Edinburgh Business School launches online MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice

Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University has launched the MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice - a flexible, fully online programme designed for professionals who want to advance their careers, deliver immediate workplace impact and build the future-ready skills organisations need most.

Designed to meet regulatory and research-focused criteria set by international accreditation bodies such as the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), the programme combines academic rigour with real-world business application. Delivered 100% online by a top-ranked UK university with over 200 years of academic heritage, the MBA with Professional Practice is ideal for ambitious professionals looking for a globally respected MBA that fits seamlessly around work and life commitments.

According to Bryan Rodgers, Head of the Global MBA at Edinburgh Business School, “This programme supports professionals in applying advanced business thinking directly to workplace challenges. It’s a mechanism for delivering immediate and measurable organisational impact.”

Built for working professionals

The MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice has been designed around the demands of modern careers. With no fixed start dates, a fully self-paced structure and the ability to pause and resume study, it offers the flexibility professionals need to balance their studies alongside career and personal commitments. Live online tutorials, which are recorded, and global peer engagement through discussion boards and social media groups provide additional support without time zone or scheduling constraints.

The programme also removes traditional access barriers. Open enrolment, pay-per-course options and reduced fees for emerging economies make it globally accessible. Additional support for English language learners and scholarship opportunities further expand this access.

Structured for real-world application

The programme comprises eight courses:

• Leadership theory and practice
• People, work and organisations
• Financial decision making
• Strategic marketing
• Delivering successful projects
• Developing and executing strategy
• Research methods for business
• Business project

The structure balances core management disciplines with applied learning. The capstone Business Project challenges students to tackle a real issue within their organisation - whether related to sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation or strategic transformation.

Bryan emphasises the relevance of this approach: “Our students aren't just studying strategy - they’re helping to shape it in their own organisations. The Business Project allows them to lead real initiatives backed by research and guided by experienced academics.”

Academic quality, practical results

Backed by Heriot-Watt’s reputation for employability - ranked number one in Scotland and number two in the UK for graduate employability - the MBA Professional Practice blends rigorous academic study with practical outcomes. Students graduate with a deep understanding of leadership, digital transformation, innovation and business resilience - skills that prepare them to lead in rapidly changing markets.

Bryan adds: “Our strength lies in combining rigorous, research-based education with practical outcomes. Students graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and capability to apply it immediately.”

To complement the MBA, students also gain access to 500+ professional certificates through Coursera Career Academy, enabling them to tailor their learning with industry-recognised credentials in areas such as AI, business analytics, project management, human resources and digital marketing.

Future-proof your career

The MBA Professional Practice is designed not just for today’s challenges but for tomorrow’s opportunities. With an emphasis on future-ready skills, you can focus your business project on an area that suits you and your career, such as ESG strategy, supply chain innovation, digital transformation and sustainable business.

“The pace of change in business is unprecedented. Our MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice is part of the Edinburgh Business School portfolio, designed for professionals who want to apply their learning directly in the workplace. With the focus on practical projects and future-focused skills, all MBA graduates leave ready to make an immediate impact while preparing for what comes next,” says Bryan Rodgers.

Strategic investment for organisations

For organisations, sponsoring staff on the MBA Professional Practice means more than professional development. Every student delivers a business project rooted in their own workplace context - offering companies fresh solutions to pressing challenges while supporting succession planning, employee retention and innovation.

Join a global professional network

Graduates of the MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice become members of The Watt Club, Heriot-Watt University’s global alumni network. This provides access to a connected professional community spanning industries and geographies.

“Joining The Watt Club connects you to an active global network of MBA graduates. Our alumni continue to collaborate with Edinburgh Business School through CPD, networking and international study visits - ensuring their MBA remains a source of opportunity and professional growth long after graduation,” says Bryan.

Deliver immediate impact to your workplace

The MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice gives you the flexibility to study around your career, the credibility of a globally respected qualification, and the tools to deliver measurable impact from day one.

Shape the future of your career - and your organisation - with Heriot-Watt’s MBA Professional Practice.

Find out more about the MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice.