FAQ's

Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions. If you don't find the answer you are looking for then please contact us; if you are logged in to the UWS Online World use the "Helpdesk" link via the "Home" button on the menu at the top of every page.

GeneralShow all

Why the UWS MBA

An MBA is an important undertaking that can accelerate your career prospects. For over 100 years, the University has been offering programmes with a vocational focus and continues to be dedicated to vocationally relevant education. We are Scotland’s largest modern university with a proud tradition of excellence in education. At UWS we have been providing MBA courses for over a global audience since the late 1980s primarily through part-time and online/distance learning modes of study.

Will I be accepted as a student on the UWS MBA

UWS MBA admissions criteria are a combination of academic achievement and work experience gained in a professional business role. We welcome applicants with awards that match UK standard applications at ordinary and honours level first degrees including a Bachelor degree, or a postgraduate award (passed at an appropriate level), or a final qualification of an appropriate professional body. In addition, all applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of two years’ work experience at managerial level in a relevant field of industry, the public sector, teaching or a government establishment. In exceptional circumstances, applicants may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications deemed to be equivalent.

Course contact
University Direct
uni-direct@uws.ac.uk
UK Freephone: 0800 027 1000 or +44 (0)141 849 4101

Useful Information

This course is matched to the U.K.'s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject benchmark for Business and Management, as well as to the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and to the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) European Quality Link (EQUAL) guidelines for MBA courses.

Who is our MBA programme for

The UWS MBA is for motivated managers and executives to develop into the leaders of tomorrow. The flexible approach of the UWS MBA means that if you commence study in one mode and change jobs, you can study in another mode to suit your individual circumstances. Past graduates have come from a variety of industries and vary from early career managers to senior executives, all of whom have benefitted from the prestigious UWS MBA award.

Will I be required to buy any textbooks or other materials

No. The main study texts used for all the modules in the programme are provided as online hypertexts integrated with the study guide, and as PDF files for download and use offline. Module leaders may add links to readings from other online journals as additions, at various points in the course.

What is the language used in the course materials and by the tutors

All modules and programmes are written, spoken, delivered and assessed in English. Candidates whose first language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree in the English language must obtain a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL 550.

How will an MBA improve my career prospects

The new UWS MBA will develop you as a leader. It will provide you with a rigorous grounding in the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for you to operate effectively as a strategic general manager in a variety of environments. Graduates with an MBA may also undertake a programme of research such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a particular branch of business/management or a taught Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

How is the online learning carried out and how do I access study materials

The UWS MBA is a custom developed immersive environment based on a unified delivery of a fully revamped business approach for the 21st Century. This new model of engagement will take place through adopting a dynamic, virtual learning hub, through which all MBA learning and exchange will take place: the UWS MBA Online World. All learning will be serviced through the UWS MBA Online World and as all students will be engaging in modules at the same time, opportunities exist for all students to engage and collaborate within their modules on a truly international basis.

How do I access study materials

When you apply you will be given a Banner number that allows access to the MBA Online World. This will give full access to all modules on the programme.

How many modules do I need to complete in order to receive my full MBA

Stage 1 (PG Cert)
Core Modules
Integration of Business Functions (10 credits)
Analytical Thinking and Decision making (20 credits)
Managing Organisational Health (20 credits)
Plus one 10 credit module from the options list*

Upon successful completion of this stage, you may choose to exit your studies with the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Management.

Stage 2 (PG Dip)
Core Modules
Influencing Organisational Strategy (20 credits)
Creativity and Business Wealth (20 credits)
Plus two 10 credit modules from the options list*

Upon successful completion of this stage, you may choose to exit your studies with the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Strategic Management.

Option List*
Options Modules
Advanced Financial Functions (10 credits)
Global Financial Systems (10 credits)
Leading Change (10 credits)
Influencing Organisational Culture and Change (10 credits)
New Venture Creation (10 credits)
Business Creativity (10 credits)

*Notes on Options selection

If you plan to focus your MBA studies on Finance, you should choose:

Advanced Financial Functions (10 credits)
Global Financial Systems (10 credits)

If you plan to focus your MBA studies on Leadership, you should choose:

Leading Change (10 credits)
Influencing Organisational Culture and Change (10 credits)

If you plan to focus your MBA studies on Enterprise, you should choose:

New Venture Creation (10 credits)
Business Creativity (10 credits)

Stage 3 (MBA)
Core Module 

Strategic Business Project (60 credits)

The Strategic Business Project forms your MBA dissertation and will most likely be undertaken within your organisation and/or on a consultancy basis and will require you to bring to bear all of the knowledge and skills that you have developed throughout the MBA on a significant business issue affecting your/an organisation. It may require qualitative and/or quantitative research and analysis. You will be required to develop a suitable proposal which is acceptable to the host organisation, as well as your project supervisor.

Successful completion of all three stages leads to the award of MBA.

How do I move from one level of study to the other

Each trimester subject and program panels determine progression to the next level of the program.

What types of learning are undertaken

Each module follows a topic by topic approach with content, reading, activities and online reflection recorded online in your study workbook. This is a useful check on how you are progressing.

When an assessment is due

Each Trimester, you will be advised when to complete and submit assessments.

What is the assessment methods used

Summative assessment is undertaken throughout modules as follows:

End of Unit Progress Test

​Ten academic units with online questions at the end of each unit - this will test your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts within each unit and will count as % of final module mark.

End of Module Summative Assessment

​Varying % of final module mark.