MBA (Top up), online in 4–6 months
A UK masters degree for working professionals. Study around your job, submit assignments instead of sitting exams, and graduate with a degree awarded by a UK university partner.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 4–6 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- FHEQ Level 7
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £3,900
Built for people who already work
The MBA (Top up) is a UK master’s degree delivered 100% online by LEAP Education and awarded by a UK university partner with degree-awarding powers. Assessment is through one business management dissertation with online supervisor support — not separate taught modules or written examinations.
Standard completion is 4–6 months. You can start at any time, study around full-time work and submit coursework online. Fees from £3,900 with interest-free instalment plans. Graduates progress to postgraduate study or senior management roles.
The difference between a department head who executes orders and a Chief Operating Officer who sets them is rarely experience alone—it is the formal mandate to operate at the board level. Executive search firms in multinational corporations use the MBA credential as a hard filter, discarding candidates with impressive track records who lack the academic proof of strategic competence.
You gain the authority to lead cross-functional teams, defend multi-million dollar P&Ls to stakeholders, and navigate complex organizational politics with recognized expertise. This qualification allows you to bypass the operational ceiling that traps mid-career managers, enabling immediate consideration for Director and VP roles that require a master’s-level strategic framework.
This path is designed for senior managers, operations directors, and business owners in high-growth economies like Nigeria, Kenya, the UAE, and Southeast Asia who are ready to transition from tactical execution to executive leadership. You likely have five to eight years of experience and have hit a promotion wall because your current credentials only validate operational skills, not strategic vision. By converting your professional history into a globally recognized MBA, you align your profile with the expectations of international employers and unlock salary bands reserved for formally qualified executives.
The top-up stage adds strategic and research modules plus a dissertation or capstone to convert a postgraduate diploma into an MBA award.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- MBA (Top up)
- Level:
- FHEQ Level 7
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 4–6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £3,900
- Entry requirements:
- A Bachelor's degree or Level 6 qualification, or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- Executive and board-level leadership roles after MBA graduation.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Level 7 Strategic Management diploma, BA (Hons) Business Management, leadership and management qualifications.
Entry qualification: You must hold the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (120 credits) before starting this dissertation-only MBA top-up.
Dissertation-only: This page is for the final 60-credit MBA stage — one supervised business management dissertation. Taught MBA routes (for example 12-month programmes) are listed separately on the MBA course page.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
1 stages, one award
Each stage builds towards the final award. Complete every stage to graduate with 60 credits.
MBA dissertation
Independent business management research with online supervisor support. You must already hold the Qualifi Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership diploma before starting this stage.
60 credits → MBA graduation
MBA top-up stage
The mandatory section lists 1 units (60 credits)—all are required.
MBA Dissertation (business management research) (mandatory)
60 creditsOne assessed dissertation on an agreed business management topic.
Every module is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Entry requirements (Level 7 diploma)
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or Level 6 qualification, or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 3+ years of senior management or leadership experience are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
A published source has not yet been matched to a salary figure for these roles.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
Progression: Executive and board-level leadership roles after MBA graduation.
MBA admission requires a recognised Level 7 diploma and meeting the university partner's entry criteria. LEAP confirms eligibility during application.
MBA top-up fees
All plans are interest-free and include every module, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page4–6 monthsMBA top-up | |
|---|---|
| Total fee | £3,900 |
| Pay in full | £3,900 |
| Apply |
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
Your MBA (Top up) is awarded by a UK university partner with degree-awarding powers; the awarding university is named in your offer letter. LEAP Education, a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited, supports your admission, learning and tutoring.
Degree level
FHEQ Level 7 on the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications — the same level as a campus award.
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235. UK Register of Learning Providers
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your modules.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
Common questions
Is this a real UK degree?
Yes. On successful completion you receive a UK degree awarded by a UK university partner with degree-awarding powers. The awarding university is confirmed in your offer letter.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree or Level 6 qualification or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 3+ years of senior management or leadership experience are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 4–6 months (MBA top-up, £3,900). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
What can I progress to?
Executive and board-level leadership roles after MBA graduation.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
What is the MBA top-up at LEAP?
It is the final MBA stage for learners who already hold the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (120 credits). You complete one dissertation module (60 credits) online to achieve the MBA award from the UK university partner named in your offer letter.
What are the entry requirements for the MBA top-up?
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (120 credits), completed at pass standard. LEAP checks your transcript and awarding body details during application.
How many modules are in the MBA top-up?
One module only: the MBA dissertation in business management. There are no additional taught units on this top-up route.
How long does the MBA top-up take?
Most learners complete the dissertation stage in 4–6 months, depending on topic approval, supervision meetings and submission dates.
How is the MBA top-up assessed?
Through a single written dissertation on an agreed business management topic. Word count and format requirements are set out in your module handbook and offer letter.
Who awards the MBA?
The MBA certificate is issued by the UK university partner confirmed in your offer letter. LEAP Education provides online delivery, tutoring and enrolment support.
Can I study the MBA top-up online while working?
Yes. Research, supervision and submission are designed for working managers studying entirely online.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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