Hey Everyone.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I am a 29 year old Canadian student looking to do an online MBA in the UK. I do not have an undergrad - which is why I am looking in the UK as Canada doesn't care about me. I am also a business owner and not in need of good job placement at this time. However, I want to personally grow in a traditional school setting and want to have value built upon both education and experience, should I ever decide to work for someone else again.

I have been unconditionally accepted into Warwick's program, but the reality is I just can't afford it at this time (I am considering waiting a year or two to save). And, being that this is a foreign program for me and I am a "part-time" student by my country's standards, getting funding with the terrible exchange rate we have is just about impossible without getting a high interest loan.

So, I am looking into more affordable alternatives. Hence, Birmingham vs Strathclyde vs Aston. I have spoken with all three Admissions and all have been very interested in my application. I do not think I will have an issue receiving offers from any (Budget wise, they are all similar as well). But of the three, which would be best for a distance learning approach? It seems Strathclyde has been a good choice mentioned in other forums, but there are rumblings that the program is slipping. And, when I spoke with their Admissions, though really nice, they seemed very disorganized and uninformed of their program (though willing to help still). Regarding the other two programs, the reviews seemed mixed. Decent and not.

Curious on everyone's thoughts. Thanks for your time.

Could Henley or Durham make sense for you?

Strathclyde is all about the general management core, while Aston stresses electives. Maybe look at the course design?

Hi Duncan,
Thanks for your response. Henley and Durham both look like great schools with solid programs. Looking at the cost there, at that point I may as well reconsider Warwick. At least that is my thoughts regarding those schools. It is in the middle of Warwick and the other three, but still a big chunk of cash.

As for the program content, I have no specific field I am looking for. Based on my work experience and where I live, finance is probably not the best focus. As a result, if I had to choose a specific focus, it would be based around consulting or entrepreneurship, as that is more or less what I am doing career wise (and I am about to complete my PMP). Other than that, I have no specific reasoning/desire towards any particular field of study other than the general courses. That might change in time and upon completing my first year, but I can't say at this time.

Brexit makes these UK programmes unusually affordable. It sounds like you need more time on career strategy. Do you know the CareerLeader.com test from Harvard? That would be a good investment. UK MBA is not the only answer to career questions.

Are incoming Warwick MBAs eligible for loans from Prodigy Finance? This might be something to look into, as the value add of the Warwick program over Durham / Henley would probably make the investment worth it in the short- to long-term.