MSc Advice - Cranfield MiM vs TIAS MScBA


Skutty90

Hello Duncan/All,

I am an Indian looking to switch my career and I would love to get some suggestions regarding my college options. I have received two admissions from the following universities:

CRANFIELD - MSc in Management (UK)
TIAS - MSc in Business Administration (Netherlands)
As for my professional background, I have 5-6 years of experience as a software developer, solely focusing on coding.

The reason why I am pursuing an MSc is to make a career switch. I have been considering this switch for a couple of years and have researched various career paths that align with my interests. I am particularly interested in consulting and have found management/strategic consultancy to be well-suited to my taste. However, given my background in the IT sector, I am open to pursuing the role of a business analyst in IT firms as well.

There is almost a £12,000 difference in fees between the two colleges, with Cranfield charging around £32,000 and TIAS around £20,000 (including scholarship). While I am aware of the local language situation in European countries, I have found that almost 80% of the NL population speaks English, with high acceptance rates. Additionally, I am open to learning Dutch and taking courses during my MSc. TIAS ranks consistently in FT, with its international mobility ranking higher than its overall ranking. On the other hand, Cranfield ranks high in QS for Masters in Management ranking, leaving me in a bit of a dilemma.

Considering these specifics, I would love to know the following:

1. Which college should I choose?
2. Is the NL or UK market more friendly for international students to find jobs after completing an MSc/MScBA?
3. While I am not too worried about the living costs during my studies, I would like to know whether there is a significant difference. I have researched various accommodation situations and found that the cost is relatively similar.
4.TIAS is a top 3 college in NL, if I'm not mistaken. Would this significantly boost my chances of getting a job in NL?

Hello Duncan/All,

I am an Indian looking to switch my career and I would love to get some suggestions regarding my college options. I have received two admissions from the following universities:

CRANFIELD - MSc in Management (UK)
TIAS - MSc in Business Administration (Netherlands)
As for my professional background, I have 5-6 years of experience as a software developer, solely focusing on coding.

The reason why I am pursuing an MSc is to make a career switch. I have been considering this switch for a couple of years and have researched various career paths that align with my interests. I am particularly interested in consulting and have found management/strategic consultancy to be well-suited to my taste. However, given my background in the IT sector, I am open to pursuing the role of a business analyst in IT firms as well.

There is almost a £12,000 difference in fees between the two colleges, with Cranfield charging around £32,000 and TIAS around £20,000 (including scholarship). While I am aware of the local language situation in European countries, I have found that almost 80% of the NL population speaks English, with high acceptance rates. Additionally, I am open to learning Dutch and taking courses during my MSc. TIAS ranks consistently in FT, with its international mobility ranking higher than its overall ranking. On the other hand, Cranfield ranks high in QS for Masters in Management ranking, leaving me in a bit of a dilemma.

Considering these specifics, I would love to know the following:

1. Which college should I choose?
2. Is the NL or UK market more friendly for international students to find jobs after completing an MSc/MScBA?
3. While I am not too worried about the living costs during my studies, I would like to know whether there is a significant difference. I have researched various accommodation situations and found that the cost is relatively similar.
4.TIAS is a top 3 college in NL, if I'm not mistaken. Would this significantly boost my chances of getting a job in NL?
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Duncan

The real questions here are: what are your goals and why have you applied to these schools. Other things being equal, the UK is a more accessible market for you. You seem to underestimate the language barrier. However, Tias is a much better school than Cranfield so other things are not equal. If you can get into Tias, perhaps you can get into Bath or Warwick. 

The real questions here are: what are your goals and why have you applied to these schools. Other things being equal, the UK is a more accessible market for you. You seem to underestimate the language barrier. However, Tias is a much better school than Cranfield so other things are not equal. If you can get into Tias, perhaps you can get into Bath or Warwick. 
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Skutty90


Yes, I will elaborate on what's on my mind now and the reasons behind the applications. As I mentioned earlier, I am looking to switch my career to the consulting/Business analysis field. Initially, I want to have a general idea of the fields I would like to target after my studies, which include management/strategic consulting/Business Analysis. However, after enrolling in college, I plan to discuss with faculty, career services, and alumni to narrow down my options. I am also open to exploring other opportunities since an MSC in management is a more general degree. Please correct me if I am wrong. The reason behind this thought process is that electives/specialisations may lead me in a new direction, or discussions with fellow colleagues or career services may bring up other options.
The reason why I haven't applied to Bath is that it ranked lower in the ranking when compared to Cranfield. For Warwick, I thought getting admission would be difficult as it's ranked very high, so instead, I applied to Edinburgh, but I haven't received a response yet. Additionally, most high-ranked universities charge a good amount of application fees, so it's practically impossible for me to apply to all of them. Moreover, while the internship opportunity offered by Cranfield looks promising on paper, I am not sure how effective they are. TIAS offers change management or Business analysis as specialisation, and the fee is much less compared to Cranfield. Also, since the Netherlands has a high English acceptance rate, I thought finding a job would not be a herculean task. However, the post-study work visa is one year compared to two years in the UK.


<div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Yes, I will elaborate on what's on my mind now and the reasons behind the applications. As I mentioned earlier, I am looking to switch my career to the consulting/Business analysis field. Initially, I want to have a general idea of the fields I would like to target after my studies, which include management/strategic consulting/Business Analysis. However, after enrolling in college, I plan to discuss with faculty, career services, and alumni to narrow down my options. I am also open to exploring other opportunities since an MSC in management is a more general degree. Please correct me if I am wrong. The reason behind this thought process is that electives/specialisations may lead me in a new direction, or discussions with fellow colleagues or career services may bring up other options.</div><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">The reason why I haven't applied to Bath is that it ranked lower in the ranking when compared to Cranfield. For Warwick, I thought getting admission would be difficult as it's ranked very high, so instead, I applied to Edinburgh, but I haven't received a response yet. Additionally, most high-ranked universities charge a good amount of application fees, so it's practically impossible for me to apply to all of them. Moreover, while the internship opportunity offered by Cranfield looks promising on paper, I am not sure how effective they are. TIAS offers change management or Business analysis as specialisation, and the fee is much less compared to Cranfield. Also, since the Netherlands has a high English acceptance rate, I thought finding a job would not be a herculean task. However, the post-study work visa is one year compared to two years in the UK.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">
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Andy776

Normally, in one year with a good degree you can find a job in the Netherlands in English. France would be a totally different story :) (I know it is not in the description but to give you a different perspective).
Dutch will give you an advantage that is clear but you can find a job without. 

[Edited by Andy776 on Mar 23, 2023]

Normally, in one year with a good degree you can find a job in the Netherlands in English. France would be a totally different story :) (I know it is not in the description but to give you a different perspective).<br>Dutch will give you an advantage that is clear but you can find a job without.&nbsp;
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Duncan

Why do you think Bath's ranking is inferior to Cranfield? Looking at the FT 2021 MiM ranking, when they were both in that ranking last, Bath seems stronger. 

Why do you think Bath's ranking is inferior to Cranfield? Looking at the FT 2021 MiM ranking, when they were both in that ranking last, Bath seems stronger.&nbsp;
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Skutty90

Normally, in one year with a good degree you can find a job in the Netherlands in English. France would be a totally different story :) (I know it is not in the description but to give you a different perspective).
Dutch will give you an advantage that is clear but you can find a job without. 




Thank you, Andy. I have spoken with several students from TIAS who expressed your opinion, particularly regarding multinational IT corporations where not knowing Dutch may not be a barrier. However, I am still concerned about my transition to a consulting role. Does Dutch proficiency come into play for such positions?

[quote]Normally, in one year with a good degree you can find a job in the Netherlands in English. France would be a totally different story :) (I know it is not in the description but to give you a different perspective).<br>Dutch will give you an advantage that is clear but you can find a job without.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>
<div bis_skin_checked="1">
</div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Thank you, Andy. I have spoken with several students from TIAS who expressed your opinion, particularly regarding multinational IT corporations where not knowing Dutch may not be a barrier. However, I am still concerned about my transition to a consulting role. Does Dutch proficiency come into play for such positions?
</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">
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Skutty90

Why do you think Bath's ranking is inferior to Cranfield? Looking at the FT 2021 MiM ranking, when they were both in that ranking last, Bath seems stronger. 




I had compared the last three rankings and agree that Bath was ranked higher. However, what confuses me is that in the latest ranking by FT, Bath was not even ranked among the top European business schools, let alone management rankings. I am curious to know how such a drop in ranking could happen within a year

[quote]Why do you think Bath's ranking is inferior to Cranfield? Looking at the FT 2021 MiM ranking, when they were both in that ranking last, Bath seems stronger.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>
<div bis_skin_checked="1">
</div><div bis_skin_checked="1">I had compared the last three rankings and agree that Bath was ranked higher. However, what confuses me is that in the latest ranking by FT, Bath was not even ranked among the top European business schools, let alone management rankings. I am curious to know how such a drop in ranking could happen within a year
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Duncan

There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term.

[Edited by Duncan on Mar 24, 2023]

There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term.
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Skutty90

There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term.



Thanks, Duncan. I will also check out the Bath program. I have one more query: suppose I receive an offer of admission from the University of Edinburgh as well. In that case, which one should I choose among Bath, Edinburgh, and Cranfield?

[quote]There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term. [/quote]<br>
<div bis_skin_checked="1">
</div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Thanks, Duncan. I will also check out the Bath program. I have one more query: suppose I receive an offer of admission from the University of Edinburgh as well. In that case, which one should I choose among Bath, Edinburgh, and Cranfield?</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">
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Duncan

Looking at the data in the rankings, what do you suppose? I am surprised you need to ask. 

Looking at the data in the rankings, what do you suppose? I am surprised you need to ask.&nbsp;
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Skutty90

Looking at the data in the rankings, what do you suppose? I am surprised you need to ask. 


Hello Duncan,

I will explain what is causing my confusion and point it out in relation to the latest rankings.

According to the Financial Times (FT), Edinburgh is ranked the highest among the three. Cranfield is also among the best European business schools but Bath is not included.

In the QS Masters in Management (MiM) rankings, Cranfield is ranked higher, followed by Edinburgh in second place, and Bath in third place. All three are closely ranked.

The Complete University Guide ranks Bath higher than Edinburgh by a significant margin. Cranfield is not ranked as it is a postgraduate-only university. 

And what I observe is that there is not much difference between the rankings of these three universities. However, if I analyze more rankings, I think Edinburgh might be the best among these three, followed by Bath and then Cranfield. Right ?

Also, I would like to know one more thing: if we remove the language barrier, What factors make studying in TIAS a better option than these 3 ? Is it the job market in NL, or the industry connection, or the fact that TIAS is among the top 3 college in NL ?




[Edited by Skutty90 on Mar 25, 2023]

[quote]Looking at the data in the rankings, what do you suppose? I am surprised you need to ask.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">Hello Duncan,</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">I will explain what is causing my confusion and point it out in relation to the latest rankings.</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">According to the Financial Times (FT), Edinburgh is ranked the highest among the three. Cranfield is also among the best European business schools but Bath is not included.</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">In the QS Masters in Management (MiM) rankings, Cranfield is ranked higher, followed by Edinburgh in second place, and Bath in third place. All three are closely ranked.</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">The Complete University Guide ranks Bath higher than Edinburgh by a significant margin. Cranfield is not ranked as it is a postgraduate-only university.&nbsp;</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">And what I observe is that there is not much difference between the rankings of these three universities. However, if I analyze more rankings, I think Edinburgh might be the best among these three, followed by Bath and then Cranfield. Right ?</div><br><br><div bis_skin_checked="1">Also, I would like to know one more thing: if we remove the language barrier, What factors make studying in TIAS a better option than these 3 ? Is it the job market in NL, or the industry connection, or the fact that TIAS is among the top 3 college in NL ?</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br><br><br><br>
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Duncan

I suggest you look at the data used in the rankings as they are averaged out but the specfic attributes that matter to, such as employment,  salary or careers support.  

An undergraduate ranking like CUG isn't as useful to you as the MiM rankings. 

I suggest you look at the data used in the rankings as they are averaged out but the specfic attributes that matter to, such as employment,&nbsp; salary or careers support.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>An undergraduate ranking like CUG isn't as useful to you as the MiM rankings.&nbsp;
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Andy776

For consulting Dutch is needed but for other roles in multinationals it is not. 

For consulting Dutch is needed but for other roles in multinationals it is not.&nbsp;
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There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term.


Hello Duncan,

It is interesting to heart that. Would you please elaborate on your point of saying that "

Most UK schools are falling long term"

[quote]There are major shifts in the UK macroeconomy. Most UK schools are falling long term. [/quote]<br><br>Hello Duncan,<br><br>It is interesting to heart that. Would you please elaborate on your point of saying that "
<div>
</div><div>Most UK schools are falling long term"</div><div>
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StuartHE

Once upon a time there were only universities around the Mediterranean, and now there are universities all over the world. Once, there were world class business schools only in the USA, and now they are all over the world. Other countries' institutions are rising up to world-class levels. So, for example, in the 1990s, eight of the top 50 business schools were in the UK, and now it's only five. That's not because British schools are getting worse: it's because schools in other countries are rising up. This trend will continue for the next 50 years. 

Once upon a time there were only universities around the Mediterranean, and now there are universities all over the world. Once, there were world class business schools only in the USA, and now they are all over the world. Other countries' institutions are rising up to world-class levels. So, for example, in the 1990s, eight of the top 50 business schools were in the UK, and now it's only five. That's not because British schools are getting worse: it's because schools in other countries are rising up. This trend will continue for the next 50 years.&nbsp;
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