Hello, I've decided that this year is going to be the year for me to commence my MBA programme. I'm looking at 2 schools primarily- HW and Durham. Basically, I would like to know which of the 2 is the better choice in terms of academically challenging and recognition. Thanks.
Both schools are very good. Academically, they are both challenging. In terms of reputation & recognition, however, I would pick Durham. Its MBA program appears on most world-wide mba rankings and is both AMBA and EQUIS accredited. In general, Durham has strong academics throughout its departments. I dont think you will go wrong with choosing either. Cost might be a factor so look into that.
It would be hard to find a more scenic university and location than Durham. The university, whose buildings include a cathedral (burial place of the Venerable Bede) and a castle, is located on a hilltop in the S-bend of a river. There is a great italian restaurant at the foot of the hill.
I will add that in your decision to choose an MBA, consider the content of the courses you will be taking and the way in which you will be assessed. Even though they are the same degree, the courses you take might be different or approached from different managerial/business perspectives. I would also consider how much flexibility/encouragement the business school gives you when it comes to your intellectual stimulation. I believe you will find that to be the most rewarding aspect of your post-graduate career.
Of course, I have to promote the quality of the HW MBA/DBA. I have found that the curriculum of the HW MBA has served me well--plus, if you get really bored, you can always "come back for more". I am slowly progressing to the DBA--passed six exams last December, and now, have a "Strategic Planning Specialization" on my MBA. All things being equal, I would go for EBS because of the flexibility. For example, I have stopped, and started. I have taken exams at the University of Washington, as wll as Georgia State University...
To answer Michael's question, I'm not located in the UK. I actually live in Barbados. I appreciate the response from everyone and welcome additional comments and advice. Thanks.
Hmm, since you live in a Commonwealth country, I wonder if Durham, as a British university, may have more name recognition in your area than Heriot-Watt, as a Scottish university.
Are you saying that Heriot-Watt would have more name recognition if it was also a British university?
No, I am saying that since the original poster lives in a Commonwealth country, I suspect that an English university may have more name recognition in a Commowealth country than a Scottish one. Mother country, and all that. Of course, my hypothesis could be wrong. James, since you also live in a Commonwealth country, what do you think of this?
Wow, the renowned US geographical knowledge strikes again! Guys, Durham is in England. Edinburgh (HW) is in Scotland. Both are British Universities. Britain comprises of England, Scotland and Wales. Now to the question in hand. I think you are not really comparing apples with apples. HW is famed for its flexible approach. You are basically sent course material and then take an exam in that topic when you are ready. By all accounts these exams are extremely difficult. Durham is a very good university. I see they offer a Caribbean MBA which I presume is what you are interested in. I took a quick look and it looks a good course. The electives will offer you more flexibility than the HW MBA and you will get a chance for some face to face discussions/networking. It is also an accredited course which in some people’s eyes is very important. The HW course has a queen’s charter but is not accredited. It depends what you are after but given your location I would go for the Durham course. By the way I visited your country in 2002 and absolutely loved it. All the best, Dave C.
Thanks for your input Dave. You make a very good point when you talk about accreditation and about the electives providing more flexibility than the HW programme. I have given alot of thought to where I want to go post MBA and the Durham programme for sure provides me with more options. I think its definitely going to be Durham. Glad to hear that you enjoyed Barbados- you should return next year, as we are one of the host countries for World Cup Cricket 2007. Its going to be fantastic. Just hope the West Indies team can pull off a win or 2- we've been down in the slumps for too long.
With a name like yours you had to be a cricket fan! I would love to return to Barbados someday although I'm not sure next year will be possible. I love the Englishness of it (afternoon tea!), but the climate is obviously far better! We also went to St Lucia and Cuba but Barbados certainly won my vote. Back to business I am also doing a DL MBA (Henley) and it sucks a lot of time and effort. Currently trying to get my first assignment finished, deadline 4th April. I think you are making a wise choice given your location. It seems you have thought a lot about it which is good, maybe get yourself a few good books to get into the frame of mind before you start. Let me know if you have any other questions. Take it easy, (shouldn't be a problem in Barbados!) Dave C.
Perhaps you would want to contact DL a DL MBA student who lives in Barbados also? See http://forums.delphiforums.com/hwmba/messages?msg=7352.2
I wouldn't say that English universities automatically outrank Scottish ones in terms of name recognition. It depends on the university. The ancient universities of scotland would usually have much higher name recognition than the English new universities (1960 onwards) As it is, Durham is an older university and would usually rank higher in league tables. Heriot-Watt would be more likely to have a better reputation/placing in the league tables compared to an English post-1992 university though. The above is rather simplistic, leaving out subject specialties, etc. As far as mother coutries are concerned, there are many people out in the colonies who are of Scottish, Welsh or Irish blood. They are less likely to refer to England as the mother country to the exclusion of the rest of the UK.
Yes, I indeed have the cricketing name, but unfortunately not so much of the cricketing talent. To JamesK: You make a valid point- thanks for your input. By the way, anyone on this forum that did their MBA with Durham be it distance, full or part time- can you share some of your experiences? How did you find the content of the courses, how did you find the quality of the training materials provided by the university, where they very helpful in passing the exams? Thanks.
