I am looking for an accredited Distance Learning MBA programme (General) in UK where the IELTS is not compulsory.
I am 47 years old having 23 years work experience includes managerial positions (sectors; Oil&Gas, Construction & Investment). I am holding a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. I had several training courses such as "Executive Leadership programme" with Monitor Group, USA and "Change, Public Management & Leadership programme" with London School of Economics & Political Science LSE, UK.
My current position is the Strategic Planning dept. manager of an investment portfolio (capital about $4 billion). I also hold a position of Chairman of the biggest subsidiary of the mentioned portfolio.

If the MBA programmes with the best outcomes for students require IELTS, why not take the time to take the IELTS. If the quality of your MBA does not matter, why not just take a part-time MBA in the closest college to you?

Thank you Mr. Duncan for your feedback.

I have an offer from University of Livepool to study 100% Distance Learning MBA accredited by EFMD (CEL).
"The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), an organisation that has proven its commitment to international business with EQUIS Accreditation, has now developed an accreditation dedicated to raising the standards of technology-enhanced learning programmes worldwide. In 2007, EFMD awarded accreditation for teChnology-Enhanced Learning (CEL Accreditation) to the University of Liverpool?s Online MBA programme delivered in partnership with Laureate Online Education."

Would you please comment on this programme?
Kind Regards,

This would not be as good as a programme with one or more of the respected accreditations designed for MBAs (http://www.find-mba.com/accreditations) or from a school which was in the major rankings of MBA programmes.

I would agree with Duncan in regards to that program.

Also, with your work history you might find yourself far more experienced than many standard distance learning cohorts.

Depending on your goals in pursuing an MBA, you might be better off finding appropriate executive education courses: they're a lot less commitment in terms of time, and give you more potential for networking and developing your soft skills. Check out Cranfield's offerings:

http://www.nextexecutive.com/schools/cranfield

and Ashridge's:

http://www.nextexecutive.com/schools/ashridge

Thanks Ralph & Duncan for the valuable information.
There are several accredited MBA programmes in UK having same no. of credits (180) but with different no. of modules (core + elective) varies between 8 to 14 modules. What does this mean? Does it mean that programmes with big no. of modules is heavier (taught hours per module) than that of less modules?

No. 8 big courses can be the same as 14 small courses.

The MBA programme I'm targeting has the main following preferences:
- Accredited
- General/Global MBA;
- Distance Learning;
- Light & Flexible;
- No need for IELTS.

Please help with your recommendations.

I haven't heard of an accredited programme in English without an IELTS or TOEFL requirement. How could a programme operate if the students didn't have a minimum level of English-skills?

I haven't heard of an accredited programme in English without an IELTS or TOEFL requirement. How could a programme operate if the students didn't have a minimum level of English-skills?

Some accredited institutions interview the applicant who does not do IELTS and based on the results of the interview, the institution decide whether or not accepting him.

Some accredited institutions interview the applicant who does not do IELTS and based on the results of the interview, the institution decide whether or not accepting him.

An interview is a poor substitute for IELTS, and a school which did that would be wasting time and selecting a weak cohort.

It would waste time, because it would interview students who didn't have the English level required. That could have been identified in advance, and destroys around a day's time.

It also selects a weak cohort, because the interview tests only oral skills, and that in a limited setting where candidates are often well rehearsed. That doesn't test reading and writing skills, not does it really show real oral skills since some applicants are very nervous, and others really rehearsed, in the interview.

Perhaps there is space for exceptions (for example, someone who has worked in an English-speaking country) but - to take the classic example of the Indian applicant with a Victorian vocabulary and but little verbal acuity in confrontational case discussions - the IELTS score is a useful tool for admissions managers.

PS I could also imagine a very formal taught MBA, with lectures rather than discussions, and written-only assessment, not needing IELTS. But that would not be an effective environment for training managers.

No. 8 big courses can be the same as 14 small courses.

Some of the accredited DL programs require evidence of prior studies in English, They would also like to see if the language of communication at work is English. But it also varies from case to case.
Regards
Mamit

Thanks Mamit