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How do online MBA programmes work? Structure, tools, and support

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MBA graduate salaries: Quick summary

  • Both online and in-person MBAs lead to the same qualification, but 100% online programmes often have more affordable tuition fees, and you don't need to worry about the costs of commuting.
  • Online MBAs help you to develop valuable leadership skills useful for career progression, and may provide a recognised route to senior roles in business.
  • As an online MBA student, you don't have to put your life on hold, benefiting from increased flexibility and the ability to study around work.
  • An online MBA programme can help you develop the skills of successful business leaders, preparing you for ambitious leadership roles, including in positions of business strategy.
  • Walbrook's MBA online programmes are CMI (Chartered Management Institute) - accredited, and offer 100% online study and assessments.

Understanding online MBA programmes

An online master of business administration (MBA) follows the same master’s-level approach to business and management study as an in-person programme. The key difference is that online MBA teaching and assessments take place fully online. In an online study option, you can expect to access course materials through an online learning platform and work through modules and complete assessments digitally.

More students are becoming interested in online courses, with a 2025 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) report showing around 60% of MBA applicants are actively considering online study.

Our guide will take you through how online MBAs work, what to expect from an online MBA programme, and answer some popular questions you may have.

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How do online MBAs work?

Online study is now an established part of UK higher education, offering the same qualification and curriculum but with more flexibility and convenience. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded 272,550 UK higher education enrolments marked as distance learning in 2024/25.

An online MBA is delivered through a digital learning environment instead of a physical classroom, saving you time and money that may otherwise be spent on travel. During your programme, you'll log in to access learning materials, work through weekly activities, and submit your assessments online. The exact online MBA format depends on the degree provider, and some courses have scheduled lectures, whereas others give you more control over when you study. In most cases, you can expect to complete a full or part-time online MBA within the same time frame as you would in an in-person MBA programme.

An online course is ideal if you are fitting an MBA around a demanding job or other commitments. In an online MBA, you still have assessment deadlines and a defined course structure to keep you on track, but you have more control over where and when you study.

How does a part-time online MBA work?

What can you expect from a part-time online MBA course, and how long will it take to complete? Part-time online MBAs typically take two years to complete, though this varies depending on the provider. Studying online can also make the workload easier to fit around a full-time job, or potential family responsibilities and other commitments you may have. Part-time online MBAs are therefore popular among working professionals who want to continue gaining valuable work experience while studying.

What is studying an online MBA actually like?

So, what is involved in online MBA study, and how does it differ from in-person study? Though your experience depends on your university or course provider, online MBA study usually involves a combination of both independent learning and guided activities.

In an online course, you'll gain access to your course through a convenient online study platform. Weekly learning might include readings, case studies, narrated presentations, and other engaging content. This format gives you control over your timetable, allowing you to fit in regular study when it works for you. Setting aside particular evenings, mornings or weekend periods can make it easier to keep up with each week's learning.

Though your studies are online, you'll still be asked to think about how your learning applies to a real-life business setting and your wider career goals.

Read our guide, What is an MBA?, to find out more about what to expect.

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Do online MBA programmes include live lectures?

Not every 100% online MBA uses live lectures, so this is worth checking when you compare courses. However, in place of live lectures, some degree providers offer other engaging ways for you to chat to tutors and fellow students, such as through online discussion forums. For example, online discussion forums sometimes offered by providers can give you opportunities to interact with fellow students, and academic support may also be available when you need guidance.

What study tools do you use during an online MBA?

How do you study during an online MBA, and is the experience engaging? The main study tool you'll likely use is the university's or institute's online learning platform, which brings your teaching materials, activities and assessments into one place. Materials could also include digital library access, useful readings and relevant case studies. You might also benefit from video content designed for online study to create an engaging MBA experience.

What makes online study even more flexible than a traditional MBA that requires face-to-face learning is that you don't need to attend live sessions or be online for fixed times. All you really need for studying online is suitable computer equipment and a reliable internet connection.

Find out more about the learning resources you can expect from Walbrook

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  • How are online MBA students assessed?

    What can you expect from online exams and assessments in your course? Online MBA assessments are submitted digitally, and the assessment format can vary depending on the module and the skills being assessed. Here are some ways you can expect to be assessed and the different assessment formats:

    • In an online programme, you'll still be expected to think about how you can apply your knowledge and learning to the workplace.
    • Common assessment formats include business reports, strategic plans, business cases, presentations, projects and other applied tasks.
    • During your course, your assessment briefs and deadlines are available through the online study platform.
    • In an MBA, you could be asked to analyse an organisational problem and make recommendations using research and business theory. Another assessment might involve developing a strategy or presenting your analysis of a business case.
    • After assessments, you also receive feedback on your work, which can help you identify what went well and what you need to work on next.

    Exact assessment requirements can differ between modules and MBA specialisms, so always check the programme page for current details. Explore Walbrook's full range of online MBAs for more details on what to expect from your programme.

Do online MBA degrees have exams?

Yes, some online MBA's might have exams, but assessment methods vary between degree providers and programmes, so we recommend checking how your chosen MBA is assessed before applying.

Many courses aren't just limited to one type of exam, and include digital assessments, including reports, presentations, case studies, business projects and other coursework. This model is useful if you want to develop practical tools for the workplace alongside your academic knowledge. You may be asked to analyse information, make recommendations or communicate your ideas in formats similar to those you could encounter professionally. At Walbrook, each module has three assessment points to help you stay on track and demonstrate what you’ve learned as you progress.

Read our useful guide to the key steps to an MBA qualification.

What support do you get on an online MBA?

Studying online does not mean you'll be left on your own and have no resources or support while you're studying. You'll typically have access to academic and practical support throughout your studies, alongside tutor feedback on your assessments. When looking for the right programme, you might want to do some research into how the academic support works for your chosen provider, as well as what services remain available outside normal study hours.

If you study with Walbrook, career support is also available from the start of your course, and Walbrook's careers service includes group career coaching and access to a 24/7 Careers Hub.

Find out more about student support at Walbrook.

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How much time does an online MBA take each week?

Online study removes the need to travel to classes, but an MBA still requires a substantial time commitment. Hours differ depending on your course and degree provider, so it's important to check this before you apply to your course so you know what to expect. These hours can include reading, watching course content, completing weekly activities, researching and preparing assessments.

A full-time route may suit you if you have more time available and want to complete your MBA sooner. Part-time study can give ambitious professionals more space to fit a degree around an established, demanding job and other responsibilities. 

Can you do an online MBA while working full-time?

Yes, online and part-time MBA programmes are often structured so professionals can continue working while completing their course load. However, reflect on your usual working hours and any regular commitments outside work. You can then identify study periods that you are likely to manage consistently.

Working alongside your MBA can also give you opportunities to connect your course with your professional experience. Case studies, strategic ideas and management concepts may relate directly to situations you encounter in your current or future job role.

Are online MBAs respected?

An online MBA can be a highly respected and recognised path to preparing you for leadership and management roles, and can help you get into the entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed. But it's still important to research your chosen provider, the modules you'll study and things like accreditations to make sure your qualification and provider are reputable.

Employers will likely consider the degree provider, course content, accreditation, as well as your previous experience. For example, they may take into account whether your programme was accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Walbrook's online MBA programmes are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Students also receive CMI membership during their studies and, on successful completion, an additional professional qualification with Foundation Chartered Manager status.

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  • What do employers value in an online MBA?

    Completing an MBA alongside work or other commitments can demonstrate motivation, organisation and the ability to meet deadlines. Using online platforms to communicate and share ideas can also help you build confidence with digital tools, which is useful when working with remote teams. If you study alongside your job, you may also be able to put your learning into practice straight away. This can give you examples to discuss in interviews, such as applying a new approach to a project or making better-informed decisions at work.

    Employers can respect an online MBA because it shows you've developed skills they may need in their organisations, including leadership, strategic thinking and problem-solving. A well-designed online MBA programme asks you to apply business knowledge to practical challenges, helping you show how you would assess options, manage people and make informed decisions. The value lies in what you learn and how you can use it at work, and this is much more important than whether the course was completed on campus or fully remotely.

    Explore our article, Are online MBA programmes respected?, to find out more.

How do you choose an online MBA specialism?

MBAs can help you develop skills that employers value in leadership positions and understand how they apply in a global context. But some providers give you the option to focus part of your course on a particular field through a specialist MBA programme. Your choice does not need to be based solely on your current job title, or limited to what you already know. Consider the knowledge you want to develop and where you see yourself progressing to.

It can help to think about the type of responsibilities you are aiming for and the subjects that are most relevant to your career plans. Is there a topic that you are particularly interested in and want to specialise in, such as cyber security or human resources management? Or maybe you're keen to learn more about the use of artificial intelligence in the business world? Explore our different online MBA topics here.

If you are deciding between different postgraduate business qualifications, our guide to MBA vs MSc study may also help.

Start your online MBA journey with Walbrook

There's no need to leave your current job or put other personal commitments aside with a fully online MBA. You can continue your current job and lifestyle commitments while learning valuable leadership skills to prepare for future career growth with an online MBA. Walbrook's online MBA programmes offer 100% online study and 12 start dates each year, so you can begin in a month that works for you.

CMI-accredited, our MBA programmes could help you stand out in interviews and prove you have the knowledge and skills to lead. You can study full-time and complete your course in as little as one year, or choose the two-year part-time route. You'll have access to digital learning materials throughout your course.

Explore Walbrook's online MBA programmes

I like that there’s pacing built in to keep you on track, but also the flexibility to fit around work, life and kids! It’s good to see the module structure ahead of time and know what assessments are coming up, and I’ve enjoyed the variety, from discussion posts to video presentations and reports.

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Hayley CoatesWalbrook online MBA student

Online MBAs: FAQs

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