The Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) is the most popular business qualification in the world, and is fast becomming a prerequisite for management positions.

The MBA is by its nature a general management qualification. An MBA program usually consists of a core curriculum covering the functional areas of management, including information systems, finance and accounting, and human resources, to name a few. The second stage of the MBA course is usually made up of a choice of electives (optional courses), to allow the student to either continue with general studies or to specialise in a particular subject or area. All this is taught through a variety of means, for example, lectures, study groups and case studies.

The MBA qualification began in the US about 90 years ago. Today, well over 1000 business schools, universities and other institutions across the world offer MBA programs, and these can differ vastly according to tradition and background. There are also innumerable methods of study, for example, full-time, part-time, modular and distance learning. With this bewildering choice on offer, how can a potential student decide which is the best programme for them?