Dear all,



I am planning to go for a Management programme with focus on social/environmental impact. I have offer from University of Exeter for MBA (triple accredited)- which according to the link below seems to be a good programme.

https://find-mba.com/lists/other-subjects/top-10-mbas-for-social-or-environmental-impact



I also have an offer from Cranfield University for the course of MSc Management and Corporate Sustainability. The course is CMI accredited.



I have compared the modules in both the courses, which have lot of similarities in terms of content and practical projects. Cranfield University seems to be ranked higher and of more repute than University of Exeter. LinkedIn searches shows both have decent alumni networks. Can you all kindly advice which among these two course should I choose based on your experience and knowledge?



I am from India and one of my objectives is to get a good networking experience and also work in the UK. I am leaning a bit towards University of Exeter.



Thanks!

[Edited by Aks.85 on Jul 05, 2021]

I'm not sure if there's a lot of entry-level UK hiring of Corporate Sustainability people into roles in MBA salaries. 

Thank you Stuart for the response. I understand the scenario, and due to the pandemic, the opportunities seem to be even less. Still, I hope to find some role during the post study work permit period. 

But based on the offer I have, can you kindly suggest whether Cranfield University or University of Exeter will be a better option for me? 

I think the Cranfield programme is very limited: 12 students and very unclear placement. I'd suggest the MBA, since that allows you to follow some other path. 

Thank you. I am thinking the same. Can you kindly give some insights on how University of Exeter is regarded in terms of employer reputation?

It seems to be quite far from London, where most of the companies are based, does that affect the employability prospects?

Jobs in the UK are co-located with the population. It's mistaken to think that most companies are based in London. Other things being equal, in terms of quintiles, Exeter is probably in the second-best quintile for placement and Cranfield would be in the first. However, things are not equal. If you are the sort of foreigner who cannot get a UK sustainability role without an additional degree, then you are unlikely to get one with it. There are very few roles, as is implied by 12 people being in the Cranfield degree and the closure os the One Planet MBA at Exeter and a similar degree at Bath. The advantage of a general management MBA is that it will lead you into some functional role and, with experience, you can transition into sustainability later in your career. 

Thank you for the response. It makes a lot of sense. I applied to course of MSc Sustainable Business at the University of Nottingham, but received a course closure email in March this year. Not sure why sustainability courses are not quite catching on.

I am sharing the link to modules of the Exeter MBA, I feel these are quite industry relevant. Kindly let me know your views on that, if possible. 
http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/study/masters/mba/about/fulltime/#a0

Thank you.

I wrote some thoughts about this as https://www.influencerrelations.com/1329/is-sustainable-business-selfish-or-altruistic 

All accredited MBAs have a very similar curriculum. That's not why the value of MBA students to the market differs so much.