Hartpury University is continuing its subject portfolio expansion with the addition of a brand–new Master of Business Administration (MBA) Top-Up degree, now open for September 2024 applications. The postgraduate programme will complement the new BSc (Hons) Business Management degree, also launching in 2024. The announcement comes just weeks after the Gloucestershire university was awarded triple Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The internationally recognised MBA Top-Up is designed to help students identify and understand problems and challenges faced in business, comprising one core module; a work-based practical project within a student’s chosen industry. The project will provide the chance to demonstrate research, knowledge and abilities applicable to the awarding of a prestigious MBA degree.

The programme takes one year to complete on a part-time basis and can be completed whilst working. September and January start dates will be available to add further flexibility. Those looking to apply for the MBA Top-Up will need to have studied a Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent in a relevant area of study. Qualifications and academic performance will be reviewed by the Programme Manager.

Typically, prospects for MBA graduates are good, with many taking on significant leadership roles in private, government and third sector organisations. Graduate employability from Hartpury University is already strong, with 97% of graduates in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023). 

Dr Steve Butts, Academic Dean: Teaching, Learning & Student Experience at Hartpury University said: “The announcement of our new MBA Top-Up marks another exciting milestone in our journey to combine teaching excellence with our powerful industry links. Both the MBA and BSc pathways are making the Hartpury experience accessible to students not wishing to specialise in our land-based or sports industries, who still want to benefit from our facilities, teaching and industry links.”

Business students at Hartpury have access to a strong support network from their very first day, as well as being able to develop further real-world experience at one of the 11 commercial businesses located on site. These include canine and equine therapy and hydrotherapy centres, a world-class equestrian centre and of course, a commercial farm complete with Agri-Tech Centre and Tech Box Park.

Hartpury’s thriving Sports Business Hub has earned a strong reputation for connecting postgraduate students with business, with individuals carrying out consultancy projects and research placements for clubs and organisations including Sport Wales, Bream RFC, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Active Gloucester. 

Hartpury’s highly regarded Innovation, Careers, and Enterprise (ICE) Centre has bolstered its regional, national, and international links, giving postgraduate students a further opportunity to connect with more than 3,000 employers for work placements or job opportunities, as well as offering CV and interview preparation. The Achievement and Success Centre, also located on site, provides a valuable hub for students to brush up on study skills such as academic writing, presenting, or data and research. A brand new University Learning Hub (ULH) launching in early 2024 will benefit the first cohort of business students.

High postgraduate student satisfaction 

Hartpury University has been ranked number one in the UK by full-time postgraduate students in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023, for support and skills development across a number of its postgraduate degrees.

Hartpury also ranks number two in the UK when it comes to overall student satisfaction with its postgraduate sports degrees, achieving 94% against a sector average of 86%. 

The university has notably high student satisfaction rates among postgraduate students over the age of 31, finishing in the UK top three. Results overall mean Hartpury is a top 20 UK university for postgraduate teaching, engagement, assessment, organisation and support.