Are traditional MBAs in need of an update? In an insightful interview, MBA Director Dr. Anastasia Kynighou unveiled the redesigned future-proof MBA at Manchester Metropolitan Business School.
As global uncertainty grows and technology disrupts traditional business models, future leaders must rise to meet the challenge. That’s why Manchester Metropolitan University Business School has thrown out the rulebook and completely reimagined its MBA program. The result is a future-proof MBA that reflects the real demands of today’s graduates, organizations, and the global economy at large.
Dr. Anastasia Kynighou, MBA Director at Manchester Met, explains that the delivery method is a novel approach to teaching, best suited to the increasing demands faced by MBA students. “Our MBA is delivered in our new MBA HyFlex suite, so we have people who can attend remotely or in class. [We leverage] lots of innovative teaching approaches.” (00:44)
The learning experience also stands out for its flexibility and interaction. It combines synchronous workshops that foster peer interaction with asynchronous content designed for self-paced learning.
But it’s not just the format that’s forward-thinking. The MBA is mapped against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with sustainability, digital leadership, and wellbeing running throughout the entire curriculum. These principles guide every module, case study, and classroom discussion. It’s a program that futureproofs students so they can thrive in a world that is increasingly difficult to predict.
Short-term thinking in business has contributed to economic inequality and environmental damage. Therefore, modern leaders have a clear responsibility to think beyond profit margins and short-term wins.
To answer this call, the Manchester Met MBA equips students to lead with purpose, not just for profit. Dr. Kynighou emphasizes the importance of a values-based approach. “We really embed in the program the purpose statement of the business school, which is to transform lives, businesses, and societies.” (00:34)
Rather than viewing ethical leadership and business success as separate goals, Manchester Met teaches students how to unify the two. The school leads by example, as a top five sustainable university in the UK for more than a decade. It sits in the global top 3% of the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings.
Technology changes fast, but critical thinking lasts. As a forward-thinking MBA, Manchester Met embraces new discoveries without overlooking the downsides. “We train the students on day one on AI,” says Dr. Kynighou. “But we also give them the critical thinking [skills]: is AI good, is it bad, how do we use it? (03:38)
While traditional MBAs deal with traditional accounting, finance, and management practices, Manchester Met adds a focus on the wider context. The program blends applied skills like design thinking, business analytics, and strategic decision-making with a uniquely reflective approach to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
For example, students asked an AI tool to identify successful leaders, and the results came back as all men. As Dr. Kynighou reflects, “That prompted a discussion about…how you use the information and what you do about it.” (04:32)
This balance between application and reflection is at the heart of the MBA program. Students leave with more than technical skills. They leave with the mindset to adapt, question, and lead responsibly in a tech-driven world.
No two professionals take the same path, and the Manchester Met MBA bears that in mind. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all career roadmap, the program helps students uncover their unique and unrealized strengths. This gives them the insights and confidence to design their own next steps. Part of being a future-proof MBA is that it prioritizes self-awareness, flexibility, and real-world impact.
As a two-year, part-time journey, the MBA program is ideally suited to candidates already working full-time. This design supports career progression while accommodating busy schedules.
“We deliver it in a HyFlex blended way,” says Dr. Kynighou. “There’s asynchronous content so people can study in their own time.” He adds, “We also have the workshops, contact time, where people get together for three days and get the cohort experience. They socialize and they learn from each other… and it’s not just [about] listening to the theory. But to see how they can implement what they learn in real time.” (01:33) Students can attend those 3 days either in person or remotely via the school’s HyFlex technology.
Guided by top-tier academic staff, the curriculum is rich with expert insight and real-world application. Every module includes guest speakers who bring industry experience to the classroom, helping students connect theory to practice.
Beyond content, the MBA program invests deeply in career development. “We use the Cappfinity Strengths Leaders Profile to develop their skills, to get them to understand their strengths,” Dr. Kynighou explains. (02:16)
This tool, along with coaching and an alumni mentoring scheme, helps students sharpen their narrative, identify growth areas, and build the confidence to lead their career evolution.
Location matters when it comes to business education. And few places offer the combination of professional opportunity, cultural energy, and academic credibility that Manchester does.
Manchester Metropolitan University Business School holds triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. This recognition places the Manchester Met MBA among the elite institutions shaping the future of business education.
But it’s not just the school’s reputation that gives students an edge. Manchester is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, consistently ranked as a hub of investment, innovation, and multicultural dynamism. “Research says it’s one of the cities that sees the most change and attracts the most investment in the UK,” says Dr. Kynighou. (07:25)
That means students are surrounded by opportunity, from professional networks and projects to post-graduation roles in finance, tech, media, and more.
The local advantage runs even deeper. A strong alumni community, many of whom live and work in Manchester, provides a ready-made network for support and mentorship. The city’s rich industrial legacy, world-famous football clubs, and vibrant cultural scene also make it a dynamic and inspiring place to live and study.
As Dr. Kynighou puts it: “Manchester is really the best place to be.” (08:03)
For further information about the programs offered by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School explore their profile page.
