Studying a Global MBA abroad

A Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is the perfect way to take that next step on your business career path. You will be gaining both a world-class business education qualification, and a wealth of knowledge around the international business world.

An MBA degree will have more mature students attending, as most candidates coming to study after they have gained work experience.

A global MBA programme will give you the opportunity to share knowledge with students from all over the world, broadening your perspectives and improving your understanding of global business practices.

MBA programmes tend to be offered in three main study modes; full-time, part-time, and online or distance learning.

A global MBA will build on your existing knowledge of key business concepts, and the principles and practices that go along with these. You will develop your theoretical understanding of these concepts, as well as being presented with opportunities to apply and improve your practical skills.

Your degree will also add to this knowledge and ability, providing you with information and examples of how global business is different to domestic business, and how you and your business can adapt to these differences.

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 module as part of your degree.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise throughout your degree. This specialisation can influence the way in which your career progresses after you have graduated. Specialisations might include:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• International Marketing
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Business Across Cultures
• Consultancy

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation or submit a final major research project, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of global business.

The accreditation of an MBA is internationally standardised. This means that no matter where you choose to study for your degree, you will be awarded a Master of Business Administration. The only element of your award that could change is the specific title, such as Global MBA, or MBA in Finance.

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 a global MBA will depend on where you choose to study. It might also be influenced by the country in which your institution is located. Generally, an MBA will take up to three years when studied full-time, and could take up to eight years when studied part-time. An MBA is time intensive, but can help you to achieve your career goals earlier than you would if you were to rely on work experience.

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.

Global MBA graduates will generally have an idea of their career path when they apply for the degree. You might wish to progress in your current career, for example moving from middle management to senior management.

You might also wish to change your career path completely, and studying a global MBA will allow you to make this transition. Gaining an MBA is also a great way of displaying your global business expertise to international companies, as it is an award that is recognised around the world as a sign of high quality education.