Programme Structure & Curriculum

With SMU's unique emphasis on leadership and communication skills, our innovative and unconventional curriculum features a number of classes, of which MBA students must complete 8 modules that make up our core curriculum. In addition, you are required to take a minimum of 10 electives based on your interests and knowledge gaps to complement these core modules. The electives offered are subject to change every year.

We offer two modes of study in the SMU MBA:

• 15-month Full-Time MBA (with the possibility to complete in 10 months
• 18-month Part-Time MBA (with the possibility to complete in 15 months)

Timeline Overview

Our Full-time Programme spreads over 15 months (5 terms) with internships commencing as early as May. You will be engaged in pre-term self study before commencement.

Should you wish to further accelerate your learning, the full-time SMU MBA can be completed in 10 months when you've fulfilled all credit requirement.

Our core classes are conducted during the day for the first 4 months, with electives held on weekday evenings and weekends for the remaining part of the Programme.

Core classes (Terms 1 and 2) take place from Monday to Thursday, either in the morning or afternoon.
The duration of each class is 3.5 hours.
Fridays are catered for make-up classes, career opportunities and leadership development.
Elective classes: Part-time and Full-time Programme students will attend these classes (Terms 3 to 5, 7pm to 10.45pm) together.
Classes are held only in the daytime for the first 4 months and in the evenings for the remaining part of the Programme.
Up to 4 weeks of breaks.
Minimum 10-week, compulsory paid internship, commencing from May (internships sourced by Career Services and students).

The Part-time Programme is designed for working professionals. You will engage in pre-term self-study before commencement.

Have the flexibility to choose between the Weekday Intake or Weekend Intake for Core classes (Terms 1 to 4):

January Intake: Weekday Classes - Monday & Tuesday, 7pm – 10.45pm
August Intake: Weekend Classes - Saturday 8am – 11.45am & 3.30pm – 7.15pm

Elective classes (Terms 5 to 7) will take place on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Part-time and Full-time Programme students will attend these elective classes together.

This format appeals to our students as it attracts committed classmates and enables them to complete their MBA within a comparatively shorter duration.

Our Full-Time and Part-Time students must complete 8 modules that make up our core curriculum.

Additionally, you are required to complete a minimum of 10 electives to complement your core curriculum. You have the liberty to choose your electives based on your interests and knowledge gaps.

You will have the flexibility to choose a specialisation track.

Pre-term Self Study
To gain the most mileage from the accelerated MBA Programme and ensure vibrant and robust class discussions, you are required to master pre-term self study material covering Finance, Quantitative Methods, Mathematics for Management and Financial Accounting.

To cater to a growing interest towards the broader knowledge of specific business domains, we have incorporated selected sector focal points including Family Business and Entrepreneurship, Finance, Energy and Technology, into the Programme. This inclusion extends beyond the classroom into company visits and industry exposure opportunities offered through the year. This will help students build a robust understanding of the growth sectors in Asia as well as their impact on the global market.

You will have the privilege of meeting with an SMU career coach who will work with you through the duration of the Programme to help you set your career goals and guide you in your career development.

Our Career Services team runs workshops throughout the year to give you the opportunity to gain exposure across different industries and to build your network with over 2,000 businesses. Internship opportunities with leading companies will also be made available and coordinated by the Career Services team. Click here to find out more.