Dubai's creative economy contributes around AED 21.9 billion
Dubai's creative economy contributes around AED 21.9 billion, roughly 4.6% of emirate GDP, per the Creative Dubai tracker.
MBA · MBA
Global MBA
This is the rare MBA that carries three separate credentials on completion. An Ofqual-regulated Level 7 Diploma, a UK master's from the University for the Creative Arts, and the Rushford MBA. One programme, three lines on the CV, each independently verifiable.
Quick Highlights
University for the Creative Arts, UK, with Rushford Business School
Ofqual Level 7 Diploma, UCA MBA, and Rushford MBA
12 to 18 months, depending on pace
90 ECTS, equivalent to 180 UK credits
Taught stage, then a master's thesis at UCA
Strategic and creative professionals aiming at senior leadership
Programme at a Glance
Awarded byUniversity for the Creative Arts, UK, with Rushford Business School
Triple certificationOfqual Level 7 Diploma, UCA MBA, and Rushford MBA
Duration12 to 18 months, depending on pace
Credits90 ECTS, equivalent to 180 UK credits
StructureTaught stage, then a master's thesis at UCA
Best fitStrategic and creative professionals aiming at senior leadership
Note: Duration will be based on your experience and it can be advanced bachelors too which differs from prospects to prospects
Programme Overview
About this Programme
This is the rare MBA that carries three separate credentials on completion. An Ofqual-regulated Level 7 Diploma, a UK master's from the University for the Creative Arts, and the Rushford MBA. One programme, three lines on the CV, each independently verifiable.
The Global MBA is built for people who lead across strategy, planning, and delivery, and who want a qualification that proves all three. The taught stage runs through the core of strategic management in six modules and lets you choose two options, and then you move to a master's thesis examined at UCA.
What makes it unusual is the awarding chain. You study through Rushford, complete an Ofqual-regulated Level 7 Diploma as the first stage, and that credit transfers to UCA, which awards the final MBA. For someone in or adjacent to the creative industries, it also comes from the UK's specialist creative university, which reads differently on a CV than a generic business school name. If you only need a single general management credential and nothing more, there are lighter options, and we will say so when you ask. This one is for people who want the depth and the paper trail.
University for the Creative Arts
At UCA, we believe that creativity makes global communities more vibrant, more innovative, more human. Which is why, for 160 years, our university has been a pa...
Why Choose
Why Choose This Programme?
01
Three credentials from one programme
An Ofqual Level 7 Diploma, a UCA MBA, and a Rushford MBA, all from the same study journey and each separately verifiable.
02
A UK master's, not a certificate
The final award is a genuine master's degree from a UK public university, examined on a thesis you produce yourself.
03
Creative-sector credibility
UCA is ranked among the UK's specialist institutions for the creative arts, which carries weight in design, media, and product-led industries.
04
Credit that transfers, not repeats
The Level 7 Diploma stage converts into university credit through BSBI, so the work you complete counts toward the degree rather than sitting separately.
05
Self-paced around a full job
Expect roughly 12 to 15 study hours a week, scheduled by you, so the programme fits around work rather than replacing it.
06
A thesis you can point to
The final master's thesis is examined work, which gives you a substantive artefact to discuss in interviews and board conversations.
An internationally recognised pathway awarded by University for the Creative Arts.
What You'll Learn
Learning Outcomes
Lead and manage team performance in service of strategy
Use information to make strategic decisions under uncertainty
Direct and plan at the level of the whole organisation
Lead a strategic management project from brief to outcome
Develop yourself as a strategic manager, not only a functional one
Convert a taught module into examined, thesis-level work
Read and critique strategic literature at postgraduate standard
Present defensible arguments to an examining board
Career Opportunities
Where This Degree Can Take You
Strategic workforce planning manager
director of strategic planning
planning analyst
strategic development and implementation team leader
product design leader
chief operating officer
chief executive officer
product lead
Programme Structure
Your Journey, Year by Year
A structured curriculum that builds from foundations through to advanced study.
Ofqual Level 7 Diploma, 60 ECTS (months 1 to 8)
- Six core modules covering team performance, strategic direction and planning, information-based decision taking, and leading a strategic project, worth 45 ECTS, plus two options from four, worth 15 ECTS.
master's thesis, 30 ECTS (months 8 to 18)
- Your completed diploma credit transfers to UCA through BSBI, and you research and write a master's thesis, examined as the final stage of the MBA.
Uft
The University
University for the Creative Arts
At UCA, we believe that creativity makes global communities more vibrant, more innovative, more human.
Which is why, for 160 years, our university has been a passionate advocate for creative education and research.
We offer courses in Architecture, Crafts, Fashion, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Photography, Film, Media, the Performing Arts and Creative Business. Our programmes are acclaimed for their top teaching quality, and highly respected by creative sector employers.
Your Learning Partner
Why Study Through Maverick?
Students receive:
Regional admissions team in Sharjah, reachable by phone and WhatsApp
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Academic guidance through both stages, including thesis supervision
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Written confirmation of fees, dates, and requirements before payment
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Instalment plans in AED
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Career conversations framed around your thesis and credential stack
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
English-language support where transcripts or essays need it
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Why GCC Students Choose This Programme
The sector supports more than 175,000 jobs and
The sector supports more than 175,000 jobs and 47,000 creative enterprises, and the emirate aims to lift the contribution to 5% of GDP by 2026.
The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy targets 15,000 creative
The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy targets 15,000 creative companies and 140,000 jobs, per Dubai Culture.
Strategic planning and delivery roles are growing as
Strategic planning and delivery roles are growing as creative industries scale into structured businesses.
A UK master's with a thesis gives regional
A UK master's with a thesis gives regional employers a verifiable benchmark when comparing senior candidates.
Honest take
If your goal is a fast, single-badge management refresh, a shorter MBA suits you better. This programme is heavier by design, and the payoff is a fuller credential stack.
Career outcomes
Roles reflect where graduates of this profile typically move. Your exact options depend on prior experience, and the triple credential changes the level of conversation you can enter
Our Network
Diverse Alumni
Join professionals across leading organizations worldwide
Graduates placing at world-class organisations across aviation, energy, finance and government
Join our growing global network of industry leaders
Faculty Voice
Insights From Industry Experts
Real-world perspectives from the minds shaping global business education
Germany
Faculty Insight • 01
Prof. Alexander Schmidt
Alexander is a leader in AI and cloud integration, specializing in ethical AI strategy and financial services. He develops courses on Machine Learning, NLP, and AI ethics, driving tech business growth.
British
Faculty Insight • 02
Prof. Dr. David Mark Holliman
Dr. David Holliman, an educator with 15+ years of experience, is Chairman of Holliman Holdings, managing business operations in tourism, trading, asset management, and education
Jordan
Faculty Insight • 03
Prof. Dr. Othman Abu Khurma
Dr. Othman Abu Khurma, a passionate science educator with 18 years' experience in Jordan and the GCC, excels in designing engaging teaching materials, fostering dynamic discussions, enhancing learning for educators and students.
Switzerland
Faculty Insight • 04
Prof. Steve Alban Tineo
Prof. Steve, a global leader and entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience, delivers corporate training and academic courses on negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation, and cross-cultural communication.
slovakia
Faculty Insight • 05
Prof. Veronika Knight
Veronika Knight delivers practical, human-centered learning experiences for corporate teams across the UAE and GCC. Her approach focuses on developing soft skills and encouraging meaningful behavioural change, helping learners apply their knowledge with confidence in the workplace.
Canada
Faculty Insight • 06
Shyma Mohaisen
Shyma brings over 10 years of teaching experience and a background at Microsoft, combining academic expertise with practical industry insights to support learners’ professional growth.
India
Faculty Insight • 07
Prof. Dr. Shanmugan Joghee
Dr. Shanmugan brings over 26 years of experience in management education and research across India and the UAE, with expertise in marketing, international business, research methods, and digital transformation.
Ukrainian
Faculty Insight • 08
Prof. Yana Nikitina
Prof. Yana Nikitina is an accomplished economist, lecturer, and researcher with a PhD in Economics and a Master’s in Education Leadership. She brings extensive experience in teaching Economics, Finance, Accounting, and Business, with a strong commitment to student-centred learning, research excellence, and professional development.
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Fees & Scholarships
Fees & Scholarships
Fee structure varies by intake and study mode. Select any option to receive the full details.
Programme fee range across the portfolio: AED 16,000 to AED 40,000Request the full fee structure →
Exact fee for this programme: confirmed in writing at admissionRequest the full fee structure →
Instalments in AED availableRequest the full fee structure →
No hidden charges; everything documented before paymentRequest the full fee structure →
Employer sponsorship letters supported on requestRequest the full fee structure →
Admissions
Request the full fee structure
Speak to our admissions team for a personalised breakdown based on your intake and study mode.
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Enquire
Enquire About This Programme
Share a few details and our admissions team will reach out to guide you through the next steps.
Personal eligibility review
Guidance on fees & instalments
Application & study-mode support
Flexible study
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Speak to our admissions team today and take the first step toward a globally recognised degree.