Business Administration - Essentials

This Postgraduate Certificate provides the foundations of organisational and strategic management. You will undertake a number of modules from our MBA programme focused on core business functions including finance, marketing, people management and strategy. You will develop a critical understanding of key theories, principles, and practices across strategic management areas within complex and evolving global business environments. 

Whether you aspire to lead a department, manage a team, or shift into a more strategic role, this qualification prepares you to navigate complexity and drive organisational change.

Clear, practical, and career focused, the PgCert Business Administration Essentials will enhance your professional profile while keeping your study commitments manageable.

The MBA programme

The MBA programme fosters the development of reflective, responsible, and strategic leaders. It combines academic grounding with practical relevance, connecting you with a diverse community of peers, alumni, academics, and industry professionals. By undertaking the Masters in Business Administration postgraduate degree, you will learn the fundamentals and key decision-making that take place in business functions and then apply your learning at a strategic level.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying the full MBA course:

Learning Methods

You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, Moodle which provides you with access to classes and course materials, allowing you to study from any location The MBA team use a wide range of approaches to support your learning. Lecturers introduce key concepts in leadership, management, and organisational functions. Seminars, tutorials, and discussions reinforce learning through case studies, debate, and collaborative activities. 

Activity Summary

• Lectures - Up to 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Tutorials - Up to 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Independent Study - 240 hours per term

How long is the Business Administration - Essentials course?

This course can be successfully completed within 8-12 months.

Independent Study

In addition to working with your lecturers and classmates, you will be expected to work independently completing further research and reading to support  your learning.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 report
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessments and/or presentation

Staff Delivering on This Course

Courses within our MBA portfolio are taught by industry experts and leading academics, bringing together academic knowledge and a diverse range of professional experience. Staff teaching across the portfolio are members of relevant professional bodies, ensuring the teaching on the course is of the highest standard and relevance to industry.

We work closely with senior figures in industry to design and continuously develop our MBA offering and ensure the curriculum is relevant and appropriate to the needs of the senior managers of the future.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Job Prospects

Is studying the PgCert Business Administration - Essentials a good career choice?

As part of our MBA portfolio, this PgCert will help you to capitalise on your experience to date and build on your previous qualifications. On completion, you will be able to take the next step in your career with the option of continuing your studies towards a full MBA when you are ready.

Previous graduates from the full MBA Master of Business Administration course filled roles such as:

• Marketing Manager
• HR Manager
• Launched their own business 
• Business Consultant
• Lead multi-national organisations 
• CEO 
• Senior Vice President 
• UK Country Manager

Standard Entry Requirements

What is required for an Business Administration - Essentials course?

• Applicants must normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject discipline.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Alternative Qualifications

Students without an undergraduate degree who hold three years or more management experience are encouraged to apply – applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Academic Year 2025-2026

• All fees are to be confirmed