University of Exeter Business School

Global Executive MBA
(Defence and Space)

The University of Exeter (UK), Tepper Business School at Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and the University of South Australia (UniSA) Business School have joined forces to deliver a unique global MBA programme.

Logo for the university of exeter.

Logo for the carnegie mellon university business school.

Logo for the university of south australia.

About the programme

The Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) programme (GEMBA) sees academic institutions across three nations work together to develop visionary leaders who are equipped with the skills to navigate complex geopolitical relationships across different cultural and institutional contexts and become ready to face the challenges of current and future imperatives.

Tailored for employees from sector related companies, government and adjacent industries, the 18-month programme aims to develop leaders who can work on multi-decade sector projects that require technical understanding as well as future-focused capabilities such as leadership, acquisition process management, managing complex programmes, applied negotiation skills, effective teamwork and quality professional problem solving.

The GEMBA programme comprises a two-week residency in each of the three nations, complemented by ongoing high quality online delivery, ensuring a truly international and flexible MBA offering.

Three courses are delivered by Exeter University: Defence Acquisition and Procurement, Applied Negotiation skills and working with stakeholders, and Delivering Complex Programmes. The first two are delivered at an in-person Residential on campus, and the third runs online following the Exeter Residential.

“This is an exciting and innovative opportunity for Defence and Space sector professionals to meet, study, and build their networks as long-term practitioners in these industries. We look forward to delivering our contribution to the GEMBA Partnership, and welcoming students to the UK and Exeter.”   

Dr Deborah Goodwin OBE

Programme Director for GEMBA at the University of Exeter Business School

Scholarships

The University of South Australia is also offering several partial scholarships to applicants. These scholarships will encourage participation from a diverse cohort of experienced leaders, ensuring a rich experience for all students across the 18-month program and beyond.

Visit here for more information on the Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space.

Register your interest

“Our aim is for the University’s interdisciplinary work on defence and security to have significant impact on innovation in the sector.  GEMBA is a great vehicle for this, bringing us close to high potential managers as they build their industry careers.” 

Dr Stuart Robinson

Associate Dean for Business Engagement at the University of Exeter Business School

“At Exeter, our courses are designed with a sharp focus on real-world application, equipping students with tools and insights they can immediately bring into their professional and personal practice. We also emphasize actionable strategies for navigating the challenges of Sustainability, Responsible Leadership, and Technological Transformation—core themes that resonate across our Global Executive MBA experience.” 

David Butler

The Business School Course Lead 'Delivering Complex programmes'

Colleagues from the Exeter HASS Faculty deliver one of the three Exeter courses and exemplify the cross-Faculty delivery ethos from our University.

The Procurement Course Lead is Martin Robson, Associate Professor in Strategic Studies, and he states:

“GEMBA is an innovative programme providing students from the defence and space sectors with an unrivalled year-long masterclass in leadership across a range of highly relevant subjects including defence and space procurement, programme management, systems thinking approaches, negotiation techniques and working with stakeholders; all within the context of the challenges of a fast-moving global security environment”.

Martin Robson

Associate Professor in Strategic Studies

The Global Executive MBA programme gives students the opportunity to develop and extend their knowledge in fields such as space systems, defence procurement, global security and digital disruption, providing insights which are immediately applicable to their careers. The residential study in the UK, US and Australia, allows students to expand their intellectual horizons, appreciate a variety of perspectives and build invaluable global professional networks. 

As well as their studies, during their time in Exeter the GEMBA cohort will experience: 

  • High quality teaching from The Business School academics and HASS Faculty, all of whom are specialized in Executive Education design and delivery
  • Unrivalled insight from high profile guest speakers drawn from the public sector, civil service and private sector
  • A bespoke Exeter GEMBA simulation and a study Site Visit to a local contractor
  • Special events including a curated experience of Medieval Exeter/Cathedral supported by academic experts from the Archaeology and History Department, and a Green Futures event supported by applied scientists based in Exeter.