The Surrey MBA: Looking back at 2025
The year 2025 proved to be a busy one full of development and growth for the Surrey MBA programme and our students.
The new Surrey MBA curriculum
In May 2025, we unveiled our revamped curriculum for the Surrey MBA, designed explicitly to reflect the changing business landscape whilst also focusing more on career acceleration, greater flexibility, deeper personalisation, and immersive opportunities to work on live business cases.
Designed to meet the demands of the students, those who take the Surrey MBA can now tailor their experience through one of three guided pathways:
Artificial Intelligence
Entrepreneurship, or
Hospitality Service Leadership.
In addition, our students now have the option to choose one of three study formats to suit differing career and life commitments:
- a one-year full-time route
- a structured two-year part-time option, and
- an un-structured part-time option spanning up to five years.
All new for the 2026 cohort!
We have also introduced its new Career Growth Accelerator, a four-stage developmental journey that includes personal coaching, live business challenges, engagement with industry practitioners, and support from a dedicated careers coach.
By the end of the programme, our students will graduate with a powerful portfolio of experience, leadership capability, and industry-relevant skills.
Bringing alumni back together
Lifelong learning remains central to the Surrey MBA experience, ensuring our graduates continue to benefit from the programme long after receiving their degree. We reflected this commitment across several key events throughout 2025
We kicked off the year hosting a networking evening that brought together MBA alumni and current students for a session featuring guest speaker Christine Kruger, a senior CEO and board practice executive search specialist. Christine offered valuable insights into what top-level recruiters look for in senior candidates, providing meaningful guidance for everyone in attendance.
In May, we welcomed returning students from across the globe to their graduation ceremonies to celebrate their achievements and to receive their official MBA certificate.
The community reunited once again in summer at De Vere Horsley Estate for a relaxed BBQ and a series of thought-provoking discussions. Attendees heard from two Surrey MBA alumni: Andy Bloxam, who explored which financial metrics truly matter for early-stage investors, and founders, and Ben Rafferty, CEO of KIFFIX Ltd, who offered insights into building his business.
Alumni success spotlight
Last but not least, the impact of the Surrey MBA is best reflected in the accomplishments of its our graduates. MBA alumna, Abirami, came back to talk about the launch of Neonewear Ltd, her new business which exemplifies the MBA programme’s emphasis on purpose-led leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation.
Not long after completing her MBA, Abirami launched Neone Wear Ltd, a London-based fashion consultancy. What began as a concept during one of her MBA modules has now grown into a vibrant consultancy connecting UK and European brands with trusted manufacturers around the world.
One of her standout successes came early after completing her MBA, when she supported a first-time entrepreneur developing a women’s activewear line. Instead of jumping straight into sampling, she applied frameworks learned during her MBA, such as customer analysis, business modelling, and market positioning, to help refine the founder’s vision. The result was a fully structured, strategically and sustainably grounded business plan that has since blossomed into a thriving brand. This project ultimately shaped how Neone Wear approaches every client: with structure, clarity, and long-term sustainable thinking at the forefront.
Reflecting on her journey, Abirami commented: “If I could say one thing, it would be a sincere thank you, not only for the knowledge shared, but for shaping the kind of entrepreneur I’ve become. The Surrey MBA taught me that leadership isn’t about titles or metrics; it’s about clarity, purpose, and the courage to build something meaningful.
“The programme didn’t just teach me how to run a company, it taught me how to build one from the ground up, rooted in values and vision. To every professor who pushed us to think deeper, thank you.”
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