Overview

This Professional Practice at  University of Sunderland is a two-year course that includes a 12-month work placement. Securing a placement is competitive, but we’ll support you every step of the way. We'll help you write applications, prepare for interviews and connect with employers.

If you don’t secure a placement, you won’t miss out. We’ll transfer you to the standard MBA route and include an extra postgraduate certificate in either Human Resource Management or Digital Marketing and Analytics, at no extra cost. You’ll still complete everything within the two-year time frame. Please note, you'll study the extra certificate alongside the MBA, but its modules won’t count towards your final MBA grade. Both the MBA and the certificate must be completed within the original two-year time frame.

Each year, students apply for placements in areas such as marketing, human resources, finance, operations, and supply chain management. Our dedicated placements team has strong connections with both national and local employers. This includes companies like Nissan, Caterpillar, Fujitsu, Network Rail, and a wide range of smaller businesses across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

What you'll learn

As part of the MBA experience, you’ll also hear from real business leaders through our guest speaker programme. Past speakers have included the Head of Sales and Marketing at Divine Chocolate and the CEO of Sunderland Football Club. These sessions are a great opportunity to explore your career options or start building your professional network.

Throughout your studies, you’ll receive one-to-one academic and personal support. Our team will help you set goals, stay on track, and build your study skills in areas like writing and critical thinking. We're known for being a welcoming and supportive place to study. Many students build lasting friendships and professional networks during the course.

The MBA is a demanding qualification, but it’s also valued and respected by employers. It shows that you’re committed and capable of leading in a business environment. You’ll gain practical experience, learn from experts, and have access to a range of opportunities through our strong industry links.