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    MBA (Top-Up)

    Study Mode

    Online

    Next Start Date

    September 2026

    Duration

    4 Months

    Delivering UK-accredited postgraduate hospitality programmes since 2013.

    Course Overview

    The MBA (Top‑Up) is an internationally recognised postgraduate programme awarded by Arden University (UK) and delivered in Romania by AHA. It is a fast‑track route to earning a full Master of Business Administration—one of the world’s most respected business qualifications.


    Designed for graduates of Level 7 business related qualifications (including AHA’s Level 7 Executive Diplomas in Hospitality or Events Management), this 60‑credit programme allows you to convert your existing postgraduate achievements into an MBA in just a few months of focused, strategic study.


    Delivered 100% online, this MBA (Top‑Up) is the perfect progression pathway for working professionals who want to enhance their credentials, accelerate their career, and join the ranks of MBA‑qualified leaders, while maintaining full-time employment.

    What We Deliver

    Internationally Recognized

    British Qualification

    Complete Flexibility

    Live Virtual Format

    Taught in English

    Programme Structure

    This Top Up consists of a single, high impact module worth 60 UK credits:
    Transformation Capstone Project
    The capstone project challenges you to apply advanced managerial and strategic concepts to a real organisational issue, designing solutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and strategic insight. It emphasises:
    Strategic decision making
    Leadership practice
    Organisational transformation
    Innovation and business strategy
    Application of theory to real-world contexts
    This research-driven module is the final step that transforms your Level 7 postgraduate background into a full MBA.

    Certification

    Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded:

    • MBA (Master of Business Administration)

    Arden University (UK)

     

    Additionally, this course includes professional recognition elements such as:

    • CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice
    • Foundation Chartered Manager Status (awarded upon graduation)

     

    These enhance your professional credibility and leadership profile globally.

    Fees

    Tuition has been designed with affordability and flexibility in mind. Monthly instalments which spread throughout 4 months considerably reduce the financial burden so students can work and cover their tuition as they progress through the programme and therefore graduate without debt.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    The scholarships and student loans available for October 2026 intake, are provided below.

    Early Bird & Referral Program

    AHA grants discounts to students who secure their seats early in the season, as well as to ones who recommend other suitable candidates for admission. Please see the conditions outlined below for 2026:

    Early Bird


    €200

    Applies to students who choose to prepay the course in full, until July 31st.

    Referral Program


    €200

    A discount of €200 to the tuition fee will be granted to the American Hotel Academy student who refers our academy to their friends/ family/ colleagues.

    1. The discount is only received by the student who refers, not the one who is referred.

    2. The discount is earned when the candidate who was referred successfully finishes this course.

    3. The referred candidate must NOT be in our database already.

    4. You can be rewarded for up to three referrals per year.

    Employer Billing Plan

    This plan is for you if:

    • You are currently under employment with a company which wants to invest in your professional development.
    • Your employer agrees to cover your course fees.

    Benefits for both:

    • Students will have access to affordable higher education.
    • Employers can enhance company productivity by investing in employee professional development.
    • Employers are eligible to deduct expenses related to employee training.

    How does it work?

    When completing your application form, please select the “Employer Billing Plan” option. If your application is accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you to finalize the necessary documentation.

    Student Loans

    Did you ever think that international education is out of reach? Did the costs and expenses scare you? Probably they did, but it’s no longer the case. What if we told you that you can receive top-quality education, at an international level, as affordable as any other in Romania?

    There are options for you to invest in your education and focus only on what matters: your study experience.

    FINS Student Loans

    FINS is part of EDUCATIVA, the largest organization in Romania delivering educational services and products.

    Main benefits

    ○ You can get up to 25.000 EUR

    ○ Covering of all your educational expenses (tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, etc.)

    ○ Fair evaluation based on your academy application file

    ○ Flexibility – you can adjust the loan depending on a need-basis and it will be offered in monthly installments

    ○ Grace period for the whole duration of your studies and up to 1 year after graduation

    ○ Up to 10 years repayment period

    ○ Interest rates comparable with bank loans but with very flexible conditions: interest between 9% and 11%

    What type and how much income is needed?

    ○ No job, income or co-signer is required to acess this loan

    What if something happens to me or the person that pays the loan?

    ○ In difficult situations, they can temporarily suspend the payment of your loan installments. They will also do their best to help you in other ways so that you can recover as soon as possible.

    If you want to learn more about FINS, you can do so by contacting us directly using the info below or directly on their website. (click here).

    BRD Study Loans

    Use BRD’s calculator to find your best loan option, duration and payment:

    Main benefits

    ○ You can get as much as 130.000 lei (or its equivalents in EUR or USD) without any guarantees.
    ○ Grace period up to 6 months (without any mortgages) in which you only pay interest, taxes and the initial installment.
    ○ Benefit from a maximum time of 10 years.

    What type and how much income is needed?

    ○ Any type and amount of income is accepted – salary, pension, royalties, rent income and income from independent activities.
    ○ You can get a larger sum if you can bring the salary of 3 other co-debtors.

    What if something happens to me or the person that pays the loan?

    ○ You are safe throughout the whole period of the loan via a life insurance that protects you and your loved ones in case of unemployment, temporary incapacity of work, complete and permanent paralysis of any nature and death of any nature.
    ○ The contracts are in effect upon signing and for the entire duration of the loan, while the payment is done monthly.

    DISCLAIMER

    The loan offer mentioned above is not created or in any way associated with American Hotel Academy. It belongs to its respective banking institution. For additional information, please contact the institution mentioned above.

    Entry Requirements

    To be eligible for the MBA (Top Up), applicants must hold:
    Academic Background

    120 credits at Level 7 in a broadly based business or management award, such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, or AHA’s Level 7 Executive Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management or Events Management.

    English Requirements

    English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (where undergraduate studies were not completed in English).

    Interview

    All candidates undergo an interview assessing suitability for the programme1.

    1 AHA graduates holding a level 7 qualification are exempt from the interview and the English requirements.

    Career Prospects

    This MBA significantly elevates your profile for leadership roles in:
    Hospitality, tourism, and events
    International business
    Operations & logistics
    Strategy & business development
    HR & organisational leadership
    Marketing & brand management
    Consultancy and entrepreneurship
    Arden’s MBA (Top Up) builds the strategic mindset, executive presence, and analytical capability demanded for senior leadership careers in Romania, the EU, and globally.

    Arden Enterprise Incubator

    MBA students gain optional access to Arden’s Enterprise Incubator—an initiative supporting learners interested in entrepreneurship or in developing their major project into a viable business proposition. Resources include mentoring, networking, and business development guidance.
    teodor_berszan

    Teodor Berszan

    Senior Admissions Counsellor

    Need assistance?

    If you have questions regarding the application process, our educational offerings, or any other concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for support.

    Our team is ready to help you from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.

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    How to Apply

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