How you study

Students are expected to take two subjects (modules) every three months.

Each module contains nine study units. Students typically progress by studying one unit from each module per week. This equates to approximately 14-16 hours of study per week. If you don't think that you have enough time to study two modules over the three month period you can always chose to study just one module, lightening your workload considerably.

If work or family life is particularly busy then you can even suspend your studies and restart at a later date. This flexibility means that students can complete a distance learning MBA in 2 to 6 years. We do however strongly advise that students study two modules every three months.

The Bradford Learning Experience

Each module has been designed so that your understanding and knowledge is developed through using a variety of materials from textbooks and academic journal papers through to video clips, podcasts, on line discussions and live on line tutorials.

Printed Materials

For each module you will receive a textbook and a high quality study book containing essential study notes, case studies and short exercises to develop your understanding. The study books are written by academics from the Bradford School of Management many of whom are world leading authorities in their subject area. Each study book contains:

9 study units, each unit is designed to develop your understanding of a particular subject area
2 optional assignments which you submit to your tutor for feedback. These assignments enable you to track your progress ensuring that you understand key subject areas
A series of short case studies and exercises reinforcing key principles and ideas and demonstrating how academic theory can be put into practice.
Clear guidance on accessing additional learning materials that will help reinforce your understanding and knowledge

Tutorial Groups

While distance learning allows you to study at a time, place and pace to suit your needs we ensure that you will never feel like you are studying alone. When studying a module you will be part of a small tutor group. As a tutor group member you are expected to contribute to the weekly on line discussion boards and a series of live on line tutorials. You can also discuss issues with other distance learning students and academics through the Bradford School of Management on line social networking site - The Atrium.

The Virtual Learning Environment

The Bradford University School of Management uses a virtual learning environment called Blackboard. Each module you study will have a dedicated Blackboard site containing:

A copy of the module study book
Guidance on the assessment used for the module
Powerpoint slides and audio recordings (where available) taken from Bradford based full time or part time MBA lectures
Film from 3 key on-site lectures (where available)
Key readings selected by Bradford academics from leading academic journals, trade publications and broadsheet newspapers
Selected audio and video clips helping to underline your knowledge and understanding of particular subject areas
Additional non-compulsory readings enabling you to further engage with a subject and advance your understanding
A comprehensive bank of multiple choice questions allowing you to monitor your understanding and get instant feedback on your progression

Bradford School of Management Library

As a distance learning student you will have access to the University's on line library resources. This means that wherever you are in the world you can access thousands of academic journals, market reports and textbooks all from your computer.

Distance learning students also have their own dedicated librarian who can provide students with photocopies of various materials including journal papers, book chapters and company reports.

Effective Learning Service

It may be some time since you last studied for a formal qualification and so some of your key learning skills such as essay writing, critical analysis and revision may require some attention. The School of Management Effective Learning department can provide you with all the help you need to overcome such obstacles. 'Quick Read' leaflets are available with titles such as 'How to Improve Your Marks' and '5 Stage Report Writing Structure'. A variety of additional information is available and you can even have a one-to-one consultation with our effective learning advisor.

Assessment

Your knowledge and understanding of each subject area studied will be assessed by the most appropriate means. This will typically involve the completion of a written assignment, an exam or in some cases an assignment and an exam. If you need to sit an exam we have examination centres worldwide, making it highly likely that there is an exam centre near you. If there is not a suitable exam centre nearby then you can nominate a new exam centre. Please note, if you do not sit the exam at the Bradford School of Management or RDI Coventry you will have to pay an extra fee to your chosen examination centre.

Bradford University School of Management, Emm Lane, Bradford BD9 4JL
Tel: +44 (0)1274 234393 Fax: +44 (0)1274 234405 E-mail: management@bradford.ac.uk
The School of Management is a school of the University of Bradford - Order a University prospectus - Disclaimer

Change Text Only Settings

Graphic version of this page