The underpinning approach and hence philosophy throughout the MBA is Problem and Practice Based Learning (PPBL). Learning activities are tailored to this approach by engaging with authentic and challenging real problems, allowing students to evolve understanding, and analytical skills; hence facilitating development of key management & leadership competencies.
The focus will be on active learning facilitated through an asynchronous online environment. Learning will be centred on interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises, encouraging a dialectic rather than didactic approach. Instead of traditional teacher-led instruction, students will engage with dynamic content, case studies, and online peer interactions at their own pace. Teaching staff will demonstrate their expertise and enthusiasm through carefully designed asynchronous materials, such as recorded lectures, discussion forums, and self-paced activities, ensuring an engaging and enriching learning experience.
Many approaches to PPBL will be innovative and novel – pushing the boundaries of learning and knowledge in the subject areas. The PPBL philosophy aims to set in context the latest theories, models and frameworks throughout all modules. Each module is designed to develop five key competencies required for effective management & leadership.
These competencies are defined as:
- Strategic Agility
The ability to perceive and implement direction at a strategic level; to evaluate the implications of setting direction and implementation
- Organisational Agility
The ability to navigate effectively within an organisation; to understand not just wiring diagrams & structures but informal networks and organisational culture
- Customer Focus
Understanding what a customer really wants, be it internal or external, and how managers should operate to secure repeat business
- Drive for Results
Making sure managers can operate and deliver against key drivers of quality, cost & timescale - even when the pressure is on
- Career Ambition
Students always take steps to know & understand their abilities & limitations plus critically assess what new skills & competencies they need to plan for & develop to ensure they secure that key next step on the career ladder. These are fully defined management & leadership competencies (Career Architect - Lombardo & Eichinger Lominger 2012) currently utilised in continuous development of both managers & leaders within a wider range of both private & public sector organisations. The combination of these competencies aims to convey an optimum mix of such competencies to enhance employability. This is fundamental to the new approach, in-line with the underpinning PPBL philosophy and designed to enhance employability whether those seeking career advancement in management or leadership roles or change to new employment.
The modules that comprise the diploma part of the programme will be delivered fully online with a flexible, asynchronous structure, allowing students to engage with learning materials and activities at their own pace. This approach ensures accessibility for part-time learners while providing a rich and diverse learning experience through interactive content, case studies, and discussion forums.
The asynchronous material is tailored to the subject matter, offering a diverse range of student-centred activities. These will include recorded lectures, interactive case studies, management simulations, discussion forums, self-paced exercises, and virtual support sessions. Independent study will be supported through structured online resources, desk-based and empirical research activities, and engagement with a virtual learning environment. Directed independent and work-based study will be utilised to reinforce and expand the knowledge, skills, and competencies developed through asynchronous online learning, providing deeper context for each module. Academic mentors and module tutors will be available for one-to-one support as needed, delivered through online channels such as discussion forums and Microsoft Teams.
The curriculum is structured so that both knowledge & knowledge developed within module teaching is PPBL and hence fully transferable e.g., applied and hence able to be further developed to wider/new concepts in other modules and/or the workplace.
The VLE (Blackboard and other digital media) plays a key role in ensuring communication is maintained and direction is provided to ensure a depth and breadth of learning which complements and enhances the learning experience. All modules are represented on VLE. The modules are adapted to facilitate online learning opportunities plus intermediate/formative assessment criteria e.g., tests, questionnaires and direction to supplementary web-based learning resource.
Students on the award will complete the 120 credits over a 1-year period and then progress to the dissertation stage (which includes an intensive 1-week F2F week providing detailed guidance on research methods) followed by individual supervision to write a 15,000-word dissertation over a 2-semester period.
Assessment
Due to the flexibility of asynchronous learning, all assessments will be individual assessments. These may range from coursework to case study-based assignments to project reports based on own work area. The assessments have been designed keeping in mind the full-time nature of work of the intended audience. All assessments are designed to align with professional-based assessment guidelines and QAA benchmark standards under “Skills for all Masters programmes.” This approach allows students to apply their learning directly to real-world scenarios, demonstrating critical thinking, research skills, and key interpersonal competencies essential for management and leadership, all while balancing their professional commitments.
Assessment types
To assure student progress, focus will be on assessment & feedback that provides guidance throughout the duration of the Diploma part of the programme. Developmental and formative assessment will be used throughout every module providing feedback on performance. All assessment will engage students in real-life experiences and prepare for subsequent careers. MBA assessments will also be based on PPBL aimed at facilitating development of the key defined 5x management & leadership competencies.
As the PPBL philosophy is based on engagement & dialogue as a key component of a learning organisation, it is axiomatic that student feedback will be sought both during & following each element of learning to engender an overarching culture of continuous improvement.
Learning support
In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:
- study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
- written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
- academic writing and how to reference
- research skills
- critical thinking and understanding arguments
- revision, assessment and examination skills
- time management
Additional support
Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Feedback
We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.
We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days. The format will vary for each module.