FAQs for the MBA at Surrey
We’ve put together some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you decide if our master of administration (MBA) is the right route for you. And we’re sharing our top tips to help you make a successful application ready for the start of the academic year.
Why an MBA from Surrey Business School?
Location: Guildford is safe and well-connected, with easy rail links (≈ 35 minutes) into central London. The nearby Surrey Research Park and access to London gives students proximity to a host of businesses.
Academic quality: Surrey Business School is internationally ranked; holds dual accreditation from AACSB and Association of MBAs (AMBA); and has an incredibly strong research output. You’ll be learning from the best.
Tailored learning: alongside a flexible structure, there are elective guided pathways to align to your interests: Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, or Hospitality Service Leadership.
Career outcomes: included is a bespoke 'Career Growth Accelerator'. A four-stage programme combining self-discovery, coaching, skills development and strategic insight to support professional growth and leadership readiness. You’ll have dedicated support from your careers coach during your whole time with us.
Value for money: tuition fees are competitive and Surrey offers a number of scholarships.
What are the job prospects for Surrey graduates?
We see a wide range of success from our MBA graduates, with individuals working in companies such as: BT, IBM, Santander, Barclays, Deloitte, Accenture, Samsung, and the NHS.
Of course, many launch their own entrepreneurial ventures with their newfound skills, like Abirami, or some continue in their previous place of work but are promoted shortly after completion of the degree, like Susan.
To hear from some more of our students, there are stories featured on our site.
What are the differences between our MBA programmes?
We run three MBA programmes: the Full-time MBA, the Structured Part-time MBA, and the Unstructured Part-time MBA.
Full-time MBA: a one-year, immersive programme designed for students who want to study intensively and complete the degree within a year.
Structured Part-time MBA: follows a clear timetable with scheduled teaching blocks, allowing you to balance work and study while progressing through the programme in two years.
Unstructured Part-time MBA: offers maximum flexibility; you can spread modules over a longer period and study at your own pace, ideal for professionals with variable workloads or personal commitments.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic requirement: Minimum 2:2 UK honours degree or recognised international equivalent. Candidates without this can be considered on a case-by-case basis. In these circumstances, we will look for: professional qualifications; Continued professional development; and/or above the minimum work experience requirement.
Work experience: Minimum of three years' postgraduate work experience on application. This needs to be managerial experience which includes but is not limited to: managing people/projects/products/processes.
What are the English language requirements?
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
How do I apply?
For the MBA, you apply directly to us through the MBA course page.
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents as part of their online application:
Personal statement (500 words)
- Why do you want to study the Surrey MBA?
- How will the Surrey MBA benefit you?
- What can you bring to the Surrey MBA?
CV/resume (2–3 pages)
Your CV should highlight relevant leadership, management, and international experience. You may wish to refer to our MBA CV guide (PDF) for helpful tips on presentation and structure.
Two references
One of your two references should be provided by your current or most recent employer.
Before submitting your application, we strongly recommend reviewing the MBA application checklist (PDF) to ensure that all required documents and information are complete.
What happens after I submit my application?
After you submit your application, our admissions team will review your documents carefully and contact you if any additional information is needed. Once you meet the entry requirements and your basic information is complete, we will invite you to a 30-minute interview. Following the interview, you will receive an admissions decision within 10 working days.
What sources of funding are available?
There are a variety of scholarships available from 10-50% fee reductions – that’s up to £14,500 off.
- The Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Women in Leaderships Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
These are extended on a first-come, first-served basis so we advise applying early to avoid disappointment. You can find additional details here.
In order to be considered you need to apply to the programme and undergo interview which is standard for all MBA applicants.
