Hello everybody,

I am seeking an full-time MBA programme or Master in Real Estate from universities in the UK. Goal is to find a job in the RE industry that'd be eligible for me to obtain a work permit to stay. Here is my background,

- GPA: major in Econ, undergrat in top3 university in Canada but grade not reaching UK2:2;
- GMAT660;
- Work experience: 8 years (5 years in Canada, 3 years in China) but not with any globally recognized company; started a small-sized property management company while in Canada.

After I did research on no less than 20 UK schools (from Durham/Nottingham/Birmingham to Oxford Brookes/South Bank...) and emailed some of the recruit offices, I learned that this GPA is damaging to the point that it will not get me into any programme that appears on reputable ranking. Also for couple of reasons, I must apply this year so I do not have enough time to take top-up course.

I am lost here on how to proceed, as I understand that I should not aim high but part of me still hope that some MBAs might still open theirs door, with a GMAT and work experience considered. Basically, how should I make the selections? Or just making 20 applications in a rowt?

Any opinion is much appreciated, either based on facts or personal experience. Thank you in advance!

South Bank is a below average university. If they turn you down, and you have several years experience, then I don't think it's necessarily the degree that it hurting you. Personally, I have a very weak undergrad, close to a fail, and was admitted to a top UK MBA. 

The obvious option is to aim at an MSc that explicitly talks about people with prior experience. A strong GMAT (660 is okay, if it is balanced) and a strong mission and clear goals will help you. 

Hi Duncan, I was hoping that you would reply - your insight and suggestion are greatly appreciated.

I agree that if schools like South Bank/Brunel turns me down, the problem is more due to the whole app package than GPA alone. Btw, gmat660 is from v33+q48 so I'd say it's balanced? What deprives me of confidence to apply for better schools is not only the weak undergrad, but also work exp. not being competitive enough (although 8-year long but all with below-avg platforms). The strengths I could put down really just are (1)exp. in both coorporation+had my own business (2)Int'l exp.+3 languages (3)a clear ladder movement from property mgt assistant to project mng in RE industry.

I have seen your reply in other posts mentioning "MiM/MSc in a better school > MBA in a lower-ranked school", also browsed Linkedin to get a grasp on placement. In regards to "aim at an MSc that explicitly talks about people with prior experience", my understanding is that MSRE will suit me more than a MBA. 

Or do you think I don't necessarily need to pursue MSRE, a MiM or other MSc can be on the "try list" too? MSRE are offered by only few schools (lse/reading/ucl/manchester/glasgow/city/southbank/escp)
and half of them already replied saying my grade is way too low..

You have a complex case, because there are lots of tactics you can use at in the edge. Consider booking a call with me. Depending on your goal, it could be a good idea to consider an intermediate qualification which would allow admissions managers to see you in a different light. That might include the Oxford or Warwick diplomas, for example, or starting a DL MBA that allows you to transfer to full time like Warwick or, I assume, Hult.

A top up BA Honours could be a good idea, to be honest. 

Thanks for the swift reply. 

I am very interested in the tactics mentioned by you as I do not see many options (may not have time for top up BA honours since I must apply for FT program starting in Sep'22), plus not seeing what edges I can play with when applying - I may be downplaying but I just don't see any competitiveness in myself for a decent school. Also I'm not sure what does intermediate qualification mean, as in school ranking or..? 

I agree that general suggestion would only go so far, will you be able to provide specific suggestions on school/program/application tactic in the email/call service?

Sorry, this really needs an essay length answer and I have to get to work.   

Understood. Thanks for the reply Duncan, I’ll make up a detailed question list before reaching out to you on chapple later. 

By an intermediate qualification, I mean an academic course that would give you a new GPA and ideally a new qualification. For example, a top-up BSc, a postgraduate diploma, a post-baccalureate certificate, a certificate of higher education....