MBA - Master of Business Administration Programmes

More about MBA - Master of Business Administration Programmes

MBA - the world's most famous degree

The MBA, or Masters of Business Administration, was first conceived in the late 18th century in the United States. Since the first MBA was awarded to a student body of 4 students at Tuck School of Business, New Hampshire, the MBA has staked its claim as the most popular and sought after degree in the world and many reputable options are available throughout the United Kingdom. Notably, an educational programme does not gain such merit without reason. The MBA stands for an education in business which is grounded in immersion, practicality and advanced knowledge in management, leadership, finances and business best practice.

Furthermore, the Master of Business Administration is now the world's most famous immersion and advanced course in business studies.  For individuals aiming to develop their business acumen to the level of high leadership, begin their own ventures or pursue an executive career, the MBA is an obvious choice.

MBA - Explore the opportunities

Just as the scopes and possibilities of business are endless, MBA programmes attract candidates from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional and cultural backgrounds. MBA programmes are designed to introduce core business areas such as management, leadership, finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, etc. beyond the essentials, the majority of programmes are dedicated to a specialisation within the field of business. Common specialisations include: General Management, International Management, Marketing, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology and more – if a field exists as a business sector, chances are that an MBA programme has been created to compliment it. 

The Full-Time MBA

MBAs can range in duration from 12-month accelerated programmes to modular programmes which can be taken over 5 years. Typically, a full-time programme will require 18-24 months of active study. These programmes are ideal for individuals without significant employment commitments or candidates who are searching for the skills and knowledge to embark on their careers or future start up project. Formats for these programmes can vary significantly depending on the university and teaching doctrine, but generally begin with intensive courses and reserve the final months for the final thesis project, which is often based on one’s own venture or employment. 

The Part-Time MBA

Part-time MBAs are designed to fit with the busy schedules of working professionals and candidates with other social or familial commitments. These programmes normally take three years or more, and are suitable for working professionals, who take a light course load for a longer period of time until the graduation requirements are met. When it comes to part-time study, programme arrangements vary as much as the schedules of the students themselves. Popular options include regular evening courses, but many programmes also incorporate weekend-only study and intensive modular set-ups in which week-long courses are taken periodically. Self-study and thesis work is often built into either the entire programme and completed over time.

The Executive MBA (EMBA)

Executive MBAs are specifically targeted towards experienced executives and management professionals. As the most advanced form of the MBA, it is often the case with EMBAs that candidates are sponsored by their employers and complete the programme while working full-time. Both for the employers and the candidate, this ideal scenario allows delegates to immediately apply newfound skills in an actual company. With intended full-time employment, EMBA programmes are designed to be completed in 1-2 years. Further, EMBA participants typically have a higher level of work experience, often 5-10 years or more, compared to other MBA students.

The Online MBA

The online MBA has grown tremendously in popularity in the recent years. Characteristically, online MBAs are run entirely off-campus and through sophisticated online portals, though some programmes do incorporate some weeks on campus annually. Despite being entirely online, distance MBAs are no different from the traditional MBA when it comes to format – and are available in the same study methods mentioned above. The principal difference is that all instruction, course work and discussion is done via the internet with interactive and non-interactive broadcast video, pre-recorded video, live teleconference or videoconference or email/chat.