Choosing the right MBA is an important step in advancing your career, and the Surrey MBA offers a combination of flexible study options and strong career support.
If you have questions about the MBA experience as a whole or about the programmes at Surrey in particular, the following answers will help you make an informed decision about your education and future.
By exploring the information below, you can determine whether the Surrey MBA is the right fit for your professional ambitions.
Why an MBA from Surrey Business School?
Location: Guildford is safe and well-connected, with easy rail links (≈ 35 minutes) into central London. The nearby Surrey Research Park and access to London gives students proximity to a host of businesses.
Academic quality: Surrey Business School is internationally ranked; holds dual accreditation from AACSB and Association of MBAs (AMBA); and has an incredibly strong research output. You’ll be learning from the best.
Tailored learning: Alongside a flexible structure, there are elective guided pathways to align to your interests: Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, or Hospitality Service Leadership.
Career outcomes: Included is a bespoke “Career Growth Accelerator” – a four-stage programme combining self-discovery, coaching, skills development and strategic insight to support professional growth and leadership readiness. You’ll have dedicated support from your careers coach during your whole time with Surrey.
Value for money: Tuition fees are competitive and Surrey offers a number of scholarships.
What are the job prospects for Surrey graduates?
We see a wide range of success from our MBA graduates, with individuals working in companies such as: BT, IBM, Santander, Barclays, Deloitte, Accenture, Samsung, and the NHS.
Of course, many launch their own entrepreneurial ventures with their newfound skills, like Abirami, or some continue in their previous place of work but are promoted shortly after completion of the degree, like Susan.
What are the differences between Surrey’s MBA programmes?
Surrey Business School offers three MBA programmes: the Full-time MBA, the Structured Part-time MBA, and the Unstructured Part-time MBA.
Full-time MBA: a one-year, immersive programme designed for students who want to study intensively and complete the degree within a year.
Structured Part-time MBA: follows a clear timetable with scheduled teaching blocks, allowing you to balance work and study while progressing through the programme in two years.
Unstructured Part-time MBA: offers maximum flexibility; you can spread modules over a longer period and study at your own pace, ideal for professionals with variable workloads or personal commitments.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic requirement: Minimum 2:2 UK honours degree or recognised international equivalent. Candidates without this can be considered on a case-by-case basis. In these circumstances, the school will look for: professional qualifications; continued professional development; and/or above the minimum work experience requirement.
Work experience: Minimum of three years’ postgraduate work experience on application. This needs to be managerial experience which includes but is not limited to: managing people/projects/products/processes.
How do I apply?
For the MBA, you apply directly through Surrey’s MBA course page.
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents as part of their online application:
Personal statement (500 words)
- Why do you want to study the Surrey MBA?
- How will the Surrey MBA benefit you?
- What can you bring to the Surrey MBA?
CV/resume (2–3 pages)
Your CV should highlight relevant leadership, management, and international experience.
Two references
One of your two references should be provided by your current or most recent employer.
Before submitting your application, Surrey strongly recommends reviewing the MBA application checklist (PDF) to ensure that all required documents and information are complete.
What happens after I submit my application?
After you submit your application, Surrey’s admissions team will review your documents carefully and contact you if any additional information is needed. Once you meet the entry requirements and your basic information is complete, you will be invited to a 30-minute interview. Following the interview, you will receive an admissions decision within 10 working days.
What sources of funding are available?
There are a variety of scholarships available from 10-50% fee reductions – that’s up to GBP 14,500 off.
- The Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Women in Leaderships Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
- The Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
- Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
- Surrey MBA South Asia Bridge Scholarship
These are extended on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s recommended to apply early to avoid disappointment.
