Hi All,

I have to decide between Cranfield and Manchester. I am from India and have 12 years of experience in IT industry. I am looking for strategic and operational roles in the same industry either in Dubai or UK post MBA. FT and bloomberg rankings show that these schools are almost on par in terms of reputation and ranking.

While I have received good scholarship from Cranfield, there is no post study or internship in Cranfield.

Can you share your opinion please?

That is a hard choice. Educationally, I'd say the cohort is better and the balance between the four quarters of the programme is better at Cranfield. At Manchester, the first two semesters are intensive, and then the second year is very light to support job hunting. MBS has a campus in the Gulf and you could take electives there, which would expand your network. The emphasis on project work also builds your credibility. If you have no UK work experience, then I would say Manchester. You'll probably get better career momentum there BUT.... it's much slower to get students into work (76% placement at Manchester within 3 months, versus 91% at Cranfield) and you will need more active networking right from the state. If networking is not your strength, of if you have a very clear focus on the firms you want to work for, then I would pick Cranfield.

PS Salaries are only slightly higher from Manchester, and that could be down to having fewer women students.

[Edited by Duncan on Apr 22, 2018]