TOP TEN MBA FAQ
Here are ten questions to help you in choosing an MBA.
1. Is the MBA qualification recognised, both locally and internationally?
All MBA's awarded by Australian universities should be recognised both by other universities overseas and also by local and international organisations.
2. What is the reputation of the MBA course?
Perhaps the best way to judge the reputation of any MBA program is to speak with current and past students of the program. Current students can give you an idea about the quality of the program before you apply. Graduates of the program should be able to inform you of the benefits of the MBA to them, particularly in terms of personal development and career prospects. The University should be able to help you contact students.
3. Is the course taught full-time, part-time, and/or distance learning?
Depending on your financial situation, and personal circumstances, you will have the choice to select an MBA program that suits your lifestyle. For example, while two years at business school is going to be a life-changing experience, you must assess the opportunity cost of leaving your current job. Australian universities now offer a variety of study modes to suit most people. The main thing is that the program suits your needs, which should include career goals, personal and financial commitments, and also the way that you learn.
4. What is the cost of the MBA?
The cost of an MBA program in Australia varies from around $8,000 to over $40,000 for course fees alone! You need to also consider the costs of learning materials, textbooks, photocopying, etc., and other administrative fees.
5. What is the reputation of the staff on the MBA program?
Look for a program that has a combination of 'star' academic researchers with publications in leading international journals, and also staff with commercial experience in the 'real-world'. This should expose you to the latest in management thinking and practice. Also, try to find out whether the business school places emphasis on quality teaching as evidenced by annual teaching awards, etc.
6. What will my fellow students be like?
You should be confident that you will also learn a great deal from contact with fellow students. What is the average age of the student cohort? What is their background? How many years professional experience do they bring to the MBA? A good MBA program should contain a diverse student population with students drawn from different background. Remember, your MBA class will be a terrific opportunity to network!
7. How good are the support services?
As an MBA student, you will be expected to work hard, very hard. You will need access to a well-stocked library that has flexible opening hours. You may also need access to computing/printing/photocopying facilities, as well as seminar rooms to meet and discuss class material.
8. Can I receive credits for prior study?
There is no universal policy regarding credit for prior study. Some MBA programs will award credit for subjects completed at undergraduate level, whereas other MBA programs are very reluctant to offer any credits. If you do seek credit, bear the following in mind: Am I seeking credit for subjects completed at MBA level?; Were those subjects completed within the last five years?; Will I be better placed if I am awarded credit?. In the final analysis, while a credit may save you time and money, you must ensure that you will receive real value from your MBA, other than the piece of paper. However, if you have genuinely completed similar subjects at MBA level, then a credit is probably justified.
9. How is the course assessed?
In general, MBA programs tend to contain a combination of different assessment methods, usually in the form of continuous assessment and a final examination. Some universities assess by a final examination only while some assess by assignments only.
10. Which MBA program best suits me?
Obviously, only you can answer that question. Hopefully, the questions raised above, plus the information provided whichmba.com will assist you in your decision making. Whichever MBA program that you choose, good luck.
1. Is the MBA qualification recognised, both locally and internationally?
All MBA's awarded by Australian universities should be recognised both by other universities overseas and also by local and international organisations.
2. What is the reputation of the MBA course?
Perhaps the best way to judge the reputation of any MBA program is to speak with current and past students of the program. Current students can give you an idea about the quality of the program before you apply. Graduates of the program should be able to inform you of the benefits of the MBA to them, particularly in terms of personal development and career prospects. The University should be able to help you contact students.
3. Is the course taught full-time, part-time, and/or distance learning?
Depending on your financial situation, and personal circumstances, you will have the choice to select an MBA program that suits your lifestyle. For example, while two years at business school is going to be a life-changing experience, you must assess the opportunity cost of leaving your current job. Australian universities now offer a variety of study modes to suit most people. The main thing is that the program suits your needs, which should include career goals, personal and financial commitments, and also the way that you learn.
4. What is the cost of the MBA?
The cost of an MBA program in Australia varies from around $8,000 to over $40,000 for course fees alone! You need to also consider the costs of learning materials, textbooks, photocopying, etc., and other administrative fees.
5. What is the reputation of the staff on the MBA program?
Look for a program that has a combination of 'star' academic researchers with publications in leading international journals, and also staff with commercial experience in the 'real-world'. This should expose you to the latest in management thinking and practice. Also, try to find out whether the business school places emphasis on quality teaching as evidenced by annual teaching awards, etc.
6. What will my fellow students be like?
You should be confident that you will also learn a great deal from contact with fellow students. What is the average age of the student cohort? What is their background? How many years professional experience do they bring to the MBA? A good MBA program should contain a diverse student population with students drawn from different background. Remember, your MBA class will be a terrific opportunity to network!
7. How good are the support services?
As an MBA student, you will be expected to work hard, very hard. You will need access to a well-stocked library that has flexible opening hours. You may also need access to computing/printing/photocopying facilities, as well as seminar rooms to meet and discuss class material.
8. Can I receive credits for prior study?
There is no universal policy regarding credit for prior study. Some MBA programs will award credit for subjects completed at undergraduate level, whereas other MBA programs are very reluctant to offer any credits. If you do seek credit, bear the following in mind: Am I seeking credit for subjects completed at MBA level?; Were those subjects completed within the last five years?; Will I be better placed if I am awarded credit?. In the final analysis, while a credit may save you time and money, you must ensure that you will receive real value from your MBA, other than the piece of paper. However, if you have genuinely completed similar subjects at MBA level, then a credit is probably justified.
9. How is the course assessed?
In general, MBA programs tend to contain a combination of different assessment methods, usually in the form of continuous assessment and a final examination. Some universities assess by a final examination only while some assess by assignments only.
10. Which MBA program best suits me?
Obviously, only you can answer that question. Hopefully, the questions raised above, plus the information provided whichmba.com will assist you in your decision making. Whichever MBA program that you choose, good luck.