers from all over the world, tapping them into a more diverse range of professional experiences and unique insights. Not only does this create a world-class online learning experience, but it also helps students build a professional network that spans continents.
• Inclusivity. Entry requirements for many online MBA programmes are designed to accommodate a range of applicants. For example, while some programmes require GMAT scores, others place greater emphasis on professional experience or the quality of existing Bachelor’s degrees (BSc) or Master’s degrees (MSc). This inclusive approach broadens access to MBA education and builds business leaders from all backgrounds.

For more information about online MBA programmes at the University of Wolverhampton, including start dates, accreditation, core modules and electives, or English language requirements – such as IELTS – for international business students, please visit our website.