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• MBA Block study and Distance learning

Course Introduction

The Bradford MBA is highly ranked and recognised as one of the top global MBAs, accredited by AMBA and Equis, and with well advanced plans to achieve AACSB accreditation, the School of Management will become one of the few "triple accredited" business schools in the UK. The MBA is an integrative programme designed for those seeking high-level careers in management, whether specialists, seeking to widen their understanding and perspective or senior managers wishing to take that extra step up the ladder to the top. We believe that what you learn from the course and your tutors is very important, but what you learn from each other on the programme is equally important. We select our candidates carefully to ensure the best possible learning and sharing experience for everyone.

The Bradford MBA provides the knowledge and skills in a wide range of business disciplines, and aims to ensure that graduates can make a significant contribution to management through career-long self-development.

There are a number of pathways and choices for the MBA programme, enabling managers to organise their studies and pace their learning according to their circumstances.  In addition to the 12 month Full-time course, the School offers a 10 month Accelerated Full-time programme as well as Executive Part-time and Distance Learning versions of the MBA which may be studied at a more leisurely pace of 2-6 years. There is also scope to switch between these pathways should your circumstances change.

The MBA porgramme is also offered in the Netherlands and Poland in partnership with TiasNIMBAS and Kosminski University respectively, or may be studied in Dubai on an executive modular basis.  We also have a new joint MBA programme with the Univeristy of Perugia from September 2011. Opportunities to take modules at these and other institutions are also available and student exchanges between Bradford and its partner institutions are encouraged.

What you will gain from the programme:

The Bradford MBA provides you with valuable skills in every area of management, and the confidence to challenge specialists and contribute meaningfully at all levels in business. The MBA offers you a unique combination of cutting-edge research and business-orientated skill development helping you better manage the challenges of today and tomorrow, and encourage participative, independent and reflective learning and the development of personal and professional skills. One of the particular benefits is the opportunity to network and share experiences with peers on the programme who will all bring their uniques experience from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds.

Special Features

The Bradford MBA offers a number of special features and benefits including:

• The Bradford MBA is fully accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA),s accredited by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and is ranked amongst the top 90 MBAs in the world by the Financial Times. The Executive MBA is ranked within the top 10 business schools in the UK.
• Flexibility - The Bradford MBA is designed to suit your changing needs. Therefore you have the option to switch between pathways during the programme or take modules offered on a different pathway to the one you are undertaking, including the opportunity to take one or more modules at a partner institution overseas.
• Choice - the elective modules of the programme have been designed as 4-day block modules for the April to July semester, enabling students to focus on a specialist route eg Finance or Marketing, or to select modules on a range of areas to maintain a general perspective. Because these elective modules are syncronised with our partners overseas, there may be the opportunity for students to take one or more elective modules at a partner university overseas.
• The Bradford Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) - Your personal development is integrated into the MBA through the assessed PDP, which will require you to write a reflective account of three of your work skills. The PDP is a programme of skill development activities and resources designed to help you learn more effectively.
• Dedicated Careers & Alumni Service at the School of Management - This service will help you improve your understanding of the job market and what employers seek. Your CV will also be included in the annual MBA Directory, which is sent to employers and recruitment consultants.
• Dedicated Effective Learning Service (ELS) - Few business schools can claim to have the support offered by our ELS, designed to bridge your return to education by helping you to develop effective learning techniques to make the most of your study time.

Placement opportunities

An important aspect of the MBA is the project to be completed at the end of the programme. You will be allocated a supervisor for this work who will act as your mentor and support you and give you feedback as required throughout your project.

Teaching Methods

Teaching on all pathways of the MBA, with the exception of Distance Learning, will involve a combination of formal lectures, group discussions, tutorials, seminars, directed reading and personal research.  The MBA programme aims to integrate applied and theoretical knowledge with assessment processes that test knowledge, application and analysis of the disciplines.

Case study analysis and discussion is used widely to contextualise the learning and the application of techniques.  Students are assigned to small study groups for this purpose.  These encourage participative learning, provide experience of working with people from different cultures and help develop organisational and project management skills.

Each module represents approximately 100 hours' study time of which typically 30 hours is contact time with the course tutor(s).  One or more texts provide the basis for most modules but students will be encouraged to develop their understanding by making use of the School's library and online facilities.

Additionally, a detailed manual is provided with each module to minimise note-taking in lectures and provide details of the preparatory work required.  Additional support materials, cases, video clips, audio recording, lecture notes/slides, etc. are also provided via the School's Virtual Learning Environment.

Personal Development Planning is integral to the programme.  This process starts during the Induction period where students undertake a skills audit to help identify development needs and provide a framework on which to plan, manage and demonstrate learning.  A programme of workshops, seminars and tutorials are provided throughout the programme to offer formative feedback and assistance in the development of the PDP.  The portfolio, which is credit bearing, is assessed at the end of the course.

 

Assessment Methods

To effectively assess whether a student has achieved a module's learning outcomes, a combination of assessment approaches are typically applied.  Multiple methods of assessment are also commonly applied in individual modules. As a consequence, students can expect to be assessed by any combination of assessment method including closed and open book examination, individual and group assignment, group presentation and personal portfolio.

Entry Requirements

Applications for the School's taught postgraduate programmes are made directly to the School and are processed through each programme team. 

Applicants for entry to the MBA will normally have:

• A first degree from an approved university, or an acceptable professional qualification.  Usual entry requirements are: UK degree minimum 2:2 (honours); European degree gross percentile average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0 or 6.5 out of 10, or overall average of 70 from 100%;
• At least three years' relevant postgraduate work experience.
• Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English: UK educated students must have a GCSE grade C or above; non-native speakers must have a 6.5 score on IELTS test of English, 580 in written TOEFL or 240 in computer-based TOEFL (applicants using the Internet-based TOEFL test are required to obtain a score of 94 or better).   Where a GMAT test is available a score of 600 is required.
• However, the School of Management recognises that there are experienced and able managers who may not fulfil normal requirements.  Such candidates are welcome to apply and are considered individually on merit. An online aptitude test may be utilised as part of the application process which assesses critical thinking ability, recognition of assumptions, deduction, interpretation, evaluation of arguments and mathematical capability. Test results, references, depth and level of work experience and the overall quality of application determine whether an offer of a place is made. 
• The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from people with disabilities, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants.
• Broadband Internet connectivity is desirable on all programmes but essential for those intending to participate on the Distance Learning programme.

Level of English Required

All non-UK applicants are required to provide proof of proficiency in English Language (a score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS test of English and 240/580 computer based/written in TOEFL) within the last 2 years.

[Full information on our General English Language Requirements]

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Additionally, the School of Management has its own dedicated careers team based on the school campus. The Career Development programme for postgraduate students consists of a programme of Job skills workshops which are offered throughout the year plus a summer programme that can be accessed by students when required. External guest presenters also provide specialist workshops (networking, mock assessment centres etc). www.bradford.ac.uk/management/careers/mba

The School also provides opportunity for 1 to 1 guidance from its experienced Career Coaches, all of whom have industrial/commercial experience. All career information, online resources and postgraduate Job Opportunities can be accessed on the School web Career. A variety of extra online resources including access to vault, TopMBA, Workmaze Guides and Executive Grapevine are also available.

Alumni Quotes

"The Bradford MBA gave me the unique opportunity to interact with different people from a range of organisations and professions.  I was able to share experiences with my peers, discuss business issues that will enhance my learning and capacity to become an effective team player."  Karunakaran Arunmozhi, Full-time MBA 2010.

"The Personal Development Planning module helped me identify my strengths and areas for improvement and has given me a better idea about what I want for the future. Besides all this, the MBA has been a lot of fun because of all the new friends I have made."  Kathrin Stiel, Full-time MBA 2007.

"Bradford gave me a quality MBA which elevated my self-belief."  Steve Tynegate, Executive Part-time MBA 2009.

"The course has been challenging and engaging.  It has also enabled me to learn smarter ways of working and been a fantastic networking opportunity."  Helen Jackson, Executive Part-time MBA 2007.

The Bradford MBA differentiates me from other engineers and I think - from the feedback I have received from recruitment consultants - that it is valued and opens doors."  Mark Boland, Distance learning MBA 2003.

Contact Details

MBA Programme Team, Bradford University School of Management, Emm Lane, Bradford BD9 4JL, UK

• Web: www.bradford.ac.uk/management/mba
• Tel: 00 44 1274 234 321
• Fax: 00 44 1274 234433

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Application Deadline

There are no set application deadlines on our MBA programmes, however applicants are encouraged to apply early.  For those who would require a Visa to study in the UK, please bear in mind that the time it takes to obtain the Visa significantly extends the application process.  Applicants are advised to apply for the MBA at least 6 weeks prior to the start date, so for example those wanting to join the September 2011 intake should apply no later than 31 July.

How to Apply

You may apply online at www.bradford.ac.uk/applymba

Please note that all students outside the UK/EU are required to provide a deposit of £2,000 before the programme begins.  A deposit is not a requirement for UK/EU students, however individual programmes may request a deposit at the discretion of the programme director.