Full-time MBA
UCLan Full-time MBA video
"The Full-time MBA is a very intensive course and the students need work experience, as the MBA is all about context. It's not a traditional educational programme – it's all about looking at things differently. What's the context? What's really going on in the business world that we're trying to prepare them for?" Sally Bate, Principal Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Manager for Uclan's Lancashire Business School.
A postgraduate qualification in a business or management discipline can make a real difference to your professional career prospects, helping you build essential high-level knowledge and skills in your chosen area of specialism, as well as providing real insight into the world of business with a global dimension.
See what some of our recent graduates and current MBA students have to say about the benefits of postgraduate study:
UCLan Part-time MBA
Name: Annika Swinn
Course/Subject: MBA
Study method: Part-time
Having previously graduated with a degree in Law with History, customer care manager Annika Swinn has always held an interest in business. Having set herself a personal challenge to expand her expertise and learn more about other organisations and departments, Annika decided to embark on a course of postgraduate study.
Annika says: "I decided on an MBA, as it's known throughout business, and some jobs I've seen have requested this qualification. I chose Uclan because it was local for me and better value than
other institutions I looked at."
Annika immediately felt the benefit of her study in the workplace, and this has since had a positive effect on her career. "The MBA allowed me to think differently and questioned my underlying assumptions. I have been able to speak up confidently in management meetings and offer some valuable insight into all departments. Due to this, I have been promoted, and the credit control department is now included in my wider remit. Plus the qualification will enhance my career, as I plan to move into general management in the future", adds Annika.
Research has also had a positive effect on Annika's work: "I'm looking into the effect of organisational culture on the way people can be socialised into my organisation, particularly focussing on any ethical issues that may arise, should this culture change people's outlook or be used to control the workforce."
Annika highlights the reflective work included throughout her Uclan MBA programme as being the most instrumental element, in terms of affecting change in the way she works: "The reflective work we have done on the MBA has really changed the way I work. I have learned to question myself, despite the fact that I do not like criticism, and, through this work, I have been able to influence my own behaviours for the better. Reflection is a tool I will never abandon and I would never have done this, if it had not been for the MBA."
Top tip for prospective postgraduate students from Annika:
"Plan your time. It sounds rudimentary, but studying whilst working can take over your life. You can be motivated to stick to your plan by thinking of the end result and how good you will feel when it is completed."
Name: Nina Carter
Course/Subject: MBA
Study method: Part-time
Nina Carter graduated with a BSc in Psychology before progressing to a management position within the NHS involving commissioning and performance management in the area of drug and alcohol treatment.
With ambitions of ultimately gaining a PhD, Nina wanted to take a step closer towards this with a Master's qualification. She decided on the MBA as she felt this best helped with her career towards a senior position.
Nina added that the MBA also held transferable skills that were applicable to all companies and sectors.
Nina says: "Since starting the MBA I am now more confident in terms of managing relationships and critiquing information to make more informed management decisions. I also feel that as a result of this course I have grown both intellectually and personally."
Learning from others has been one of the highlight of the course. "The class discussions are really valuable and I learnt from others experiences within their workplace. It's great to meet and work with people from different industries too."
"As a result I am confident I will be able to progress into roles I previously did not have the knowledge or qualifications to apply for".
Top tip for prospective postgraduate students from Nina:
"Organisation is key. The demands of working and studying are significant so planning and organising your time is really important."
