Are you considering pursuing an MBA degree but can’t decide between a traditional MBA programme and an online one?
Choosing the best online MBA programs that fit your life and budget is key as an MBA degree can open doors to career advancement and give a definite boost to your income.
According to Payscale, with a Master in Business Administration you can earn up to £60,000 per year if you are based in the UK.
In this article, we will explore the differences between a classroom based MBA programme and online MBA programme and will guide you in finding the option better aligned with your finances and circumstances:
Online MBA vs Classroom MBA
Online MBA degree:
Online MBA programmes are gaining more traction among students because of the benefits they provide. Completing an online MBA degree results in further professional development and increased career opportunities.
Studying in a long-distance MBA programme comes with many benefits such as:
Flexibility & Accessibility:
The best online MBA programmes are specially designed with young professionals in mind to offer them ease of access without any constraints of time or place. The course content is research-based and delivered by leading experts in the field.
The assessments are often practical in nature and require critical thinking on your part. In addition, the course material presented caters to all learning styles and is accessible for diverse learning needs.
Reduced duration:
Typically, a regular MBA programme lasts for a total of 2 years. But if you enrol in an online MBA degree you can complete your MBA within a duration of 12 months which can give you an early head start in your career advancement.
Reduced costs:
With online MBA programmes you can cut down on the costs. You usually need a laptop to access all your lectures and do your assignments.
You can access digital resources provided by your university on your devices, which means no additional costs related to relocation, buying course books or travelling back and forth to the campus.
Internationally Recognised Qualifications:
Online MBA programmes are usually offered in partnerships among different universities and are internationally recognised in the global markets which means you get quality education without spending a fortune.
If you are an international student, you get exposed to a different cultural environment that can prove a wonderful addition to your communication skills.
With these programmes you can also gain exposure to industry trends and innovations and get a chance to connect with other professionals.
Less competitive:
Getting admitted to an online MBA programme is easier compared to the in-person programmes where the admission process can be competitive with students applying from all over the world.
Challenges:
The 1:1 support of professors is usually limited in such programmes. If you fare better in classroom environments then an online MBA degree might not be best suited to you.
Classroom-based MBA degree:
If you are considering a traditional full-time MBA degree programme here’s what you’ll get:
Networking Opportunities & Communication Skills:
The traditional MBA programme is an in-person degree where you get an opportunity to interact face-to-face with your professors and your peers.
Assessment & Facilities:
Your knowledge of course material is usually tested through written assessments and you get a chance to gain practical experience during group projects.
Moreover, you can access on campus facility centers such as libraries and labs to help you during your research projects and case studies.
If you are struggling, academic support is also available to you in the form of academic advisors and your professors.
Events & Workshops:
Another perk of attending a classroom MBA degree is attending various career workshops and job fairs organised to support you.
You can also network with industry leaders and alumni that are working in your dream career.
Challenges:
As wonderful as it sounds, an in-person program usually means studying full-time which can be an impractical option if you are a working professional.
Another drawback to studying a full-time MBA programme is that it’s costly as you have to consider other expenses such as relocation, campus facilities and transportation etc.
Now back to the original question, which one is better for UK professionals?
If you are a UK-based entry level or a mid-career professional looking to advance your career in the field of business administration then you should go for top-ranked online MBA programmes such as being offered by Magna Carta College with the partnership of Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain.
Online MBA programmes can enhance your career by helping you develop expertise in your preferred area of business administration by teaching you skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global competitive markets.
Bottom line,
Whether you decide to join an online MBA programme or a classroom MBA, the knowledge you will gain will add to your professional growth. It is a worthwhile investment in your career.
You can widen the scope of your opportunities, change your career and increase your income potential by investing in the right MBA programme.
If you are considering pursuing an online MBA degree and have any questions, do let us know in the comments below.
Authored by
Arooj Saif
