Is Robert Kennedy College (affiliated to University of Cumbria) a good place for online degree in MBA? A colleague has just applied for the same and I nurse some fears about the genuineness of the institution. Are my fears wrong?
Well, since the MBA degrees are awarded by the University of Cumbria, they're certainly genuine. Whether that's the best choice one can make is another matter. Personally, were I interested in earning an MBA by distance from a British school I'd prefer either the Open University or the University of London.
Yes - it's 100% genuine. But are we sure U. Cumbria will be there when you graduate? It's only about eight years old and was widely said to be facing possible bankruptcy in 2012 - serious financial problems, indeed. Google "University of Cumbria bankruptcy" and you'll find at least a dozen articles from the British press. Prior to U. Cumbria, U. of Wales validated RKC degrees in the same manner - i.e. you earned a U. Wales degree. Then, U. of Wales' entire validation scheme, involving many, many schools (over 200, I think) imploded. Lots on that in the forum. Use the search gadget. We've been alternately cussing and discussing RKC for 12 years in this forum, during which time it appears to have survived through several forms of accreditation. Here's a fairly recent thread with some background info. There are many, many others. http://www.degreeinfo.com/business-mba-degrees/46126-anyone-has-any-idea-about-roberb-kennedy-college.html I'm not saying you shouldn't consider going to RKC. But doing so without reading up on it or examining alternatives is like hiring the first applicant without any background check. Johann
BTW - someone objected slightly to my use of the word "bankruptcy" in connection with U. of Cumbria's 2012 difficulties in the thread mentioned above. That person felt the word "bankruptcy" was not appropriate as U. Cumbria was a public institution. Well -- I'm using the word exactly as the British Press did (in unison) concerning this University's 2012 problems. And I don't see how bankruptcy would not apply. Public institutions can go bankrupt. What about Detroit? What about numerous mid-size places in California. And universities have certainly gone bankrupt in the US. It's rare, but it's happened. 123 year-old Huron University went under a while back. Here's a partial account from the Wiki: The Huron campus officially closed on April 1, 2005, ending its 123-year history. On April 9, Si Tanka filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. By April 25, the U.S. Department of Education alerted the school that it was no longer permitted to take part in federal grants and that its students were no longer eligible for federal student loans. On April 30, an unofficial graduation ceremony was held for the school's final seniors. Northern State University, a public university in Aberdeen took control of the school's transcripts. In February 2006, the Chapter 11 case was dismissed when a federal judge found there weren't enough remaining assets for unsecured creditors. On May 5, 2006, the campus and all its assets were placed onto the auction block, including 23 acres (93,000 m2) with classrooms, campus center, dorms, library and gym — along with bleachers, band uniforms, bookcases and basketball banners. Two empty lots, including the football field, were sold immediately, but as of 2006, the bank was uninterested in selling buildings individually and continued to seek a buyer for the property as a whole. Just Google "University Bankrupt" and you'll see all kinds of interesting stuff - including this person, who claims that 50% of US schools may go bankrupt in the next 15 years. In 15 Years From Now Half of US Universities May Be in Bankruptcy. My Surprise Discussion with @ClayChristensen I said "facing possible bankruptcy" in regard to U. Cumbria's 2012 problems - the British Press said "bankruptcy" ... and I think we all meant what we said. Johann
I've enquired about the MSc Financial Services Management programme through the University of Salford and it seems legitimate since I confirmed this with the University itself. HOWEVER when dealing with RKC's staff I found them somewhat misinformed and not in a good position to answer some of the basic questions.
I live in Zurich and have never heard of them. Interesting. I am looking for some new teaching / speaking opportunities, and would be interested in collaborating with their online program. Will have a look and let you know what my feedback is. Cheers -Cal
I can't exactly tell you but I have a few friends would decided to go for this solution and told me they were really happy with their choice,
