How long does it
take to get an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can be one of the most effective pathways to career progression for ambitious professionals, but earning the qualification does require a time investment.

Find out how long it can take to earn an MBA and learn about some of the key factors to consider when deciding the best way to invest your time in the degree.

There’s more than one way to study for an MBA. Most traditional full-time programs run for around two years, often structured across multiple terms or semesters each year. 

Studying part-time can be an alternative pathway to an MBA, particularly for students who want to continue full-time work while they study. Part-time MBA programs often take between two and four years to complete, depending on the provider and study load. 

An accelerated MBA can give certain students the opportunity to earn their qualification even faster than a full-time MBA.  

The AIB MBA is available in full-time, part-time and accelerated formats which we’ll cover in more detail below. 

Our 100% online program gives you the freedom to set your own study pace underpinned by consistent assessment deadlines. Course duration is determined by entry pathway and study load.  

Generally, our students concentrate on one subject at a time to complete the MBA in two years. The standard part-time study mode takes 24 months with one subject per term, keeping the workload manageable alongside full-time employment. Under this pathway you’ll hit two embedded milestones – the Graduate Certificate in Management in 8 months and the Graduate Diploma in Management in 16 months. 

Full-time study allows you to complete 12 MBA subjects over 18 months. It combines a structured schedule of one subject per term with some concurrent study (up to two subjects per term) but is not as intense as the accelerated option. To undertake this mode, concurrent study eligibility criteria must be met. 

Accelerated study is the fastest option, allowing eligible students to complete all 12 subjects in just 12 months. This involves a higher than full-time workload, with students studying up to two subjects concurrently per term. To undertake this mode, concurrent study eligibility criteria must be met. 

You also have the flexibility to adjust your study load or take breaks if needed, making it easier to manage unexpected demands without withdrawing from the program. The maximum course duration is 10 years.  

The AIB MBA is designed for modern working professionals who want to achieve their career goals faster and make a positive impact sooner. 

Delivered 100% online, it lets you study around work, family and life, so you don’t have to step away from your career or income to earn your degree. With multiple intakes throughout the year, you can start when the timing suits you 

Flexible study options are just one reason students choose AIB. The program is built around practical learning with real-world applications, so the skills and knowledge you gain can be put into practice straight away.  

Our curriculum is created in close consultation with industry leaders who bring both subject matter expertise and experience in online education. It’s continuously refined and measured against national and international benchmarks, so our students can be sure they’re receiving a high-quality education while studying on their own terms. 

Regardless of how you choose to study, the time you invest in an MBA can result in significant returns on investment. Our 2024 Global Alumni Insights Report found that 73% of AIB MBA students reported receiving a salary increase since starting the AIB MBA.

See also: How much does an MBA increase your salary?