Newcastle University

Choosing an MBA

An MBA is of benefit if you:

• are or want to be a generalist manager with a view to upward progression through the levels of management, or a management consultant
• are currently a specialist who wants to change fields, for example an IT manager who wants to become a managing director; or a Marketing manager looking to become the Marketing Director of the company.

The MBA gives you a broad-based knowledge and provides an integrated and strategic view of how all the different aspects of a business work together and the challenges facing functional managers within an organisation.

How to choose the right MBA for you

An MBA is a journey, not a destination. At Newcastle we have a dedicated MBA team to support you in pursuit of your goals and make that process easier. Make no mistake though, even that first stage - becoming an MBA student - involves hard work!

The first thing to do is to make sure that an MBA is the right qualification for you. Don't underestimate the amount of work involved – if you are unsure whether this is the right choice for you, it probably isn't.

Once you’re certain that it is, think about the following issues:

Is the programme accredited by the Association of MBAs? – if it isn't, then don't even think about it. Our MBA has been AMBA-accredited for more than 20 years.

Look at how the programme is delivered – will it fit with your job and your home life? Don't try to take too much on, find the delivery that best suits your lifestyle and commitments. Read more about how this works on our full-time and Executive MBA.

How international is the Business School?

• Do faculty members come from various countries around the world?
• Will you be able to network and establish useful contacts?
• Will you be making friends and share experiences with people from different backgrounds and cultures?

Talk to the programme’s Academic Directors.
Just as we do at Newcastle University Business School, most business schools offer preview events where you can ask questions and find out a little more. If this is not convenient for you, contact the MBA Team to arrange a one-to-one meeting.

How does the process feel?
Treat your selection process rather like you would a job interview. If you don't feel an affinity with a company at an interview, you wouldn't take the job – and it's the same with your choice of business school. You should feel comfortable in the environment, and with the people you meet whilst making your decision. You can also tell a lot from the way that your initial enquiry is dealt with.

Talk to current and previous students – and get a real insight into what to expect.
We can help to put you in touch with current students and alumni of Newcastle University Business School who are happy to discuss their experiences with you.

Don't worry about asking questions – that's what we're here for.

We won't try to persuade you to become a Newcastle University Business School MBA if we don't believe it is the right option for you. We want you to make the best choice for both your personal and professional life and we are here to help you do just that.