Hi, I am looking for MBA options in the UK. I currently have 2 years of work experience in the consulting and services sector, with small firms. I have a GMAT score of 700, and an above average academic record through school and college. I am keen on a program in the UK, however, most websites state the minimum work experience requirement as 4-5 years. I just wanted to check how stringent the requirement is, as well as on suggestions as to where I could apply. Also, if someone could guide me regarding the benefits of an Msc in management vis a vis an MBA, would appreciate it.

Hi Sam..work experience all depends on the type of uni ur applying for...if its one of the top, obviously they wud have too many applicants and as such use work experience to filter some out...normally they require 2-3 years...about MSc i wouldn't reccomend that as any masters in science is more theoretical and numerical...but mba is more practical and demanding in market...(Go for MBA!!)..hope it helps..best of luck neway..

Hello Samanta

If you have two years of work experience, I think most schools will be flexible. Flexibility will depend upon your academic records and GMAT, as well as upon the quality of your work experience (level of responsibility, exposure to different areas/problems/industries). If you think your work experience can help you, you should make sure that you explain why, so that the admissions office will take it into account. Don't just assume that they will read your résumé and understand what type of job you've been doing. Most admissions offices have to revise lots of applications. Try to make sure that you have some letter of recommendations from people who can explain what type of job you've been doing.

You should also know that there usually are differences between full-time and part-time programs. As far as I know, in part-time MBAs the work experience requirement is usually less important.

As far as the MSc versus MBA choice is concerned, the MBA has a stronger "professional orientation", as Ahmed pointed out. In an MBA the topics are less mathematical or are explained in a less mathematical (more intuitive) way, and the curriculum includes "soft skills" (presentation, negotiation, leadership, teamwork, etc.). There is usually no dissertation. The MSc has a more academic focus: topics are more quantitative, homework will involve reading the most recent research papers, and there will usually be some Master's thesis in the end. Having said that, there may be differences across schools and programs. Another difference between MScs and MBAs is that MBAs are general degrees (you will get general training in all business fields) whereas MScs tend to be more specialized.

Samanta,
Some UK schools tend to have an older class than other internaitonal MBAS. But generally, many schools seek for students with 2 years, including Harvard.

Check FT or any ranking, among top 25 and then start looking each school.

Thanks. Im basically considering schools in the HSMP list, and I'd like to apply to Warwick and Hull. Any inputs on these schools, in particular?

Warwick is an excellent school. It has very good faculty and reputation. I don't know much about Hull, but that doesn't mean very much. It may be a very good school too. In any case, I think it makes sense for you to apply to several schools, just in case you don't get in your preferred one. If possible, I would also visit the schools to get first-hand information.

Thanks.. I am actually looking at a mix of schools in South East Asia and the UK, which is why I'm looking at only about 2-3 UK schools. I wanted to know if Warwick (a dream school) would consider a profile like mine. I know there are no guarantees :) but I want this to be a measured risk.

Samanta,

Why you consider Warwick as your "dream school"? Better in the UK are LBS, Cambridge or Oxford, or even Cranfield or Manchester.

But, you are applying to HSMP list, which basically for the fact that guarantee a job in the UK, but then you say that you are also considering Asian schools???

Thanks, Single Spain. The reason I' m only considering schools on the HSMP list in the UK is that I intend to take a loan, which wd be easier to pay off in pounds/dollars. Therefore, the desire to work in the UK for a year. The Asian schools I plan to apply to have lower fees, therefore wd be relatively easier to pay in my national currency.

Also, I have been told that LBS, MSB, Cambridge and Oxford have more stringent work ex requirements than Warwick, which is what I wanted to confirm. Thanks.

Min req experience is 2 years, but the fact that some people may have 4 5 or more years of experience, does not imply that you are less competitive than them. The importance is to work hard on the other reqs, for instance your interview, recs, essays, languages, gmat and why the school and why the mba...
also, self confidence!

Hello Samantha,
I'm also considering Asian schools. Which programs are you applying for in Asia? Can you tell me which requirements in terms of work experience the good MBAs have?
Thanks in advance
iuri

Hi Samantha

In most years Warwick has more experienced students (usually around 8-9 years) that Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, Manchester and Cranfield. With 2 years they won't consider you. I think it's min. 3 years if you have a good GMAT. There are good schools like LBS for less work experience but then you are positioning yourself in the 'MBA-fodder' category. The recruiters of those graduates like to buy in bulk (I'll have 10 MBAs please...) and then shape those new recruits in their company culture (McKinsey etc...). It's an important part of your strategy where you want to be positioned (relatively more inexperienced or more mature).