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Rediff.com  » Getahead » Study Abroad: MS or MBA in the UK?

Study Abroad: MS or MBA in the UK?

October 14, 2008 10:31 IST
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Are you thinking of a career change -- from insurance to finance? Or marketing to operations?

Are you confused about whether to do an MS or MBA degree in the UK?

Have you gained admission to a UK university but unsure about its accreditation?

To address these and many other questions related to education in the UK, Education UK experts, Preeti Gadok and Aprajita Kalra, hosted a chat with GA readers on October 10. For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:


Preeti says, Good Afternoon, this is Preeti. Welcome to this webchat session.


Tammanagouda asked, I woking with an insurance company as a Unit sales Manager, but i want to move in Finance industry because my PG specialization is Finance. so is there any course in finance

Preeti answers, Dear student, Thank you for your query. UK offers a range of courses with specific specialisations in Finance at the Masters level. Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  & www.prospects.ac.uk  Your application pack should contain the following: 1) Application form of the institution 2) Statement of Purpose 3) Attested photocopies of mark sheets, certificates, etc from your previous education institutions. Any other recent certificates of your extra curricular activities 4) IELTS/TOEFL scores 5) Two references (academic/ professional) along with the application form. Sessions begin in September/October. There are some with intakes in January/February as well. There are no specific application deadlines for most institutions; however you should send the applications as soon as possible. Cost can vary between £ 14,000 to £ 20, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living)


prenzilda asked, I want to do MBA in Business Management, is there any scope to proceed.If I got a visa can my husband accompanied me.

Preeti answers, Dear Student, MBA in UK is for one year duration. The entry qualification is a first division or a higher second division in Bachelors degree, GMAT score, 2-3 years of full time work experience & an IELTS / TOEFL. The entry qualifications will vary from one institution to another. There are some institutions that do not require GMAT score or have no requirement for work experience. The strength of the UK MBAs is that they are designed to build on your work experience so that you acquire business & management skills of a very high order. In recent years MBAs have taken a variety of forms. The most common are general MBA, which normally cover all aspects of business administration and the different functional specialisations – finance, accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management. More information on MBAs is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  & www.prospects.ac.uk  The total cost can vary between £ 14,000 and £ 20, 000. For specific fees structures, please check on the web site or in the prospectus of the short-listed institution. Your husband can apply for a a dependent visa alongwith your visa appliaction as a studnet and you can find more details about this on www.ukcosa.org  under guidance notes for students


SAP_UK asked, Dear Preeti Gadok & Aprajita Kalra This is Siddhartha From B'lore Working as SAP HR Consultant in a Reputed MNC . I have nearly 4+yrs experience in this domain . I'm Looking for job in U.K nextyear. Kindly let me know if in case i get work permit in U.K Can i do a part time MBA in HR as i have a Wide intention to do MBA in Reputed Firm in U.K Universities... Please let me know Your view on this regard that hwo it can help me in developing my carrier growth wrt to my current experience in SAP HR ??? Regards siddharth SAP HR Consultant B'lore

Preeti answers, Dear Student, Thank you for your query. We unfortunately cannot advise you on job options or opportunities in the UK. You can visit the following website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  for more infoamtion on working schemes and options for work permits. You are allowed to study part-time on a work visa.


SR asked, Hi, I am a Law Graduate and working with a Corporate in-house legal dept. (Mumbai). I want to pursue LLM (IPR/I trade law) in UK. Please suggest good colleges and how viable it is keeping in mind the scarce job opportunities there thanks.

Aprajita answers, Dear SR, Thank you for participating in the web chat session. Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  Your application pack should contain the following: 1) Application form of the institution 2) Statement of Purpose 3) Attested photocopies of mark sheets, certificates, etc from your previous education institutions. Any other recent certificates of your extra curricular activities 4) IELTS/TOEFL scores 5) Two references (academic/ professional) along with the application form. Sessions begin in September/October. There are some with intakes in January/February as well. There are no specific application deadlines for most institutions; however you should send the applications as soon as possible. Cost can vary between £ 14,000 to £ 20, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living) Draw up a shortlist of institution and courses keeping in mind the following parameters: - Course Content – check the university websites for detailed course content. - Rankings of institutions: www.tqi.ac.uk and www.hero.ac.uk/rae  - Student -teacher ratio – to determine the class room size - What Teaching and assessment methods does the institution employ? - Number of International students studying at the institution - Is your chosen institution a campus/non campus institutions? - What are the tuition fees and the cost of living? - Scholarships offered by the institution. - Accommodation facilities at the institution. - Alumni – get details from the institution. - Facilities at the institution – library, computer lab etc. - Industrial links.


vikas asked, hi, i am CA student i want to do MBA in fin., is there any scope to proceed for MBA in UK after completion of CA

Aprajita answers, Dear Vikas, Thank you for your question. MBA in UK is for one year duration. The entry qualification is a first division or a higher second division in Bachelors degree, GMAT score, 2-3 years of full time work experience & an IELTS / TOEFL. The entry qualifications will vary from one institution to another. There are some institutions that do not require GMAT score or have no requirement for work experience. The strength of the UK MBAs is that they are designed to build on your work experience so that you acquire business & management skills of a very high order. In recent years MBAs have taken a variety of forms. The most common are general MBA, which normally cover all aspects of business administration and the different functional specialisations – finance, accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management. More information on MBAs is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  The total cost can vary between £ 14,000 and £ 20, 000. For specific fees structures, please check on the web site or in the prospectus of the short-listed institution.


Sandeep asked, Hi, I am a Law Graduate currently working with a Corporate, Mumbai (2 yrs exp.). I want to pursue LLM (IPR) in UK. Please suggest good colleges and is it viable to do LLM keeping in min the scarce job opportunities in UK.

Preeti answers, Dear Sandeep, UK offers a number of specialist courses in Law at the masters level and the advantage of a UK masters is its short duration. We unfortunately cannot comment on the job option in the UK and you can contact the university's job centers for more information. The details on how to apply for a masters can be seen from one of my previous answers. you can check for rankings of universities over www.hero.ac.uk/rae  and www.unistats.com  


saurav asked, I am accepted unconditionally at the Imperial College Business School for a PhD in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship and have full scholarship, starting date is 3oth October, will go for my UK Visa on 14th, My passport has two pages stamped "cancelled without prejudice" from my previous USA student Visa after they expired, is that going to be a problem in getting a UK Visa

Aprajita answers, Dear Saurav, thank you for your question. unfortunately, we will not be abale to advise you on visa queries. Please write to vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com  for a reply.


venkit asked, Hello Sir...Am pursuing Company Secretaryship here in Chandigarh,Is there scope of doing MBA in U.K after my C.S ??and in which is the best field for me to specialize

Preeti answers, Dear Venkit, Yes you can apply for an MBA in the UK. Please refer to one of our earlier answers on how to find out about MBA courses in the UK and checking the universities rankings. You should choose a field of study in which you hold an interest and check details about the course content on the universities website.


Subu asked, Hi I am Pranav and am in the 10th std in Chennai. I am appearing for my 10th boards in March 2009. I would like to know if I can pursue my further schooling in the UK. Also, I am an aspiring cricketer and would like to go to a place which offers some opportunity to play serious cricket.

Aprajita answers, Dear Subu, Thank you for your participation. You can definitely pursue your further schooling in the UK. You can check on www.isuk.org.uk  and www.isc.co.uk  where a detailed directory of independent schools, which includes a page with links to specific school web sites.


hitesh asked, hello mam.. i have completed my b-tech in ECE branch with 78%. I scored 84%in +2 and 70% in 10. now i want to pursue my higher studies in UK. kindly suggest me which course i should pursue there. should i go for MS or for an MBA. I want to enroll in a course which should have a good job scope there. please advice me i m very confused thank you

Preeti answers, Dear Hitesh, we unfortunatly do not advise on job options in the UK. However you can choose to either do an MSc (there is no MS in the UK) or an MBA. An MSc degree generally requires you to have a bachelors in a related field where as an MBA requires work experience as well along with your Bachelor's qualification. If you have 2-3 years of work experience you can look at the option of doing an MBA. if not, choose the MSc. Details on how to proceed have been mentioned in one of our previous answers.


Ilika asked, Hi Preeti, can you please suggest University names, which would take students for MBA course with 2 years work experience?

Aprajita answers, Dear Ilika, We do not suggest/reccommend universities, rather encourage students to make the best choice according to their interests, qualifications and experience. MBA in UK is for one year duration. The entry qualification is a first division or a higher second division in Bachelors degree, GMAT score, 2-3 years of full time work experience & an IELTS / TOEFL. The entry qualifications will vary from one institution to another. There are some institutions that do not require GMAT score or have no requirement for work experience. More information on MBAs is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  


Akash asked, i have done B.tech this yr from computer science and want to do mba in uk so tell me the procedure how to do mba there what type of exam i have to pass for studying there

Aprajita answers, Dear Akash, MBA in UK is for one year duration. The entry qualification is a first division or a higher second division in Bachelors degree, GMAT score, 2-3 years of full time work experience & an IELTS / TOEFL. The entry qualifications will vary from one institution to another. There are some institutions that do not require GMAT score or have no requirement for work experience. The strength of the UK MBAs is that they are designed to build on your work experience so that you acquire business & management skills of a very high order. In recent years MBAs have taken a variety of forms. The most common are general MBA, which normally cover all aspects of business administration and the different functional specialisations – finance, accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management. More information on MBAs is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  The total cost can vary between £ 14,000 and £ 20, 000. For specific fees structures, please check on the web site or in the prospectus of the short-listed institution.


praveen asked, My name is Praveen. I have completed 10th std and completed Dip. in hotel Management and Catering Tech. What are the opportunities for study and work

Preeti answers, Dear Praveen, If you have done a diploma after your 10th, you can apply for undergraduate study in the UK. Some universities will offer you admission in the second year of a bachelors degree based on their assemssment of your qualification. Undergraduate courses in UK are for 3 years. For admission to undergraduate courses most UK institutions accept Indian school leaving qualifications (CBSE / ISC Board). You will need to meet the minimum marks requirement and this varies between subjects and institutions. Other factors considered are extra-curricular activities, relevant part-time work experience, the quality of your application; your personal statement and the reference form your Principal/teacher. Information on undergraduate courses is available on: www.ucas.ac.uk  Application for undergraduate education is through Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). This is a common application processing service and allows you to apply to five institutions. Sessions in most of the UK institutions begin in September/October. A good time to start the application procedure is September of the previous year. For September 2008 intake, the first UCAS deadline was 15 January 2008 and the final UCAS deadline is 30 June 2008. The applications are still accepted after this date but they go through a process of clearing (more information available on the UCAS web site)


krunal asked, Hello i am krunal my wife is already go for uk last 10 month i will go to uk depandent visa witch document to need this process

Aprajita answers, Dear Krunal, I am afraid we would not be able to offer you advise on dependent visa. Please contact vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com  for a reply.


saurav asked, is there a possibility to get a faculty position in UK University , I already have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from University of Florida, and now a second PhD from imperial college in tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship??

Aprajita answers, Dear Saurav, Unfortunately, we would not be able to advise you on employment prospects, you are requested to contact the institutions direcly.


dawer asked, hi preeti.i have just completed my graduation in computers and want to pursue m.b.a from u.k...what are the possible options for me???

Aprajita answers, Dear Dawar, There are general as well as specialised MBA options available at UK institutions. MBA in UK is for one year duration. The entry qualification is a first division or a higher second division in Bachelors degree, GMAT score, 2-3 years of full time work experience & an IELTS / TOEFL. The entry qualifications will vary from one institution to another. There are some institutions that do not require GMAT score or have no requirement for work experience. The strength of the UK MBAs is that they are designed to build on your work experience so that you acquire business & management skills of a very high order. In recent years MBAs have taken a variety of forms. The most common are general MBA, which normally cover all aspects of business administration and the different functional specialisations – finance, accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management. More information on MBAs is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  


VICKY asked, IS THERE ANY WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO AN MBA FROM UK

Aprajita answers, Dear Vicky, thank you for your particiaption. Please refer to the answer given to Dawar


balika asked, Hi Preeti..My question is i am intereted in MBA at LBS. i am confident of getting it too. now the prob is i am getting married to my girlfriend in May 2009, but the application has to be sent in by Jan 2009. will it difficult to then apply for a dependent visa for her? she also plans to work fulltime in UK. is it possible. she is MSc and a qualified teacher

Aprajita answers, Dear Balika, You are requested to contact vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com  for queries on dependent visas


Shruti asked, Dear Preeti Gadok & Aprajita Kalra This is Shruti From Bhubaneshwar. I am persuing my B.V.Sc. & A.H. I am in 4th yr., after 5th yr i wish to complete PG in Veterinary Science from good institution. Will u pl. let me know the basic requirement along with procedure & time of application.

Preeti answers, Dear Shruti, There are options available at the masters level for veterinary studies. Please check www.prospects.ac.uk  and www.postgrad.hobsons.com  for a list of institutions offering the programmes. The general rules for admissions to a masters programme appy however, many institutions will ask you for practical work experience / training along side your degree.


ritesh asked, Hi, I've done engineering as my graduation & have a 1 year of workex. so far.Right now i am preparing for MBA entrance exam.I want to know about the PG prospects in Cardiff,UK. What's the admission requirements there ???

Preeti answers, Dear Ritesh, You will have to check the university specific requirments over www.cardiff.ac.uk  under your specific programme of interest. Usually MBA degrees in the UK require 2-3 years of supervisory or managerial work experience along with your bachelors degree. Please review our answers given earlier.


Archana asked, I want to do a Graduation Course [any IT or computer related] abroad specially in UK. Problem is,i have passed out 12th in 2003 with 60%,so there is a 5yr gap. So am I eligible at all to apply for any college..? Please help...if possible,i am seein to apply this year only.

Aprajita answers, Dear Archana, Thank you for your question. yes, you can apply for an undergraduate course even if you have a gap years. You would of course be required to inform the institutions of your reason for the same and what were you doing during these few years. Undergraduate courses in UK are for 3 years. Certain professional courses in UK and undergraduate programmes in Scotland are for 4 years. For admission to undergraduate courses most UK institutions accept Indian school leaving qualifications (CBSE / ISC Board). You will need to meet the minimum marks requirement and this varies between subjects and institutions. Other factors considered are extra-curricular activities, relevant part-time work experience, the quality of your application; your personal statement and the reference form your Principal/teacher. Information on undergraduate courses is available on: www.ucas.ac.uk Application for undergraduate education is through Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). This is a common application processing service and allows you to apply to five institutions. Sessions in most of the UK institutions begin in September/October. A good time to start the application procedure is September of the previous year. The total cost can vary from £12,000 to £16, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living)


VICKY asked, COULD YOU SUGGEST SOME GOOD INSTITUTES TO PURSUE AN MBA IN FINANCE FROM UK

Preeti answers, Dear Vicky, UK education has a world wide reputation for quality. There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.tqi.ac.uk brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. It is maintained by the Higher Education Research Organisation (HERO). Check this for the National Student Survey (NSS). In this final year students rate the institution at which they are studying on a number of different criteria such as level of academic support they received and the learning resources available to them. It enables students to make comparisons between institutions, between different subjects within the same institution and to make a more informed choice about where they will study. Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).


karthikeyan asked, hi preethi i finished bca here i like to do msc in networking appox cost of study and living expenses in uk?

Aprajita answers, Dear Karthikeyen, Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. Cost can vary between £ 14,000 to £ 20, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living) Students in UK institutions are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations.


saurav asked, I have full scholarship, is it still necessary to show proof of financial support apart from the letter from the College

Preeti answers, Dear Saurav, You can post your query to the Visa Facilitation office for further advise. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service. The telephone number is 080 40084008. Calls are charged at local or STD rates depending on your location, indicative call rates should be no more than Rs.10/- for a maximum of 5 minutes. All the information provided is supplied and approved by UKvisas. Alternatively, You can email them at vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com  


chintan asked, i want to persue masters in project management, any options , guidance ??

Aprajita answers, Dear Chintan, Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  Your application pack should contain the following: 1) Application form of the institution 2) Statement of Purpose 3) Attested photocopies of mark sheets, certificates, etc from your previous education institutions. Any other recent certificates of your extra curricular activities 4) IELTS/TOEFL scores 5) Two references (academic/ professional) along with the application form. Sessions begin in September/October. There are some with intakes in January/February as well. There are no specific application deadlines for most institutions; however you should send the applications as soon as possible. Cost can vary between £ 14,000 to £ 20, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living)


balika asked, when i apply for visa as a student can my wife simultaneously apply for dependant visa? we will be married only in may2009 (before the classes begin) but i would have to write single in the admission form. will that cause a confusion later??

Preeti answers, Dear Balika, You will need to check on this with the visa office directly and i have given the contact details in another answer. Please refer for details. You can apply for a dependent visa (for which you will need to attach proof of dependency) in your application form.


dharm asked, I just wanna knw dat ...wat is the job scenario for UK graduates..

Aprajita answers, Dear Dharm, There are wew work opportunities for International graduates. From 30 June, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). This is twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


balika asked, Hi Preeti..My question is i am intereted in MBA at LBS. i am confident of getting it too. now the prob is i am getting married to my girlfriend in May 2009, but the application has to be sent in by Jan 2009. will it difficult to then apply for a dependent visa for her? she also plans to work fulltime in UK. is it possible. she is MSc and a qualified teacher

Preeti answers, Dear Balika, Please log on to www.ukcosa.org.uk  and check under the guidance notes for international students in terms of the status of dependents. Dependents are allowed full time work provided the visa doesnt state otherwise.


hiteshjiasd asked, i hav done Electronics and comm engineering... please tell me from which university i should do an MSC... and which feild will be a good option?? thank you

Aprajita answers, Dear Hitesh, You would be able to obtain information on postgraduate coureses on: www.prospects.ac.uk www.postgrad.hobsons.com Draw up a shortlist of institution and courses keeping in mind the following parameters: - Course Content – check the university websites for detailed course content. - Rankings of institutions: www.tqi.ac.uk  and www.hero.ac.uk/rae  - Student -teacher ratio – to determine the class room size - What Teaching and assessment methods does the institution employ? - Number of International students studying at the institution - Is your chosen institution a campus/non campus institutions? - What are the tuition fees and the cost of living? - Scholarships offered by the institution. - Accommodation facilities at the institution. - Alumni – get details from the institution. - Facilities at the institution – library, computer lab etc. - Industrial links.


ronak asked, can you tell me how is the ETHAMES GRADUATE SCHOOL in london as a studies

Preeti answers, Deaer Ronak, The institution you mention is a private institution in the UK. We cannot comment upon its rankings. The Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills maintains a 'Provider's register' where all genuine UK institutions are listed. The visa office cannot issue any visas for institutions that are not listed on this register. www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister/index.cfm  


ali asked, Hi! I am a civil engineer & i have done diploma in civil. i m interested in further education i.e graduation

Aprajita answers, Dear Ali, You can pursue a masters course in the UK. Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  


satish asked, hi i come from a lower middle class family...i am working with a mnc from 2 years ...i wish to do mba....is there any scope for me to puruse it from uk at an affordable price

Preeti answers, Dear Satish, MBA in the UK is for one year and the total cost can vary between £ 14,000 and £ 20, 000. For specific fees structures, please check on the web site or in the prospectus of the short-listed institution. You can apply for a number of scholarships (both university specific or a common scholarship) for financial aid.


vivek asked, hi i want to do my mca/mba from abroad

Preeti answers, Dear Vivek, Please look at one of our answers to do an MBA or MAsters in the UK.


Archana asked, Is it that students come only for higher studies and not for graduation.?Are there Indian students for the graduation coures.Is it easy to adjust..??

Preeti answers, Dear Archana, We term graduation as undergraduation in the UK and this is included in Higher Studies. (In fact all qulaification post 12 standard are included in this category) A number of students travel to the UK for graduation and universities have international welfare officers who help you overcome culture shock.


hiteshjiasd asked, that i will do but still if you can tell me what will suit me best. And mam will i be able to apply for the january session if i start my process now. i am going to take ielts on 25th of oct

Aprajita answers, Dear Hitesh, We would not be able to reccommend/suggest institutions or course specialisations to you. Draw up a shortlist of institution and courses keeping in mind the following parameters: - Course Content – check the university websites for detailed course content. - Rankings of institutions: www.tqi.ac.uk  and www.hero.ac.uk/rae  - Student -teacher ratio – to determine the class room size - What Teaching and assessment methods does the institution employ? - Number of International students studying at the institution - Is your chosen institution a campus/non campus institutions? - What are the tuition fees and the cost of living? - Scholarships offered by the institution. - Accommodation facilities at the institution. - Alumni – get details from the institution. - Facilities at the institution – library, computer lab etc. - Industrial links.


hiteshjiasd asked, that i will do but still if you can tell me what will suit me best. And mam will i be able to apply for the january session if i start my process now. i am going to take ielts on 25th of oct

Aprajita answers, Dear Hitesh, You are well in time to apply for the Jan/Feb intake, please go ahead.


Lionel asked, Hi, I am a Bachelors in Computer Science with 4 years work experience in a variety of lead roles in IT Organizations. I would like to know what kind of specialization will help me boost my career and if i go for an MBA how much would it cost me in the UK?

Preeti answers, Dear Lionel, Your specilisation will be based on your interest areas and on the entry requirements of universities. we advise you to go through the details of course content on university sites but would not be able to offer you a specific field. You can find details of the various MBA options available on www.prospect.ac.uk  or www.postgrad.hobsons.com  and then choose your field of interest. Please refer to our earlier advise on applying for an MBA for guidance on how to proceed further.


vivek asked, hi i am vivek and i want to do my master degree course in it or management stream in abroad tell me fee and every thing releted this thankyou

Preeti answers, Dear Vivek, Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com  www.prospects.ac.uk  Your application pack should contain the following: 1) Application form of the institution 2) Statement of Purpose 3) Attested photocopies of mark sheets, certificates, etc from your previous education institutions. Any other recent certificates of your extra curricular activities 4) IELTS/TOEFL scores 5) Two references (academic/ professional) along with the application form. Sessions begin in September/October. There are some with intakes in January/February as well. There are no specific application deadlines for most institutions; however you should send the applications as soon as possible. Cost can vary between £ 14,000 to £ 20, 000 (tuition fee + cost of living) Students in UK institutions are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations.


Thomas asked, Hi Preeti, I've four years of experience post MBA(Finance, HR) from Bangalore university. I'm looking for specialized course in Finance in areas like Investment banking, Financial markets, etc from UK. What's your opinion on the course selection. Should I go for MSc or MRes (Research) or MPhil ?

Preeti answers, Dear Thomas, Finance is a good course option and UK offers a number of specialisms that you list. I would recommend you go through the course details on university sites and you can find a list of universities on www.prospects.ac.uk  or www.postgrad.hobsons.com  


vineet asked, hi my qualification is BCOM(HONS) and CS , i am 29 year old , i want to learn and earn in UK

Preeti answers, Dear Vineet, Please refer to our earlier guidance given on study and living in the UK.


sam asked, hi, I am working in a private company. I have done my bcom (63%), IELTS (6.5). Now I want to know about the visa (sponsorship). My father is a retired school teacher and he doesnt have a bank account amount that is required. i came to know i need to show some 12-15 lakhs bank transaction in my bank account. Please help me out. thanks.

Aprajita answers, Dear Sam, Thank you for your query. The following web link will provide guidance to explain what you will need to do if you want to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to study, and what the Immigration Rules say. It is only a guide but it aims to answer some common questions. https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa  You can also write to vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com  


Guru asked, What is the requirement to study MSc in UK? 1. whether i have write GRE and TOEFL or is there any other exam that i need to write.

Preeti answers, Dear Guru, Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. Universities for some specific courses also ask for a GMAT / GRE and this can be check through there specific websites.


dd asked, Hi Preeti i have finished my aeronautical engineering and I m willing to do MS in Aerospace from UK . Will u suggest me some good Aerospace Universities ?

Aprajita answers, Hi, Thank you for your question. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com www.prospects.ac.uk Draw up a shortlist of institution and courses keeping in mind the following parameters: - Course Content – check the university websites for detailed course content. - Rankings of institutions: www.tqi.ac.uk  and www.hero.ac.uk/rae  - Student -teacher ratio – to determine the class room size - What Teaching and assessment methods does the institution employ? - Number of International students studying at the institution - Is your chosen institution a campus/non campus institutions? - What are the tuition fees and the cost of living? - Scholarships offered by the institution. - Accommodation facilities at the institution. - Alumni – get details from the institution. - Facilities at the institution – library, computer lab etc. - Industrial links.


anil asked, what are the job prospects , after completing MBA from UK University , and wheather student after completion can get 2 years work permit in UK.

Preeti answers, Dear Anil, We do not advise you on work options in the UK for which you will need to contact the universities job centres. From 30 June, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). This is twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


erajesh asked, Dear Ms. Preeti, Does the universities of UK give preference to extra curricular activities? I am black belt in martial art and recently I played in one tournament in Singapore. Apart from these I have completed 4th grade in music from ABRSM (Associate Board of Royal School of Music, London). Please advise

Aprajita answers, Dear Erajesh, Thank you for your query. Extra-curricular activities and non-academic achievements play a very crucial role in application selection. Ple do mention these in your application.


Loordhu asked, hi preeti... i am interested do MS in Sheffield Hallam university with 100 % scholarship. can you guide me

Preeti answers, Dear student, Please check www.shu.ac.uk for details on the various MSc programmes that the university offers. They also have a section for scholarships or your can log on to www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm  


ashishranjan76 asked, where does BRIGHTON/ SUSSEX UNIVERSITY STANDS when one has to do MBA.

Aprajita answers, Dear Ashish, Thank you for your participation. UK education has a world wide reputation for quality. There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.tqi.ac.uk  brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. It is maintained by the Higher Education Research Organisation (HERO). Check this for the National Student Survey (NSS). In this final year students rate the institution at which they are studying on a number of different criteria such as level of academic support they received and the learning resources available to them. It enables students to make comparisons between institutions, between different subjects within the same institution and to make a more informed choice about where they will study. Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae  The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).


Amrita asked, also is it necessary for me to give my TOFEL or IELTS exams???

Aprajita answers, Dear Amrita, IELTS/TOEFL are not mandatory exams and students do get exemption. This is however completely at the discretion of the university that you apply to for admission. Please check with the university direcly to know whether you stand a chance for exemption or not.


bhavesh asked, i want to do MBA in finance with job at london how can i ?

Preeti answers, Dear Bhavesh, We do not offer advise on job opportunities in the UK. For guidance on how to apply for an MBA, you can check our earlier answers. Students are allowed to work part time during term time and full time during vacations.


arpit asked, wats d approximate expenses for doing mba from uk from a gud b school

Preeti answers, Dear Arpit, The total cost can vary between £ 14,000 and £ 20, 000. For specific fees structures, please check on the web site or in the prospectus of the short-listed institution.


arpit asked, heye dats my 3rd question to u pls answer it i want too do mba from uk but hailing from a middle class family i m always afraid of expenses der so cn u pls tell me the average expense for doing mba from sum gud b school of uk

Preeti answers, Dear Arpit, Please look at www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm  for details of various scholarships available.


VIKRAM asked, I forgot to add that I am 34 years as on date ? What courses can I take up , as I completed my MBA 10 yrs back?

Preeti answers, Dear Vikram, The UK universities fo not have any age restrictions and welcome mature students as well.


Lionel asked, Hi, if I am married and want to pursue my MBA and intend to take my wife along too, she would be on a dependent visa. Would she be able to pursue full time employment on dependent status?

Preeti answers, Dear Lionel, For guidance on dependents please have a look at www.ukcosa.org.uk  under the section for international students.


Aprajita says, Dear everyone, Thank you for such a tremendous response. However, due to time constraints we will not be able to continue. This is all for today. For further information please feel free to contact your nearest British Council/Library. You can also check for information and events update on our official Education UK India web site www.educationuk-in.org . Thank you! And all the best!!


Preeti says, Thank you for participating in this session.


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