Master in Business Administration (MBA) 

MQF Level 7

Master

Business Administration (MBA)

Start
October Intake 2026
Price  (Local/EU)
Part-time
€10,775
Part-Time
Part-Time: 24 months + Minimum 6 months for Project (Subject to changes due to public holidays, Christmas, and summer recess)
Full-Time
Full-Time: 12 months + Minimum 6 months for Project (Subject to changes due to public holidays, Christmas, and summer recess)
ECTS Credits
90 Credits (ECTS)
Get Qualified Logo

Get 70% back via Tax Credit

€7,543 refund on this course

Course Description

The Master in Business Administration (MBA) is an MQF Level 7 qualification designed to equip professionals with advanced managerial, analytical, and leadership competences required to succeed in complex and dynamic organisational environments. The programme focuses on strategic decision-making, critical thinking, ethical leadership, and innovation, enabling graduates to respond effectively to challenges in local and global business contexts.  

Students achieve the programme objectives through a combination of rigorous theoretical study, applied practice, and reflective learning. Core modules integrate multidisciplinary perspectives across management, finance, marketing, operations, information systems, strategy, and global business, enabling learners to synthesise knowledge and apply it to real organisational challenges. The practical nature of this programme reinforces critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring students can translate learning into tangible organisational impact. 

Students engage with contemporary theories, evidence-based frameworks, and applied business practices to address real organisational challenges. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making, critical thinking, ethical leadership, innovation, and the ability to interpret and utilise data in uncertain and rapidly evolving contexts. 

The programme utilises a blended learning model, combining online flexibility with face-to-face learning. This approach allows working professionals to balance study with ongoing career commitments while benefiting from peer-to-peer learning and practical application. The blended format supports self-directed learning, encourages reflective practice, and provides opportunities to engage directly with real-world business scenarios. 

The MBA emphasises the development of strategic leadership capabilities, organisational management, and cross-functional integration. Graduates are prepared to lead teams, manage complex projects, design and implement organisational strategies, and drive sustainable performance. 

Overall, this programme prepares graduates to operate autonomously and responsibly in senior management roles, to lead organisational transformation, and to contribute to sustainable competitive advantage in both local and global contexts. 

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course should hold: 

  • Level 6 Degree. 

OR

  • Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to the indicated areas and 4 years of relevant work experience preferably in positions aligned with the programme’s subject areas (subject to interview by Admissions Board), such as:  
  • Mid-level or senior management roles (e.g., Department Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager);  
  • Strategic or functional leadership positions (e.g., Business Analyst, HR Business Partner, Marketing Manager, Financial Controller); 
  • Entrepreneurial or consultancy roles within business or organisational contexts. 

Preference will be given to those applicants holding a: 

  • A Level 6 degree in a related subject area; and (related) work experience.       

In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning. 

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate a good level of proficiency in the language (through IELTS certificate with a score of 6.0 or OET with a minimum score of B in speaking and at least C+ in listening, reading and writing, etc.). 

Target Audience

This programme is designed for professionals who aspire to advance into strategic management and leadership roles across diverse sectors. It is particularly suited for: 

  • Emerging leaders and mid-career managers seeking to strengthen their managerial capabilities across business functions, including finance, operations, marketing, and human resources.  
  • Experienced practitioners who aim to enhance their strategic thinking, innovation skills, and decision-making in complex business environments.  
  • Professionals pursuing interdisciplinary expertise, such as those combining technical, operational, or entrepreneurial backgrounds with strategic business awareness. 

Career Paths

The programme aims to prepare students for:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / General Manager 
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO) 
  • Senior Operations Manager / Director 
  • Head of Human Resources 
  • Senior Finance Manager  
  • Head of Strategy  
  • Business Development Manager  
  • Marketing Director 
  • Project Director 
  • Management Consultant / Business Analyst 

Modules

You are required to complete all 11 compulsory modules (72 ECTS), and the Final Project (18 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this master’s degree.

🏁 Amazing! You’ve just achieved your Master.

MQF Level 7

Master in Business Administration (MBA) 


How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

  • Evening classes for part-time courses.
  • Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
  • Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
  • Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

  • Modular Assessment
  • Dissertation Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules. 

Final Project Assessment

The assessment of the project is primarily based on: 

  • Depth of critical understanding of the theoretical framework;
  • Application of appropriate research tools;
  • Critical approach to analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research findings;
  • Depth and level of argumentation build-up;
  • Original contribution to the generation of new knowledge/hypothesis/models;
  • Scholarly presentation meeting academic standards.
Assignments
Discussions
Dissertation

Course Intake Dates

October Intake 2026
Local/EU
Part-time
€10,775

Learning Outcomes

Competences:

The learner will be able to:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to: 

  • Lead and manage organisational functions by applying advanced managerial, behavioural, and leadership principles, demonstrating autonomy and accountability in decision-making. 
  • Guide teams and stakeholders through complex organisational decisions and change initiatives, embedding ethical awareness, sustainability, and social responsibility in leadership practice. 
  • Critically analyse financial, economic, operational, and strategic data, applying advanced analytical and digital tools to inform high-level decision-making. 
  • Oversee and optimise organisational operations, processes, and resources to enhance efficiency, performance, and value creation, integrating sustainable and socially responsible practices. 
  • Develop, evaluate, and justify strategic options that achieve sustainable competitive advantage under conditions of uncertainty, demonstrating independent critical thinking. 
  • Create innovative solutions to organisational challenges by synthesising multidisciplinary knowledge. 
  • Manage cross-cultural teams and navigate global economic, political, and regulatory environments, demonstrating inclusive and responsible leadership.  
  • Communicate complex analyses, research findings, and strategic recommendations clearly to diverse internal and external stakeholders, tailoring approaches to context and audience. 
  • Independently design and execute a complex applied research project addressing a strategic organisational problem, demonstrating initiative, autonomy, and professional responsibility. 
  • Evaluate project outcomes, reflect critically on learning experiences, and contribute insights to organisational knowledge and practice. 

Knowledge:

At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:  

  • Critically analyse advanced leadership theories, organisational structures, and behavioural dynamics influencing managerial practice. 
  • Evaluate financial information, economic factors, and accounting principles that support complex managerial and investment decisions. 
  • Critically appraise operational systems, analytical techniques, project methodologies, and performance management frameworks. 
  • Analyse marketing principles, customer behaviour, market research methods, and brand strategy within competitive environments. 
  • Synthesise strategic management theories, corporate governance frameworks, and models of competitive advantage. 
  • Critically evaluate negotiation theories, conflict management approaches, crisis response models, and decision-making under uncertainty. 
  • Appraise data governance structures, digital technologies, business intelligence systems, and knowledge management practices. 
  • Critically discuss global economic, political, and cultural factors that shape international business and cross-border operations. 
  • Critique research methodologies, data collection methods, analytical approaches, and academic writing conventions used in applied business research. 

Skills:

At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:  

  • Apply advanced analytical tools and techniques to interpret financial, operational, market, and organisational data, producing actionable insights for decision-making. 
  • Critically evaluate complex business problems, synthesising multidisciplinary knowledge to develop evidence-based solutions that demonstrate strategic impact. 
  • Formulate and justify strategic recommendations that address organisational challenges within dynamic and uncertain environments. 
  • Design organisational processes, systems, or initiatives that enhance efficiency, performance, and value creation, using evidence-based management principles. 
  • Lead individuals and teams effectively by applying leadership principles, cross-cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence, demonstrating measurable improvements in team outcomes. 
  • Plan, manage, and evaluate negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution in diverse organisational contexts, using structured frameworks and reflective practice. 
  • Conduct applied business research using appropriate methodologies, generating insights that inform strategic decisions. 
  • Produce professional reports, presentations, and business documents tailored to organisational or academic audiences, demonstrating clarity, analytical rigour, and effective communication. 
  • Assess and integrate ethical, legal, and sustainability considerations into managerial and strategic decisions, demonstrating responsible and accountable leadership. 
  • Utilise digital tools, data analytics platforms, and information systems to analyse organisational data, support and optimise decision-making, and promote continuous organisational improvement. 
Accredited
Get Qualified
Skip to content