An International Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is aimed at working professionals who are looking to progress their career. Due to the mass globalisation of business, there is an increase in the demand for managers with international business expertise. An international MBA, also known as an IMBA, will prepare you for the fast-paced, competitive and demanding nature of business. An IMBA will likely be attended by more mature students than an undergraduate degree, as they will be coming to education after gaining several years of work experience.
An IMBA degree will take your existing knowledge of international business and build on it, progressing your skills and abilities. You will be sharing your perspective of key principles and concepts with students from many areas of the business world, and potentially from a variety of countries. This will be the perfect opportunity to network with potential future global business leaders.
Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. You may be required to take part in a work placement as part of your degree.
Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise throughout your degree. This specialisation might be able to influence the way in which your career progresses when you finish studying. Common specialisations might include:
If your degree requires you to write a dissertation or submit a final research project, this will give you an opportunity to further explore a favoured area of international business.
The accreditation of an IMBA is internationally standardised. This means that no matter where in the world you choose to study, you will be awarded a Master of Business Administration. The only element of your award that may be different is the specific title.
Some degrees may be accredited or approved by professional bodies of business and management. These might include the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
The duration of your IMBA will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by the country in which your institution is located. Generally, an IMBA can take up to three years when studied full-time, and up to eight years if studied part-time.
An MBA is generally studied as a final degree, so further study does not tend to be common. However, if you do wish to continue your studies, this could be in the form of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a different masters degree, or a graduate diploma or certificate.
International MBA degree students are likely to already have an idea of their career path after they have graduated. This might include progressing in your current career, such as moving from a middle management job role to a senior management job role. It could also include changing career completely, potentially moving industry and location. Gaining an IMBA is a great way to display to international companies that you have an advanced expertise in business, and have gained a world-recognised award.
Study in China
China has long been regarded as a global superpower when it comes to economic, business and political standing. Its reputation as a higher education destination has taken longer to earn, but is rewarded on merit. The country's government has invested in university and higher education over the last few years, with the aim to increase the international student population. This investment has meant that there are many more courses offered in English than there were a few years ago, making China a new and exciting destination for international students.
See our detailed guide to studying in China for international students.
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