Cardiff Metropolitan University

MBA Advanced Entry Top Up Route

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course overview

The MBA Advanced Entry (Top-Up) at Cardiff Metropolitan University is designed for students who already hold a recognised Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in a management-related subject. This course allows eligible students to complete just 60 credits to achieve a full MBA.

The MBA Advanced Entry (Top-Up) at Cardiff Metropolitan University includes a 20-credit Research Methods module and a 40-credit Dissertation on a topic of your choice. It’s an excellent route for professionals looking to progress into senior management roles.

Delivered entirely through distance learning, this course provides flexibility and ongoing support. You will join live online classes (webinars) for the Research Methods module and work one-to-one with a supervisor while writing your Dissertation. You will receive support and useful learning materials throughout the course to help you succeed.

After completing the course, you will be awarded a full MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University, along with your official transcript and a Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). You will also be invited to attend the graduation ceremony in Cardiff.

Entry requirements

To apply for the course, students are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae, a High School Certificate, and a Statement of Purpose outlining their goals and reasons for choosing the course. In addition, two letters of reference or recommendation are needed, along with a copy of their passport or another form of photographic identification.

All applicants will also be required to take a Microsoft Teams interview with the Programme Director. Details of these arrangements will be sent subject to a successful application.

Grade Requirements:

  • The standard entry requirement for this course is an undergraduate qualification equivalent to UK Bachelors 2:2 or higher. 
  • A level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in a Strategic Leadership and Management subject awarded by ATHE, LRN, NCC Education, OTHM, Pearson or SQA in the last 5 years is also accepted. 

English Proficiency:

  • International applicants whose first language isn't English are expected to show proof of proficiency in the language by having an IELTS score of 6.5. 
  • Equivalent tests are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    The Alumni Discount offers a 20% discount on Cardiff Met courses for previous graduates who are enrolling onto postgraduate programmes from September 2026.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Full Fee Discount

    Award: Up to £1,000

  • MBA Scholarship

    Award: Up to £4,000.

  • Sport Scholarships

    Undergraduate – Home student (UK): £7,000; Undergraduate – International student: £11,000; Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £2,000 + alumni discount Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £4,200.

  • Undergraduate Scholarship

    Award: £2,500

    Up to £2,500

  • Vice Chancellor Scholarship

    Award: Up to £3,500

Career opportunities

An MBA Advanced Entry (Top Up) from Cardiff Metropolitan University can open doors to numerous career paths, such as: 

  • Marketing Manager
  • Consultancy Manager
  • Finance Analyst 
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Operations and Logistics Manager
  • Entrepreneur

Cost of study

The tuition fee to study an MBA Advanced Entry (Top Up) at Cardiff Metropolitan University for the 2025/2026 academic year is £19,500.

Admission

Applications for this course should be made directly to the university via its self-service facility. If you need more information about eligibility and application processes, our experienced counsellors at AHZ are happy to help.

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