University of London International Programmes (SOAS): MBA Banking MBA Banking - University of London - School of Oriental and African Studies - External System - Key points
Seemingly not; as there is no separate research requirement listed in additional to the 6-courses required for this particular MBA: Five core courses: Bank financial management [C322]* Financial law [C340]* Risk management: principles and applications [C323]* Corporate finance [C321]* Law and regulation of electronic finance and internet banking [C245]* PLUS one elective from the following: Macroeconomic policy and financial markets [C325]* Banking and capital markets [C326] Bank regulation and resolution of banking crises [C356]* MBA Banking - University of London - School of Oriental and African Studies - External System - Structure and Syllabus
Interesting program... This MBA is definitely targeted at banking but I wonder how much utility it would have in the open market within the U.S.? The scope is fairly narrow for an MBA program. Even still, it could be a heck of a bargain for someone.
Bear in mind that each of these courses will cover a lot more material than a typical American three semester-hour course.
Highly likely Steve, but seemingly a UK DL MBA program with fewer required courses in number than the Heriot-Watt University (EBS) 9-course MBA requirement.
In number, yes. But I doubt in content covered. Still, maybe that's a psychological advantage for some?
It is much less expensive than their other MBA which is 11 courses. However, this MBA is not applicable to as many people as a more general MBA.
Here is the other MBA MBA Distance Learning - International Management - University of London - Royal Holloway - University of London International Programmes - Key points. Unless there are fees that I am missing somewhere, the International Management MBA costs about 3,500 more GBP than the Banking MBA.
A nine-course AMBA accredited international management MBA for around $18K USD. Nonetheless, the MBA Banking would be more unique IMO.
So perhaps given the narrowness of the MBA (being specific to banking) this could be the UK equal to the "executive MBA" programs we have here in the States?
I've taken 5 of the courses listed by major56 as part of the MSc Finance (Financial Managment) I did through U London as administered by SOAS. If things have not changed in the last few years, the course format will likely be similar to the following: 2 assignments worth 15% each- assignment typically a 2000-2500 word essay, or equivalent problem set for the more quantitative courses. 1 final exam worth 70%- 3 hours duration- You'll answer 3 or 4 questions of 8 or so provided. It will be proctored at a location you choose and arrange among several hundred options around the world- if you're near a big university- you may be able to do it there. You'll use the following resources: 1 set of course notes in the classic red binder- split into 8 sections. 1 or 2 text books- most often the standard go to text in equivalent courses elsewhere- e.g. Brealey and Myers- Principles of Corporate Finance. Often 1-3 volumes of collected readings of seminal articles in the field of study. You'll get access to JSTOR for finding Academic articles as part of your preparation for assignments/essays. I highy recommend this course of study- whether it is an MSc or the MBA above, but only to those who are self-motivated and can learn graduate level material effectively on their own- primarily via reading. Nobody will be spoon feeding you, and there will be few if any lectures to sit back and watch. I can't imagine there'd be any group work. You'll get some feedback from tutors on your assignments, and can ask some questions via the portal, but that's about it. I found the Administration excellent- they were very helpful and flexible in a couple of situations where I needed to get things arranged at the last minute. The other thing you'll have to get used to, if you're not a Brit, is that their marking scheme goes up to 100 only in theory. Apparently, instructors must donate an organ if they hand out a mark over 70. Having said that- a solid effort put forth in addressing material you've taken the time to understand will get you a passing mark on the assignments and exams- I don't think they're out to be unfair. In the end, I graduated with a "Merit", which I was pleasantly surprised to receive- but it was humbling along the way to get feedback that amounted to "good job, you did quite well on that- here's a 65". Finally- don't count on any meaningful network to be developed. I know that's an issue for MBA-types, particularly those who are younger or need to develop a network for a new career. With the caveat above, if you're one of the just over 50% of enrolled students who actually end up completing the Masters degree, you'll have accomplished something you can be proud of, and can apply in the world of banking and finance.
