 CHOOSING A SCHOOL AND MBA PROGRAMME |
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Published in collaboration with The Independent, The Association of MBA's Official Guide to Choosing an MBA contains all the information you need to help you to decide:
- Is the MBA right for you?
- What mode of study would suit you best?
- Which schools should you apply for?
- How does the application process work?
- How will you finance your MBA?
- What will it be like?
- What are your career prospects after an MBA?
- What is the earning power of an MBA?
- What other postgraduate study alternatives are there?
When selecting an MBA programme, ask yourself some key questions : |
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 What is the school's reputation? Is it recognised among MBA employers? |
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Reputation is probably the most important factor in choosing a school. Employers not only ask whether you have an MBA, but where you studied. Some programmes have stronger reputations than others, which alter over time. Reputation is essentially "quality", so check that the MBA programme is accredited before making your decision.
Reputation is linked with ranking/league tables which need to be understood in full.
 Related Link to FAQs
Related Link to Accredited list
How important is it that you study on a programme with international faculty and students?
How old will the students be? |
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In Europe, full-time programmes often have an 80/20 split of international vs 'home country' students. Outside Europe the number of 'home students' may be far higher. On part-time programmes students will generally be living in the country of study, although this is not always the case.
On a full-time programme students will typically be around 26 or 27 years old. On Executive and other part-time programmes students may be in their 30s or 40s and in more senior management positions.
| Do you want to study locally or overseas? |
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Full-time students should consider studying in another country if looking for international exposure. This will particularly appeal to those with language skills. If you are studying part-time your chosen programme may need to be near your home or work. For distance-learners geography may not be of great importance, as the programme will be delivered by a mix of mail and virtual technologies.
| What are the school's links with business and industry? |
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Check that the school has good links with local and/or international companies. You will find it helpful to know the employment details and locations of the alumni.
In addition you need to consider a range of factors including the size and culture of the school, programme content, quality of faculty, facilities and location.
Equally as important as the school is the MBA programme(s) it offers.
| How is the MBA programme structured? |
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The MBA broadly comprises a set number of taught courses plus a dissertation or project. This is usually delivered in three stages
Stage 1 Core programme
Stage 2 Electives
Stage 3 Project/dissertation
Stage 1 is obligatory and is made up of a set number of taught courses needed to understand the operation of any organisation: Economics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Quantitative Methods, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Information Systems and Business Strategy
Stage 2 usually includes a range of 'electives' which you choose according to your own areas of interest. These might include Marketing Strategy; Corporate Responsibility; Leadership; International Finance; Business Ethics; Employment Relations; Innovation and Entrepreneurship and many more.
Stage 3 is the project or dissertation and is a means of integrating the knowledge gained from the core electives. This is often an in-company-based project. Examples include:
" Strategic Options in Marketing Generic Pharmaceuticals Internationally"
" Managing Service Quality to Gain Marketing Advantage"
" Achieving Synergies in Acquisitions"
This may sound simple, but there are many variations on a theme and some schools have particular strengths in different areas. Look at the focus of the programme. Do you want to specialise in one particular area or have a more general qualification? A good MBA programme will cover the core management subjects and offer a good range of elective courses.
| Do you want to study full-time, part-time or via distance-learning or other methods? |
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The MBA is delivered in many different ways. You need to decide which mode suits you best.
Not everyone is able to take a year or more out of work to study for an MBA. The majority of students need to combine work and study. If you choose to study via distance learning, tutor groups and good administrative support is vital. Most distance-learning programmes require attendance at workshops and residential weekends and may take 3-5 years to complete.
Other modes of study include multi-mode, the executive MBA, the consortial MBA and the single company MBA.
| How much does the MBA cost? |
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Cost does not automatically guarantee quality. Many factors determine price, including the type of institution offering the MBA, the local economy, the make-up of the faculty (you will pay more to sit at the feet of the gurus) and the mode of delivery. Ask the business school how they price their MBA before making a decision. Research on salaries and careers indicates that the MBA is an excellent investment, especially in the longer term.
| How flexible is the MBA programme delivery? |
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Some people need more flexibility than others. If you are looking to study over a few years, the chances are your circumstances may change and you may need to switch between modes of study. Opt for a school that allows for this.
Some people looking at full-time study may want to bring a partner or family with them. Ask whether this is feasible at the schools you shortlist. Check your, and your partner's, visa requirements and conditions relating to employment possibilities by contacting the appropriate authority such as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office or Home Office.
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