In today’s interconnected and ever-evolving business world, agility is key to excellence. Professionals must stay attuned to market dynamics and future trends to stay competitive and capitalise on career opportunities.
There are many strategic considerations when it comes to selecting an MBA programme, but understanding what makes the curriculum exceptional can pave the way to your success. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the best fit for your career aspirations:
- Pick a business school with a stellar reputation and international accreditation;
- Opt for a curriculum that is both practical and forward-thinking;
- Consider programmes that offer international perspectives and networking opportunities;
- Check for credit exemptions for professionals.
The Manchester Global MBA Programme offered by The University of Manchester meets all of the above criteria and more. Its graduates worldwide form a powerful international community.
Students at The University of Manchester East Asia Centre, located in Lee Garden One, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, gain far more than knowledge—they tap into an academic network that spans East Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area. The curriculum gives students a world-class competitive advantage, making it an ideal option for those aspiring to upskill, transition careers, or start a business. Here’s why:
#1: An internationally accredited top UK Business School
Celebrating its 200th anniversary, the University of Manchester fosters a profound academic and learning atmosphere. Its business school is ranked in the top 1% globally, holding prestigious accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. It maintains a leading academic stature with as many as 25 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty.
#2: Popular disciplines that come with high practicality
The two-year part-time MBA programme adopts a blended learning approach, combing face-to-face sessions, group discussions, and online learning. It focuses on business case studies and projects for assessment, encouraging self-directed learning and peer interaction to inspire analytical thinking.
▲ Students workshop group work: Unlike conventional distance MBA programmes, the Manchester Global MBA prioritises practicality. The curriculum integrates in-person classes, group discussions, and online learning, encouraging interactive experiences that stimulate diverse thinking among students.
The MBA curriculum is carefully designed with a focus on practicality and forward-looking vision, covering in-demand subjects such as Negotiation Skills, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, and International Business Strategy. This equips students to align with market needs, sharpening their edge in a constantly evolving business landscape and talent environment.
Among the most popular subjects are the core course Leading Global Transitions and the elective Work Psychology for Managerial Success, which comprehensively develop students' soft skills to prepare them as business professionals, managers, and decision-makers for the future.
#3: A flexible approach with global immersion
What sets this programme apart from other standard distance MBA offerings is that students attend selected classes at the East Asia Centre, taught by visiting professors from the University of Manchester, as well as various workshops that provide interaction opportunities with peers. Additionally, students in their second year can choose between Hong Kong or the overseas campuses in Manchester, Dubai, Singapore, or Shanghai for elective courses. This two-year programme not only allows for flexible learning but also engagement with international students and alumni, expanding global perspectives, world views, and networks, ultimately benefiting graduates immensely in their career pursuits and ventures abroad.
▲ Professor with students: Face-to-face classes at The University of Manchester East Asia Centre in Hong Kong facilitate close engagement between students and visiting professors from Manchester.
Judit Csiszar, a senior professor of The University of Manchester’s AMBS MBA Programme, explains the purpose of the course design: "Most of our students here are busy managers and professionals. Our online learning fits their hectic schedules, allowing them to study while working, and they can access materials from the university's online platform whenever they please. Approximately 30% of our students are from Hong Kong, with the rest hailing from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, mainland China, Southeast Asia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Dubai. This multicultural and diverse student body nurtures a global vision that is not only necessary but crucial for today’s business environment."
Alongside face-to-face and online learning, the Manchester Business School also has strong connections with international campuses and various universities, providing diverse learning modes that help students explore future career paths and aspirations.
▲ Students: (From top left to bottom right) Paul, Chun, Takuma, and David are all working professionals coming from different regions. The two-year part-time programme flexibly matches their work rhythms, offering students the precious opportunity to cultivate a multicultural world view on top of preparing for the future.
Paul Smith (UK): "Having been in Hong Kong for nine years, the greatest takeaway for me from this programme is to be able to have a taste of 'The Manchester Method’. This experiential learning combines theory with practical application, helping me quickly grasp important concepts. This approach can be applied to my work and daily life which I believe has accelerated my personal development. I can also continue my studies without leaving my job, making my time incredibly rewarding."
Chun Li (Taiwan): "I work as an Operations Manager in the retail industry. I chose this programme not only because of its excellent reputation but also its practical curriculum meets my role's needs."
Takuma Ito (Japan): "Ten years into the fields of government, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, my goal now is to integrate the knowledge I gained from this programme into my work to enhance my workplace skills. Online learning allows me to learn at my own pace, anytime and anywhere."
David Tsim (Scotland): "I’m currently working in Hong Kong, and the Manchester Global MBA Programme allows me to learn from my classmates here about their diverse life and work cultures. I’ve made many friendships and exchanges, so this has been a truly valuable multicultural experience for me."
▲ Ines Leong (Global MBA Alumni): Graduate Ines (left) reflected how the professional knowledge she gained from the Manchester Global MBA programme is a lifelong asset and valuable life experience for her.
Ines Leong (Best Student Award Winner 2022): "How this course has helped enhance my professional skills went beyond my expectations. In fact, I believe the lessons I’ve learnt from here will benefit me forever. Meeting like-minded friends for life, with whom I still stay in touch with frequently even after graduation, is something that I will always treasure.”
#4: A fast lane to MBA qualification for professionals
The Manchester Global MBA offers a shortcut to graduation for professionals considering further education. It is particularly worth considering for students who have completed courses in accounting or finance before, or hold qualifications such as CPA, CFA, or CIMA, as they can be exempt from certain MBA courses and credits, reducing the programme duration from 24 months to 18 months.
Upskilling has become a business imperative. The Manchester Global MBA is an accelerator to success and empowers those eager to ascend the career ladder to spread their wings as global leaders.
Learn more about the Manchester Global MBA programme: https://bit.ly/4dYfVZ3
Registration No. 250144. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead
