How will you learn

Discover a world of opportunity with Masterminds Business School’s dynamic distance learning courses, crafted to enhance your skills, expand your career prospects, and elevate your professional qualifications.

Learner Journey

Our online business management, hotel and hospitality, and computing courses will help you obtain a diploma, which is recognised by employers and awarded by OFQUAL, the UK government higher education regulating body.

These diplomas can then be used as progression onto completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree course, at an accredited UK or overseas university.

Choose a course
Study the course modules
Complete online multiple choice tests and written assignments
Receive your certificate and university credits
Top up your qualifications and earn a BA degree or MBA

Your degree or MBA will be awarded to you by the university you complete your final year with. We currently partner with UK universities, who accept the OFQUAL credits awarded from studying our courses.

Assessment

Assessment at MasterMind Business School is a very straightforward process:

After you have completed an online module, you will have an online assessment to complete. This assessment contains 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have one hour to complete these questions, which are answered in sets of five, so you will have plenty of time to review and edit your answers. After an hour, the test will automatically time out.
After you have completed the test, your results will be displayed immediately. If you have passed, you will receive a certificate of completion. If you don’t pass, you will receive a notification of a “refer’’ where you will be told how to retake a module assessment. You can complete these modules at your own pace, as there is no deadline to complete the course.
When the online modules have been successfully completed, you will then be able to take the final written assignments provided by MasterMind Business School that test your knowledge and understanding of the modules. After successful completion of these assignments, you will receive your diploma from the OFQUAL awarding organization.
You will then be eligible to apply for progression onto a top up course through a recognised UK university on campus or by distance learning.

Levels explained

Level 3

The level 3 course is a 120-credit course, which is equivalent to 2 A levels. The course is made up of 6 modules and 6/12 written assignments. This course provides entry onto the first year of undergraduate degree course, or a level 4 course.

Level 4

Level 4 is the equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree programme. The level 4 course is made up of 6/10 modules and 6/10 assignments, which are equivalent to 120 university credits.

Level 5

Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a bachelor’s degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The level 5 course has 5/9/10 modules and 5/6/7 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

Level 6

Upon completion of a level 6 course, you will be eligible for admission onto a postgraduate business programme, including an MBA course. The level 6 course is made up of 10 modules and 5 written assignments.

Level 7

The level 7 course carries 120 credits which gives entry onto the MBA top Up (one module or one module + dissertation). This can be completed by studying either online or on campus at a recognised UK or overseas university. Our level 7 is made up of 30 modules and 8 written assignments.
For an official breakdown of what each level means, please visit What qualification levels mean

Entry requirements

University entry level 3 programme requirements

For entry on the Level 3 qualification learners would generally be aged 16 or above. For learners who have recently been in education or training the entry profile is likely to include one of following:

5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above

other related level 2 subjects

other equivalent international qualifications

Learners must also have an appropriate standard of English to enable them to access relevant resources and complete the course modules and assignments. Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include relevant work experience (paid and/or unpaid), participation and/or achievement of relevant qualifications.

Undergraduate level 4/5 programme requirements

Entry to a level 4 programme generally requires a full secondary education and a minimum age of 18. Entry to a level 5 programme depends on a student gaining level 4 or equivalent. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a degree or HNC or local equivalent. Level 5 is equivalent to the second year of a university degree. If English is not your native language, you may need to provide verification of your English language capability. There may be an IELTS or TOEFL English language requirement or equivalent. Please note specific university requirements will differ between universities. Normally, universities will accept the 240 credits offered by the MasterMinds Business School programme at Level 4/5 for final year completion, but students should check with their chosen university for specific entry requirements before enroling with MBS.

Graduate level 6 programme requirements

Entry onto the level 6 programme is for non-graduate mature students of at least 25 years of age with 5 years of work experience who wish to progress to a postgraduate qualification.

Postgraduate level 7 programme requirements

You will be eligible to study the level 7 courses if you are a graduate in any discipline and are aged 22 years or over. Non-graduates aged over 24 years with at least 5 years experience in management may also apply.

FAQs

Application

Are there any English language requirements?

For students not residing in an English-speaking country, we advise considering an IELTS course to enhance language proficiency to level 5.5 or above. This can be pursued concurrently with our courses. The minimum English proficiency required may vary based on the university chosen for completing your top-up qualification.

Do I need any previous experience and qualifications?

Upon completion of the course, a minimum IELTS score of Level 5.5 is required. You can pursue an English course concurrently with the program. For enrollment at Level 4/5, a full secondary education is necessary, and universities may impose a minimum age requirement for the top-up program. At Level 7, applicants without a BA degree must possess 5 years of managerial experience. Requirements may vary among university partners. Nevertheless, each application will be reviewed individually, and exceptions may be considered.

Will there be an interview?

There is no interview process. You will have to fill out a short application form to make sure you meet the criteria.

How do I choose the best course for me?

Prospective learners should start by visiting the MasterMinds Business School Course page to explore the variety of courses available. Selecting a subject that aligns with your interests and goals is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Review the modules included in the course: Are they engaging and relevant to your desired career path?
Consider the course delivery and assessment methods: Are you motivated to study through distance learning? Can you effectively manage independent study?
It’s essential not to overextend yourself too quickly. Opt for a path that builds upon your current skills and experiences comfortably.

How do I apply for a course?

You can choose your course and enrol online via the MasterMinds Business School Course

Assignments

Do I have to pay for my assignments?

All assignment submissions are free of charge.

Do I receive help and guidance while writing assignments?

All students are encouraged to schedule an initial 30-minute ‘assignment preparation’ session with one of our tutors. These sessions, conducted via Zoom, comprehensively cover various aspects of assignment writing, focusing particularly on key areas that students should be mindful of.

Moreover, students have access to tutors affiliated with MasterMinds Business School. Tutor details, including their areas of specialization and availability, are accessible via the dashboard. If a student wishes to arrange a session, they can directly do so from the dashboard, specifying the topic they need assistance with.

How do I submit my assignments?

Submissions need to be uploaded to via the dashboard, in the ‘Assignments’ area.

How many words do I have to write for my assignments?

The recommended word count for each assignment varies depending on the course, typically falling within the range of 2,000 to 8,000 words. However, exceeding this limit will not result in penalties as long as the content remains relevant to the assignment question.

When do I receive the assignments?

Assignments are released to students upon enrolment.

How long does the marking process take?

Upon submission of an assignment, our markers will return the results within 14 working days. Subsequently, after all assignments have been completed and marked, an Internal Verifier will review the work, typically within 10 working days. Upon agreement with the initial marking, all assignments are forwarded to the awarding body for external verification. The awarding body then ensures the work meets the required standard, which may take up to 30 working days. Overall, once all assignments have been submitted, marked, and verified, it may take up to 40 working days to receive your final result.

Costs

Do I have to pay for my assignments?

Yes. Once MBS has received the cleared funds, your course material will be released to you immediately.

Is there any financial assistance available?

MBS offers an interest-free payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost of your course over a set number of months. For more details on this option, please contact one of our student advisers. Additionally, UK students may qualify for student loans for the university top-up program. Learners are encouraged to inquire directly with their chosen university for further information.

Are there likely to be any additional costs?

No additional costs are imposed by MBS, as all supplementary learning resources, including tutor support, e-books, and short business courses, are encompassed within the course tuition fees.

What payment options are available?

Payment can be made online via credit/debit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Western Union, or through an e-mail payment link sent by one of our advisors.

How much do assessments cost?

Assessments are included with the course purchases.

Credibility

What is an awarding body?

Awarding bodies, also known as awarding organizations or exam boards, share the same purpose. They design, develop, deliver, and award recognition for learning outcomes. MasterMinds Business School collaborates with ATHE, Qualifi, and OTHM. These organizations must all receive approval from OFQUAL, the UK governing body for higher education.

How are universities linked to the modules?

Students who attain an MBS qualification are seamlessly mapped against the standard UK higher education qualification framework, which utilizes universally recognized credits. Consequently, universities have the capability to grant credits based on MBS studies, allowing exemptions from significant portions of their formal programs. MBS has pre-arranged agreements with select universities to offer credits towards programs, whether on campus or off campus. This process is referred to as “university top-up.

Personal details

How do I change my personal contact details once I have given them to MBS?

You can request this by emailing student support at studentsupport@mbsedu.co.uk

Can I still access my student dashboard if I have finished my course?

Access to the MBS Dashboard is for a maximum of 5 years from the date of enrolment. This can be extended if a request is made in writing to the MBS student admin.

If learners have lost or forgotten their login details, they can request a new password on provision of their email address. Email mbscourse@mbsedu.co.uk for more assistance.

Progression

Will I be able to get through to higher education through MBS?

MBS programs align with UK higher education qualifications, ensuring full transferability to various other higher education paths and professional certifications. Upon finishing the MBS level 4/5 program, students receive 240 credits (equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree). They can then progress to their final year at one of our university partners that acknowledge the qualification. Similarly, at level 7, students acquire 120 credits out of 180 for an MBA. Once again, they have the option to top up at an MBS university partner.

What potential job opportunities are there after I finish the course?

Student support

What do I do if I am struggling?

You can access assistance through dedicated forums or request help from tutors. Students have the opportunity to engage with each other, share insights, and exchange relevant links related to course content. Additionally, we offer a specialized tutor support team, proficient in all MBS modules, to address any queries or concerns.

Can I talk to other students?

All students that have enroled onto a course can communicate with other students via the ‘Buddy Hub’.

How much support is available for students?

Learners can use the social learning forums without limitation and talk to fellow learners around the world. Tutors will also present webinars on demand which are available free of charge to all students.

Studying

What modules do I need to achieve a qualification?

To complete the MBS course and obtain the diploma, you must finish all modules outlined in your selected course option, along with their associated assessments. This process earns you recognized university credits. You have the flexibility to study the modules at your own pace, and you can acquire additional modules at any time as needed.

Do I need a specific computer to study with MBS?

As long as you have internet access any computer or tablet can be used to complete online modules and courses. You can also study on your phone with our mobile friendly content.

Can I access my dashboard and study on my mobile and tablet?

Yes, but this will only be accessible with an internet connection. All digital interactivity has been coded for compatibility on touch screens. You can also learn the material by printing it off.

What study materials do I need?

The modules alone provide adequate preparation for passing the associated assessments. Within the modules, learners will find supplementary resources that can enrich their understanding, conveniently provided within the text. Additionally, MBS offers extra learning materials such as e-books and webinars to support your studies, all provided at no extra cost.

What is a certificate of completion?

Upon successfully passing a module or assessment, an automatic certificate of completion is generated. This certificate outlines the module content, level of study, and achieved learning outcomes. It is mapped against the formal UK educational quality standards set by OFQUAL. Once all modules are completed, you can proceed to fulfill assignments set by the awarding body to attain your diploma with MBS.

How long will it take?

Learners have the flexibility to learn at their own pace with MBS. There are no module or assignment completion deadlines, except for the overall 5-year deadline. Students can study the modules in any order and at any time that suits them.

Does my previous study and experience count towards an MBS course?

There are no exemptions or credits offered within the MBS study system, requiring students to complete all modules to utilize our access route fully. However, if you believe you may qualify for an exemption at a certain level, please reach out to us, and we will provide guidance. Additionally, if you already possess the required qualifications, we can assist you with inquiries regarding top-up options.

Can I personalize my study?

Students have the flexibility to study the modules in any sequence and at their preferred pace. However, to be eligible for the university top-up program, completion of all modules and assignments is required.

What do I get when all the modules and assessments are completed?

Upon successful completion of the full program, learners receive a certificate and official credits. This qualification is accredited by UK higher education authorities and recognized by the university sector. Subsequently, students can apply to one of our university partners to finalize their degree.

Do all modules have an exam?

All modules have an online assessment. Completion of the requisite number of assessments and written assignments will give the participant a qualification recognised by many top line universities.

How do assessments work?

Assessments consist of 30 multiple-choice questions and have a duration of one hour. Each module concludes with an assessment. Questions are presented in sets of five, allowing for review and editing if necessary. In the event of a session timeout or any issue, the assessment will time out at the previous set of five questions, ensuring that previous answers are not lost. Results are provided immediately upon completion. Upon finishing all end-of-module assessments, learners proceed to complete assignments set by the awarding body to finalize the full course.

What is an interactive learning module?

The interactive activities in the modules include tests, exercises and assessments that provide a guide to a learner’s progress through the module.

How can I pay for my fees as an overseas student?

MBS collaborates with a network of overseas banks that accept direct payments or credit/debit card transactions. Additionally, we have representatives in various overseas countries whom you can contact to facilitate payments.

MBS is unable to act as a visa sponsor. However, your selected university partner has the authority to act as a visa sponsor.

Do I need a visa to complete modules/course through MBS?

No visa is necessary for online study with MBS. However, if a student opts for the university top-up program on campus in the UK, a student visa will be required. Learners should initiate this process through their chosen university.

Can I study anywhere in the world?

Yes – as long as you’ve got access to an internet connection. You can do your studies from anywhere in the world.