Executive MBA: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Executive MBA for? 

The Executive MBA in partnership with Grant Thornton is aimed at Senior Leaders with mid- to senior-level experience, looking to develop the skillsets required to lead a department or business.  

• Minimum of five years' post-qualification work experience. 
• A strong degree and/or professional qualification or demonstration of high levels of achievement, exceptional career progression or evidence of leadership potential. 
• English language: full details of how you can meet this requirement can be found under Entry Requirements on the programme webpage.

Why should I choose Cranfield University for my Executive MBA? 

Our unique Executive MBA programme, delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton combines the best of academic insight and commercial application. We'll use this to help you develop your leadership and management skills with a specific focus on business growth and innovation. 

This Executive MBA programme will allow you to join a community of skilled individuals developing the necessary know-how and confidence to stand out from the crowd. Grant Thornton in the UK is part of a global organisation, the world's 6th largest accounting and advisory firm with more than 40,000 clients. 

We encourage you to come and experience a world-class university programme delivered by a university famous for innovation, career-enhancing services and world-renowned faculty and a company reputed for the quality of its service and advice.

How long is the Executive MBA programme? 

The Executive MBA is a 28-month programme delivered in two parts.

Is the programme available to those outside of the UK? 

The Executive MBA is delivered face-to-face at our campus; students are required to travel to Cranfield School of Management every month.

How is the Executive MBA programme being delivered? 

Teaching is delivered face-to-face at our Cranfield campus.

How many students undertake the Executive MBA in each intake? 

Each Executive MBA cohort will contain 100 students, allowing for diverse networking opportunities with candidates from various backgrounds and employment sectors.

Can I tailor my Executive MBA to ensure I achieve my future career goals? 

At the application stage, you will choose your Part II subject pathway. You will choose between Commercial, Entrepreneurship or Finance. The Part II subject pathways will enable you to tailor your Executive MBA experience to reflect your future goals.

What’s the time commitment?

Lectures are conducted three days a month – typically consecutively on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Outside of teaching hours, the expectation is that students will carry out 10 hours of individual learning per week.

How are students supported throughout the programme? 

Using specialised tools developed by Cranfield faculty, you will learn about how you work in a team, how your colleagues perceive you, your leadership style, and how to get the best out of yourself and others.

The support you receive:

• Learning team
• Course Director
• Student and Academic Support Member.

What are the facilities like available on campus? 

Cranfield School of Management is located on the Cranfield campus.  All campus amenities – including bars, shops, a cash machine, a post office, and a sports hall – are within walking distance.  Excellent leisure and shopping facilities can be found in Milton Keynes and the historic town of Bedford, just a short drive away. 

Whatever your recreational, social or sporting interests, the wide range of opportunities in and around Cranfield University are sure to offer something for everyone. 

Cranfield campus is set in extensive grounds with: 

• private airport, 
• two hotels with full accommodation, conference and banqueting facilities, 
• sports and recreation facilities.

Are there options to catch up on modules where they have been missed for illness or exceptional circumstances?

If you are not going to be able to attend a module due to illness or other exceptional circumstances then it is possible to arrange a deferral of this module and take it at the next opportunity, usually with the next cohort. If you are in this situation, you can reach out to the SAS Team ahead of the teaching session where you will be asked to complete a form and return it together with 3rd party supporting evidence so that a deferral can be arranged.

Application and Dates  

When is the application deadline? 

Applications are closed 8 weeks before the programme start date. 

Is there an application fee? 

No, Cranfield School of Management does not require an application fee for the Executive MBA programme.

Will applications be considered if they do not have a degree? 

Applicants who do not have a degree are welcome provided they can illustrate high levels of achievement, exceptional career progression or evidence of leadership potential. You will be allowed to demonstrate these attributes during the interview.

When do I need to submit certifications and transcripts? 

When completing your application form, we will require submission of your relevant certification and transcripts to progress your application to the Admissions Board.

Will I be required to travel to Cranfield for an interview? 

All interviews are currently being conducted virtually via an online video platform.

Fees and Financing

What is the cost of the Executive MBA programme?

Can I pay the fees in instalments?

Yes, the fees can be paid in instalments. The payment plan is as follows:

• Deposit on acceptance of a place
• First instalment due by Registration
• Second instalment due six months after Registration
• Third instalment due at the beginning of year 2
• Fourth instalment due six months after year 2 commences.

Does Cranfield School of Management offer scholarships for the Executive MBA programme? 

We are delighted to be able to offer bursaries for exceptional students.