General
Nottingham Business School Announces new MBA Excellence Scholarship
With the conclusion of government funding for the Senior Leader Apprenticeship (SLA)—previously a key route for employers to support staff through the first 120 credits of the Executive MBA (EMBA) – the UK faces a growing skills gap in senior leadership capability. This shift highlights the increasing importance of accessible, high‑quality leadership development programmes that can support long‑term organisational growth. In response, Nottingham Business School (NBS) has introduced an Excellence Scholarship, offering up to 50% of tuition fees for outstanding EMBA candidates. Applicants are assessed on academic and professional achievements, with entry routes available for those with a strong first degree and at least three years of relevant experience, or for experienced managers without a degree who have eight or more years at a managerial or equivalent level.
Unlike the SLA, which required students to dedicate 20% of their working hours to study, the EMBA offers a more flexible and streamlined structure. This makes it particularly suited to today’s time‑pressured professionals and employers, while still delivering substantial value to both. Students consistently describe the EMBA as a highly rewarding experience, enriched by learning from industry‑experienced academics and peers from diverse sectors. The curriculum emphasises real‑world application, supported by an individual learning plan tailored to each student’s goals. Assessments focus on professional development rather than exams, and the programme includes a global consultancy project with international travel, offering hands‑on experience in a global business environment. Overall, the EMBA is designed to support career advancement and long‑term professional growth.
For specialists transitioning into managerial roles or established managers seeking to accelerate their career trajectory, the EMBA provides a powerful platform for development. It enhances cross‑functional working, strengthens strategic thinking, and consolidates leadership experience. Students also benefit from an expanded professional network, gaining insights from peers across multiple industries that can be applied directly within their own organisations.
Employers also gain significantly when staff undertake the EMBA. Graduates bring advanced strategic management and leadership capabilities, they contribute to organisational development, and demonstrate the behaviours expected of senior leaders. They develop strong critical analysis skills, the ability to secure support for key initiatives, and the confidence to lead change and innovation. The programme deepens understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, while strengthening the ability to engage colleagues, build collaborative relationships, and support the development of others. These benefits collectively enhance organisational capability, culture, and long‑term resilience.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) programme continues to excel, achieving an exceptional 100% satisfaction score in the PTES surveys for both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating the consistently positive experience of its postgraduate students. Our global standing is further reinforced by AMBA accreditation, placing us among the top 129 business schools worldwide, and our TEF Gold Teaching Standard.
This scholarship opportunity is time‑limited for a September 2026 start. Contact us a [email protected] for an informal conversation about the programme or visit our stand at the next Midlands Business Expo in Solihull on 5th March 2026.