As the rapidly changing global business environment makes graduate schools of business (MBA) a leading option, the University of Manchester Global MBA program, which offers a practice-centered curriculum, is drawing attention.
The University of Manchester is a research-focused university that marked its 200th anniversary in 2024, and its business school is considered the largest in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the few institutions accredited by the world's three major business education bodies: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
The Global MBA program is a two-year course run as a blended learning program that combines in-person classes and online study. Classes are built around business case studies and projects, and the curriculum features highly applicable subjects for real-world management settings, including ▲ negotiation strategy ▲ entrepreneurship ▲ innovation management.
The program also offers class opportunities in diverse global environments. Students take lectures from faculty at the University of Manchester East Asia Center in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, and upon advancing to the second year can choose to take courses at overseas campuses in the United Kingdom, Dubai, Singapore, and China, in addition to Hong Kong.
Founded in 1992, the University of Manchester East Asia Center is a support organization for students from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and among universities in the United Kingdom's Russell Group, Manchester is known as the only one with a dedicated organization in the East Asia region.
Students can also use the "fast track" system designed for professionals. The system recognizes certain courses and credits—and allows completion in a shorter period—for those who have already completed accounting- and finance-related coursework or hold professional qualifications such as CPA (certified public accountant), CFA (chartered financial analyst), or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
Evaluations from alumni active at major corporations are also positive. Cho Jeong-geun, a member of the class of 2025 who works as an executive in a sales role, said, "It was more than just a degree; I learned how to drive change as a leader," adding, "Studying with multinational students helped me build decision-making capabilities and collaboration skills."
A representative of the University of Manchester East Asia Center said, "We regularly host insight sessions for Korean students and region-based networking events," adding, "We hope to help strengthen the competitiveness of professionals through global education and a region-tailored approach."