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Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-
If you are applying for this course for October 2025, click apply now.
Course starts: 13 October 2025Apply now
Take advantage of a 12-month taught course followed by a 12-month work placement, facilitated by the University. Grasp the opportunity to demonstrate business skills and knowledge in the workplace.
The MBA (Professional Practice) is a taught course which incorporates a 12-month work placement. Securing a work placement is a competitive process and we'll help you with the selection process from application to interview.
We'll support you with securing a placement, but should you be unsuccessful in the selection process, we'll arrange a transfer to the generic MBA course to study a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management or a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing and Analytics as an additional qualification at no cost, completing both courses within the two-year period.*
Our dedicated faculty placements team is well-connected with regional and national employers and, each year, assists students in applying for roles in areas including marketing, human resources, finance, operations, and supply-chain positions.
The University will support your efforts in securing a placement or work experience. Our students have secured placements with companies including Nissan, Caterpillar, Fujitsu, Network Rail, and White Lodging Services, as well as small entrepreneurial firms in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
*The modules completed in furtherance of this Certificate won't contribute to the assessment of the MBA and you may only complete the certificate as well as the MBA over the two-year period that was the expected duration of the course on which you were originally.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, and applied study. Your progress will be assessed with the dissertation and assignments.
Compared to an undergraduate course, you'll find that this master's degree requires a higher level of independent reading and research.
See further information on the generic MBA route.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a Canadian bachelor's degree | GPA 2.40 |
| a USA bachelor's degree | GPA 2.5 |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
This course is designed to support career acceleration for suitably academically qualified applicants. All levels of practical work/work experience will be considered including applications from candidates with pre-graduation or limited/no work experience post degree who can display that they'll benefit from a course of this type.
We require a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification.
You'll be required to attend a short Skype interview as part of the application process.
If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.
MBA with 12-month placement (24-month overall duration).
Fees are:
See the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
An MBA is a challenging qualification which requires significant dedication. Employers recognise its worth and the value that an MBA-qualified business leader can bring to their organisation.
Business graduates from Sunderland have secured roles in organisations such as Facebook, Microsoft, Sage, HSBC, IBM, Enterprise, Nissan, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Merck & Co, Barclays, Nissan, Marriott Hotels, Viacom 18, PricewaterCoopers, and Adidas.
We invite business leaders into the University to share their experiences with students. Past speakers include Divine Chocolate’s Head of Sales and Marketing and Sunderland Football Club’s CEO.
Learning from business professionals can be very useful if you’re not sure what career to pursue when you graduate. If you already have a plan for your career, these events are an excellent way to start building a network of business contacts.
The programme team is very much committed to supporting you on your learning journey. We provide a robust personal tutoring system, setting academic goals and working with you to keep this on track. Study skills development is a feature of the programme support, for example, honing critical skills and critical writing. We pride ourselves on Sunderland being a friendly and sociable place to study – many long-lasting friendships and networks are formed within our Sunderland MBA cohorts
Thanks to the University of Sunderland for making me a better version of myself
Sunderland has provided me with brand new critical thinking skills.
