Hello! I'm a longtime reader and find your programme/school selection approach extremely smart and helpful. Currently an MBA isn't my priority, but I unlocked a performance reward at work that would entail my employer paying for any training I want - nothing much (max £5k) but enough to cover short courses like those offered by LBS, Said, Judge, or maybe a few modules towards an online masters like at Open University. Alternatively, some specialist qualification.

Many posts I've read seem to suggest that exec education short courses are "bad, unless the employer pays" - which is actually my case. But is there anything else that could offer better value for a fixed budget?

My long-term professional goals involve better networking. My profile: mid-career in marketing agency world. Worked mostly in the UK and want to stay here, but grew up in the EU so might benefit from exposure to UK universities

Since networking is your long-term goal and your employer is paying, let's focus on options that maximize relationship-building rather than just credentials.

For a £5k budget in the UK marketing space, I see a few paths:
-- Executive education at a top UK business school like LBS, Said or Judge could be valuable - not so much for the certificate, but because these programs attract senior marketing professionals from major brands. The networking opportunities during and after the program often matter more than the content. Look for courses that include group work and social activities.
-- Another option is to pursue professional qualifications via the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). While the content may be less cutting-edge than executive education, CIM membership opens doors to a large professional network through events, mentoring programs, and local branches.
-- The Open University modules could work, but consider that online learning typically offers fewer natural networking opportunities than in-person programs. If you go this route, I'd suggest choosing modules with required meetups or group projects.

For maximum networking impact within your budget, I'd recommend:
-- A short exec ed course at LBS/Said/Judge focused on an emerging marketing topic
-- CIM membership and qualification
-- Joining relevant industry associations and allocating budget for conferences

The key is picking options that match both your current role and future career direction. --Which specific areas of marketing do you want to focus on long-term? That would help narrow down the right program.
What kind of roles and organizations would you ideally like to network into?

If you are not in the UK, then you have access to this excellent, and low-cost, option: https://www.cim.co.uk/qualifications/postgraduate-diploma-in-professional-marketing/

Thank you Stuart, appreciate your strategic approach, clarity and detail - and totally resonate with actively pursuing group/social activities.

A little nuance I should have added earlier: I already meet senior marketers through industry events, speaking at conferences, etc, and think that what I lack is more senior leader connections outside marketing. Perhaps broader topics and industry events would be better in this case?.

Separate point: most in-person exec short courses within my budget are 2-4 days long. Wouldn't longer-term modules at OU or similar distance-based courses allow for better connecting with project teammates over a longer period, despite being online (provided that I actively seek out those with group/social activities)?

Again thanks so much!

Why not consider a senior apprenticeship? Like https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/senior-leader-apprenticeship-business-administration Assuming you work for a UK company, this would be fully or mostly funded by the levy.