Master Programme · MBA
Master of Business Administration
Develop advanced capabilities across strategy, finance, leadership and international management, then shape your MBA through a specialist area aligned with your professional direction.
Complete on your own terms
Programme Overview
A Flexible MBA Built Around the Individual.
The IBSS Master of Business Administration is a flexible programme designed for professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge across key areas of business and management.
Students complete the programme through self-paced study and can shape their MBA further through optional specialisation, project and thesis components.
The MBA is delivered through asynchronous, self-paced study, allowing students to progress through the programme according to their own schedule.
Start with the 60 ECTS base MBA and optionally add a specialisation, 12 ECTS project, 30 ECTS final thesis — or combine these options according to your academic and professional goals.
Applicants may enter with a Bachelor’s degree or be considered individually based on relevant professional experience. English proficiency can also be demonstrated in several ways.
Graduate Experience
Hear From MBA Graduates.
Former MBA students reflect on flexibility, academic depth and the experience of progressing through the programme alongside professional and personal commitments.
Nicheree Fiddes
Studying while working.Nicheree reflects on the flexibility of studying online while continuing to work. She describes completing her MBA and reaching graduation as a source of pride and recommends the online format particularly for professionals balancing study with other commitments.
Nguyen Phan Anh
An in-depth learning experience.Nguyen highlights the depth of the MBA curriculum, the opportunity to engage carefully with course materials, and the range of perspectives gained through interaction with professors and fellow students.
He also reflects positively on the structure of the courses and the support provided by faculty when progressing through more challenging material.
Curriculum
Eight Core Courses. One Complete MBA.
The IBSS MBA is at its base 60 ECTS programme built around eight core courses in business and management. Completion of these eight courses fulfils the academic requirements of the basic MBA.
The courses are completed through flexible, self-paced study and do not have to be taken in a specific order.
8 core courses · 7.5 ECTS each
- Finance for Strategic Managers 7.5 ECTS
- International Business Environment 7.5 ECTS
- International Marketing 7.5 ECTS
- Organisational Behaviour 7.5 ECTS
- Personal Development for Leadership and Strategic Management 7.5 ECTS
- Research for Strategic Development 7.5 ECTS
- Strategic Human Resource Management 7.5 ECTS
- Strategic Planning 7.5 ECTS
A specialisation, project or final thesis is not required for completion of the 60 ECTS base MBA.
Optional Enhancements
Build Further on Your MBA.
Students who want to extend their MBA can add further academic components according to their professional, specialist or research interests.
Add a specialist area to your MBA.
Complete one or more additional specialist courses to add a chosen specialisation to your academic record.
Explore MBA SpecialisationsApply your learning through a focused project.
Add an applied project for students who want to extend their MBA through further practical academic work.
Extend the MBA through substantial research.
Add a final thesis for students who want to undertake a more extensive independent research component.
The optional components can be taken individually or combined. Students may complete a specialisation, project, final thesis, or combine all three with the 60 ECTS MBA.
Local Delivery Model
Flexible by Design. Enhanced Locally.
Education institutions can explore opportunities to become an IBSS learning centre or delivery partner for the MBA.
Assessment & Completion
Two Assessment Models. One Clear Route to Completion.
Choose the assessment model which best fits your study needs.
Module-Based Assignments
Students complete assignments at the end of the applicable module, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of the subject through written academic work.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Under the MCQ assessment model, each module is assessed through a series of multiple-choice questions. Students who prefer this approach can select the MCQ model as their chosen method of assessment.
Entry Requirements
Your Route Into the MBA.
Applicants may hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.
Applicants without a Bachelor degree will be considered based on relevant professional experience, with applications assessed individually. A CV should be provided for this route.
Applicants should demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency for MBA study. This may be demonstrated through:
Prior study in English, professional experience working in English(single module studies are accepted), other suitable evidence of English proficiency, or the an English test.
Selected Local Learning Centers deliver the programme in the local language, and English is not a requirement.
Unsure whether your qualifications meet the MBA entry requirements?
Speak With AdmissionsOptional MBA Specialisations
Choose from 50 Specialisations. Enhance Your MBA.
A specialisation is an optional 7.5 ECTS extension to the 60 ECTS base MBA. Each specialisation consists of one additional specialist course and is added to the student’s academic record.
8 core courses
1 specialist course
Specialisation added to your academic record
AI, Technology & Digital Transformation
Specialist options focused on emerging technology, digital business and technology-led management.
Artificial Intelligence for Business
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSArtificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSBusiness Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSDigital Transformation
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSTechnology Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSCybersecurity Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSDigital Business & Innovation
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSTechnology Product Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSFinance, FinTech & Investment
Specialist options across finance, investment, banking and financial innovation.
Finance
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSFinancial Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSFinTech
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSInvestment Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSBanking & Financial Services
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSInternational Finance
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSCorporate Finance
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSRisk Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSIslamic Finance
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSWealth & Asset Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSStrategy, Leadership & Management
Specialist options for professionals focused on leadership, strategy, change and organisational direction.
Strategic Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSLeadership
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSInternational Business
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSGeneral Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSChange Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSProject Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSEntrepreneurship
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSInnovation Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSMarketing, Sales & Customer Growth
Specialist options focused on markets, brands, commercial growth and customer relationships.
Marketing Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSDigital Marketing
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSSales Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSBrand Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSE-Commerce
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSCustomer Experience Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSPeople & Organisation
Specialist options across talent, leadership, organisational development and people management.
Human Resource Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSStrategic Human Resource Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSOrganisational Leadership
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSTalent Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSLearning & Development
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSOrganisational Psychology
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSOperations, Supply Chain & Global Commerce
Specialist options focused on operations, logistics, sourcing, trade and organisational performance.
Supply Chain Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSLogistics Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSOperations Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSProcurement & Strategic Sourcing
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSInternational Trade
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSQuality Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSSustainability & Responsible Business
Specialist options focused on responsible management, governance and sustainable business practice.
Sustainability Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSESG & Sustainable Finance
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSCorporate Governance & Ethics
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSIndustry Leadership
Specialist options for management within selected professional and industry environments.
Healthcare Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSHospitality & Tourism Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSReal Estate Management
Optional MBA Specialisation · 7.5 ECTSStudents may complete the 60 ECTS base MBA without a specialisation. A specialisation adds one additional 7.5 ECTS specialist course and may also be combined with the optional project and/or final thesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About the MBA.
Find answers to some of the most common questions about studying the Master of Business Administration at IBSS.
How long does the MBA take?
The MBA is a self-paced, self-study, meaning you can complete it in your own pace.
How does asynchronous study work?
Direct IBSS MBA delivery is asynchronous. Students engage with the programme materials and progress through the academic structure without being dependent on scheduled live classes.
Are live classes available?
Direct IBSS delivery is asynchronous. Approved learning centres may, however, enhance the student experience through synchronous teaching, academic support and/or blended learning arrangements. Some Local Learning Centers also offer the MBA in the local language.
The exact enhancements available depend on the individual learning centre and applicable study arrangement.
How do MBA specialisations work?
Specialisations are optional additions to the 60 ECTS IBSS MBA. The base MBA consists of eight core courses worth 7.5 ECTS each and can be completed without choosing a specialisation.
If you wish to specialise, you can add one or more specialist courses to your MBA. Each specialisation consists of one additional 7.5 ECTS course and is added to your academic record.
Specialisations can also be combined with the optional 12 ECTS Final Project and/or 30 ECTS Final Thesis, allowing you to build an MBA structure that reflects your academic and professional goals.
Specialisation availability may vary by intake and delivery arrangement, and certain specialist options may be available through selected IBSS learning centre partners.
How is the MBA assessed?
Students can choose the assessment model that best suits their preferred way of studying. The IBSS MBA is available through two assessment models: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) or assignment-based assessment.
This gives students the flexibility to select their preferred assessment approach rather than being assigned a particular assessment model.
Under the Assignment Model, students complete assignments at the end of the applicable module. Under the MCQ Model, module assessment is completed through multiple-choice questions.
Is there a Final Thesis?
A Final Thesis is available, but it is not required to complete the base MBA. Students can graduate with the 60 ECTS MBA by successfully completing the eight core courses.
Students who wish to undertake further academic research can add the optional 30 ECTS Final Thesis to their MBA. The thesis can also be combined with one or more specialisations and/or the optional Final Project.
What are the MBA entry requirements?
IBSS takes a flexible approach to MBA admission. Applicants can enter with a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or through relevant professional experience. Applicants entering through the professional experience route provide their CV for individual evaluation.
Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through previous study in English, professional experience working in English, other suitable evidence of English proficiency, or an English test.
Programmes delivered or. validated through IBSS partners and local learning centres can have different entry requirements. Applicants applying through a partner should therefore follow the admission requirements of that institution
When can I start the MBA?
The MBA offers flexible intakes.
Is the IBSS MBA accredited?
IBSS maintains a wider quality-assurance framework through its accreditations, certifications and professional memberships. Current details can be reviewed on the IBSS Accreditations & Memberships page .
Still have a question about the MBA?
Contact AdmissionsTake the Next Step
Study the MBA. Or Deliver It With IBSS.
Whether you are planning your own postgraduate studies or exploring opportunities to deliver the IBSS MBA through your institution, choose the route that is relevant to you.
Ready to Advance Your Business Education?
Speak with the IBSS admissions team about entry requirements, study routes, monthly intakes and the application process for the Master of Business Administration.
Interested in Delivering the IBSS MBA?
Education institutions can explore opportunities to become an IBSS learning centre or delivery partner for the MBA, including locally enhanced teaching and blended delivery arrangements where applicable.
Flexible asynchronous study · Monthly intakes · Specialist pathways · Final Thesis