Master of Business Administration Research Based Track

Candidates must satisfy the following requirements to be considered eligible for admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programme:
1. A European undergraduate three-year initial degree or recognized equivalent to EQF/MQF Level 6 (180 ECTS credits as a minimum) or a foreign undergraduate bachelor’s degree from outside Malta equivalent to EQF/MQF Level 6 (180 ECTS credits as a minimum). All fields of study and specialties are accepted for enrolment in the MBA Programme
2. Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
a. The requirement for English language proficiency is waived for students who obtained their last degree at a school where English is the primary medium of instruction.
3. CV detailing experiences gained in relation to business and management.

Recognition of Prior Education:
Only accredited formal learning units/modules obtained at EQF/MQF Level 7, covering at least 80% of the content of the program’s corresponding units/modules, will be considered for exemption.
Exemptions will only be approved for entire modules/units, not for individual assessment elements within a module/unit, and are limited to a maximum of 30 ECTS of the total qualification credits.

● All programmes at SEC are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world.
● Our programme is rigorous and comprehensive, covering all aspects of business, from finance and accounting to marketing and management.
● The programme is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Students will learn how to analyze financial data, develop marketing strategies, and manage teams. They will also gain experience in real-world business situations through research projects and case studies.
● Our faculty consists of experienced professionals who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping students succeed. They are experts in their fields, bringing a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom.
● Our program provides an ideal environment for ambitious individuals eager to make a difference in the world. Students will learn from our carefully selected faculty members and connect with other talented individuals.
● In addition to our academic program, we offer a range of extracurricular activities and networking opportunities to help students build their professional networks. We believe these experiences are essential for success in the business world.
We believe in our students’ potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to supporting them in reaching their goals.

Key Features of the Master of Business Administration–Research-Based Track:
Our research-based MBA program is designed for ambitious professionals seeking not only to excel in business, but to contribute original research and analysis that advances the field. This rigorous program equips students with the advanced research skills and critical thinking necessary to tackle complex business problems. Students will gain expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and scholarly writing.
By the end of the programme, the graduates shall be qualified to assume the responsibility and autonomy to:
● Exercise independent judgement and make research decisions within established ethical frameworks.
● Manage research projects effectively, demonstrating strong time-management, organizational, and analytical skills.
● Adapt research methodologies to address complex business problems and emerging research questions.
● Continuously learn and update research skills to stay abreast of evolving methodologies, data analysis tools, and new research trends in business.
● Operate with intellectual integrity and uphold ethical principles throughout the research process.

To complete the programme’s requirements, the student must pass eight courses and one dissertation, which can be completed within one year and four months.
Year 1:
Semester 1:
• BSN 701: Management & Leadership (8 ECTS Credits)
• BSN 702: Finance (8 ECTS Credits)
• BSN 703: Marketing (8 ECTS Credits)
• PMG 714: Supply Chain Management (6 ECTS Credits)
Semester 2:
• BSN 704: Strategic Management (8 ECTS Credits)
• BSN 705: Economics (8 ECTS Credits)
• BSN 706: Accounting (8 ECTS Credits)
• RSC 701: Research Methods (6 ECTS Credits)
Year 2:
Semester 1:
• PMG 761: Dissertations (30 ECTS Credits)

The target group for an advanced degree programme is typically individuals who are already working in a business-related field. However, there are also a growing number of individuals who are pursuing advanced degrees after working in other fields, such as arts, humanities, or sciences.
The target group for an advanced degree programme is also becoming more diverse in terms of age and gender. For example, some individuals might choose to pursue an advanced degree to:
● Increase their earning potential: An advanced degree can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.
● Gain a competitive advantage: An advanced degree gives individuals a competitive edge in the job market.
● Learn new skills: An advanced degree helps individuals learn new skills and knowledge that can be applied to their current or future careers.
● Network with other professionals: An advanced degree provides individuals with the opportunity to network with other professionals in their field.
● Gain a deeper understanding of business: An advanced degree gives individuals a deeper understanding of how businesses operate.

Target Groups, Specific for this Programme Include:
● Individuals with 2-7 years of work experience who are looking to advance into leadership or management positions.
● Highly motivated individuals with strong academic backgrounds, seeking to gain the business knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful business career.
● Individuals seeking to develop the business acumen and leadership skills needed to launch and grow their own ventures.
● Individuals working in various business areas, including finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, and seeking to broaden their knowledge and advance their careers within their chosen field.
● Engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals seeking to transition into leadership roles or pursue careers in business management.
● Individuals working in non-profit sectors and seeking to develop the business skills needed to manage non-profit organizations more effectively.
● International students seeking to gain global business insight and enhance their employability in multinational environments.

● Analyze ethical frameworks applicable to business research, identifying potential conflicts and developing strategies for ethical decision-making.
● Design comprehensive research methodologies to address complex business problems, considering various research paradigms and data collection methods.
● Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs and data analysis techniques for specific research questions.
● Critically appraise the evolving landscape of business research, identifying emerging trends and their implications for research practice.
● Demonstrate intellectual rigor and accountability in upholding ethical standards throughout the research process.

● Formulate a well-defined research question and develop a research plan aligned with established methodologies.
● Conduct independent research using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to gather and analyze data.
● Effectively communicate research findings through written reports, presentations, and publications tailored to academic and professional audiences.
● Critically evaluate existing research, identify strengths and weaknesses, and contribute original insights to the field.
● Collaborate effectively with faculty mentors and fellow researchers, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange and knowledge creation.

The programme generally employs the educational methods of “Flipped Classroom,” “Interactive eLearning” and “Continuous Assessment” through:
● Weekly Online recorded asynchronous video lectures covering all intended learning outcomes (per module unit).
● Weekly quizzes and/or assignments covering the outcomes of the video lectures. (per module unit)
● Weekly scheduled synchronous online tutorial discussions. (per module unit)
● Periodic synchronous seminars covering all the programme’s learning outcomes.
● Periodic assignments, evaluating the comprehensive understanding of how the intended learning outcomes across different program modules and units are interconnected.
● Classes are delivered virtually via Zoom and the Learning Management System (Moodle LMS).
● Diagnostic, formative, and summative questions are included within all courses. Instructors can use the statistical analysis provided by Moodle to highlight areas of significant concern either to group or individual students.
● Individual students can also review their performance and request clarifications either through the course forums or live discussions.