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Global Executive MBA (Durham)

Global Executive MBA (Durham)

Overview

The Global Executive MBA is a part-time, blended programme jointly designed by POLIMI Graduate School of Management and Durham University Business School.

Designed for senior professionals with significant management experience, the Global Executive MBA combines strategic depth, technological awareness and human-centred leadership.

Built around immersive Residential Weeks alternating between Milan, Durham, London, and a structured distance learning experience, the programme allows you to continue performing at the highest professional level while studying.

This is a transformational experience. Not just new skills — a new way of thinking, deciding and acting.

Educational Partner

Why choose this EMBA?

One Programme. Two Triple-Crown Accredited Institutions. A unified learning experience that goes beyond the sum of its parts.

The Global Executive MBA offers a distinctive learning experience based on:

Blended & Executive-Friendly Format

A hybrid structure that combines residential modules with distance learning, allowing you to balance learning and professional responsibilities — without compromising academic intensity.

Download the brochure to discover the programme in depth, including the full core curriculum and specialisation tracks.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered through a blended model designed to balance flexibility with intensity for experienced executives. Distance learning builds depth and continuity between residential phases; Residential Weeks create full immersion — where ideas are challenged and learning is accelerated.

Format
- Blended delivery model designed for experienced executives
- Distance learning ensures flexibility and continuity
- On-campus Residential Weeks provide immersion and peer interaction
Residential Weeks
The programme includes six Residential Weeks, alternating between POLIMI GSoM in Milan and Durham University Business School campuses in Durham and London.
- 4 Full Weeks (Monday–Saturday)
- 2 Short Weeks (Friday–Sunday)
Distance Learning Experience
Core courses
The core curriculum develops six leadership capability areas:

POLIMI GSoM
- Strategic Thinking and Business Foresight
- Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Value Creation
- Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem for Innovation
DURHAM
- AI-Driven Market Vision
- Financial and Performance Analysis
- Human Capital and Leadership for Transformation
Specialisation tracks
Capstone Project
International Experience
International exposure alone is no longer enough. What matters is how you interpret and act within different contexts. Across multiple global locations, you will engage with organisations, industries and cultures that challenge your standard frameworks.

Through immersive Doing Business In experiences and Exchange Programmes with partner business schools, you will engage directly with organisations and industries operating at the frontier of the global economy. Discover all destinations in the brochure.

Career

Your career doesn't pause during your Executive MBA. It accelerates.

The Global Executive MBA is designed for long-term career impact. Two dedicated Career Development Centres — one at POLIMI GSoM, one at Durham University Business School — work together to support your next move: from individual coaching and executive positioning to C-level speaker sessions, mentoring, networking events with corporate partners and direct interaction with executive search firms.

The result is not just a stronger network. It is a clearer sense of direction, a sharper leadership identity and the tools to step into roles with greater responsibility, influence and impact.

Want to know exactly what's included? Download the brochure.

Our services

Studying in Milan means immersing yourself in one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural and business capitals. Throughout the programme, you will experience the city not only as a place to live, but as an integral part of your learning journey. Milan offers a unique mix of international business, entrepreneurship, culture and global events, providing a stimulating environment both inside and outside the classroom.

To support you as you settle into a new city and make the most of your experience at POLIMI Graduate School of Management, we offer a range of dedicated services designed to ease your transition and daily life. From housing support to Italian language courses, these services are in place to help you focus on your studies while fully engaging with life in Milan.

Discover all available services and practical support by visiting the dedicated section of our website.

Admissions

The Global Executive MBA is designed for:

Senior managers, executives and entrepreneurs
Professionals with significant managerial experience
Candidates with an international outlook

The selection process evaluates professional background, career progression, leadership potential, motivation and English proficiency, through application review and interview.

Applications for the 2027 intake are now open

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. As places are limited, we recommend applying as early as possible. If the programme reaches its enrolment limit before the published deadlines, applications will close in advance.

For non-EU candidates, we recommend applying at least three months before the programme start date to allow sufficient time for degree verification and visa procedures.

Our selection process

The Global Executive MBA has a selective admissions process and a limited class size, ensuring an optimal environment for individual development and group learning. All applications are reviewed carefully. We therefore encourage you to complete the online application thoroughly and include any additional material that may support your candidature.

Step 1 – Activate your application

Submit your application online by uploading your CV and paying the application fee (€150).

Payment can be made directly through the application platform via Flywire2 or by bank transfer. Further documentation can be submitted after the motivational interview.

Step 2 – Screening

Selected candidates will be invited to a motivational interview, held either online or on campus, and to complete the POLIMI Graduate School of Management test, based on a business case.

Fees and Benefits

The cost of the Global Executive MBA is €58,000 (50,000£).

The fee covers the entire duration of the program and does not include travel or accommodation expenses.
Through our Financial Aid Programme, you can gain easier access to the GEMBA by submitting your application during the selection process.

By applying before the application round deadlines, you will be able to benefit from various forms of financial support, including the Early Bird. Contributions are awarded on a rolling basis and according to the first-come, first-served principle.

For this reason, we recommend submitting your application early.

Deadline

Early-Bird

Round 1

30 May 2026

€ 6,000

Round 2

30 June 2026

€ 4,000

Round 3

30 July 2026

€ 3,000

For more information about the available contributions, please visit the dedicated page.

Hear from our Ambassadors

Participants become part of:

The POLIMI GSoM Alumni Network
The Durham University Alumni Community

Graduates join an international network of professionals, executives and entrepreneurs, benefiting from lifelong learning opportunities, networking initiatives and alumni activities across both institutions.

Discover more

Through this experience, I shifted from being just a contributor to becoming a driver of innovation. And that, I believe, is the essence of modern leadership - being the bridge between vision and execution in a dynamic, interconnected world.

Ekaterina Makarova

Innovation strategy @Pometon S.p.A

Russia