Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, MBS, Manchester – United Kingdom
Since its formation in 1965, the Manchester Business School (MBS) has become an internationally recognized centre of excellence for management studies. MBS is a postgraduate faculty of the University of Manchester and was the first UK institution to offer an MBA program. Today the school is regarded as one of the best six in Europe and attracts applications from over 70 different countries each year. The Manchester Business School has a long-standing reputation for a truly global perspective, reinforced by a consistent FT ranking of 1st in the UK for international experience (2001 and 2002). With an international student body intake of over 75% from outside the UK, the opportunity to learn and share experiences with people from many different cultures and career backgrounds is second to none and provides a tremendous advantage in an international business arena.
In October of 2004, MBS merged with the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) making the new conglomerated school the largest university in the United Kingdom. However, MBS is a self-contained graduate school and is dedicated almost exclusively to MBS students and faculty.
Location
Manchester Business School is conveniently located just 1 mile from Manchester's city centre and only 9 miles from Manchester Airport.
The city of Manchester is a place with a prestigious past but has recently undergone a tremendous amount of development to make it one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Manchester is a modern, cosmopolitan city. It is a centre for banking, insurance and new technologies and has some of the most impressive cultural, sporting and recreational facilities in the UK. It is also an energetic student city with a 24-hour social life. In fact, Manchester has one of the largest student population in Europe.
Approximate Term Dates
Fall: Mid September to mid December
Orientation prior to the start of classes is compulsory.
Academic Information
The courses are taught through a variety of methods: lectures, case studies, group projects, simulation exercises, guest speakers and group tutorials. The ‘Manchester Method’ focuses more on the application of theories to the real world, with emphasis on ‘live projects with real companies’. Subjects are assessed in a variety of ways, including: formal examinations, case study analyses, group reports and class participation. The merger of MBS with UMIST will afford MBA exchange students a vast amount of courses to choose from.
Credit Equivalency
Full work load = 4 MBS credits
4 MBS credits = 12 SSB credits
Exchange students can take 4 elective courses or 3 elective courses and the Entrepreneurship Project.
Size of Classes/ Features
The average age of the students is 30 with an average of 7 years work experience. The accumulated wealth of experience and maturity of the students allows for actively sharing their experience and knowledge in the classroom and through team projects making the learning environment much more interesting, interactive, valuable and enriching.
Computer Facilities
The MBA computer room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are approximately 35 Pentium PCs available and computer network access points are provided for portable computer users. Several printers, including colour, are available.
Type/Availability of Accommodation
A very limited number of student study bedrooms are available for exchange students at MBS, in the residential accommodation within the school building. Although this accommodation is extremely convenient, it is relatively expensive in comparison to private accommodation. Unfortunately there are no cooking facilities available and the cost of the room does not include meals, however, there is a 24-hour service desk, a weekly cleaning and linen service and ample cafes, restaurants and pubs in close proximity.
It is recommended to stay in off-campus accommodations, there are many options available including renting rooms on a short time basis from other MBA students. The MBA Office will provide assistance on arrival and can book temporary accommodation at a hotel or MBS as finding accommodation in advance is not easy. During the Fall Term, accommodation can be found with those who rent out rooms in their house as short-term leases are not the norm.
The following Web site will provide a substantial list of such options:
http://uk.easyroommate.com
Another option is with Manchester Student Homes (MSH). MSH is owned and managed by the three universities in Manchester in conjunction with their Student Unions:
www.msh.man.ac.uk/
*Please read the “Accommodation in central Manchester” pamphlet in the MBS folder in the Exchange Library (rm. W263) for complete, extensive housing information.
Health Insurance
There is no mandatory health plan at Manchester, but any student should be able to get health care from the UK Government with a valid student visa longer than one month. However, it is advisable to take out an insurance policy before you go on exchange to be on the safe side.
Visa Information
For visa information contact the British Consulate General at:
777 Bay Street, Suite 2800, College Park
Toronto, ON, M5G 2G2
416-593-1290
416-593-1229 (Fax)
www.britainincanada.org/Visa
Further Information
For more information about this partnership school, see the exchange literature available in the Schulich Exchange Reference Library located in room W263 SSB or visit their Web site at: www.mbs.ac.uk