MBA Courses
Master of Business Administration - The world's most prestigious business qualification
Why Study an MBA?
Many students move from school to university to read a subject that interests them, or in which they excelled at school. And it is still the case that employers value the intellect and ability that a good first degree can demonstrate.
However, there is always the option to prepare for the competitive job market by continuing to study a more specialist course at Masters level. Postgraduate courses in business and administration (MBA) have become recognised all over the world as a qualification that shows competence in the basic management disciplines and tools.
Although there are no hard and fast rules, the MBA is a generalist degree and normally covers the key subject areas of people (often called 'Organisation Behaviour'), money ('Accounting' and 'Finance'), how to define what is going on in the wider environment ('Economics'), what people want ('Marketing'), getting things done ('Project Management') and what to do next ('Strategic Planning'). Business law, information technology and international trade are also common courses, and the better business schools offer a wide range of optional courses as well.
Core MBA Curriculum
Core Business Areas
- • Organisation Behaviour (People)
- • Accounting and Finance (Money)
- • Economics (Environment)
- • Marketing (Customer Needs)
- • Project Management (Execution)
- • Strategic Planning (Future Direction)
Common Additional Courses
- • Business Law
- • Information Technology
- • International Trade
- • Leadership and Management
- • Operations Management
- • Business Ethics
Study Options
Most universities offer MBAs on a full-time or part-time basis, or even distance learning – but it is important to understand what type of course is on offer, as there are many MBA programmes that primarily cater for the needs of experienced managers who have decided to return to study after several years in work in order to widen their skill set.
Full-Time MBA
Complete your MBA in 1-2 years with intensive study, but forgo salary and work experience.
- • Intensive learning experience
- • Strong peer networks
- • Career change opportunity
- • Higher upfront cost
Part-Time MBA
Combine work with study, maintaining salary and experience while gaining qualifications.
- • Maintain current employment
- • Apply learning immediately
- • Longer duration (2-4 years)
- • Work-life balance challenges
Distance Learning MBA
Self-managed distance learning has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years.
- • Maximum flexibility
- • Study from anywhere
- • Self-paced learning
- • Lower cost option
Executive MBA
Designed for experienced managers and senior executives already in leadership roles.
- • For experienced managers
- • Weekend intensive format
- • Senior-level networking
- • Higher entry requirements
MBA vs Specialized Masters
Another option to consider is taking a more specialised Masters programme. If you know that a career in Marketing, or Financial Management is what really interests you, then you can opt to focus on that and study an MSc degree programme in just that discipline.
"If you want to talk sensibly to your finance director, do an MBA. If you want to be the finance director, do a specialist MSc in Finance."
Important Considerations
You will want to consider the trade-off between completing your MBA course as a full-time student, but foregoing the salary and experience that you would get from taking on a job straightaway - and the challenge of combining work with part-time or distance learning study.
It is advisable to check out the options for taking a study break, the possibility of moving from one location to another, and how the fees are payable (in advance, as you go etc).
British universities award their degrees under their own Royal Charter, and are not required to follow a set syllabus for an MBA programme – so it is important to find out what is on offer, what you want, and then make the right choice.
Career Impact
MBA courses are increasingly desired by employers and in some cases, are essential. Studying an MBA can put you ahead in your career so think carefully about which area you want to specialise in and go for it!
Career advancement within 2 years
Average salary increase
Employment rate post-graduation
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Quick Facts
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (2:1 or above)
- 3+ years professional experience
- GMAT/GRE scores (for top schools)
- Personal statement
- Professional references
- Interview (for most programs)
Research Tips
Do Your Research
Use the web and prospectuses to research your options carefully
Check Accreditation
All British universities operate under strict governance
Compare Curricula
Universities have flexibility in MBA program design
Consider Rankings
But focus on what's right for your career goals
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