MBA IN UK

MBA in the UK
British business schools are major players in the international MBA scenario. Of late, a lot of effort has been put in by British Universities to attract overseas students. According to a survey by the International Graduate Insight Group in January 2008, Britain is beginning to topple America as the most popular place for overseas students. Swinging the tide in favour of Britain are factors such as perceived safety, the reputation of its institutions of higher learning and the comparative ease in obtaining a Visa.

Advantages of studying MBA in UK
From the perspective of international students, two major advantages for studying in the UK are:
· The short duration of the MBA course, which is 1 year instead of 2 as in the US and Canada
· Most universities in the UK recognize the three year bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite for admission to an MBA course
· The British system of education is more flexible. The Oxford MBA programme for instance, can be taken either full time over a 12-month period, or part-time (EMBA) over 21 months
· A 1-year full-time MBA course in the UK is split into 9 months of course work and 3 months of dissertation or project work
· Besides favourable rankings of British business schools, studying in UK is also a culturally stimulating experience as a single campus can be home to as many as 50 different nationalities
· According to ABS (Association of Business Schools), which is the representative body of all leading business schools in the UK, 1 in 7 students were studying business and management in the academic year 2005-06
· In terms of employability for overseas students, Britain’s sombre rules and Visa restrictions are soon going to be streamlined and made more user-friendly to brighten the prospects for overseas aspirants

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application Requirements & Documents Required:

   1. Academic Record - Transcripts & Marksheets
   2. Standardized Tests Score Reports
   3. Work Experience Details - Resume
   4. Letter of Recommendation
   5. Application Essays / Statement of Purpose

Application Forms

Send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.

   1. Requesting Application Forms : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.

   2. Agents/Representatives : You can contact agents and representatives of the business school you are interested in. Most of the universities have representatives in many countries. These agents will give you the application forms and will guide you in the application process as well.
   3. Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print version of their application form on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms

1. Academic Record - Transcripts & Marksheets

Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.

Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but most require only one.

Academic documents required include:

- Class X / 'A' Levels / Secondary School Marksheets & Certificate
- Class XII / 'O' Levels / High School Marksheets & Certificate
- Bachelor Degree Transcripts & Degree Certificate
- Transcripts & Certificates of any other programs that you may have attended.

If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. If your undergraduate qualification or university is unknown to the admissions tutor, the British Council would be able to advise.

2. Standardized Tests Score Reports

IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative. You need to send your IELTS or TOEFL score report with your application package.

Note : Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.

GMAT : For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). You need to send your GMAT score report with your application package.

Note:

Some Universities may waive IELTS / TOEFL if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.

3. Work History - Resume

Most MBA programs require at least a few years of work experience for admission. Most UK Business Schools are pretty strict about this.

A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.
Find Résumés a Problem? Check out our Résumé Section for tips.

4. Letter of Recommendation

Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission to a good MBA program. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.

The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake.

Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.

Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.

Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
For more details on letters of recommendation, formats and tips, check out Letter of Recommendation

5. Application Essays / Statement of Purpose

The personal application essays, and/or statement of purpose, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for admission to the MBA program. It gives the admission committee assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual.

A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals.

Most business schools have a set of questions that they would like the students to answer. These include questions about your achievements, leadership activities and the reasons for seeking an MBA.

We recommend you to spend as much time as possible in this part of your application as this could make or break your application.

Eligibility and admission requirements

Undergraduate degree:-To pursue an MBA in the UK, the following points must be kept in mind:
·A good undergraduate degree is a prerequisite. Some universities may however require an Honours degree
·A few may accept students even without a Bachelor's degree, if professional achievements and work experience are exceptional
·A good academic record is a must for admission to an MBA course in the UK. Mark sheets, along with transcripts have to be submitted

Work experience: - Work experience is necessary for most MBA courses. Though most universities ask for 2 to 3 years of business experience, students enrolled in the Lancaster School have an average of 8 years of relevant work experience, despite the fact that the school asks only for 3 years of full-time professional work experience. Birmingham City University, Liverpool Hope University, University of Central England and others ask for 2 years of experience whereas Middlesex University and all other AMBA accredited programmes require a minimum of 3 years full-time work experience.

Screening exams:
Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are accepted in the UK. Some MBA colleges also require a decent GMAT score for admission.
·GMAT:-There is greater flexibility over GMAT as a necessary requirement in the UK. While some universities, like the London Business School, or, the Manchester Business School insist on GMAT, most others may not. Lancaster University insists on a GMAT score of 600 or above if the applicant’s degree is not from a recognized UK university and first language is not English. Brunel University may ask for a GMAT, if any of the academic criteria are not met by an applicant
·TOEFL or IELTS: - Proficiency in English is highly valued. TOEFL or IELTS is a must. Even students who have studied in English medium are not exempt from TOEFL or IELTS

Referral and Statement of Purpose:
Good references make a lot of difference to an aspirant’s chances of getting through. Some universities may insist on at least one reference from one’s current employer. Letters of recommendation must basically explain what distinguishes the applicant from others.

Another requirement for applying to the British universities is a statement of purpose or an application essay. These have to be powerful, well reasoned essays explaining why you want to do an MBA and how you see yourself contributing to the campus environment etc.

MBA PROGRAMMES

List of business schools in UK along with details, application forms and application procedures. Click on the school name for details:

1) Featured UK Business Schools (MBA Programmes)
University/College                                  Duration Program                   Entry                            Tuition Fee
Middlesex University, London                    1 year                                  Sep / Jan                        £ 13,600
University of Central Lancashire                 1 year                                  Sep / Jan                        £ 9,500
Liverpool Hope University                           1 year                                  Sep / Jan                       £ 6,900
University of Wolverhampton                      1 year                                  Sep / Jan                       £ 7,850
Northumbria University                              1 year                                  Sep / Jan                       £ 14,150
University of Central England                     1 year                                  September                     £ 9,975

2) UK MBA Programmes for Fresh Graduates (No Work Experience)
University/College                                 Duration                                    Program Entry                  Tuition Fee
University of Aberdeen, Scotland            1 year                                       Sep / Jan                          £ 9,500
University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland   1 year                                       Sep / Feb                         £ 9,540
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff        1 year                                       Sep / Feb                          £ 9,000
Cardiff University MBA                           1 year                                       September                         £ 14,700
University of Stirling, Scotland                1 year                                       September                         £ 11,300
University of Wales, Newport                  1.5 years                                  September £
West London College                            1.5 years                                  Jan / July                           £ 7,650

· Financial Aid & Scholarships
· There is almost no financial aid for an MBA in the UK. Some universities may give students with good or exceptional backgrounds, a part tuition fee waiver.

In our opinion, there are not very many scholarship options available for an MBA in the UK. Almost all students who go for an MBA in UK fund the related expenses on their own.
· For Bank Loans and Financial assistance available in your home country, check out:

Financial Aid in your home country

·However, there are some scholarship options available for students with exceptional backgrounds and excellent academic record.

·These include:

·British Chevening Scholarships:
The British Scholarship is available for a range of postgraduate taught and research programmes including the MBA programme. To apply for an award, contact your local British Council office, British High Commission or British Embassy. Preference is given to candidates already established in a career. You can click on the link below for more details.

·British Chevening Scholarships <http://www.chevening.com/>

· Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP):
Awards are made to citizens of Commonwealth countries and are primarily for postgraduate programmes, including the MBA programme. Contact your local British Council office for information on how to apply. For more details about the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship plan, click on the link below:

· Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan <http://www.csfp-online.org/>

· Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme:
This programme funds awards for taught postgraduate courses. Candidates should be of high academic calibre and should be intending to study a subject of develop mental relevance to their country. Eligibility is restricted to those resident in developing Commonwealth countries who are not employed by their government or by an international organisation. Contact your local British Council office or British High Commission for information on how to apply. For more details about the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme, check out the link below:

· DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme <http://www.dfid.gov.uk/funding/>

UK Student Visa

Visa applications have to be made on IM2A forms, which are available free of cost at the British Embassies. This form has to be filled up by the student and submitted to the embassy, along with the Visa application fee and the required documents as mentioned below.

Immigration Rules for Students

·You must intend to study at a publicly funded university or college, a bonafide private institution or a fee-paying independent school.
·You must be able to and intend to follow a full time degree course, or a weekday, full time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study per week.
·You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your husband or wife and children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds.
·You must not intend to work in UK unless you are accepted for a course lasting longer than six months, when you may work part-time or during vacations.
·You must intend to leave UK at the end of your studies.

Documents Required For a Student Visa

·A letter of acceptance on the course
This will be a letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the immigration law. The letter should state how long the course will last. Where your course is more advanced and specialized, the letter should also state what level of English is needed for the course (giving minimum test marks, if appropriate) and confirm that you satisfy this requirement.

·Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family, if applicable
Depending on your circumstances, this could include evidence of government sponsorship, a letter from a sponsor in UK confirming they can support you, together with evidence that they can do this, and/or your own bank statements. You should also provide a letter from your place of study stating the full cost of the course, what arrangements are acceptable for payment and whether you have already paid fees or a deposit.

·Accommodation
Although the immigration rules do not require unaccompanied students to show that accommodation has been arranged, your place of study may have given you information about its availability, and you should bring this to the attention of the ECO. If your family is coming with you to the UK, you will need to show that there will adequate accommodation for them. If your place of study cannot confirm that family accommodation will be available, you may have to consider travelling to the UK alone and making arrangements for your family to join you when you have found somewhere to live.

Documents Required For a Student Visa

The Interview
Interview is a part of your visa application process.
The interview is to give you the opportunity to clarify for the ECO certain parts of your application. The ECO will be aiming to satisfy him or herself that your study plans are genuine and workable.
The interview is a normal part of the process, but you may feel quite nervous before it and find it an uncomfortable experience. ECO’s are trained professionals who will try to make the process as painless as possible, but the questions are necessarily very direct and personal.
You should prepare for such an interview carefully. In particular:
·Be familiar with all your study plans; why you chose the particular institution and course; how the course will help your future career;
·Be clear about the cost of living and the course and your finances: do you have enough money to complete the course? Can you prove it?
·Be as clear as you can about your likely future career in your country: what are you going to do on your return

Helpful Education Organisations

List of organisations that help students applying to MBA Programmes and Business Schools in UK - England & Scotland. This includes:
- Official University Representatives
- Government Agencies
- Education Agents
- Test Preparation Centres
- Private Counsellors
The British Council - Kolkata
British Deputy High Commission
L&T Chambers, First Floor, 16 Camac Street
Kolkata 700017, India
Tel: (033) 22825370 Fax: 22824804

Services Offered:
* Information on more than 280 British Institutions
* Weekly briefings to answer your queries on British education
* Intensive Counselling for self funded applicants
* Application advice Visa Counselling and facilitation
The British Council - Mumbai British Deputy High Commission Mittal Tower 'C' Wing, 2nd Floor Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021, India Tel: (022) 22823560, 22823530 Fax: 22852024

Services Offered:
* Information on more than 280 British Institutions
* Weekly briefings to answer your queries on British education
* Intensive Counselling for self funded applicants
* Application advice Visa Counselling and facilitation

The British Council - Chennai British Deputy High Commission 737 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002, India Tel: (044) 52050600 Fax: 52050688

Services Offered:
* Information on more than 280 British Institutions
* Weekly briefings to answer your queries on British education
* Intensive Counselling for self funded applicants
* Application advice Visa Counselling and facilitation

The British Library - Bangalore Prestige Takt, 23, Kasturba Road Cross Bangalore - 560001, India Tel: (0179) 2213485, 2240763 Fax: 2240767

Services Offered:
* Information on more than 280 British Institutions
* Weekly briefings to answer your queries on British education
* Intensive Counselling for self funded applicants
* Application advice Visa Counselling and facilitation

British Council - New Delhi 17, Kasturba Gandhi Marg,
New Delhi - 110001
Tel: 23711401, 23710111, 23710555 Fax: 23710717
Services Offered:
* Information on British Institutions
* Intensive Counselling for self funded applicants
* Application advice