Queen’s University Belfast Launches New 1-Year MBA Program

The Queen’s University Belfast has launched a new full-time 1-year MBA program, designed and delivered by Queen’s Management School.

The program is for ambitious persons with postgraduate and relevant work experience who wish to build on strategic management and leadership expertise and enhance their employability. It is also available as a 2-year part-time program.

“We are very excited about this new MBA program as it directly responds to labour market demand and employer requirements. We really feel that we’ve got something that hits the spot in terms of the learning that executives need in today’s business environment,” says Prof. Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Head of Queen’s Management School.

“The course has been designed in consultation with leading organisations, both globally and locally, encompassing the public, private and non-profit sectors. It will equip graduates with the skills for leadership and management in a demanding global business environment,” she adds.

The program includes a week-long study visit to the USA, and an off-campus residential trip to the scenic Causeway Coast focused on team-building, personal planning and professional development.

Besides the core MBA topics of strategy, marketing, economics, leadership, entrepreneurship and accounting, the program has a focus on rethinking capitalism, a subject that encourages critical thinking and questioning of the status quo, the school said in a press statement.

Anne Clydesdale, Director of the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s, says, “As part of the new MBA program, students will learn from partners from leading businesses, the public sector and non-profit organisations who will provide distinguished leadership talks and master classes, work on company projects and avail of individual mentoring.

“They will also receive automatic membership of the MBA Association of Ireland, network at the Chief Executives’ Club and Institute of Directors events, and take part in a week-long study visit to San Francisco and Silicon Valley,” she adds.

Past graduates who have completed the International and Executive MBAs at Queen’s are employed in a variety of management roles across the world. They include CEOs, Directors, Business Analysis and Management Consultants, Marketing Managers and Financial Traders.

Program Highlights

The program includes a week-long study visit to the USA, and an off-campus residential trip to the scenic Causeway Coast focused on team-building, personal planning and professional development.

In May 2019, the students will travel to San Francisco to meet leading entrepreneurs from global business start-ups and established firms in a variety of sectors during a five-day International Study Tour.

Students can develop industry links with a real-world consultancy project option. They would be able to choose a dissertation project tailored to their interests. They will spend four months working with the client organization to deliver effective solutions. Full training and academic supervision are provided.

As part of a team, they will work with partners from Deloitte to solve practical business challenges incorporating ideas from class, preparing an Executive Board presentation at the end.

Career development opportunities include one-on-one coaching from a leading industry mentor, Personal CV analysis and career advice and interview skills training.

A year-long program features training in personal development, participation in high-performing teams, presentation skills, communications and networking strategies.

Individual training and coaching help students identify and work on Personal Development challenges. Industry leaders present an ‘Ethical Leadership Challenge’ as part of this program.

The William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Riddel Hall, Belfast brings world-class facilities, leading academics and industry experts together to deliver a high-end portfolio of executive education and leadership programs.

Students get opportunities to develop their career and enhance their network through regular networking events with classmates, academics and industry leaders. The Distinguished Leadership Program offers leadership insights from visiting guest speakers – all leaders in their field from the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline. Applicants with qualifications below 2.1 Honours degree standard may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant professional experience.

All applicants will normally have a minimum of 5 years’ full-time, post-graduation employment experience, preferably in a management capacity. In certain circumstances, 3 years’ experience may be considered, on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must provide a full and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae together with a detailed personal statement as part of the application process. Eligible applicants will be interviewed.

Fees and Funding

Students from Northern Ireland (NI) will have to pay £20,000; England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £20,000; Other (non-UK) EU   £20,000; International £20,000

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

From the academic year 2017/18, the Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £10,280 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.(Image Source:wikipedia.org)