“The programme offered in Hong Kong is exactly the same as that offered in Britain. It is taught by teaching staff from the University of Bradford and local lecturers that have been approved by the university.”

The programme is committed to helping students develop a diverse international network to help them excel in the global market. “The programme has an international focus that prepares students to work in the globalised business world. Our students have diverse backgrounds. In an average year, almost 100 nationalities are represented in our student population, on programmes both in Bradford and across the world. Most of them hold senior positions in international companies,” de-Lay says.

One of the programme’s strengths is its focus on relating academic study to the “real” world of employment. “We make sure our students are equipped with the right skills to be successful by keeping close contact with employers. The programme is up to date and fits the demands of the market. The assignments often encourage students to apply the theories that they have learned in class to real-world situations. We also have many case studies for students to tackle business problems with a practical approach,” says de-Lay.

The programme provides a comprehensive view of business management. Students can study topics such as finance and human resources management which can help them enhance their entrepreneurial abilities. Modules on e-business and managing international business in emerging economics help students gain insights on the latest business-world developments.

The programme had earned a “Triple Crown” accreditation, with accreditations from AMBA (the Association of MBAs), EQUIS (the Association of MBAs European Quality Improvement System) and AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

To help students who are working full time cope with study and work, the programme is delivered in a block mode, with lectures occurring in two segments every three-month period. Students attend lectures in the evening from Wednesday to Friday and then take full-day classes on Saturday and Sunday to complete lecture requirements for one module.

Students normally study two modules every three months. They are required to complete 10 compulsory modules, four electives and submit a management project of 12,500 to 15,000 words in the second year.

“The management project enables students to put the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the programme to practical use on a relevant management issue. Throughout the management project, students are supervised by a tutor,” says de-Lay.

Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and a minimum of three years’ relevant employment experience.

Course intakes take place in October, January, April and July every year. Students usually complete the course in two years, with a maximum time limit of six years.

Michael Leung, a student currently enrolled on the programme, is planning to start a business consultancy after calling time on his career as an electrical engineer. “My education background is in electrical engineering but I want to switch to the business sector, so I decided to study an MBA to enhance my business knowledge. In the near future I will be starting a business consultancy with two other partners that will help companies enhance their performance,” he says.

After looking through various programmes on offer, Leung decided to choose Bradford because of its well-rounded curriculum and flexible class schedule.

“The programme gives me a lot of useful knowledge on marketing operations, management finance and accounting. It is a well-rounded programme that is preparing me nicely for my switch from engineering to business,” he says.

“The class schedule is also perfect for students who need to go to work. We only need to commit two weekends every three months for face-to-face lectures. This gives me a lot of flexibility to take care of family and work. The campus is located in Central which is a convenient location for business executives,” he adds.

Leung also appreciates the opportunity to learn new things from his classmates. “Classmates have diverse backgrounds and since there are four intakes every year, you get to know a lot of students. Through group discussions, I was able to gain insights on the latest situations in different industries. This is valuable information that one cannot gain through reading books. I really treasure the time that I am spending with my classmates,” he says