Hi,

I have got offers to the full time MBA programme in Leeds, Bath and Durham.

With scholarships awarded the fees are the same for all three so I am in a dilemma which one to choose out of the 3. All three Universities offer 6 months post study visa option and I guess that makes it even. I believe Bath has good job placements and international mobility. But am also liking Durham owing to its heritage and consistent rankings.But Economist has ranked Durham very low in terms of job offers in 3 months, so definitely a concern. This is a prime factor in my consideration i.e. Placement preferably in the UK or Europe.

I am an IT manager and looking at a mid manager level ideally in a different industry or function.

Cheers
M

Bath and Leeds and then Durham

That's interesting. 80% of the education consultants or folks seem to direct me towards Durham due to its oldest University tag and overall high ranking.

Any particular reason donho999 behind your sequence..just curious to know.

Durham and Bath MBAs get much better placement, salary and international mobility. Cranfield is ranked only slightly above Durham, but is qualitatively better. Read my post on the Sad Facts about Scholarships.

Thanks Duncan. Apart from Bath and Durham I quite like Cranfield and also Edinburgh Full time. Cranfield was expensive. However the longer stay back at Bath and Durham has got me hooked and am now in a dilemma between Bath and Durham, though I can still apply to Edinburgh but not sure.

The added cost of Cranfield is tiny compared to the added lifetime income. For most students it will pay for itself in one year. If you calculate the Net Present Value, it's not a hard choice.

Thanks guys for the insights. But whilst I try my luck with Cranfield or Warwick as of now immediately I need to confirm to Bath or Durham about my decision.

Durham - Consistent overall high rankings across published ones, heritage and a safe bet

Bath - Decent ranked MBA and seems to have better mobility and job placements within 3 months (which is a major and prime factor for me)

Hope the experts can help me make a calculated decision.

Muktiply the placement within 3 months by the percentage replying. Often a low response rate reflects alumni who don't want to drag down the average. Look at past years too.

I'm also trying to understand how exactly is International Mobility calculated ?

Does it mean number of students who find jobs in the UK or US I e. Location of bschool after graduating or % students getting jobs in their home country thereby depicting transfer value

It shows the success of students in finding work in a country they have not worked in before. It's not a percentage, I think, but a ranking.

I wonder why is Bath MBA costing 37500 GBP while Durham is older, overall higher ranked but charges 28k
Though both give scholarships.

Secondly, From a job perspective does Bath hold an advantage due to location or Durham attracts employers due to its Brand.

Bath is a much older and better business school, and it has had a top MBA for decades. The Bath MBA attracts a more global, less Asian, more female cohort.

I know this post is been a while but just wondered if your statement is still the same about Bath MBA compared to Durham MBA? Would you rate the MBA at Bath overall qualitatively higher than Durham or has the tide turned in favor of Durham?

I think it's only helpful to compare schools in comparison to specific career goals. Durham has obviously made huge progress, but it attracts a different cohort. Bath MBAs are generally older, whiter and more female.

Thanks for your valuation

What about Durham vs Bath vs Lancaster (Lancaster with scholarship)?

I think my comments on this thread make it clear that most applicants would be wise to take Durham over Lancaster or Bath.

What about Durham vs Bath vs Lancaster (Lancaster with scholarship)?

Lancaster University Management School as on 2018 is best for entrepreneurship as compared to Durham. I could not accurately predict what the next ranking cycle ranking would be for Lancaster. Also Durham was not in the 2017 list, I am expecting it retains its stand. If not an entrepreneur then Durham is a better choice.

I think my comments on this thread make it clear that most applicants would be wise to take Durham over Lancaster or Bath.

[Edited by gt_97 on Sep 06, 2020]