Flexible learning MBA (UK)

In your own time and at your own pace with a structure that facilitates rapid completion
What is Flexible Learning ?
In 1983 Strathclyde was the first UK Business School to offer a distance learning MBA. This meant for the first time, MBA students could conduct most of their studies off-campus, with compulsory attendance at only one or two weekend schools per year. After extensive analysis we concluded that flexibility of pace was as important as flexibility of place of study. This led to the development of open learning, which allows students to vary the pace and, in many cases, the order of study according to their personal circumstances.
In recognition of the fact that not everyone wants to follow an almost entirely self-paced home study programme and that not everyone can, or indeed wants, to study full-time or by evening classes, we have now taken this one step further with the evolution of our Flexible Learning MBA.
This route combines the best of full-time, part-time and open learning study.
This means that all participants begin on an open learning basis with the option to supplement studies through optional face-to-face classes, in Glasgow. Therefore, this study method is ideal for people who value face-to-face contact with tutors, visiting specialists and colleague students, but who cannot attend fixed weekly classes.
Firmly routed in reality, the Flexible Learning programme combines current academic thinking with an immediate practical application in your working environment. This provides benefits for both you and your organisation.
How does Flexible Learning work?
The foundation of the Flexible Learning MBA is open learning. On joining the programme, you will be provided with a recommended study timetable, which would allow you to complete the Strathclyde MBA within 3 years.
This timetable has been designed by our academic and support team, and aims to provide you with an ideal balance of home study, and attendance at weekend schools and intensive seminars, in Glasgow.
Being flexible, such a timetable is not set in stone! Therefore, should you wish to fast-track and complete the Strathclyde MBA in under 3 years, our support team can suggest an alternative study schedule. Alternatively, should you wish to take a bit longer to complete your MBA, we can accommodate you up to a maximum of 6 years. It really depends on how quickly you want to work.
No matter how you choose to study your Strathclyde MBA, there are certain subjects, such as "the Learning Manager" which we feel cannot be taught at a distance. For this reason, we incorporate 4 compulsory weekend schools over the duration of the entire programme. These weekend schools are included in the standard tuition fee.
We regard attendance at these weekend schools as minimum rather than maximum contact. Great value can be obtained through working with other ambitious managers, often from a wide cross-section of industry and commerce.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of the optional intensive seminars - a series of face to face sessions in Glasgow (additional cost applicable), to make your experience with us as full as possible.
These sessions provides a valuable opportunity for intensive and in-depth study of a chosen subject area, to meet fellow students and benefit from shared experiences. In addition, intensive seminars are the key to accelerating your progress through the programme.
Our suggested timetable will give you a firm idea of commitments well in advance, allowing you to plan your year ahead at work and home.
When can I join the programme?
In theory, you can start flexible learning study whenever you like. However, given that there is an annual schedule of induction classes, weekend schools and intensive seminar, you are often best to start close to an induction period. These induction periods normally take place around April and October of each year.
This means that if you satisfactorily completed admissions between the period December and the following April, you could commence some tutor-supported home study immediately, and attend your first face to face class in Glasgow, at the end of April.
How long do I have to take off work?
We do our best to schedule induction classes, weekend schools and intensive seminars together throughout the year, to ensure that you have every opportunity to maximise your stay in Glasgow.
Therefore, to attend a half day induction class, which runs into your first weekend school, "The Learning Manager" you would only have to attend Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A total of 3 days.
However, as we have scheduled in some intensive seminars to complement your home study modules, we recommend that you extend your visit until the following Thursday, to take advantage of these classes.
Maximum attendance over this period would be 7 days.
An individual attending all possible weekend schools and intensive seminars on offer in any one year, would expect to be away from the office for a total of around 15 days.
Weekend schools run for all study routes of the Strathclyde MBA. Therefore, if cannot attend a specified date, we simply slot you into the next available run of that particular weekend school.
Intensive seminars are only scheduled for our flexible learning course members. If you are unable to attend, then we recommend that you complete the subject area using core learning materials, rather than delay your progress.
How long does it take to complete the Flexible Learning MBA?
It has been known for individuals to complete the course in 24 months although 36 months is far more usual. As mentioned, we do provide a 3 year timetable to follow. However, any change from the suggested timetable may obviously impact on the time it takes you to complete the programme. Our admissions team will be happy to provide a copy of this timetable. For individual timetabling needs and order of study you are advised to contact the Programme Administrator directly.
If trying to complete the MBA in 2 or 2.5 years we would strongly recommend that you maximise your attendance at intensive seminars.
What are Core Learning Materials?
The most important component of flexible learning study is the provision of core learning materials. These are extensive study guides for each subject, which provide both direct tuition and commentaries on the recommended text books.
SBS has invested heavily in developing these study materials. They are constantly revised by an in-house unit to keep them up to date, forming a living resources for students and tutors alike.
Unlike most other MBA providers, core text books are also include as part of the tuition fee.
These are the recommended books you will require to complete your Strathclyde MBA, and the majority of them are written by Strathclyde academics.
Many of these books are also recommended by other MBA programmes - so in fact, we write many of the books that other business schools use!
For some subjects, you will also receive reprinted articles and CD's that will provide supplementary instruction.
What support will I receive when I am off-campus?
SBS employs a full time Flexible Learning Administrator, and a team of flexible learning tutors.
Support at SBS
Your programme administrator will be your main point of contact during your study at SBS, and can be easily contacted by e-mail, telephone or fax.
Your programme administrator will deal with your day to day issues, but will also provide advice on timetabling your studies, and how best to tackle flexible learning.
Every course member is also allocated a tutor for each subject studied. They can guide and support your work by telephone, fax and email and they will be happy to provide detailed feedback on marked assignments
On-line Support
SBS provides an on-line intranet service, which can easily be accessed via the internet.
The intranet allows you to remotely access SBS's Business Information Service.
This unique service, allows you access to a wide range of electronic databases, so that all your research and desk-work can easily be carried out, at a distance.
In addition, the intranet allows us to update you with current news and relevant information about SBS, provide you with supplementary information about your study subjects, and allow you to contact study colleagues, via bulletin boards.
What about Exams?
Flexible learning has the exact same assessment criteria as our other study methods. This means that you will have to undertake assignments, and sit formal examinations.
Examination diets normally take place in Glasgow, during August, March and December.
However, international time zones permitting, we do allow our flexible learning course members to take their examinations out with Glasgow. Please ask our admissions team, if this is of interest to you.
So is the Flexible Learning route right for me?
If you want a programme of study that allows you to vary the pace and place of study yet also allows you to attend 'taught' sessions, then flexible learning is ideal. As with the part time route you will be expected to invest around a minimum of 15 hours a week. (Taught sessions are in addition to these hours.)

The Strathclyde Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally recognised management qualification aimed at talented, ambitious and well-qualified people with solid business experience.
In particular it:

• thoroughly prepares you for higher level, policy-forming positions
• allows you to make a successful career move from one field or industry to another
• allows a smooth progression from a technical specialism to general management
• polishes the skills and enhances the abilities of people working for themselves or about to set up in business

What are the prime benefits?
Self-Development:

• A broad understanding of business and management issues
• Strategic orientation and the ability to successfully implement the strategies formulated
• Development of management skills, techniques and competences
• Self-awareness as a manager and leader
• Increased confidence in all areas of business

Career Development:

• Enhanced promotion prospects
• New career opportunities
• Greater career security
• Access to the extensive Strathclyde MBA alumni network

What are the benefits for employers and sponsors?
Improved corporate performance:

• Greater understanding of corporate goals
• More knowledgeable and successful management
• Advanced communication through mutual understanding
• Greater awareness of external influences and recognition of the need for a quality customer focus and market orientation
• Increased potential for the effective utilisation of valuable corporate, human and other resources

Human Resource Development:

• Greater ability to attract and retain high potential managers
• Flexible approach to management education
• Structured development of individual managers
• Integral part of succession planning and development of tomorrow's leaders