Direct answer

The University of Essex Master of Business Management (MBM) accepts Chinese applicants holding a four-year Bachelor’s degree with an average of 65–70%. The programme requires an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no component below 5.5. Professional qualifications combined with relevant work experience may also be considered. The MBM is offered full‑time over one year for October 2026 and January 2027 entry.
Programme overview

The Master of Business Management is a full‑time, one‑year postgraduate programme. The University of Essex has confirmed entry points in October 2026 and January 2027. The programme is designed for graduates from any discipline and does not require a prior business or management background.
Academic entry requirements

UK degree equivalency
The standard entry threshold is a 2:2 UK honours degree, or an international equivalent, in any discipline. The University of Essex publishes a country‑specific equivalency for China.
China‑specific requirement
For Chinese applicants, the published requirement is a four‑year Bachelor’s degree with an average of 65–70%. The official page does not break this range down by institution tier, grading system, or province. Applicants should treat the 65–70% band as the stated benchmark and verify how their own transcript aligns with it.
English language requirements
The University of Essex requires an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). The official page does not list alternative tests, waiver conditions, or validity periods for this programme. Applicants who need to confirm whether other qualifications satisfy the requirement must consult the University’s central English language pages or contact admissions directly.
Work‑experience‑based entry routes
The University of Essex publishes two experience‑based pathways for the MBM:
- Professional qualification route: Applicants holding a professional qualification from CIM, CIPD, or CMI plus two years of relevant experience may be considered.
- Lower degree classification route: Applicants with a degree below a 2:2 UK honours classification may be considered if they have at least three years of relevant work experience. A CV is required.
The official page does not define “relevant experience” for either route. Applicants relying on these pathways should confirm what documentation is needed beyond a CV.
Application documents
For most Master’s programmes, the University of Essex states that personal statements and recommendation letters are not required for Chinese applicants. The official page does not specify whether this applies to the MBM in particular. Applicants should check the course‑specific application portal for any document requests before submitting.
Campus location
The main course page lists Colchester Campus as the location for the MBM. Separate programme specification documents reference Southend Campus. The official evidence does not resolve this discrepancy. Prospective students should confirm the teaching campus with the University before making accommodation or travel arrangements.
What the official page does not establish
Several points remain unverified in the supplied evidence:
- Whether the MBM is the exact programme referred to as “MSc 商务管理”; a separate MSc Management programme exists with different writing‑component English requirements.
- Whether the 65–70% China average applies uniformly to all degree classifications, grading scales, and awarding institutions.
- The specific campus where the programme will be delivered.
- Any application deadline, tuition fee, deposit requirement, or scholarship eligibility.
- Whether the MBM participates in Clearing or has live vacancy information.
These points require live rechecking on the University of Essex website or direct confirmation from the admissions office.
FAQ
What is the minimum Chinese Bachelor’s degree average for the MBM?
The University of Essex states that a four‑year Bachelor’s degree with an average of 65–70% is generally required.
Can I apply without a Bachelor’s degree?
Applicants without a degree may be considered if they hold a CIM, CIPD, or CMI professional qualification and have two years of relevant experience. Those with a lower‑class degree may be considered with at least three years of relevant work experience and a CV.
Is an IELTS score always required?
The published English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. The official page does not list exemptions or alternative tests for this programme.
Do Chinese applicants need to submit a personal statement or recommendation letters?
The University of Essex states that for most Master’s programmes, personal statements and recommendation letters are not required for Chinese applicants. Applicants should verify whether this applies specifically to the MBM.
When can I start the MBM?
The programme is available for October 2026 and January 2027 entry.
Which campus hosts the MBM?
The main course page indicates Colchester Campus, while programme specification documents reference Southend Campus. The official evidence does not resolve this discrepancy. Applicants should confirm the location directly with the University.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the University of Essex Master of Business Management course page and associated programme specification documents, accessed as first‑party official pages. All externally verifiable statements are limited to what those pages establish. For the most current details, visit the University of Essex website.