Hey guys,

I've been scouring the threads here for some comparison between Bradford and Strathclyde MBA but cant seemed to find any,

I've had 2 offers from both schools as well as Nottingham but after reading some reviews I figured that these 2 are probably my best bet so I need help for a more detailed analysis.

According to the FT rankings, I understand that Bradford is fairly consistent at the 80-90+ spot whereas Strathclyde has been declining in terms on rankings (from 51 spot in 2010 to 74 spot in 2011 and eventually suicided from the tables altogether)

My question:
Is there any chance that Strathclyde will regain it's once glorious days? At least claim a spot in the tables someday? If so, should I bet on it?

Which MBA is considered more reputable? In terms of employers recognition and rigidity of the programme?

Strathclyde holds a triple accrediation whereas Bradford is lacking an AACSB. Although Bradford claims that they are undergoing the audit, should that even be my concern? Should I pick an MBA just based on the number of accreditation?

As you can see, Im really in a dilemma right now cos I have totally no idea which area should be my key concern in choosing a better MBA so I would really appreciate any advise given. Thank you so much!!!

Strathclyde slipped down the rankings beacuse of 2 reasons :

1) Gloomy economic situation in UK/EU.
2) High %age of Indian students in the cohort.

They were not able to place graduates as successfully as before and salaries also fell...consequently the school slipped out of the rankings.
Quality of education wise, its still a pretty good school.

Bradford, on the other hand, is a solid, reliable school, a well known brand and has consistent performance.

So both of them are pretty evenly matched on that front and accreditation shouldn't be your core concern if you are choosing between these 2 schools.
I would rather be thinking about the climate in Glasgow and also about where I want to work, what kind of people I want to do the course with etc.

Hi shantaram,

Thank you for your reply. There is something I dont understand. Going by your reasoning, if Strathclyde fell in the rankings because partially due to UK economic outlook, why is it that Bradford is not affected by it and has been fairly consistent over the years?

So assuming if climate, location and people is not my concern, which one would be a better pick? I'm actually more concerned about the branding/recognition (both in UK and worldwide), the ranking, and rigidity of the MBA programme.

Please enlighten me. Thank you

I agree with shantaram. Two schools, both alike in dignity. Both experiences with the MBA, running their MBA part-time in several foreign locations and a big distance-learning programme.

I prefer the Bradford programme because of the greater focus on core courses and a professional development programme which is more than just a project; Strathclyde has just two electives (five at Bradford). However, Strathclyde has in the past had better starting salaries and an stronger employment record.

I don't see how any British school can hope to move up sustainably in the rankings.

The reason behind that in my opinion is because of the high number of Indian students in the cohort in Strathclyde.

All other things being equal, I would still prefer Bradford for the more eclectic cohort there and for the reasons Duncan mentioned above.

Hi shantaram,


Thank you for your reply. There is something I dont understand. Going by your reasoning, if Strathclyde fell in the rankings because partially due to UK economic outlook, why is it that Bradford is not affected by it and has been fairly consistent over the years?

So assuming if climate, location and people is not my concern, which one would be a better pick? I'm actually more concerned about the branding/recognition (both in UK and worldwide), the ranking, and rigidity of the MBA programme.

Please enlighten me. Thank you

Shantaram , i am Bradford MBA 2010-2011 batch, in my cohort we had +70 Indian students for the batch size of 100 students .

and in 2011-2012 Bradford MBA , there are +30 students for batch size of 60 students.

Shantaram , i am Bradford MBA 2010-2011 batch, in my cohort we had +70 Indian students for the batch size of 100 students .

and in 2011-2012 Bradford MBA , there are +30 students for batch size of 60 students.

Dear Duncan,
I'm working as Manager with various MNCs for 15 years. Currently based in Dubai. My forte is Customer Services, but I'd like to develop skills for other areas of Business and eventually aim for entrprenuership.
I'd like your advice on the quality of Part time MBA Program offered in Dubai by MIDDLESEX, BRADFORD & STRATHCLYDE.
Apart from accreditations and rankings, what other strengths and weaknesses differentiates them ? Purely in terms of Program structure, content and faculty.
Many thanks for your kind support

FND

Bradford & Strathclyde are quality business school.

But Middlesex surprised me - http://gulftoday.ae/portal/d14f8cbd-df71-4102-867d-a6e35fe613af.aspx

I'd like your advice on the quality of Part time MBA Program offered in Dubai by MIDDLESEX, BRADFORD & STRATHCLYDE.

Middlesex used to have AMBA accreditation. The Bradford programme looks the best of the three.

Middlesex used to have AMBA accreditation. The Bradford programme looks the best of the three.

This thread is digressing off topic. Please be considerate enough to post any unrelated comments under a new topic or in the distance learning thread to avoid confusion.