Information about the University of London International Programmes

International Management programme:
MBA - MSc - Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of studying for a University of London qualification?

The University of London is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of academic excellence.

In all parts of the world graduates of the University of London have gone on to occupy influential positions in government, the professions, business and industry. The University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

For a range of qualifications, the University offers you a choice of where and how you study: if your personal circumstances are such that you must stay at home, you may apply to register for a University of London qualification offered through the International Programmes and study as an External student or you may apply to come to London to study as a student at one of the Colleges and benefit from the contact with staff and other students.

What are the benefits of studying as an External student?

Your work is assessed to exactly the same standard as that of a student who comes to the University in London to study.

There are no quotas for entry. If you meet the University's entrance requirements, you may register as an External student. Your method of study is flexible; you may work at your own pace and to your own schedule.

For the MBA you have a minimum of two and a maximum of five years to complete your studies and for the Postgraduate Diploma you have between one and five years to complete.

The study materials you receive have been written specifically with External students in mind. Generally, you will pay lower fees than students on conventional university courses.

What type of student joins the International Programme?

Entry requirements for the MBA or Postgraduate Diploma in International Management will have an effect however from university statistics and from the many letters received each year the University have found that in general, students are aged from 17–70 and beyond. Ten per cent join the International Programmes straight from secondary school; 62% are in the age range 22–34; 24% in the range 35–55; 4% continue their studies well into retirement. They choose to study externally for a variety of reasons.

Not having the opportunity to follow a conventional university course "I have a private practice in financial services, and I am interested in obtaining more knowledge. It is not economically feasible for me to close my financial practice and pursue studies in the traditional manner. . . Since I am married with three children and supporting them, my commitments do not allow me to take off four years to study at university. . ."

"I am interested in studying externally for a University of London degree as it affords me the opportunity of gaining valuable work experience while I study. I can also earn a monthly salary which is so important, especially in these troublesome economic times."

How does the Full Time on campus MBA compare with the Distance Learning option of Study ?

The Full Time MBA is identical in structure and syllabus to the Distance Learning (DL) MBA except that the Full Time MBA has an additional new optional elective course - Japanese Multinationals in Europe which may be offered in the future in the DL mode once the material has been specifically adapted to the DL mode of study.

Will my degree be as good as the one awarded to a student who studied on campus at the University?

The quality and standard of both programmes is the same. It is written into the Statutes of the University that ‘Candidates granted degrees and other awards shall have attained the same academic standard irrespective of mode or place of study or examination.’ There is only one University of London degree, and it is awarded both to students attending in London and to External students. The same academic staff plan the degree syllabuses, set examination papers, mark scripts and develop study materials both for students attending one of the University’s Colleges in London and for External students.

Although examination papers set in London may be taken in more than 130 countries worldwide, all are returned to London for marking. No concession in quality or academic rigor is made for the more difficult study circumstances of External students.

How do I study?

When you register as an External student, the University send you a range of study materials. These materials (Regulations; Handbook; Resource guide; a subject guide/subject introduction for each subject studied and past examination papers/examiners’ reports) contain practical information to help you with your studies, introduce you to particular topics within the syllabus and show you how to use textbooks in a productive and organised manner. The study material for the MBA are fully comprehensive and there is no need for you to buy any additional text books or have access to other materials until you come to prepare your research project.

The University encourage everyone, but especially students studying independently, to join the University's ‘Student-to-Student Network’ for mutual support. Details are given to students when they register. To succeed as an independent student, you will need to be a strongly motivated self-starter, well-organised, focused and determined. Independent study demands that you take a full and active responsibility for organising your own programme of work and for pacing yourself.

If you intend to obtain your degree in the minimum time you should be prepared to devote over 20 hours per week on a regular basis to your studies. Support from your family, friends and colleagues will be vitally important to your eventual success.

Where do I take my examinations?

You do not have to come to London to take your examinations.

Because External students can be found around the world, the University hold examinations worldwide in local centres as well as in London.

Examinations are arranged mainly through the British Council, the British Embassy or Ministries of Education. Examinations take place in May and October each year. The closing date for the May examination is 8th February and 8th August for the October examination.

What are the deadlines for entering examinations ?

Students outside the UK who wish to enter an examination must submit a formal examination entry to their Overseas Examination Authority. Details are provided to registered students in the Programme Regulations.

The deadlines for submission of the forms are :

8 February for the May examination.

8 August for the October examination.

Students wishing to sit examinations in the United Kingdom should submit their examination entry forms direct to the University. The closing dates for entries to be received by the Examination Office are the same :

8 February for the May examination.

8 August for the October examination.

What charges are made by the University if I have to re-sit an examination?

Students are permitted to re-sit examinations once only for each subject however a charge is made by the University. Current charges are listed in the Programme Regulations however :

• If you are re-sitting one examination the charge will be in the region of £140.
• To re-taking two examinations at the same sitting the charge will be approximately £200.
• For three examinations at the same sitting approximately £290 will be charged.
• For four examinations at the same sitting students will be charged around £375.

Please note that the Overseas Examination Authority where you re-sit your examinations will charge separately for the invigilation and administration of the examinations.

What are the entry requirements?

The normal entry requirement is a good bachelor's degree acceptable to the university in any discipline and a minimum of three years work experience. Student who did not study their bachelor's degree in the medium of English or cannot provide an evidence of acceptable level of English may be required to complete GMAT with a score of 550. An informal decision as to the eligibility of applicants cannot be given. The only way to find out if you can join the programme is to apply. No charge is made for your application to be assessed.

I hold a bachelors degree and have three years work experience, am I eligible?

Each application is considered on a case by case basis. The only sure way to find out if you are eligible is to apply. No charge is made for the application. Click ---here-- to download an application form in PDF format.

Care should be take when filling the application form, this is the first formal contact with the university as a candidate. Assessing applications is more straight forward if all sections of the forms are completed accurately with supporting documents clearly referenced.

I studied for my Bachelor's Degree a long time ago therefore it is not possible for me to get a reference from the University. What can I do ?

Two referee's reports are required with each MBA Application. One should be from an academic institute where you have studied and the other from your current or previous employment. Applicants who have not studied recently may arrange for the submission of 2 work-related references, rather than one academic and one work-related reference. If this is the case, you should enclose a letter with your application advising the University that 2 work-related references have been requested.

What should I do if I am not automatically eligible for the degree?

If you do not satisfy the criteria given for entry, the University will consider your application on an individual basis. They can only do this if you apply formally by following the instructions given in the prospectus or website (that is, submit one of the application forms and necessary documentary evidence). Advice cannot be given on your eligibility – not even informally – until you have applied in this way.

The University may be able to consider you under their ‘Special Admissions’ procedures (particularly if you are over 21 years of age), in which case they will consider not only your qualifications but your age, work experience and reasons for wanting to study the programme.

Will the university consider exemptions or transfer of credits?

The university will not normally consider any exemptions or transfer of credits towards the MBA in International Management.

Are successful students entitled to both the Postgraduate Diploma and the MBA Certificates ?

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma courses and then successfully complete the MBA electives and research project will be awarded the MBA in International Management. Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma courses but do not continue beyond this stage will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in International Management.

What if you cannot accept me for the degree?

If the University has considered your application for the degree of your choice, but cannot accept you with your current qualifications and experience, they will tell you what qualifications you could take in order to become eligible in the future. Your application is valid for five years, so if you obtain the necessary qualification/s within that time you will not have to apply again; they will simply update your original application.

What will my financial commitment be?

Your average financial commitment is likely to be as follows.

Course Fees to the University.

Please refer to the page on programme Fees

Fees to your local examination centre

These vary from country to country. Examination Authorities are listed in the Regulations and may be contacted for information. Please email examcentre@mschr.org  for the exam centre closest to you. Please note that overseas examination entry fees are not refundable or transferable to another year if you are unable to attend the examination.

Do you provide placement after graduation?

The University does not provide a placement service however most of the graduates of this prestigious programme are well placed and many have improved their career prospectus.

What if I relocate?

This flexible route to a prestigious, well established Master of Business Administration post graduate degree allows students to study in their own time, at their own location and at their own pace.

Candidates may complete their MBA programme in their location. or anywhere else if, for any reason, they have to relocate. In fact many candidates, who started their Postgraduate programme in the region, are now continuing their studies in their place of relocation

You would certainly need to advise the University of any change of address so that study material was sent to you correctly.

The exams would not be a problem as they can be taken through any British Council Office or possibly UK Embassy.

Can I study full time in the UK?

Yes, full time programmes are available in London through Royal Holloway, London Business School, London Guildhall University Business School and Imperial College.

Can I transfer from the Distance Learning MBA to Full or Part time MBA study at Royal Holloway?

It is not possible for students to transfer from the Distance Learning MBA to on Campus study on a Full or Part time basis because of the limited number of places available for on campus programmes. There is also a difference between the two programmes in the sequence of study.

What is involved in completing the MBA?

Please refer to the information provided on the Programme Structure and Syllabus page.

What type of assignments are required?

This again varies from course to course however a question will be asked, based on the course you are studying and you will be required to write an academic essay type answer of around 3,000 words.

Is this program approved in my country?

Both the University and the programme are fully accredited in the United Kingdom by the British Government. The programme is recognised internationally and accepted by commercial, industrial and financial organisations. It is not the University's policy to seek accreditation in individual countries or indeed companies, however you might wish to take advice from your local British Council Office.

Are there any short cuts to complete the programme?

The University regret that there is no shortcut available through this particular MBA programme. The programme is normally completed within 2.5 to 3 years. However a maximum of 5 years is permitted to complete the programme to suit individuals personal circumstances.

Students registered for the Postgraduate Diploma may study and be examined in a maximum of six new courses in any one year in which they choose to be examined.

In order to be able to transfer their registration to the MBA degree, students must normally obtain a pass at the required level in each of the six postgraduate diploma courses, and must receive a recommendation from the Examiners that they may proceed to the elective courses of the MBA degree provided they satisfy the work experience requirement for the degree.

The Examiners have complete discretion to take into account a student's overall performance.

It is unlikely that students are able to complete the Distance Learning MBA in International Management in less than two years.

If you wish to complete the programme in one year then the only option is Full Time study in UK. Full details are available at http://www.LondonMBA.org/ [New Window]

Do you offer specialisation?

Specialisation is offered in the course electives. The group electives enable you to focus on a region of particular interest. The professional electives are designed to deepen your knowledge of key management tools in the area of business analysis, management control systems, people management, law, marketing and finance, and to enable you to pursue interests in a range of professional areas. Moreover the University can pursue your area of specialisation through an approved research project. 

Who awards the degree?

The degree is awarded by the University of London to successful students.

How is Royal Holloway rated? 

The University of London, and all of its associated colleges, has an international reputation for high standards. Royal Holloway School of Management, like every other university department in the UK, is formally assessed in terms of its teaching and research quality.  At the last Research Assessment Exercise, Royal Holloway was rated highly - it was awarded 4 (on a scale from 1- 5*, where 1 is low) and on the most recent teaching quality assessment it was awarded excellent. Other criteria, such as the international mix of staff and students, is also well-covered. 

Royal Holloway is a top-rated university in the UK as judged by the external research quality ratings discussed above.

What are the awards?

When you successfully complete all the courses for the Postgraduate Diploma and agree that you do not wish to continue, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. If you continue on to MBA stage you will not be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma as students are not entitled to both. If you then do not succeed at MBA level you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma provided you have successfully completed all the Postgraduate courses.

What are the beginning dates of the course every year?

You can start at any time, the only set dates are the examination dates (twice per year and the registration days associated with these exams.)

For examinations in	Apply by	Register and purchase study materials by:
OCTOBER	31 January	15 March
MAY	31 July	15 October

Am I allowed to meet with the tutors/lecturers on-campus or is the only interaction via email and WWLC?

You will meet with Tutors during the one week Plenary Group Project in London. If you wish you may make an appointment to visit the campus at other times and may, again by arrangement, see your tutor(s). However there is not an expectation that this would lead to regular meetings with local tutors. If you are local and would wish to come onto campus you might wish to consider the full and part time MBAs on the Royal Holloway Campus.

How many students are enrolled on the programme?

There are currently 750 students enrolled from 70 countries.

Click ---here--- to view the countries list.