Hello Scholars!

I am in the process of looking for a MBA program that fits most of my needs. It has become a daunting task! And I would really appreciate some advice.

I recieved my BBA in December of 2006. I have around 2-3 years of work experience under my belt and looking to start a MBA program in September of 2007. Here are some of the criteria?s I am looking for in a MBA program/school:

- Location: London (proximity to downtown)
- Good/solid program (maybe w/ internship)
- Fun, international student friendly (student union & Accommodation)
- Scholarship availability
- Program Length: 12-14 months
- No GMATS (preferred)

This posting might be a bit different from the rest of the postings because I am looking for that overseas experience more so than a "Harvard/INSEAD" type MBA reputation. I was originally looking into backpacking Europe but have now decided ?I might as well get my degree if I?m over there.? I am looking to have the time of my life, all the while undertaking a worthwhile education. Some schools I have been considering:
- Aston
- Regents
- Roehampton
- Westminster
- Huron
- Derby
- London Metropolitan

As stated, I am a US student so I don't know which schools are known for what or if they are legitimate universities or ?community college? like schools. I would greatly appreciate any comments/advice!

Personal experience from anyone who has attended these or similar schools in London welcome.

I'm afraid I cannot give you any information about the quality of the MBA programs you mention. Locationwise London Met, is quite central, not far from Angel/Highbury Islington on Holborn. I used close to live close to the main building. There seem to be many international students enrolled in the university. From what I have heard, it is not exactly the most-reputed uni in London, but not bad either.


That's how the main building looks like. Actually, I am not sure if the MBA course take place in that building.

Of all schools mentioned in the original post, only Aston Business Schools offers a fully accredited MBA program. The Aston MBA is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA and Equis, which is something not many business schools in Europe can deliver. Aston also does pretty well in the rankings: http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/news/releases/2005/october/051025.jsp

As you will know, Aston is not located in London though, but in Birmingham, which is more than two hours from King's Cross -- and pretty boring.

Of the other schools, I would think only London Met and Westminster are known abroad. However, as far as I know, their MBA programs are not accredited by any major accreditation organization. In terms of teaching quality und international reputation they cannot compete with the top business schools in London such as London Business School, City University (Cass), and Imperial (Tanaka). These three schools are in a different league.

Derbyshire Business School is located in Derby which is even further north than Birmingham.

To sum it up: Aston would be a good option but would involve a lot of traveling if you want to spend some time in London. London Met and Westminster would be an option if you are mainly interested in getting the degree while enjoying London. If you want to improve your career, you should try to get into LBS, Cass or Imperial, but then you will have to put in some time and effort.

Good luck with your choices!
LaVoz

Hey thanks a lot for the advice. It really helps because, although the internet is a very useful tool in researching schools, it's not the end all be all.

I definetly want to be in the city. I want to experience all of what the city has to offer. I don't think I am willing to settle for Birmingham, although I've heard a lot of good things.

I was wondering if I could get your opinion on some of these "American" schools in London such as American Intercontinental University and Schiller International University. Are they simply American schools located in London? Do they provide a decent MBA program? How do they compare to the other London MBA programs? Benefits and disadvantages?

Thanks everyone for your reply. It is life changing!

hey soobin! i'm finding myself in the spot you were at a few months ago...i live in the states but am wanting to go to london for an mba. i've already applied to lbs, and am now starting to look elsewhere, so i'm just curious what you came up with in your research. i'm looking at cass and imperial college, but am concerned they're too financially minded. any thoughts?

The University of Westminster MBA is accredited by AMBA, the main accrediting organization in the UK and the one accrediting the largest number of MBA programs internationally.

Hi

I hate to do this, but I have to disagree with the suggestion of Westminster. Doing a MBA is probably one of the biggest investment in your life! Therefore, you cannot and should not afford to make any mistake.

Doing a MBA from a top business school and a good business school has A LOT of difference. The former offers you jobs, good ones, almost immediately; while the later offers you a certificate.

Feel free to drop me a note or pm me if you need more advice.

Good luck.

Kind regards,
Thomas
thomaswai.blogspot.com

With respect,

No suggestion to study at Westminster was made.

The point of my response was to correct the following statement

>Of all schools mentioned in the original post, only Aston Business Schools offers a fully accredited MBA program.

This is incorrect. The Westminster MBA is AMBA accredited. Academically the content of the Westminster MBA compares with any AMBA accredited institution.

I could add:

The Marylebone campus is in the very center of London (superior location).

The cost of the course compares favourably with that of other AMBA accredited MBA schools in London--of which there are not many.

The faculty include PhD graduates of Imperial College, Cass, London Business School and other good schools.

The school has the best equipped Bloomberg facility of any business school in London and offers an extensive range of elective courses in finance (derivatives, fixed income etc.) that are availed of by many organizations in the city of London.

The school does have some failings; most notably it fails to attract the typical MBAs that Henry Mintzberg wrote about in his excellent book "Managers not MBAs." However, some people see this as an attraction.

Hello,

As I understand, you dont really worry too much about the quality of the programme but to have alright education, a nice MBA certificate and gain some european exposure.

I am not sure why you limit yourself to London only. There are other places in Europe that you can visit. If you stick to London then Westminster probably the best you can get.

Talk to the course co-ordinator, they may be able to accommodate for summer internship. Finding an internship is almost entirely up to you.

Good luck