Masters in Business Administration

Final award MBA

Intermediate awards available PGCert, PGDip

Mode of delivery MBA: On campus; Global MBA+; Blended

learning

Details of professional body

accreditation N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements Postgraduate degrees in Business and

Management

Date specification last up-dated February 2014

Alternative locations for studying this programme

Location Which elements? Taught by

UEL staff

Taught by

local staff

Method of

Delivery

Rheinische Fachhochschule

Cologne

Entire programme Yes Yes Blended

Learning

WIM Malaysia Entire programme No Yes Blended

Learning

Akmi Metropolitan College,

Athens/Thessaloniki

Entire programme

(in Greek language)

No Yes Full-time

Programme content

If you are a graduate with three or more years of managerial, entrepreneurial or professional

experience, searching for the next destination in your career, then our MBA will help take

you there. Whether you are looking to move up in your existing industry or branch out into a

new one, you will benefit from a thorough grounding in management fundamentals, exposure

to cutting edge research and best practice, and honing of your teamworking, leadership and

consulting skills. Along with the established business disciplines – economics, finance,

marketing, operations management, human capital management, strategy and project

management – you will study entrepreneurship and corporate sustainability. You can take a

general MBA, or options in Finance, International Business, Leadership or Healthcare

Management. You will gain a deep understanding of how organisations work, and of how

you can make an impact on the one that has the foresight to employ you!

MBA at UEL

A flexible choice between full time study or the executive attendance based on

blended learning (Global MBA+), a blend of weekend/evening attendance and

internet-based learning. Working managers can continue in employment while

studying

Innovative teaching using iPads for full-time students and internet streaming and

video for those studying at a distance

The possibility, though our Global Campus, of combining studies in London – one of

the world’s most vibrant and connected financial centres – with semesters abroad,

including US; Germany and Malaysia (Note: immigration regulations may limit

choices for some students and additional fees could apply)

Purpose built, state of the art MBA suite and teaching facilities with easy connections

to the centre of London and Canary Wharf

A Business School with 20 years’ experience in the MBA field

Experience diversity at first hand – more than 15 different nationalities in the average

class – in one of the world’s most diverse cities. And learn a second or third language

Gain certified training on Bloomberg while studying

Learn about, and experience, social entrepreneurship through our non-credit activities

such as the Global Scholars Scheme

Entry requirements

Applications will be considered from graduates with a GCSE Maths Grade C (or equivalent)

and a 2:2 honours degree or its equivalent from any discipline. International qualifications

will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate

programmes.

Students must have a minimum of 3 years’ (preferably five) managerial, professional or

entrepreneurial work experience. That experience must have been acquired after their first

degree. Applications will be considered, on a case-by-case basis, from people with 7 years of

experience as senior managers or as principals in their own businesses. Such applications

may be considered from people who do not have a first degree, or who have acquired one

after many years of work experience.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal

Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning

(ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants

must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as

listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption. In the great majority of cases,

however, students will be expected to take and pass every module in the MBA.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 overall and

minimum 6.0 in all elements (or equivalent) is required.

Technical requirements for the MBA based on executive attendance and blended

learning

To participate in the Global MBA+ you need:

1. Unlimited access to a PC or Mac capable of running recent versions of standard MS

Office and browser software (or equivalent) for producing word-processed

documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Your PC must be capable of running the

required plug-ins for the Virtual Learning Environment (Adobe Flash player, Adobe

PDF Viewer, Apple QuickTime).

2. Reliable broadband internet access. For each module that you take, you will be

expected to spend up to 12 hours online per week, participating in streamed tuition

sessions and discussions and accessing resources, including video material.

3. A valid and reliable email address.

4. Access to a printer ( recommended).

Programme structure

The MBA consists of six 30-credit modules. Full time students will complete this in 12

months, while students on the Global MBA+ will take up to 24 months depending upon the

number of modules they opt to take in a given semester.

Learning environment

The UEL full-time based programme is taught at a brand new centre, namely “University

Square Stratford”, which is located in the area of Stratford in proximity of the Olympic

Park. Other facilities, such as Bloomberg terminals, are housed at UEL modern Docklands

site.

Each full-time student entering the programme will receive an iPad which, as well as giving

access to extensive on-line materials, allow a high level of interactivity and feedback during

teaching sessions. There are three main forums for learning and study:

Lectures – which set the context for learning, introduce themes, and structure regular

reading. The aim is an interactive experience in which programme participants can

draw on – and challenge – module tutors. Students on the Global MBA+ will attend

some lectures at weekends/evenings while “attending” others virtually through the

internet

Seminars – which offer scope for exploring case studies, group work in preparing and

delivering presentations, role plays and simulations. As with lectures, students on the

Global MBA+ will have a mixture of weekend/evening and internet-based discussions

and activities

Self-directed learning – based on a framework provided for each module, involving

structured reading and problem-solving, much of it web-based. Both full-time and

Global MBA+ students will make extensive use of Moodle, our virtual learning

environment. Whilst in the Global MBA+ much work will be individual, enabling you

to set your own schedule, for most modules, you will be expected to participate in

group discussions or chat sessions, or to work together with other distance learning

students as a group on projects and assignments.

Assessment

Each module is assessed separately – typically, there are two pieces of assessment for each

taught module, so that you will have four assessments to complete in each semester. A typical

mix could include an examination, two will be group projects, and one will be an individual

report. In addition, you will have, depending upon which Option you choose, a further

individual or group practical or theoretical research-based assessment. All assessments count

towards your Masters award.

Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with

the Programme Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the

programme.

International students studying full time who might need to resit particular modules, could

substitute live attendance of the module with the equivalent distance learning materials.

Some of the assessments could be performed electronically (e.g. individual examinations) by

using available features of the Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle).

Relevance to work/profession

MBAs help you develop in four ways that are central to a career:

You develop an integrated understanding that helps you see each part of a business in

the context of the organisation as a whole, and of its environment

You become critically aware, so you are better equipped to assess evidence for and

against a point of view, to challenge received wisdom

You develop skills in identifying, diagnosing and solving complex problems

You develop a set of interpersonal and leadership skills that help you work with other

people, possibly from other cultures.

This gives you the mature, positive, yet critical approach which organisations need if they are

to develop and thrive in a complex and rapidly changing business context, and the personal

skills needed to be an effective manager.

Dissertation/project work

The MBA, as a practical management qualification, does not feature a formal dissertation.

Students will be involved in two practical projects on the module “Consultancy and

Entrepreneurship”. One project will consist of a real consultancy activity for an external

organisation, while another project will consist of developing the business plan for a new

start-up business. The module Managing Marketing and Operations involves substantial

research on two companies. The chosen Option may also involve a major piece of research-

based work as part of the assessment.

Added value

An iPad – and access to the learning materials that this offers (may not be offered on

Global MBA+ or by all our partners)

24/7 access to one of London’s most highly acclaimed Libraries and Learning

Resource Centres

Flexibility in time and location of study on our Global MBA+ and Global Campus

Experience diversity – don’t just read about it – on a global programme

Exceptional preparation for the world of employment and career guidance

Access to an international Alumni network of around 4,000 past MBA students

through the MBA’s own, exclusive, Alumni Association

Wide range of non-credit activities including visiting and inspirational speakers,

national and international field trips, involvement in social projects and training in

Bloomberg

Your future career

Graduates typically take up positions in multinationals or aspiring multinationals or in family

firms. A considerable number also go on to start their own businesses.

How we support you

The programme aims to provide consistent and continuing support for students through staff

involved in teaching, administration and programme management. For full-time students, a

key contact point is the Business School Helpdesk, which can help with a range of student

enquiries. Academic support will be provided by module leaders and the programme leader

There is also help with particular linguistic needs through UEL’s Academic English Study

Support service (AESS), delivered by the English Language Centre. Dedicated support is also

available from staff experienced in the enhancement of numeracy skills.

In general support is provided through,

the programme leader acting as your personal tutor (or another colleague teaching on

the programme)

accessible and supportive module tutors,

student support centre with dedicated staff,

induction process that aims to develop key skills for UK study,

an ongoing parallel support programme of English language and study skills,

an on-line facility for learning skills.

large learning resource facility with on-line databases,

self-study areas

a dedicated Careers Service.

Support and guidance for students study by blended learning on the Global MBA+

Global MBA+ students will receive academic support from their individual module leader.

The role of the module leader is to monitor the effectiveness of the student’s learning during

the module for which they are responsible, providing feedback, encouragement and support.

Local partners will also offer advice (e.g about choice of Options) and support on issues

affecting a student’s studies.

Bonus factors

There will be the possibility of internships with companies in London for full-time students.

(Note: UEL cannot commit to find an internship for every student; students are encouraged to

identify their own internship opportunities).

Our Global Reach and Global Scholars programmes offer sponsored opportunities to pursue a

project in a country around the world that deepens your learning and helps you put it into

practice, often in a social enterprise context.

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

Develop an integrated understanding that helps you see each part of a business in the

context of the organisation as a whole, and of its environment

Become critically aware, and equipped to assess evidence for and against a point of

view, to challenge received wisdom

Develop skills in identifying, diagnosing and solving complex problems

Develop a set of interpersonal and leadership skills that help you work with other

people, possibly from other cultures.

What will you learn?

By the end of this programme you will be able to:

Knowledge

Debate the implications of the major developments and trends in the international

business environment

Critically discuss the business dynamics of different industries with reference to both

strategies and operations

Recognise and respond to management dilemmas, in particular those relating to issues

of sustainability and entrepreneurship, in relation to complex international

environments

Thinking skills

Select the appropriate theories, conceptual frameworks and analytical tools to apply to

a business problem

Make sense of complex, incomplete and ambiguous information through

appropriately detailed analysis.

Subject-Based Practical skills

Appraise the situations of organisations and industries

Use theories and best practices for solving complex problems and managing business

trade-offs

Undertake research into major business problems or issues and provide effective

recommendations for change

Contribute to the formation and implementation of strategies, at functional and

organisational levels, within an international context

Skills for life and work (general skills)

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with both expert and non-expert

audiences

Manage and lead teams of professionals

Demonstrate leadership in challenging situations.

Work to exacting deadlines

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that

is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g.

lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year

one of an undergraduate degree programme

1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme

2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree

programme

3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree

programme

M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 180 credits.

Typical duration

The duration of this programme is one calendar year full-time and two calendar years part-

time.

It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any

external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students

make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The maximum duration of this programme is 6 years, and the maximum time for any one

module is 3 years.

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical student

registered in a full-time attendance mode will study two 30 credit modules per semester and a

typical student registered in a part-time attendance mode will study one or two modules per

semester. Two further taught modules are offered during the summer period.

What you will study when

Structure of MBA (full-time attendace and executive attendance based on blended learning)

Semester A Semester B Semester C

Global Business

Analysis (30 credits)

Global Management

of People and

Projects (30 credits)

Sustainable Strategic

Management (30

credits)

Managing Marketing

and Operations (30

credits)

Consultancy and

Entrepreneurship (30

credits)

Option (30 credits)

OR Work-based

learning

Students on the full-time MBA will take two modules in each semester. Students on the

Global MBA+ will take one or two modules in each semester, according to their own

requirements.

Level UEL

Module

Code

Available by

distance

learning

(Y/N)

Module Title Credit Status

M Y Global Business

Analysis

30 Core

M Y Managing

Marketing and

Operations

30 Core

M Y Global

Management of

People and

Projects

30 Core

M Y Consultancy and

Entrepreneurship

30 Core

M Y Sustainable

Strategic

Management

30 Core

M Y Changes in the

business

environment

30 Option

M Y International

Business

30 Option

M Y Finance 30 Option

M Y Leadership 30 Option

M Y Healthcare

Management

30 Option

M Y Management

Report: Work-

Based Learning

30 Option

Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.

In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M

In order to obtain a Masters, you will need to obtain 180 credits at

Level M. These credits will include a 60 credit level M core module of advanced independent

research.

Masters Award Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Masters award then the award classification is

determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained

as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the

following classification

70% -

100%

Distinction

60%- 69% Merit

50% - 59% Pass

0% - 49% Not passed

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge is developed through

Integrated tutor led lecture and class/group seminar/case study/discussion

Private study to prepare for group discussion and presentations.

Private study to prepare for assignments and report writing.

Reference and access to literature resources, including on-line academic and business

journals and databases

Online discussions and activities

Thinking skills are developed through

Seminars and group work

Case studies and associated problem-solving activities

Structured group/seminar discussion

Reflective activities with feedback

Presentations of prepared work

Online discussions and activities

Practical skills are developed through

Case studies, role plays and workshops

Researching presentations and projects both group and individual

Skills-based activities with feedback

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

Report writing

Presentations

Completion of major consultancy and business planning project

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed by

Group and individual presentations.

Group and individual course work/assignments.

Thinking skills are assessed by

Group work

Presentations

Assignments, which may based on case studies

Practical skills are assessed by

Business reports which may be based upon case studies

Consultancy reports and business plans

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

Reports and presentations

Consultancy reports and business plans

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;

adequate resources would be in place;

the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;

the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;

the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;

the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as

admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support

mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic

experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);

statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);

student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and

Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student

participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that

includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at

student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its

conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where

action is needed.

The role of the programme committee

The programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student

representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the

programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The Global MBA+ will have representatives who

will take soundings from the online community and make relevant recommendations – their

attendance at the programme committee may be electronic. The committee has

responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the

Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme

committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External

examiners have two primary responsibilities:

To ensure the standard of the programme;

To ensure that justice is done to individual students.

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

Approving exam papers/assignments;

Attending assessment boards;

Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;

Ensuring that regulations are followed;

Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements

for the future.

The external examiner reports for this programme are located on the UEL virtual learning

environment (Moodle) on the school notice board under the section entitled ‘External

Examiner Reports & Responses’. You can also view a list of the external examiners for the

UEL School by clicking on the link below.

http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/CurrentExternalExaminers.htm

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

Module evaluations

Student representation on programme committees (meeting twice a year)

Student surveys (annually)

Students are notified of the action taken through:

Summarising mid-module feedback on Moodle (our Virtual Learning Environment)

for the module and detailing relevant actions in response

Discussion of summaries of all completed module feedback in the programme

committee and relevant actions to be taken at modular and programme-level

Individual responses to students as required

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

Formal contact with external examiners

Approval for major changes in the programme via the School’s Standing Quality

Committee , programme committee and external examiners

External industry and practitioner views via the School’s Business Advisory Board

Further information

Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)

The student handbook (give web-site where available)

UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/

UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/

Regulations for theAcademic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/

The Royal Docks Business School website http://royaldocksbusiness.com/mba