Queen's University Belfast

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Q: When does the programme start? 

The programme commences at Queen's Business School (QBS) in mid-September of each year.

Q: What is the duration of the Queen's MBA?

The full-time MBA programme spans a full calendar year starting in September and concluding in September of the following year. The part-time MBA programme spans two calendar years. Graduation occurs in early December.  

Q: Are there full-time and part-time study options? What are teaching times?

The Queen’s MBA provides a one year full-time and two year part-time study option. Part-time delivery consists of two half day teaching sessions per week delivered in six-week module blocks. Teaching is delivered from 2pm-8pm.

ENTRY CRITERIA

Q: What is the entry criteria?

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline. Work experience is required minimum three years’ professional experience.

Q: What constitutes relevant work experience?

The minimum requirement is three years' full-time work experience. This can be from a variety of sectors and ideally includes some evidence of having taken leadership roles (whether formally or informally). It does not include placement or internship roles. 

MBA COSTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDING

Q: How much will the Queen's MBA cost?

See table below, which covers full-time and part-time routes (or visit the Queen's MBA Fees and Funding section). 

Q: Why is the programme charged at a premium fee? 

The AMBA-accredited Queen’s MBA will give you a globally recognised qualification together with a transformational leadership experience and a set of refined skills for leading in a demanding global business environment. For professionals with relevant work and management experience, this is the beginning of a challenging and exciting leadership journey.

Q: How do I apply for the Queen's MBA scholarship? 

A separate application for the MBA scholarship is not required. Successful applicants to the MBA programme will automatically be awarded the relevant scholarship. 

Q: Can I apply for funding? 

A separate application for the Queen’s MBA scholarship is not required (all successful applicants will automatically be considered for the relevant scholarship). For information about postgraduate loans, please visit the Queen's MBA Fees and Funding section.  

MBA EXPERIENCE

Q: Where is the MBA taught? 

MBA teaching is hosted in the beautiful setting of Riddel Hall in Belfast, which is very close to the main University. Adjacent to Riddel Hall is a new 6,000 square metre state-of-the-art innovative building, which has been recently opened and provides the stunning backdrop for MBA study.

Q: Are there exams and/or coursework?

Assessment involves a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and a research project. Continuous assessment methods include individual and group essays, reflective essays on problem-solving within professional experience, case study reports, presentations and assessed challenges incorporating ‘board level’ presentations. During the summer semester, students will undertake their final MBA project, which is a six-week self-directed project under academic supervision. Although not in class, student will be in regular contact with their client and supervisor throughout the project. 

Q: What 1-2-1 career support is there for MBA students?

MBA students receive personalised support through the QBS Careers Team, which include one-on-one coaching, personal CV analysis, career advice, and interview skills training. Additionally, individual coaching sessions help students identify and address their unique career and personal development goals, creating a plan for their future.

Q: What involvement does industry have in shaping and delivering the programme?

There will be the opportunity to network with industry experts. There are guest lectures, a consulting challenge together with site visits. As part of the Entrepreneurship module, students will undertake a ‘Design Sprint’ challenge where they will work with an industry partner and present using a combination of design thinking theory and frameworks to propose a viable solution to a live challenge and sell this to the industry partner.

Q: Will there be guest speakers? 

Queen’s maintains strong links with industry partners across various sectors, which can help students access relevant roles in local, national and global markets. Guest speakers are leaders in their field from public, private and non-profit sectors. Guest speakers vary each year but we have welcomed past speakers from:

• Global multinationals – Allstate, Coca-Cola, ASDA, Schraeder Electronics
• Financial firms – Citi, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank
• Consulting firms – PwC, Deloitte, PACEC consulting
• Public sector organisations – NI Water, Tourism NI, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
• Social Enterprise and CSR – Business in the Community, Bryson Group
• Successful start-ups – OpenHydro Technologies, Bubbacue.

Q: What is the 'International Study Module'? 

Each year there are opportunities to study overseas in Semester 3. The opportunities provide an immersive learning experience in a different working culture and business environment, enhancing students' understanding of global business trends. Examples of recent international study experiences include a two week European Summer School, a one week business boot camp in Latin America, and short business study tours to European cities.

Q: What social activities and networking opportunities are there for MBA students?

Informal network opportunities: regular lunches and coffee breaks with classmates, academics and industry leaders provide opportunities to learn from each other. There is also an annual MBA Dinner which takes place towards the end of the course.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Q: How will my MBA application be evaluated?

The MBA programme team reviews the application documents supplied, which include:

• Online application form
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Certified transcripts of academic degrees
• Copy of IELTS/TOEFL/English test result (international applicants)
• References (professional and/or academic). 

Q: How long does the application process take?

Applicants can expect to receive a response within 2-3 weeks. 

Q: How do I apply for the Queen’s MBA?

Apply online through the University's Direct Applications Portal. 

FAQs FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

Q: Who sources an internship? Can this be anywhere in the UK?

For the Queen's MBA (with Internship) programme, students are expected to apply for internships and meet employer requirements (e.g., specific skills or experience). They will get one-to-one support and guidance from the Queen’s Careers Team. Internships are not restricted to Northern Ireland, but due to the complexities of arranging overseas placements and visa requirements, the majority of internships are expected to be undertaken within the UK.

Q: Can I apply for a graduate visa after I complete my studies?

Yes, students will eligible to apply for a Graduate Route visa once they have successfully completed all modules of their MBA, and university has advised UKVI that their course is complete.

Q: Can I work part-time to support myself financially during my MBA?

Yes. There are opportunities for part-time work at Queen’s and within Belfast’s vibrant business sector. Overseas students, due to visa restrictions, are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the teaching semesters. Students can undertake (temporary) full-time work during vacations and after their final project is completed.

Q: What additional career support is available? 

MBA students will have access to a range of resources and platforms to support employability skills development including job boards and AI tools to help students to build valuable professional networks across global markets. International students will be supported through dedicated networking events, workshops, careers fairs and employability skills programmes.