Master of Business Administration

MBA

  • Entry year 2026
  • Duration Full time 1 year
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Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 10

    10th for Thought Leadership in the UK

    QS Global MBA rankings (2025)

  • 12

    12th for Full time MBA in the UK

    QS Global MBA rankings (2025)

  • Ranked in Tier one of the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2025

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) will reshape your approach to business, leadership, decision-making and innovation. We believe that true leaders are made through a combination of rigorous academic learning, real-world experience, and a community that challenges and supports you every step of the way. At Lancaster, you will be exposed to cutting-edge research, global business strategies, and an international network of professionals.

Experiential learning

You will not just study case studies; you will live them by working on real projects with real companies, solving real problems. Experiential learning is foregrounded in our three action-learning challenges, as well as other key opportunities:

  • visits to companies and programme partners
  • guest lectures from our Entrepreneurs and Leaders in Residence
  • alumni networking
  • business consulting opportunities in London and elsewhere

Grow your network

You will be part of a diverse and international cohort.

This programme provides an opportunity to work and to network with colleagues both here in Lancaster and around the world. Based at our wonderful campus, you will take part in:

  • face-to-face lectures
  • workshops
  • simulations
  • tutorials

You can also interact online with your colleagues on the Executive MBA.

Good growth

The concept of good growth is at the heart of our MBA programme.

The world is changing rapidly, and growth at any cost is no longer an acceptable, future-proof option. Leaders need the skills and attributes to adapt and change in a more strategically responsible way. Leaders should adopt a regenerative approach to ensure their business is aligned with environment, community and social value.

Good growth means that the growth of a business is directly aligned with positive social and environmental value creation. If the business does well, then so does the community and the planet.

Responsible leadership

The Lancaster MBA seeks to challenge you, as leader of tomorrow, to consider how you can act as a responsible and adaptable leader and create value for your organisation that is both balanced and interconnected.

You will graduate with a resilience that allows you to overcome challenges and identify opportunities, even in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments. After completing the programme, you will be globally fluent and ready to shape businesses and organisations around the world.

Over 30 years in the making

The Lancaster MBA, our Management School’s flagship programme, enjoys a rich heritage and engaged community that is over 30 years in the making. Our committed MBA team ensures our programme curriculum constantly evolves to ensure our graduates acquire the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to excel in contemporary business environments. Consistently remaining relevant and delivering excellence, the Lancaster MBA is built upon our expertise in strategy, responsible leadership and social sustainability.

Key facts

Discover why the Lancaster MBA stands out:

Action-based challenges

Action-based challenges put your learning to the test.

Networking

Excellent networking with many nationalities represented in each cohort.

International focus

Encounter different perspectives with staff and students from all over the world.

Welcome to the Lancaster University MBA

Dr Mark Dawson, MBA Programme Director, introduces the Lancaster MBA

Transcript for An introduction from your Programme Director

I'm Dr Mark Dawson, the Director of the MBA programme here at Lancaster University.

Today, I want to talk to you about something that goes beyond just a degree. I want to talk to you about transformation: your transformation.

Our MBA is not just about acquiring knowledge. It's about reshaping your approach to business, leadership, decision-making and innovation.

We believe that true leaders are made through a combination of rigorous academic learning, real-world experience and a community that challenges and supports you every step of the way.

Here, you will be exposed to cutting-edge research, global business strategies, and a network of professionals that spans the globe, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to experiential learning. You won't just study case studies; you'll live them. You'll work on real projects with real companies, solving real problems.

We understand that the world of business is global, and so is our programme. With cross-cultural exchanges and a diverse cohort you will gain a global perspective that is crucial in today's interconnected economy.

Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder, start your own venture or pivot to a new industry, our MBA is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to excel, but more importantly, we're here to help you discover your potential, push your boundaries and lead with impact.

So, are you ready to take the next step in your journey?

Your future is waiting, and we are here to help you make it extraordinary.

Join us at Lancaster University, and let's build the future together.

Course accreditation

Association of MBAs logo

Lancaster MBA programmes have been accredited by the Association of MBAs since 1996. Although AMBA is UK-based in its origins, it is the only accreditation body that focuses on MBA programmes worldwide. Lancaster students and alumni on AMBA-accredited programmes can benefit from complimentary AMBA student and graduate membership for life, giving access to networking opportunities and career development resources.

Learn more about the Association of MBAs accreditation

Careers

It's not just our world rankings and clever programme design that make the Lancaster MBA stand out. Through our expertise in leadership programmes, we have developed core themes to transform your own practice and personal management style. Our MBA graduates benefit from a new perspective, renewed confidence and the skills to take their career to the next level.?Career advancement is embedded throughout the programme, enabling you to draw on your learning and experiences as you progress through your studies.

Career destinations

Lancaster MBA graduates are recruited by a wide variety of companies and organisations worldwide, both in the private and public sectors. Some join large multinational companies, others boost the management teams of smaller organisations or enjoy accelerated promotion with their former employers, and some start their own companies.

Companies employing our graduates include Amazon, Hilti, Accenture, Hyundai Group, KPMG, Oracle, Grant Thornton, Hasbro, Sony, Starbucks, Capgemini, TCS, P&G, Deloitte, EY, HSBC, Arup, Microsoft, Turner & Townsend, Gap, Caterpillar, Ricardo Strategic Consulting, BNY Mellon, Deloitte, Barclays, Menzies Aviation, Capgemini Invent, WPP, Rothschild & Co, Alten, and Vodafone.

Learn more about our careers support and the roles our MBA graduates pursue: MBA careers.

The teaching was hands-on and directly applicable to the experiences we’d had previously as leaders and the experiences we knew we were going to have in the future.

A quote from Ibrahim Malik Full-time MBA, 2022

Explore the Lancaster MBA

Learn more about the programme, including careers support and applications. 

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any subject.

Additional requirements

As part of your application, you also need to provide/have:

  • A minimum of three years' professional work experience since graduation. This should be evidenced by providing a copy of your current CV detailing your professional experience and achievements to date. Preference will be given to those who can demonstrate that they have strong business experience and have held significant managerial responsibilities. Please ensure that you include dates of employment and job titles on your CV.
  • Two good references - one from your current employer and, ideally the other from someone who can comment on your academic ability.
  • A detailed personal statement (around 500 words).
  • An interview with a member of Lancaster's admissions team.

English language requirements

We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

We also consider other English language qualifications and if your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

Pre-master's programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2026-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.

Lancaster MBA news

Discover the latest news and updates from the Lancaster MBA.

MBA Students Alumni and guests enjoying the MBA networking event

Lancaster MBA London Networking Event 2025

An inspiring evening of networking, insight and celebration with the Lancaster MBA community in the heart of London.
People sit in a lecturer theatre during a question and answer session

MBA conference brings together the North’s future leaders

Lancaster MBA students joined the inaugural MBA North Conference 2025, a trail-blazing event showcasing the region as a hub for business talent and opportunity.
Thumbnail image for AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards

Cyber Security Executive MBA shortlisted for innovation strategy award

Lancaster University Management School has been shortlisted for the Best Innovation Strategy 2025 award at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025 for its Cyber Security Executive MBA programme (CEMBA) delivered in partnership with Templar Executives.
QS ranking badges for the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Master

LUMS Master’s programmes among top in the world in QS global rankings

Lancaster University Management School Master’s programmes are ranked among the top in the world according to new global rankings, published today.
Aman Bhutani the CEO of GoDaddy with Pro-Chancellor the Rt Hon Alistair Burt

Honorary degree for GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani

Aman Bhutani, the CEO of GoDaddy, a global company that helps entrepreneurs thrive, has received an Honorary Degree from Lancaster University.
QS Executive MBA Rankings 2024 graphic

Lancaster’s Executive MBA ranked amongst top in the world

Lancaster’s Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) has moved up the QS Global Rankings and is placed in the top 100 in the world.

More News

Alumni profiles

Link: click to see Esther Kithuka
portrait photograph of Esther Kithuka

Esther Kithuka

Full-time MBA, 2022

The Lancaster MBA exposed me to the multi-faceted nature of business, challenged my perspectives about business and life in general, and helped expand my networks.
Link: click to see Arnab Bordoloi
portrait photograph of Arnab Bordoloi

Arnab Bordoloi

Full-time MBA, 2023

The atmosphere that LUMS creates enables anyone to give their best. The professors, the various consultancy projects with businesses, and the fast-paced nature of the program inspired me to always be on top of my game.

Alumni story: Aman Bhutani

Aman Bhutani graduated in 1999 and went on to become the CEO of GoDaddy. Discover inspirational MBA alumni stories like Aman's.

Inspirational MBA stories
Photo of Aman Bhutani

Lancaster MBA profiles

Our candidates for the 2024-2025 MBA programme include a broad range of sectors, nationalities and backgrounds. For more information, please contact Andy Bagshaw.

MBA Class of 2025 Profiles (PDF 1.9 MB)

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Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our  Charter and student policies.