Master of Business Administration (MBA): Cyber for Business Leaders
Subject and course type
- Business and Management
- Postgraduate
Lead in the digital age with Kingston’s AMBA-accredited MBA, designed for professionals ready to manage cyber challenges and innovate in technology-driven industries. An MBA at Kingston will develop your personal capacity and leadership skills. Above all, it’ll help you to build a career plan to meet your ambitions.
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Lead the future of cyber security and business innovation
Gain the tools to navigate complex cyber challenges while driving innovation and competitive advantage in your organisation.
In the fast-moving cyber world, there is an ever-growing demand for professionals with a strong understanding of both business and cyber security. Joining our Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Cyber for Business Leaders is a valuable step towards building a cyber security culture within organisations of all sizes.
Our Cyber-themed MBA is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in an era where digital transformation and cyber security are paramount. You'll be empowered to tackle the growing challenges of digital transformation and cyber resilience. From strategic management to advanced risk assessment, this programme is tailored to equip you with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills.
Giving you a competitive advantage in the job market, this MBA will support you to become leaders with a profound understanding of the cyber security challenges.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore additional learning opportunities through industry-leading cloud security training on AWS Foundations. Combine your MBA with professional cyber for business certifications, such as the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.
Plus, you'll get to learn from an expert faculty team and network with peers to prepare for leadership across a wide range of industries.
Studying the Kingston MBA has undoubtedly made me more assertive and self-assured. The entrepreneurial environment in Kingston Business School is inspiring, and the professors encourage you to view things from different perspectives, which is crucial in the modern business world.
Why choose this course
Through our MBA we aim for our students to actively analyse, question, interpret and innovate. This programme provides the tools to navigate complex cyber challenges while driving innovation and competitive advantage in your organisation.
It will also prepare you to identify and embrace potential opportunities whilst developing your creative capacities, digital intelligence and collaborative approach in order to be successful in different environments.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Develop skills in cyber risk management, strategic leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
- Real-World Projects: Work on consultancy projects addressing real cyber security challenges.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from academics and industry professionals with expertise in business and cyber security.
- Specialist Accreditation: Join the exclusive ranks of Kingston Business School, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This course specifically has also been accredited by the association of MBAs (AMBA).
Accreditations
Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
The Kingston MBA has been accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) since 1984 – one of the first UK MBAs to achieve this endorsement. Joining Kingston's MBA programme opens the door to lifetime membership of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and a global alumni network.
The AMBA is the leading accreditation body in the UK and is receiving increasing recognition across Europe. It provides an independent, international verification of quality which assures employers that our MBA is well respected and up to date.
Course content
Through the MBA we aim for our students to actively analyse, question, interpret and innovate. This course will prepare you to identify and embrace potential opportunities whilst developing your creative capacities, digital intelligence and collaborative approach in order to be successful in different environments.
You will develop a strong foundation in general management, covering essential skills across various business functions through eight integrated subjects that combine theory and practice, helping you develop a comprehensive corporate perspective.
You will also study two specific cyber-related modules that will equip you with essential knowledge and skills in cyber security and leadership.
You'll further enhance your practical management expertise through the Management Consultancy Project.
Running throughout your MBA studies the ‘The Kingston Impact: Leadership and Personal Growth’ module aims to support you in your personal and professional development whilst refining your executive leadership and professional skills.
Year 1
Core modules (Part 1)
15 credits
This module introduces you to the nature and scope of operations management within private and public sector operations in both service and manufacturing environments. The module explores operations strategy, process and capacity issues, supply chain management and improving operations.
15 credits
This module introduces you to a systemic approach to identifying, understanding and analysing macro, meso and micro issues, set within the global context, which have significant implications for the successful management of organisations and the people within them to produce appropriate detailed recommendations for organisational implementation.
15 credits
This module will help you develop and enhance your critical understanding of a range of topical issues associated with financial management. You will do this by reviewing and analysing the position and performance of organisations as revealed in their financial statements and stock market indicators in the case of listed companies or key performance indicators in the case of not for profit organisations. In addition you will explore recent theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence concerning financial management issues to be found in the academic literature and then you will work to make sense of these in a practical context. You will engage with a broad range of issues, from financial reporting, through accounting for management decision making in the short and long term, to considerations of decision making in the context of responsible capitalism and accounting for and with sustainability issues.
15 credits
This module is designed to introduce business students to the exciting world of business intelligence and big data science with a particular focus on its use to inform strategic decision-making policies. Today's managers need to understand where and how to use business intelligence and big data analytics, to allow them to utilise new sources of customer, product, and operational data, which coupled with data science will allow them to optimise key business processes and KPIs.
15 credits
The module aims to provide aspiring senior managers with an appreciation of the likely multidisciplinary impact of digital transformation on the overall customer experience and the need to develop future marketing executives possessing the necessary skills and capabilities, namely IT skills, to comfortably communicate across the different business functions ensuring that all digital platforms achieve optimal customer centricity.
15 credits
The module provides a critical understanding of the concepts of business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and stakeholder management and enables you to analyse, evaluate, and formulate business decisions in the light of ethical and societal considerations. It will enable you to manage organisations and your activities in a socially responsible way through the ability to evaluate CSR practices as applied to various business issues.
15 credits
This module explores how an organisation could develop widely supported and high quality decisions in a manner that would ensure its ability to succeed and remain sustainable. The module also helps you to learn how to translate a strategy into action in organisations and engage with the challenges that the implementation of strategy brings about in order to ensure sustainable success in a rapidly changing environment.
To achieve this we will be examining a number of conceptual and analytical approaches and models to help us understand the assets and capabilities of the organisation, and its relationships with suppliers, customers, regulatory bodies and other firms. Following on from this analysis we will consider the issues involved in understanding and designing strategic options and introduce a number of ideas as how the execution of strategy should be understood and related to different activities of the organisation that relate to the implementation of its different strategic options in terms of people, processes and technology.
15 credits
Students learn the necessary skills to build and scale a successful business. This includes how to develop ideas, build prototypes, and understand what customers truly want. The focus of the teaching and student experience is around hands-on learning and entrepreneurial activity. Students are given the opportunity to attend guest lectures with practising entrepreneurs and intrepreneurs to gain practical understanding towards making innovation happen. Support will be given through the Kingston University flexible office space for entrepreneurial start-ups, drop in advice, training and challenges.
Assessment is through coursework, presentations, business prototypes and completion of the entrepreneurial process.
15 credits
This module equips you with essential knowledge and skills in cyber security, focusing on its practical application in business contexts.
You will explore techniques that are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and systems in business operations. Through critical analysis, you will identify and assess security weaknesses, network and system threats, and resulting risks associated with common infrastructures used in business settings.
Emphasising ethical and legal considerations, you will also engage in critical discussions regarding the professional implications of cyber security in business practices.
15 credits
This module is designed to develop your skills so that you are equipped to take on business leadership roles in the realm of cyber security; making informed decisions, implementing best practices and responding effectively to emerging threats.
You will learn to apply effective methodologies to assess, evaluate, and manage the information security needs of business organisations. You will also develop and implement tailored cyber resilience strategies to enhance business preparedness and response to cyber incidents.
By the end of the module, you will be confident in tackling cyber security challenges and contributing to a secure and resilient business environment.
30 credits
This module consists of taught sessions on theory and practice of management consulting, as well as business research methods and a set of activities to support MBA candidates in the development of their client consultancy project. As such it looks at the relevant business research and analysis instruments and processes of sourcing and delivering consulting work. Perspectives of both consultant and client in a typical engagement are considered. The material provides solid theoretical and practical background to those wishing to pursue management advisory work on a professional basis.
0 credits
This module runs throughout your studies at Kingston and aims to support you in your personal and professional development through an emphasis on the refining of leadership, teamworking and the acquisition and refining of executive and professional skills. It also aims to prepare Senior Apprentices to meet Behavioural Standards for their End Point Assessment (EPA). The module builds on the recommendations of joint research undertaken by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) aimed at meeting the growing demands from employers for business schools to produce more professionally adept managers and leaders. You will develop a number of valuable transferable skills via a series of workshops, each focused on a different aspect of your leadership, managerial and professional development, and help you develop as an individual those areas of most relevance to you. Throughout your journey you will also be able to track and assess your own individual progress. Module workshops and other activities are delivered by a range of academics and practitioners.
Year 2 (optional)
This professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full time MBA year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Core modules
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.
It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.
The MBA has allowed me to implement what I have learned into my business strategy and has given me a clear vision about how I can progress in my career. I joined the MBA as a doctor with plans to set up a tertiary health care hospital in my hometown in India. I now feel that I am equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve my goals.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this programme are equipped for senior roles such as Chief Information Officer, Cyber Risk Consultant, or Digital Transformation Leader.
Many of our MBA alumni use the knowledge gained from the course to help them operate more effectively at a higher level of senior management. You may seek progression in your existing industry, or that the opportunity to transition into a new role/sector. Others use these skills to successfully set up their own business, or expand into a consultancy role within an existing firm.
Network internationally
All Kingston MBA students come together for our annual International Fortnight event. Taking place on campus, you will study and socialise with other MBA students to grow your professional network.
Building on the knowledge you've gained during your course, you will immerse yourself in your choice of specialist modules and hear from inspiring guest speakers. Previous attendees have also had the opportunity to take part in exciting company visits, to give them a head start on their career path.
Teaching and assessment
Type of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework: 84%, Practical 16%
- Professional placement: Coursework: 100%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 27% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Each student receives a personalised timetable. This is usually available after you have completed your online enrolment, which is typically accessible one month before the start of your course.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice and the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes therefore you may be taught alongside students who are on these courses within the Business School.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £25,000 |
| International | Full Time £25,000 |
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £25,000 |
| International | Full Time £25,000 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying MBA: Cyber for Business Leaders at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
We are proud to offer a tuition fee scholarship of £3,000 to self-funded candidates. You who will be considered automatically following a formal offer of a place on the programme.
If you have any questions about the scholarship, please email the Course Director, Pauline Parker.
This scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees across a range of taught postgraduate courses. Learn more about eligibility criteria for Inspire the Future applicants.
If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
We offer discounts for Kingston University alumni.
There are Progression Scholarships available for certain postgraduate courses. Review our range of funding opportunities for masters-level study.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements. Please note that the MBA programme at Kingston so far has been a fully-financed programme for its participants. All core text books and company visits are included.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000. If you decide to do a study exchange at one of our partner institutions, you will need to pay for your own travel and accommodation.
Some courses may require professional memberships.
Students who choose to take opportunities for supplementary certificates may incur costs for the exam. For example, we offer project management through ILX. Kingston University funds the teaching but not the exam.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
The MBA course experience goes beyond the carefully designed modules, which cover all aspects of business. Students are also given practical opportunities to apply theory to real business cases... The Kingston MBA helped me transition from an engineer to a senior management position.
Studying the Kingston MBA has undoubtedly made me more assertive and self-assured. The entrepreneurial environment in Kingston Business School is inspiring, and the professors encourage you to view things from different perspectives. This is crucial in the modern business world.
