Hi everyone

I am in my late 30s and have been working in Project and Programme Management for over 16 years now. I don't have a degree but was able to work my way up to a Director position through a lot of hard work and graft. However, I feel like I've now hit a ceiling and am limited in career options and progression due to my lack of having obtained a degree.

I have researched options into getting a recognised and respected qualifications and it looks as though a Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma is the fastest and possibly best option (I have already been accepted into the course by a CMI accredited provider). There is a pathway to completing an MBA top-up (dissertation only) after completing the Level 7 PGDip with the following universities offering this option:

1. University of Dundee (AMBA accredited)
2. Anglia Ruskin (CMI accredited)
3. Uni of Central Lancanshire (no accreditation)
4. Cardiff Met (no accreditation)

So the questions I have are:

1. Does anyone know of any other universities, preferably reputable, that offer an accredited MBA top-up option?

2. Is it worth pursuing this plan of action to help progress my career or will it not really make a difference given these universities are not highly ranked with accredited MBAs?

3. If so, are there any other options I can explore?

4. Additionally, I am looking to move to Sydney, Australia in the near future - will this make a difference with recognition and value of these qualifications?

5. Are there any similar type of programmes I can explore in Australia?

My only constraint is that it has to be an online MBA due to my existing commitments.

Thanks

[Edited by FM1 on Mar 31, 2023]

Hello, 
Well I am not much of an expert in this field but will definitely suggest you to go with an Executive MBA from a good B school. There are many EMBAs that don't require you to have a degree nor a GMAT score. So you can definitely look into them. 

Thank You !!

Dundee is *NOT* accredited by AMBA. No top-up MBA can be, as far as I can see. 

The Deakin online MBA is £4,000 [INR 400,000] via Upgrad. I wonder why you would pick one of these below-average schools when a strong Australian school is available. 

Dundee is *NOT* accredited by AMBA. No top-up MBA can be, as far as I can see. 
The Deakin online MBA is £4,000 [INR 400,000] via Upgrad. I wonder why you would pick one of these below-average schools when a strong Australian school is available. 

[Edited by FM1 on Apr 01, 2023]

I don't think anyone takes those qualifications seriously, from for-profit machines like OTHM. I am sure they would be seen as real vocational qualifications but a university qualification will probably have better support and more recognition. 

I was worried that may have been the case. I've scheduled a call with an admissions counselor from upgrad to discuss whether these qualifications are accepted and if not, what the alternatives are. 

Dundee is *NOT* accredited by AMBA. No top-up MBA can be, as far as I can see. 

The Deakin online MBA is £4,000 [INR 400,000] via Upgrad. I wonder why you would pick one of these below-average schools when a strong Australian school is available.