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Executive MBA - Global

At a glance

  • Take control of your future direction, and reflect upon your performance and achievement
  • Strengthen your knowledge and skills by applying practical learning to international business issues
  • Acquire invaluable international insights from an array of industries
  • Take part in life-changing global immersion study trips to solve real business problems
  • Study a part-time, flexible MBA degree while continuing to work in your current role
  • Gain a triple-accredited professional qualification (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB)
Subject area(s)
Business & Management
Attendance
Part-time
Fee
£49,500 for October 2024, (£42,075 with Early Bird discount)
Course length
24 months
Suitable for
Senior executives, entrepreneurs, aspiring business leaders and those preparing for board-level positions

Start dates

Overview

The Global Executive MBA uniquely delivers proven leadership teaching with international insight. It builds on our flagship Executive MBA which has been running for over 50 years.

The programme will empower you to become an exceptional leader who thinks and acts with clarity, confidence and conviction. Personal and professional development are woven into the fabric of our MBA degree.

You’ll gain a profound understanding of yourself as well as clarity on your future career direction and goals. Our experienced and inspiring tutors will support and challenge you every step of the way.

The Global Executive MBA is a part-time programme that runs for 24 months.

You will take part in two Global Immersion Study trips. First, you’ll carry out a consultancy-style, team-based project with an emerging international business or start-up, in locations such as the USA or other suitable locations. Next, you will travel to South Africa, where you will work on a team-based project for an NGO, to directly impact organisations grappling with critical social issues.

At Henley, we place great importance on building a community of peers that stretches beyond the length of the MBA. This flexible MBA is a truly international experience, with a global focus to its syllabus and research projects.

Key benefits

  • A unique focus on enabling personal and professional development, with extensive opportunities for executive coaching throughout the programme

  • The programme has a special focus on responsible leadership through the Immersive Study Trip to South Africa, where students work in teams on challenges facing NGOs

  • Work on live challenges common in emerging markets and interact with start-ups in advanced markets at an international level

  • Students learn about Nordic leadership and sustainable development goals at a 3-day Managing People workshop in Helsinki

  • Meet, and share experiences with, an array of like-minded multinational professionals from a wide range of industries

  • There are opportunities for networking with the diverse, international cohort in every stage of the programme

The Executive MBA – Global typically runs for a total of 24 months and is broken down into three stages. We provide 21 hours of contact time for each module to give you the hands-on support you need to excel.

Applications are being considered for October 2024. Please refer to the latest course schedule for more information.

Stage 1 Modules, Managing the Organisation

16 days’ attendance over 4 months

Compulsory modules

Lay the foundation for future success with a thorough grounding in the design and implementation of goods and services delivery.

Next, you will study how to effectively analyse, plan, control and monitor your organisation’s finances.

From our Helsinki campus, you will develop an awareness of the issues and practices that affect people management.

Self-awareness is the focus of the module in Stage 1. You will reflect on a range of perspectives, including your reasons for doing the MBA, your beliefs and principles, and the resources you need to maintain a healthy balance between home, work, and study. You will also focus on the importance of learning with and through other people.

Stage 2 Modules, Making Choices: Context & Stakeholders

27 days’ attendance over 7 months

Compulsory modules

You will visit China or the US as part of this module to work with a start-up, NGO or charity. Use this exciting opportunity to apply this module’s core strategic concepts and frameworks in real life.

International trips are subject to easing of international travel restrictions, and decisions on whether to run these will be made in accordance with Government and University guidance.

You will return to the UK to get to grips with the fundamental principles of strategic thinking and decision making.

Next, you will examine integral marketing strategies for the international stage. This module has a particular focus on ethical and socially responsible marketing strategies.

This is the most life-changing module for most participants. You will travel to South Africa to help a start-up or NGO understand and improve its key stakeholder relationships. You will oversee this project from start to finish, and see the real-life impact of its implementation.

International trips are subject to easing of international travel restrictions, and decisions on whether to run these will be made in accordance with Government and University guidance.

In this stage you will examine closely your perception of work and career, and developing the relationships that help you understand your context as a manager. You will target and develop specific qualities needed for effective personal growth as a manager and as a leader. At the same time, you will deepen your ability to reflect and think critically.

Stage 3 Modules, Making an Impact

8 days’ attendance over 4 months*

*You will also complete a final project or dissertation and assignments.

It is compulsory for you to choose one elective module at this stage.

Compulsory modules

As you enter the final stage of your MBA degree, you will deepen your understanding of key leadership models.

This is a project-based module, where you will investigate a significant management problem and produce a set of actionable solutions.

Academic authors
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Dr Ana Graça
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Dr Lynn Thurloway

The final stage of the MBA is about vision, purpose, and ownership of the learning process. You will develop your self-awareness to a deep level, with one eye on the impact you will have, the example you will be to others, after you have graduated with the Henley MBA. Above all, you will be encouraged to see clearly what, for you, counts as sustainable health and well-being.

Elective Modules

You also have the choice of taking additional taught and online modules, or a further international study visit module.

Optional modules

Destination and dates to be confirmed

Please note that the International Study Visit is subject to availability.

International trips are also subject to easing of international travel restrictions, and decisions on whether to run these will be made in accordance with Government and University guidance.

  1. MNM3G015: Managing International Human Resource Management
  2. MNM3G017: Brand Strategy
  3. MNM3G018: Corporate Finance Elective
  4. MNM3G019: Corporate Responsibility
  5. MNM3G020: Digital Marketing
  6. MNM3G021: Financial Technologies (FINTECH)
  7. MNM3G022: Scenario Analysis
  8. MNM3G023: Sustainability
  9. MNM3G024: Relationship Marketing

Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

The Henley MBA offers you a unique personal and professional development experience.

The programme brings together a hand-picked, diverse group of leaders in a unique learning context and environment.

You shouldn’t expect to spend a lot of time in a traditional classroom. Instead, our teaching approach is highly practical, and you will spend a significant amount of time working on real-life projects.

Studying at Henley will allow you to gain a truly global perspective. You will take part in immersive overseas study experiences in locations such as South Africa and the USA. The international cohort of students from the UK and the Nordics also benefit from joint workshops at our Greenlands campus in the UK and in Helsinki.

During these overseas experiences, you will work on challenges for NGOs and charities in emerging markets such as South Africa. You’ll also experience first-hand interaction with innovative start-ups in the USA or fast-growing firms in China.

With a global syllabus and multinational cohorts, this is not your average MBA degree.

For one thing, you can expect significantly more support from your lecturers, with at least 21 hours of contact time during each module. You’re not just another student: we invest in you, just as you invest in us.

To join this Henley MBA programme you will need:
  • Three year's management experience
  • Good degree or equivalent professional or international qualification*
  • Evidence of competence in English**
  • You must be able to gain access to company data for assignment purposes.
  • You may be required to attend, via Skype, in person or telephone, a skills based interview with a senior member of Henley staff focusing on the following behaviours and competencies:
    • Motivation
    • Commercial and business awareness
    • Team working
    • Multitasking and time management
    • Resilience and flexibility
    • Communication

For application support or clarification, please contact our MBA Team.

How to apply

All applicants must submit:

  • Application form
  • CV (please see example template, please note CV review is available)
  • Personal statement
  • One professional reference
  • Degree transcript and certificate
  • Proof of English language ability (if applicable)

Please see the entry requirements and application form notes before submitting your application. We are currently reviewing applications for the next intake. Please contact mba@henley.ac.uk if you would like to be considered for a place.

Application deadlines

Executive MBA - Global (October 2024) cohort Important dates
Application deadline to qualify for Early Bird programme fee Monday 20th May 2024
Henley Executive MBA Director’s Awards Scholarship application deadline Monday 12th August 2024
Henley Executive MBA Global 50% Business Ethics & Sustainability Scholarship Award Monday 3rd June 2024
Final application deadline Monday 2nd September 2024
Programme start date Wednesday 9th October 2024

If you are unable to meet the application deadline, please speak to a member of the recruitment team on mba@henley.ac.uk to discuss your individual circumstances.

Terms and conditions

*A degree or the equivalent professional or international qualification is normally required; However we do welcome applications from candidates with exceptional management experience who may not meet all the formal criteria for admission. If you have a minimum of 5 year’s experience at a senior or strategic level with no degree, we would be happy to consider an application. Our Admission Panel reviews all non-standard applications for suitability.

**Candidates whose first language is not English will normally be required to meet one of the following conditions:

  • Take an IELTS test and achieve an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each element. The University also accepts a number of other tests instead of IELTS. A full list of equivalent tests and scores can be found on here.
  • Provide a satisfactorily completed declaration from a current employer (confirmation from a previous employer can be accepted if the applicant left that employer within 12 months of the programme application), confirming that they are required to work in English to a high level on a daily basis.
  • Obtain a confirmation of satisfactory level of English language proficiency.

You are required to submit documentary evidence of your performance level with your application. Please indicate on your application form the qualification you have taken and the grade you obtained and attach the appropriate certificate.

Fees

Fees for the Executive MBA – Global are £49,500 for October 2024.

Early bird fees are £42,075 if applying before 20th May 2024.

  • This includes tuition, assessments and coaching, all lunches and refreshments during Greenlands residential modules, accommodation at Greenlands for all UK in-person workshops, and the majority of overseas study visit costs
  • Fees do not include flights or visas for the overseas workshops and study visits, or any individual travel to modules at Greenlands campus, Henley Business School, UK
  • Any costs for the additional, optional overseas study visit (elective module) are extra to the programme fee above.

Or 25% fee discount for alumni in 2024

UK-based University of Reading and Henley Business School alumni benefit from a 25% discount on fees for the Executive MBA - Global in 2024. We look forward to welcoming our outstanding alumni back to campus.

Please see below for information on scholarships and bursaries for excellent candidates. For a discussion about your Executive MBA application, funding and support with creating a business case for company sponsorship, contact the Henley team on mba@henley.ac.uk or call +44 (0)118 378 4520.

Fee breakdown

Tuition will be invoiced to twice a year. For more information, please contact the Henley team on mba@henley.ac.uk or call +44 (0)118 378 4520.

As part of our Global Executive MBA programme, you’ll benefit from invaluable career, leadership and professional development. This includes:

  • Leveraging your strengths
  • Leading with gravitas
  • The art of negotiation
  • Managing change and uncertainty
  • Team work and intercultural dynamics
  • Maintaining and strengthening resilience
  • Improvisation and stand-up comedy

We also run additional professional development events to build your network, deepen your knowledge and help you achieve your career goals.

You’ll benefit from access to a qualified, experienced Executive Coach with whom you can discuss all aspects of your professional development.

You’ll also have access to a host of useful online resources, such as:

  • VMock – online CV building tool
  • Alumni Extra – webinar library covering a range of professional development topics
  • PayNegotiation – online training package

The Henley MBA programme is triple-accredited by the AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.

Finding us

We pride ourselves on understanding the need to create an environment which is both relaxing and comfortable enabling work and study to be focused and effective. From our unique riverside location to our impressive amenities, we provide an ideal environment for meeting success.

How to find us (PDF-1.15 MB)

Sports facilities

Balancing busy work schedules with relaxation and exercise is an important aspect of our approach at Henley. The fully equipped Fitness Centre with views overlooking the beautiful grounds and River Thames has everything needed to restore a sense of well being.

Business facilities

At our Greenlands site we provide a variety of meeting rooms and conference facilities. Our rooms have been designed with an emphasis on practicality with many of our rooms benefiting from the latest presentation equipment to ensure that your meeting runs smoothly.

Conference Rooms

The conference rooms at Greenlands, Henley, all feature air conditioning, natural daylight and excellent acoustics, as well as state-of-the-art AV and presentation technology controlled by bluetooth touch screens, free WiFi access, laptop connections, networked PC and large screens. Our larger rooms also have repeater screens. Each conference room has access to dedicated syndicate and break-out rooms and refreshment areas close by. Stationery, flipcharts, photocopying facilities and whiteboards are included as standard.

Meeting Rooms

All syndicate and meeting rooms at Henley are fitted with a large screen, networked PC, whiteboards and have free WiFi access and laptop connections. River House 1-14 are also fitted with Copycam, allowing users to capture whiteboard notes at the touch of a button. Digital recorders, video and stills cameras are also available on request. All are laid out boardroom style.

Accommodation

We have 100 rooms including some with disabled facilities. All rooms are en-suite & include a safe, trouser press, laptop connection with free Wi-Fi access, direct dial telephone, satellite TV with radio, Molton Brown toiletries, tea & coffee making facilities and a hair dryer. Photograph of Thames Court accommodation.

Full English breakfast is served in our main dining room, which overlooks the River Thames. Our dedicated staff maintain the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All guest rooms receive daily housekeeping services.

Dining

When it comes to dining, we offer you choice, quality and flexibility. We understand that you also want facilities that are conducive to networking, and dining arrangements that integrate seamlessly with the other aspects of your day. Henley is renowned for both its excellent standards of service and the high quality of cuisine. The chefs and their professional staff are able to offer the sophistication of a memorable evening dinner in the spacious dining room, with its views over the lawns down to the Thames.

Fresh, varied breakfasts are prepared by award-winning chefs and served each morning in the beautiful, riverside restaurant - the Heyworth Room.

Refreshments

Several tea and coffee areas are situated throughout the buildings, the Garden Common Room is situated beside the Heyworth Room and is open throughout the day and evening offering a wide range of Fairtrade drinks and a selection of biscuits. The bar is open each evening serving a full range of drinks.

Henley Conference Centre and Hotel

Set in its own 30 acre estate in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, alongside the River Thames, this magnificent Grade II Listed Building offers excellent conference, meeting and event facilities and provides a spectacular setting for any gathering. For more information about booking our beautiful facilities please visit the Henley Conferences website.

History of Greenlands

Records indicate that there has been a house on our Greenlands site for 500 years, although the house would have originally been much closer to the river.

Greenlands has been home to a series of notable families and individuals throughout its lifetime. These include Thomas Chaucer, son of Geoffrey Chaucer; Robert D'Oyley, Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1573; Bulstrode Whitelock, Oliver Cromwell's Ambassador to Sweden and most recently WH Smith, who bought the existing house in 1871. Queen Elizabeth I is also known to have visited on more than one occasion, most likely when staying at her royal palace in Reading.

The site became the home of a new Administrative Staff College in 1946, first welcoming students in 1948. In 1952, after the unexpected death of Viscount Hambleden from whom the College leased the site, an opportunity to purchase Greenlands' 30 acres arose. The College was renamed Henley Management College in 1991, and following the 2008 merger with the University of Reading became Henley Business School. Today, the world-ranked Henley MBA, The Henley DBA and our executive education programmes are delivered at Greenlands.

Dr Niran Subramaniam

Associate Professor in Financial Management and Systems

Dr Ana Graça

Lecturer in Leadership

Dr Peder Greve

Associate Professor in International Business

Dr Chris Dalton

Associate Professor of Management Learning

Professor Moira Clark

Professor of Strategic Marketing

Dr Mona Ashok

Associate Professor of Digital Transformation

Professor Kevin Money

Professor of Responsible Leadership and Reputation

Clare Calderan

Associate Professor in Financial Management

Professor Marc Day

Professor of Strategy and Operations Management

Nigel Spinks

Lecturer in Systems and Processes

Business Ethics and Sustainability Executive MBA Scholarship

MBA
Accepting applications Applications for 2024 now closed
Open to students enrolled on:
Award value 50% of the full Executive MBA - Global Fee
Number available 1
Closing date This scholarship has now closed and the winner has been notified
Criteria:

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you must work in an area relevant to or demonstrate an influence in the following activities:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Societal sustainability/social impact/social enterprise
  • Governance and financial sustainability impact
  • Micro-sustainability impact, capturing practices affecting the well-being of people and quality work
  • Sustainability ethics

Applications to this scholarship are only accepted from candidates holding an offer on the Executive MBA - Global programme,

How to apply:

To apply for this scholarship, candidates are required to write an 800-word piece answering the question,

Profound environmental, social and humanistic crises led to agreement about the relevance of (business) ethics and sustainability having more central relevance in business school education. Critically analyse something important you have learnt in recent observations and how you aspire to bring this to life in business to contribute to a more ethical or sustainable business impact. Also discuss and reflect on the obstacles which will challenge your action.”

Please write your essay on the application form which can be downloaded at the top of this page, and return it to Anna Kite, anna.kite@henley.ac.uk, attaching a copy of your CV.

One winner will be chosen from all entries received by the closing date and will receive a 50% scholarship against the full tuition fees for the Executive MBA - Global programme beginning in October 2024. Candidates not chosen as the winner will be considered for a Director's Award Scholarship.

Director's Award Executive MBA Scholarship

MBA
Accepting applications Applications for 2025 now open
Open to students enrolled on:
Award value Variable
Number available Variable
Closing date Monday 14 July 2025
Criteria:

Applicants will need to hold a full unconditional offer of a place on the Henley Executive (Global) MBA or Flexible Executive MBA in order to be considered for a scholarship. Applicants are therefore advised to submit their full programme application with all supporting documents as early as possible.

How to apply:

Please write an essay, not exceeding 800 words, entitled “What will you contribute to the Henley Business School MBA community?” on the application form which can be downloaded at the top of this page. Please return your application form to anna.kite@henley.ac.uk along with a copy of your CV.

Please note that scholarships awarded will take into consideration any other promotional discount previously offered. These cannot be combined and the greater amount will be awarded.

Contact:

mba@henley.ac.uk | +44 (0)118 378 4520.

Women in Leadership MBA Scholarship

MBA
Accepting applications Applications for 2024 now closed
Open to students enrolled on:
Award value The winner will receive a fully-funded place worth up to £49,500 on our part-time Executive MBA Global or Flexible Executive MBA programme.
Number available 1
Closing date The 2024 competition has now closed and the winner has been notified
Criteria:

The competition is open to both men and women who have relevant experience in the workplace either in managing a team, running a project or planning strategy. Candidates do not need to have applied for the MBA programme but they are expected to have checked that they meet the entry requirements for the programme.

How to apply:

To apply for this competition, candidates must download and return the official application form, answering the following question:

'Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) be a help or a hindrance to women achieving greater representation in leadership?'

Further information can be found here.

Executive MBA - Global Bursaries

MBA
Accepting applications Applications for 2024 now closed
Open to students enrolled on:
Award value A limited number of awards are available. These are typically between 10% and 20% but in exceptional circumstances can be higher.
Closing date Monday 12th August 2024 for the Executive MBA – Global beginning October 2024
Criteria:

We are looking for exceptional candidates who will add considerable value to the programme based on an outstanding academic or professional background.

Bursaries typically aim to support self-funding applicants from charitable or public sector organisations and whose salary is less than £25,000.

How to apply:

Applicants holding a full unconditional offer of a place on the Henley Executive MBA - Global should speak with the MBA Recruitment Team if they wish to be considered for a bursary.

Why choose Henley?

Score of 9.2/10
For overall satisfaction with the Executive MBA programme
(Financial Times 2023)
UK no.6
For the Executive MBA
(Financial Times 2023)
European top 25
For career progress
(Financial Times 2023)
No.1 in the UK (no.6 in the world)
for the percentage of women in our full-time faculty
(Financial Times 2023)

As one of the UK’s first business schools, Henley has been developing leaders for over 70 years. It’s not just about developing your professional skillset. Personal development is embedded in all our programmes and it is central to our Executive Global MBA.

We offer a special and unique learning experience. Our Greenlands campus and its 30 acres of beautiful parkland are situated on the banks of the River Thames.

Many students enjoy strolling by the river, cup of tea in hand, while they reflect on what they’re learning. The small cohorts of peers make it easy to strike up interesting conversations at any time.

At Henley, you’ll become a member of our community from day one. Community and collaboration are key to everything we do, and we’re known for our ‘syndicate’ method of study. This is a form of group learning that encourages students to draw from and reflect upon each other’s insights.

The benefits of studying at Henley Business School don’t stop after you graduate. You’ll become part of our vibrant alumni network of more than 100,000 business professionals, in over 160 countries. This is a unique resource that will help build and support your career path.

Contact us

If you have any questions please get in touch.

Email: mba@henley.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 4520.
“I chose Henley not only because of its international reputation and triple accreditation, but because of its flexible programmes and international support network”
Maria Whipple Trautman Executive MBA - Global
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