The Aston Mba

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THE ASTON MBA

GET THE EDGE TO SUCCEED

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TRIPLE ACCREDITED 02 The Aston MBA Aston Business School 03

CONTENTS

04 Creating tomorrow’s leaders today 06 Birmingham and Aston life 08 The Aston Edge 10 Getting The Edge 12 With you all the way: induction and learning approach 14 With you all the way: career and alumni support 16 Designed for success 18 MBA core modules 20 Real world results 22 Study routes - Full-time 24 Study routes - Online 26 Study routes - Executive Part-time 28 Entry requirements and admissions information 30 How to apply 04 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

CREATING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY

The Aston MBA is an intensive programme designed for professionals who have already made their mark in business and are ready to take their careers to the next level.

It draws on our world-leading Triple accredited The most rewarding MBA business research and our global We are in the top one per cent of Our full-time MBA was ranked 1st network of corporate connections business schools worldwide with in the UK and 2nd in the world to transform you into a dynamic triple accreditation from AMBA, for return on investment by The and agile business leader. AACSB and EQUIS, the leading Economist (Good-value MBAs 2014). accreditation bodies for business Our programme enables you schools in the UK, USA and Europe. to gain a critical perspective on Globally recognised your own management style and For more than 60 years we have World leading the insight to move your career conducted pioneering research forward, giving you new skills, 100 per cent of our business into contemporary business opportunities and connections. research achieved 3* and 4* impact and management issues, in the 2014 Research Excellence making us one of the most firmly We work with you to increase your Framework, the system for established research-based capabilities and maximise your assessing the quality of research in business schools in the UK. performance, equipping you with the UK higher education institutions knowledge and confidence to make We were rated in the top 100 decisions from a global perspective higher education institutions and giving you the edge you need in the world for Business and to succeed in a competitive world. Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2015. Flexible study routes We offer a choice of pathways to Top for enterprise enable you to combine your MBA We are one of only three business studies with your professional schools in the UK to receive the and personal commitments: Small Business Charter Award 12 month Full-time Gold Level for demonstrating 30 month Online exceptional dedication to supporting the small business community. 30 month Executive Part-time. All modes of study are fully accredited and lead to the full Aston MBA award. 05 06 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

BIRMINGHAM

Aston Business School is located in the centre of the vibrant and culturally diverse city of Birmingham, UK.

The largest city in the UK A business city A well-connected city outside London, with one of the Birmingham is the UK’s Birmingham has a strategic youngest populations in Europe, most entrepreneurial region location at the centre of the national Birmingham is a dynamic, creative (Start Up Britain) motorway network and at the heart city that is constantly evolving. At the heart of a £94 billion of the UK rail network and is less regional economy than 1.5 hours from London by train A cultural city Home to 75,000 businesses, The city hosts over 50 festivals 1,190 of which are international each year including film, music, dance and performing arts Birmingham Hippodrome attracts over 500,000 visitors a year, making it the most popular theatre in the UK Over 50,000 people watch 220,000 inspirational performances by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra every year Over 300 business, professional Birmingham has more than Birmingham International Airport and financial services company 500,000 works of art in one square serves 143 direct routes, including headquarters are located mile and Birmingham Museum cities in Europe, North America and in Birmingham, employing and Art Gallery has the world’s Asia, and offers an additional 279 over 220,000 people largest Pre-Raphaelite collection possible connections worldwide It is home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, The Electric 148,000 people are employed Cinema, which opened in 1909 Air, road and rail connections in manufacturing in the Greater provide access to 400 million Birmingham region people across Europe. Top five for foreign direct The Library of Birmingham investment strategy in Europe (Information from Birmingham Toolkit is the largest public and overall large city of the © Marketing Birmingham) lending library in Europe future (FDI’s European Cities and Regions of the Future Survey).

Over 8000 acres of parks and open spaces Cuisine from 27 countries and more Michelin starred restaurants than any English city except London. 07

ASTON LIFE

Our modern, self-contained campus Executive Part-time and provides a green, well-equipped, Online students safe and friendly environment in the A four star hotel and conference heart of the city of Birmingham. centre on campus will be your base Our tranquil surroundings and top for the residential week if you are class facilities include high quality studying the Executive Part-time or accommodation, a state of the art Online MBA. It offers an ideal place library, sports centre, a lake and to stay for visiting relatives as well. plenty of space to relax in. You can also enjoy all our campus Facilities facilities and amenities at any other time while you are a student if you are A modern purpose-built business living locally or visiting Birmingham. school with superb amenities including dedicated lecture theatres, informal International students working areas and MBA Lounge Studying overseas is a big decision and Library open seven days a week (and you need to feel secure in the knowledge 24 hours a day during exam periods) that the university you choose is right An award-winning careers for you. Aston is a truly international and employability centre community, where we take pride in Health and welfare services offering high levels of welfare, support including a dentist, opticians and understanding for all our students. and counselling service Living at Aston The Martin Luther King multi-faith centre There is a range of accommodation on campus, all with ensuite bathrooms, Extensive IT facilities, often with free high speed wifi and utility bills 24 hour access, and wifi internet included. Your lectures, the library, in all teaching and study areas sports centre and other facilities are just A choice of cafes, restaurants, a few minutes’ walk from your door. bars and pubs where you can meet friends and relax The safety of our students is very Two sports halls, a 110-station gym, important to us and security staff 25 metre swimming pool, large are available to offer assistance aerobics room, squash courts and 24 hours a day, providing a safe all-weather floodlit sports pitches environment for you to live and study. General store, bookshop, computer shop and a supermarket. Private accommodation If you would prefer to find private or family accommodation, we have Events a dedicated website to help you Our range of employer networking find the right place for you. events, visiting industry speakers and For more details go to inaugural lectures are open to all. www.astonstudenthomes.org 08 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON EDGE

As well as teaching the fundamentals of business, the Aston MBA includes a personal and professional development programme based on the latest thinking in behavioural science to give you the “Aston Edge”.

The Aston Edge programme delivered alongside the Our unique mix of workshops, team challenges, core curriculum will develop your skills portfolio to help reflective learning, networking, speaker events and you become a better performer, achieve your goals other activities are designed to give you the skills to: and equip you to deal with the big challenges that lie Be effective and proactive at managing your career ahead in your future at the forefront of business. Be an influential communicator and negotiator This approach is based on our extensive business and Manage conflict constructively industry knowledge, experience and networks and also draws Apply interpersonal skills to maximum effect on the work of the Aston Behavioural Science Laboratory, Be effective interculturally a unique initiative amongst European business schools. Show interpersonal awareness The laboratory is led by Professor Richard Crisp, Apply multi-disciplinary thinking an international authority on social psychology Manage change productively and winner of the British Psychological Society Be competitive and innovative Presidents’ Award for Distinguished Contributions Solve complex problems to Psychological Knowledge 2014. Be personally adaptable Have an entrepreneurial mindset and approach Display confidence in yourself and your contribution The brain is like a muscle - Lead with credibility Inspire confidence in others you can train it, to help you Effectively build and manage your networks. perform better in the future.”

Richard Crisp Professor of Psychology, Aston Business School 09 10 The Aston MBA Aston Business School 11

GETTING THE EDGE

The Aston Edge is designed in three phases to build Phase 1: your skills as you progress through your studies. Critical skills A series of specialist workshops to prepare you Its flexible structure will enable you to choose which to make the most of the MBA programme. areas of development you wish to focus on. These sessions are designed to: This way you can tailor the programme to suit your Improve your interpersonal and negotiation skills own needs and aspirations and create your own personal portfolio of your professional development. Increase your inter-cultural awareness Grow your confidence The Aston Edge Executive Part-time and Online Enhance your creativity and performance. If you study the Aston MBA Executive Part-time or Online, you will get the edge too. Phase 2: In addition to online activities, both study routes Networking and relationship building include residential weeks during which you will be A programme of activities to help you grow your immersed in a range of workshops, events and networks and build your professional relationships. other activities designed to develop your skills and make sure that you stand out from the crowd. The event programme will include: Employer speed networking One-to-one mentoring The Aston MBA challenged me to think Networking dinners about business in new and exciting Industry speaker events. ways. My interaction with professors, fellow students and guest speakers Phase 3: brought me broader perspectives Experience* and unparalleled insights into doing The opportunity to use the skills and leadership capability business globally. that you have developed in your MBA major project.

Katerina Kireitseu, Belarus Gain real life experience to enhance your CV by MBA Full-Time completing one of the following: Undertaking a live consultancy project for a client Writing a business plan for a start-up Conducting a themed research project. Complete a report on an in-company internship in the UK or abroad Study at one of our partner institutions and undertake a related extended project. You may also complete an internship or study abroad in addition to your major project. See page 19 for more information. *Project type subject to availability 12 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY INDUCTION AND LEARNING APPROACH

Right from the start, we will give you all the support you need for your MBA learning journey.

INDUCTION PROGRAMME industry leaders to work on projects and assignments related to genuine business concerns. Formal assessments are also designed to reflect authentic business experiences and issues. Full-Time MBA A two-week programme of activities to prepare you for the Learning aims year ahead, including welcome events, company visits, a Our learning by doing approach will enable you to: business simulation exercise and an academic skills day. Gain an integrated knowledge of key business Online MBA functions and processes and how to apply them to complex organisational issues A series of online seminars to introduce your study programme, including a welcome and getting to know you Show leadership and ambition to succeed sessions, a virtual business simulation game and introduction Be self-aware and confident in yourself to study skills and the resources for learning available to you. and the contributions you make Adopt a global perspective of issues Executive Part-time MBA facing management A series of weekend and evening activities to introduce Develop an entrepreneurial mindset your study programme, including a welcome event, a Become attuned to cultural diversity business simulation exercise and introduction to study and the opportunities it offers skills and the resources for learning available to you. Work effectively within and across multi- LEARNING APPROACH cultural teams and contexts Promote social responsibility, sustainability, How you will learn accountability and ethical practice. We learn better when we are actively involved. The Aston MBA is an intensive learning experience that will MENTORING SCHEME make a significant and enduring impact on your career and this is embodied in our approach to learning. Through our mentoring scheme you will be connected with an Aston MBA alumnus mentor who understands both the Learning at Aston is all about being active, about doing rigours of study and the requirements of a top flight career. – or “experiential learning”. This means that you will be involved in activities that reflect the issues you will deal Your mentor will provide you with a critical sounding board with in organisations and that are relevant to your own and support for your MBA studies, as well as advice and personal development as a senior manager and leader. guidance on your career and preparing for your future.

Building on our strong links with businesses – from SMEs to You will work with your mentor at strategic points global enterprises – you will engage with practitioners and throughout the programme, either face to face or online. 13

THINK GLOBAL

We attract leading faculty members from around the world with a reputation for high quality research and international business experience.

Our student body is also very diverse, with an alumni network consisting of over 20,000 graduates from 126 countries.

Experiencing diversity ‘warms up’ the creative mind, directly leading to better problem-solving and other cognitive improvements. We make the most of our diversity by actively planning your learning experience so that you get maximum benefit from our culturally rich environment.

You will work in teams to debate, stimulate ideas and apply your collective experiences to find innovative perspectives and solutions to issues faced by global businesses in the 21st century. 14 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY CAREER AND ALUMNI SUPPORT

Career development executive recruitment agencies and digest a new theory, or simply Closely aligned with the Aston Edge, provide advice on career evaluation listen to an industry expert. we run a comprehensive career and change. One-to-one appointments management programme of activities with our careers consultant can All of this, coupled with the support of designed to help you maximise be set up remotely if you are not our dedicated alumni relations team, your employability, coordinated studying with us on campus. means that the benefits of your Aston by our dedicated MBA careers MBA will continue long after your consultant. We work with you to: Alumni support studies have ended.

Deepen your understanding of the job As an Aston MBA you join a network market across the globe and in the UK of over 20,000 business students CAREER SUCCESS and graduates worldwide. Refine your interview technique Our graduates have gone on to Build strategic networks But you don’t have to wait until you senior positions in national and Take control of your own graduate to start benefitting from international firms including: professional development. access to the network. You will have Ernst & Young the opportunity to connect with PricewaterhouseCoopers The skills you will develop on the Aston Aston MBAs at events on campus, Accenture MBA are relevant not just to your next alumni events in the UK and abroad move, but to the whole of your career. or through online networks. KPMG Ferrari Our alumni regularly give talks to When you leave us, you will have a Rolls Royce far greater appreciation of your own MBA students on campus, via Johnson & Johnson strengths, abilities and capacities – webinars and in locations around the and the confidence to communicate world. They also provide a source Credit Suisse these to potential employers or of opportunities for project work. Michelin to start your own business. Samsung Electronics A network for life Nike Careers seminars and workshops Our alumni network provides support ensure that you are well from the moment you leave Aston, LG Electronics supported and prepared for giving you a network for life. Wipro Technologies making strategic career plans. General Electric International On graduation you will automatically Hyundai Motor Corporation You can also make one-to-one become a member of the Aston appointments with our careers Business School alumni network and BP consultant to discuss any aspect will receive invitations to alumni events Royal Bank of Scotland of your career planning, job hunting on campus, across the UK and around Mars strategy and career development. the world, regular e-newsletters, Kanebo access to MBA specific resources Online resources on our alumni website, and the Bangkok Bank Our extensive range of online resources opportunity to join networking groups. Towers Perrin includes access to specialist MBA IMS Consulting Our alumni events not only offer vacancy websites, careers information Veolia websites and career planning tools a chance to network with fellow Shanghai Commercial such as Career Leader and QS Global graduates, but also give you an and Savings Bank. Workplace. We can also link you to opportunity to learn new skills, 15 16 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON MBA DESIGNED FOR SUCCESS

Our MBA programme is designed to equip you with the skills and abilities that employers look for in senior managers or to start or develop a business and take it to the top.

We draw on our extensive networks and our established To make sure that right from the beginning you learn to think relationships with practitioners to ensure that our in terms of the wider picture, we focus on strategic thinking, curriculum is relevant to 21st century global business. innovation and effective leadership. These are critical to an The programme’s core modules reflect the integrated organisation’s ability to survive and prosper and are covered nature of decision-making that you will experience in the two larger, integrated core modules: Crafting Strategy, as a senior manager in your future career. Innovation and Enterprise, and Leading Complex Businesses.

Core modules The core modules are explained in more detail on page 18. Crafting Strategy, Innovation and Enterprise The curriculum also reflects our key areas of Leading Complex Businesses research expertise, ensuring that our teaching is Focusing on Customers and Positioning Products at the leading edge of management thinking. Measuring and Enhancing Financial Performance Designing and Managing Operations, Systems Members of our academic staff lead: and Processes The Aston Centre for Servitization Research and Practice Managing a Socially Responsible Organisation. The Enterprise Research Centre Aston Centre for People and Organisations In these modules, the traditional subject areas of The Aston Centre for Research into International Business marketing, operations, human resources, finance and The Aston Behavioural Science Laboratory. accounting are placed within the integrated context of the whole organisation. They are considered against the background of the impact that they have on each other We are one of only 25 business schools in the world and of the imperatives of the external environment. which acts as a PRME Champion School as part of a global leadership team for the United Nations-backed This way, the curriculum is future-oriented and Principles of Responsible Management Education. addresses the complex issues arising from the globally connected world in which we live and work. 17

Our research areas are also Major project represented in a range of elective The major project gives you the opportunity to design your modules which allow you to explore an own learning experience to fit your own area of interest. area of management interest in depth. You can complete your project in a number of ways and use it as a springboard for your future career. For Elective modules more information on the major project, go to page 19. Strategic Human Resource Management in a Global Context International experience E-Business Strategy As well as the multicultural experience that you will Strategic Global Outsourcing enjoy by working with our staff and other students, you will also take part in a study visit to another Technology-Led Service Strategies country, organised in conjunction with one of our International Business 30 partner business schools worldwide. International Finance International Marketing Management The study visit will include tuition sessions, workshops on particular local or regional industries and visits to businesses. Risk Management Advanced Strategy. Exchange programme You can also choose to study part of your MBA at one of our partner business schools or add further study to your Aston-accredited modules at various summer schools.

These programmes are all taught in English. As these opportunities are part of our international exchange programme there are no tuition fees.

Please visit www.astonmba.com/exchange for more information on our exchange programme. 18 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

MBA CORE MODULES

Our core modules will equip you with a thorough knowledge of the key business and management issues needed in modern business.

Crafting strategy, innovation and enterprise Measuring and enhancing financial performance The success of any enterprise depends on developing Being able to understand the financial health of a business and implementing strategy. It is a dynamic process from profit & loss accounts, balance sheets and cash which requires entrepreneurship, innovation and flows and international financial reporting standards is creativity and it must take into account global essential for senior managers and business leaders. economic, social, political and technological trends. You will learn to use the information in financial reports You will learn to link strategy theory and practice and in planning, decision-making and evaluating the balance develop your skills as a strategic and entrepreneurial between risk, uncertainty and financial returns with the help thinker and doer, including how to use financial of case studies from the UK, Europe, USA and Japan. analysis for strategic decision-making. Designing and managing Leading complex businesses operations, systems and processes The process of managing businesses has people at its heart. Operations management, or the process of using A knowledge of psychology, sociology and anthropology will the resources of a business as efficiently as possible enable you to understand how organisations function. You and managing relationships with suppliers and will learn how to use this knowledge to improve performance customers, is key to business competitiveness. and manage change in a complex and diverse environment including cultural differences and an international scope. You will be introduced to techniques for achieving operational efficiency and learn how they can be put into Your strategic capabilities will be honed using Wharton’s practice with case studies and visits to organisations Global Strategic Leadership program, providing you such as Jaguar Cars, Cadburys and TNT Express. with the tools to recognise and stay ahead of the forces shaping the global business landscape. Managing a socially responsible organisation A business has to be clear about its stance on Focusing on customers and positioning products social responsibility for reasons of ethics, to gain Putting the customer at the centre of the business and competitive advantage, for regulatory compliance positioning products or services distinctively in the or to avoid reputational and financial damage. marketplace are key to gaining competitive advantage. You will consider current debates on globalisation, cultural You will learn and put into practice the key concepts differences, global brands, fair trade, social responsibility and theories in marketing strategy and management, and philanthropy and learn to analyse and develop a stance including how to research and understand customer on social responsibility from a business perspective. and market behaviour, how to organise and innovate for international and global markets and how to interpret financial and market data to develop marketing strategies. 19

YOUR MBA PROJECT

The project is the single most important piece of work that you will complete while studying for the Aston MBA. It will enable you to apply theory and method to real managerial issues in real organisations.

You will use the knowledge and skills that you have acquired during your programme of study to conduct an in-depth The feedback that we investigation into a particular business or business area. get from our customers This project is a practical learning experience and will is extremely important to be relevant to your future career. You will be expected to take the initiative in planning and executing the project, us, particularly from our while being supported and guided by a supervisor with specialist knowledge in your area of interest. corporate customers. To get Project options* somebody of the standard You may choose your project from one of the following options: of an MBA student to go A sector-specific or themed research project out and get information A consultancy project sourced by us or a project within your own organisation was very important to us.” A business plan for a new venture or a new development in an existing business. Paul Willoughby Sales Manager, FlyBe Undertake an internship in an organisation in the UK or elsewhere in the world and a report analysing the tasks undertaken or on an issue of relevance to the organisation Study at one of our international partner institutions and an extended project conducted at the partner institution. You may also complete an internship or study abroad in addition to your major project. *Project type subject to availability 20 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

REAL WORLD RESULTS

We have a strong track record of MBA employability and of producing graduates who go on to excel in their careers around the world.

Aston Business School gave me an opportunity for professional development where ideas are turned into valuable business models that impact change.”

Janet Bolo Social Entrepreneur | MBA Full-Time (Class of 2015)

Aston was unique in several ways: first of all, it is entrepreneurship-inclined. Secondly, they have a supportive, dedicated employability team working on improving their graduates’ employability.

Basel Hammoda Founder - Blue Ocean Consulting | MBA Full-Time (Class of 2015)

When I think back to the time I started the MBA I instantly think ‘wow - what an incredible, life changing journey’

Shivani Veghela Divisions Director, Jacobs Engineering | MBA Part-time (Class of 2012) 21

Prior to doing my MBA my career was going OK but I didn’t feel it was progressing as fast as it could. The MBA opened my eyes to how exciting other areas of the business could be. A few years later I got my opportunity.

Darrell Evans Managing Director Sales, Services and Partnerships | MBA Part-time (Class of 2000)

I have learnt so much from our cohort. The different cultures are amazing and coming from finance, I haven’t always had the chance to mix with such a wide range of people.

Adiba Ali Regulatory Reporting Controller, JP Morgan | MBA Full-Time (Class of 2015)

The Aston MBA provided me with the tools I needed to ensure I was offering all that I could in my sector.

Stefan Tesche Director Global Account Novartis | MBA Full-Time (Class of 2004)

Learn more about life at Aston Business School by talking directly to one of our MBA alumni. Our international alumni ambassadors are happy to share their experiences of studying with us. To get in touch with one of our ambassadors visit:

ASTONMBA.COM 22 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON FULL-TIME MBA IMMERSIVE LEARNING FOR DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS

The Aston Full-time MBA is an intensive programme that offers thorough coverage of the principles of strategic thinking in a business context.

Over the course of the year, Assessment Special features we develop your management Modules are assessed through a As a part of the MBA programme skills and enhance your ability to series of individual assignments and you will go on a one week study lead and inspire. As a full-time group work, in which you will analyse trip to another top business school. MBA student, you will become complex business situations and make Most recently, our students have part of a diverse community of recommendations, as well as sitting visited Bordeaux, Nantes, Nice, business professionals who learn written exams at the end of each term. Paris, Barcelona and Leuven. collaboratively, sharing your considerable work experience and The Aston Edge will be assessed There are also opportunities for longer diverse international perspectives through a portfolio of achievements exchanges with international partners. to enrich the learning experience. and skills you will compile during the programme. For more information, please go to Teaching and learning www.astonmba.com/exchange. This intensive programme comprises The programme culminates with a on-campus sessions, seminars major project which enables you Key facts and workshops. These will advance to showcase your management Intake: September your understanding of international ability in a real business situation. Duration: 12 months business frameworks and develop your business network. Learning hours per module: 100 Teaching hours per module: 30 My Aston Portal (MAP) is our online Structure: interactive platform that connects Term 1 you to Aston University and The first parts of the two larger Blackboard is the virtual learning integrated modules (Crafting environment through which you can Strategy, Innovation and Enterprise engage with module content, take part and Leading Complex Businesses) in live seminars with lecturers and and two other core modules communicate with fellow students. Term 2 The second parts of the two larger You will also have full access to integrated modules (above) and online materials through the remaining two core modules our extensive library catalogue. Term 3 One elective and the commencement of your major project. 23

AT A GLANCE FULL-TIME PROGRAMME

Induction – Two weeks

Core modules

Terms One & Two Term One

Focusing on Measuring and Customers and Enhancing Financial Positioning Products Performance

Crafting Strategy, Leading Innovation Complex Term Two and Enterprise Businesses Designing Managing a The and Managing Socially Responsible Aston Operations, Systems Organisation Edge and Processes Personal and professional development Term Three programme (including study week outside UK) Choose one elective from: Major project* Strategic HRM in a Global Context One of the following formats: E-Business Strategy Consultancy project on behalf Strategic Global Outsourcing of your organisation or a client Technology-Led Service Strategies Business plan for your own business International Business Industry / themed research project International Finance Internship (UK or overseas) and International Marketing Management extended organisation-based project Risk Management Study abroad and extended project. Advanced Strategy. (Note: some electives may be offered through online delivery) *Project type subject to availability 24 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON ONLINE MBA MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY FOR YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The innovative Aston Online MBA enables you to study at one of the world’s leading business schools from any location. The online mode enables you to combine study and development of skills and knowledge alongside your career and lifestyle.

Designed from the ground up, the are in the world. You will also have full Special features Aston Online MBA will help you access to the online materials available A flexible, self-paced programme to advance your career, or set up through our extensive library catalogue. with online content supported by or develop your own business. live webinars and group activity, the For more detailed information on Aston Edge personal and professional Teaching and learning the IT requirements to study the development programme and study The programme consists of a Aston MBA Online and guidance on residentials in the UK and Europe. structured series of modules guided by the specific systems used, please academics at the forefront of business visit www.astonmba.com/mba-it. Key facts and management research, teaching Intake: September and January and learning. Two one-week residential Assessment Duration: 30 months courses will enable you to network and Modules are assessed through build relationships with our academics individual and group assignments Teaching/learning hours and your fellow MBA Full-time and in which you will analyse complex per module: 100 Executive Part-time students. businesses and through examinations Structure: to test your ability to apply your Year 1 The Aston Edge is our innovative analysis. Some modules may be Three core modules and programme to develop you personally assessed entirely by coursework. one elective module and professionally to become a better Where there are written exams, Year 2 performer and achieve your goals. they will normally be online. Three core modules plus the A range of Aston Edge activities will be commencement of your major project. scheduled during the two residential The Aston Edge will be assessed weeks, one at Aston and one at one of through a portfolio of achievements Study requirements: Compulsory our international partner institutions, and skills you will compile residential week each year. and during the course of your studies. during the programme.

My Aston Portal (MAP) is our online The programme culminates with a interactive platform that connects you major project which enables you to Aston University and Blackboard to showcase your management is the virtual learning environment ability in a real business situation. through which you will engage with the module content, live seminars with lecturers and communicate with fellow students, no matter where you 25

AT A GLANCE MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY FOR THE ASTON YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT ONLINE MBA

Induction – One week

Year One Core modules

Crafting Strategy, Innovation Focusing on Measuring and and Enterprise Customers and Enhancing Positioning Financial Products Performance

Choose one elective from: International Business Strategic HRM in a Global Context International Finance E-Business Strategy International Marketing Management Strategic Global Outsourcing Risk Management Technology-Led Service Strategies Advanced Strategy. The Aston Edge Aston Residential – One week* Personal and professional Year Two development Core modules programme

Leading Complex Businesses Designing Managing a Socially and Managing Responsible Operations, Organisation Systems and Processes

Overseas Residential – One week*

Major project* One of the following formats: Industry / themed research project Consultancy project on behalf Internship (UK or overseas) and of your organisation or a client extended organisation-based project Business plan for your own business Study abroad and extended project. *Project type subject to availability

*Denotes compulsory attendance 26 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON EXECUTIVE PART-TIME MBA COMBINE STUDY WITH A FULL-TIME CAREER

The Aston Executive Part-time MBA offers you the flexibility to learn over a longer period of time than our Full-time programme and is specifically designed for people who want to combine a full-time career with study. This gives you the opportunity to enrich your learning through discussion of current business issues and apply your new skills and knowledge straight away in your professional practice.

Teaching and learning All study materials are provided Special features The programme is very flexible, electronically and you will have A flexible programme with options to combining online learning with full access to online materials in study on or off campus, supported weekend study days at Aston. During our extensive university library. by online study materials, the Aston each academic year there will be a Edge personal and professional minimum of three study weekends, My Aston Portal (MAP) is our online development programme and study although the number of study days interactive platform that connects residentials in the UK and Europe. may vary depending on your choice you to Aston University and of the number of modules being taken Blackboard is the virtual learning Key facts per term. Subject to scheduling, you environment through which you can Intake: September and January engage with module content, take part may also attend the Full-time offering Duration: 30 months on campus if this suits you better. in live seminars with lecturers and Teaching/learning hours Note that taking fewer modules communicate with fellow students. per module: 100 than the normal would extend the completion time beyond 30 months. You will also have full access to Structure: online materials through our extensive Year 1 In addition, you will take part in library catalogue. Three core modules and Aston Edge activities during the one elective module Assessment two residential weeks, one at Aston Year 2 and one at one of our international Modules are assessed through a series Three core modules plus the partner institutions (see p27). There of individual assignments in which commencement of your major project. will also be Aston Edge activities you will analyse complex business Study requirements: Minimum throughout the course of your studies situations and make recommendations. three compulsory study weekends which we schedule flexibly (some You will also sit exams on campus on campus each year, one at study days and some online) at the end of each term. residential week on campus and to enable you to participate. one overseas residential. The programme culminates with a You will have access to a range of major project, which enables you virtual classroom materials and a to showcase your management comprehensive support network. ability in a real business situation. 27

AT A GLANCE THE ASTON EXECUTIVE PART-TIME MBA

Induction – One week

Year One Core modules

Crafting Strategy, Innovation Focusing on Measuring and Minimum and Enterprise Customers and Enhancing 3 x weekend Positioning Financial workshops Products Performance at Aston

Leading Complex Businesses Designing Managing Minimum and Managing a Socially 3 x weekend Operations, Responsible workshops Systems and Organisation at Aston Processes

Overseas Residential – One week*

*Denotes compulsory attendance 28 Aston Business School The Aston MBA The Aston MBA Aston Business School 29

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

To be eligible to study the International students Tuition fees and scholarships Aston MBA (all routes), you will If you are an international Please go to www.astonmba.com/fees need one of the following: student you will require: for the latest information about A good UK honours degree An official academic transcript, our tuition fees and information An equivalent overseas degree with an official English translation on our scholarships. recognised by Aston University of your university grades Other study options A degree-level professional A well-rounded GMAT score qualification may be required if you have not You may also study any four undertaken any business, finance modules from those offered within the MBA degree and you will be Plus: or economics-related study and do not have any demonstrable work awarded a Certificate – these can At least three years’ relevant post- experience within these disciplines. be studied on a Part-time basis graduation work experience. with other MBA students. Two references - at least one from If your native language is not English an academic referee and one from If you would like to experience an MBA you will also need to satisfy our your current or previous employer. module prior to full enrolment or study English language requirements a particular module out of interest or with one of the following: Two professional references are for work purposes, you may also study IELTS score of 7 overall with no accepted from applicants with individual modules of your choice. less than 6 in any section substantial work experience. TOEFL 105 (internet-based) with a For Certificate and individual minimum score of 22 in any section* module study please contact Applicants with extensive us for further details. work experience Pearson Academic Test of English with a minimum score We accept applications from of 57 in all four skills. *TOEFL scores are subject to terms and candidates with extensive work conditions. Please contact our MBA experience who have not completed a recruitment manager for further details. graduate qualification. You will initially We may offer you a place with lower be enrolled as a Certificate student English scores on condition that you and attend all the same classes as successfully complete a pre-sessional MBA students. Provided you pass English course at Aston University. If your first six modules, you will transfer you successfully complete your pre- to the MBA at no additional cost. sessional course you are guaranteed a place on the Aston MBA.

Exceptionally, you may be accepted with lower English scores on condition that you undertake in-sessional English study as a part of the MBA programme. 30 Aston Business School The Aston MBA

THE ASTON MBA HOW TO APPLY

Our online application system is secure and easy to use. To get started, you need to create an account on our online application page www.astonmba.com/apply

You will be asked to upload the If you need a visa to study in the UK, following documents: remember to allow sufficient time for A certificate showing a good UK the visa application process. Please honours degree or equivalent contact our University-wide dedicated overseas degree recognised by visa advice team for more information Aston University or a degree- by email to [email protected] or level professional qualification phone +44 (0) 121 204 4567. (not required if you are an exceptional candidate with What happens next? extensive work experience) Once we receive your application, it will An official academic transcript of be assessed to ensure that it meets the your grades (with an official English initial entry criteria. If your application translation where necessary) passes the initial criteria, we will invite Confirmation of your English you for an interview with a member of language qualification i.e. IELTS, the MBA selection panel, in person, TOEFL or Pearson (if required) via online video call or by telephone. Following your interview, you will A copy of your GMAT score receive a decision via email normally (if required) within two weeks. A copy of your passport (or other official Talk to us: form of identification) To find out more about the Aston MBA A passport sized photograph and to decide whether it is the right CV/resume programme for you, you can contact Supporting evidence for home our MBA recruitment manager at any fee status (if required). stage for support and guidance by email to [email protected] or phone When to apply +44 (0) 121 204 3100. You can make your MBA application Apply today and take the next step in all year round. your career as a global business leader: For specific deadlines for applications for 2016-17 entry, please visit ASTONMBA.COM/APPLY www.astonmba.com/key-info. 31 FOR MBA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Aston Business School Telephone: +44(0) 121 204 3100 Aston University Email: [email protected] Aston Triangle Website: www.aston.ac.uk/mba Birmingham B4 7ET UK