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Our Executive MBA Top-Up course is designed to enable holders of DMS (or equivalent UK and international qualifications) to gain an MBA qualification in just one year.
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Executive Master of Business Administration (Top-Up) MBA

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MBA

  • Duration

    1 Year

  • Starting

    September, January

    SEP, JAN

Updated 10/06/2025

Open Days

Updated 10/06/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The University of Northampton Executive Master of Business Administration Top-up (EMBA Top-up) course is designed to enable holders of the Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) (or equivalent UK and international qualifications) to gain an MBA qualification in just one year.

The EMBA Top-up remains a well-recognised established qualification for those seeking career advancement or consolidation. Studying an Executive MBA Top-up degree will support your career progression by developing your critical thinking and research skills and enhancing your business knowledge and understanding.

The Executive MBA Top-up programme at the University of Northampton is a contemporary and market-focused programme aimed at middle and senior managers across the commercial, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Students will be encouraged to reflect on and develop their skills and competencies alongside deepening knowledge and expertise. The programme will develop students’ strategic and critical thinking skills to manage complex, multidimensional issues in a dynamic and uncertain business environment.

This course is available via Distance Learning, and we have two programme starts in the year: January and September. This mode of delivery is supported by live online sessions, though the sessions will also be recorded.

Highlights

  • Gain an MBA qualification in just one year
  • Balance study with your commitments at work and home
  • Enhance your employment opportunities
Aerial view of the Learning Hub on Waterside Campus

Image shows an aerial view of the Learning Hub on Waterside Campus. Also visible are various green spaces next to the River Nene, as well as several university buildings including Halls of Residence.

View of the atrium inside the Senate building

Image shows the atrium inside the Senate building, which overlooks the lobby area. The building is modern-design, white walls with wooden accents, and is bright and airy.

Internal view of seating and book stacks inside the Learning Hub

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External view of the main entrance to the Learning Hub

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View of a seating area on the ground floor of the Learning Hub

Image shows a large, modern lobby with high ceilings, circular light fixtures, and an upper floor visible. People are sitting on yellow seats and moving around. Stairs and a black staircase are also present.

View of the ground floor in the Learning Hub

Image shows the ground floor of the Learning Hub; it is a large, modern atrium with high ceilings, a large clock on the wall, turnstile gates, and an angular black staircase. A student carrying a backpack is walking through the space.

External view of Senate building on Waterside campus.

Image shows external view of the multi-storey Senate building, which features many large windows. In the foreground is a tree and purple flowers. The sky is blue and cloudless.

View of the lawn outside the Learning Hub

Image shows view of the lawn and courtyard outside the Learning Hub, featuring a bare tree, ornamental grasses, and an abstract sculpture. The building has several stories and features large windows.

Entry Requirements

If you hold any of the following qualifications you will be eligible for entry onto this course (subject to conditions below):

  • a Diploma in Management Studies from a British University (120 credits at Level 7/PG)
  • Edexcel Extended Diploma in Strategy Management (120 credits at Level 7/PG)
  • Association of Business Executives (ABE) PG Diploma in Business Management (120 credits at Level 7/PG)
  • NCC Education PG Diploma in Business Management (120 credits at Level 7/PG)
  • Other Business Management qualifications of the same level also considered

  • In addition to one of the qualifications listed above, we ask that you have a minimum of two years’ management experience. It would be helpful if your CV made your managerial experience clear.

    If you would like more information on how to apply for this course, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  • For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • You will study 60 credits to top up your Diploma to sufficient credits to be awarded an Executive MBA.

    • Project Management in Practice (10 Credits)
    • Contemporary Issues in Business (20 Credits)
    • Negotiated Project (30 Credits)

    You will be aided throughout the process by our supportive teaching staff who are professionally qualified and have industry and academic experience to share with you.

    Learning through distance learning, gives you the benefit of being able to balance study with your commitments at work and home. You can enjoy the flexibility to study at your convenience without the need to travel or physically attend classes. Please note that modules are delivered at specific times during the academic year, so you will need to complete modules within the specified schedule.

    The learning materials are provided on our virtual learning platform. We also have online sessions which are usually held during weekdays, but will also be recorded. We recommend students make arrangements to attend these to maximise the learning experience.

    Module information can be found on the Award Map.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

    Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme

    The Executive Master of Business Administration Top Up is part of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS). The ELCS is an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces to further or expand on their education. The scheme offers support financially in a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at a Level three or above.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Distance Learning: £4,150 (per 60 credits)

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • Distance Learning: £4,050 (per 60 credits)

Is this course for you?

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