COURSE CURRICULUM

The taught stage of the Aston MBA develops strategic leadership, business analysis, entrepreneurship, innovation, and specialist industry expertise through a combination of core and pathway modules. All students study six core modules worth 90 credits. Strategy and Economics for Global Competitiveness develops the ability to analyse business environments and formulate competitive strategies in volatile and rapidly changing global markets, combining strategic management with business economics through case studies and practical company analysis. Financial Analysis to Drive Value equips students with the skills to interpret financial information, evaluate organisational performance, and make informed business decisions. Strategic Marketing, Planning and Analytics focuses on the development and implementation of marketing strategies, enabling students to conduct market analysis, design marketing plans, formulate strategic responses, and measure performance using appropriate analytical tools. Operations Management Transformation examines contemporary operations management practices, including digitalisation, globalisation, sustainability, and organisational integration, preparing students to improve operational performance and responsible business practices. Leadership for Tomorrow develops capabilities in responsible leadership, change management, resilience, ethical decision-making, equality, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable organisational transformation. Startup Lab Aston fosters entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, creativity, collaboration, and sustainable business development through design thinking and practical enterprise activities. Students then follow one of five specialist pathways. The Business Management pathway offers flexibility by allowing students to choose two modules from any of the specialist pathways. The Cybersecurity pathway includes Entrepreneurial Strategies for Cybersecurity, focusing on cyber risk management and organisational security, and Transformational Leadership in Cybersecurity, which develops leadership skills for managing cyber defence, penetration testing, and ethical security operations. The Healthcare pathway covers Patient-Centred Care and Quality Improvement, which explores value-based healthcare and service transformation, alongside People Management and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare, focusing on workforce sustainability and employee wellbeing. The Marketing pathway includes Communications in a Digital Space, examining integrated marketing communications and digital engagement, and Entrepreneurial Marketing and Innovation, which develops business planning and innovative marketing capabilities. The AI and Digital Transformation pathway consists of AI Revolution in Business and Society, exploring artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and strategic implementation, and Navigating Digital Transformation – Innovating for the Future, which examines how organisations successfully manage digital change and innovation. Together, these modules provide advanced managerial, leadership, analytical, and specialist knowledge required for senior leadership and executive careers across a wide range of industries and sectors.