Traditional MBA entry requirements
Conventionally in the UK, not only would you have to obtain an undergraduate degree in a relevant field as well as score a 2:1 in your bachelor’s degree but you would also need to demonstrate a certain proficiency level of the English language, possess some professional working experience, and possibly undertake an entrance exam of some sort. Nonetheless, it is still possible for you to gain admission into a UK master’s programme without having completed an undergraduate degree.
UK Undergraduate Degree Classifications
| Degree | % |
|---|---|
|
1st class degree |
70% – 100% |
|
Upper 2nd class degree |
60% – 69%
|
|
Lower 2nd class degree |
50% – 59%
|
|
3rd class degree |
40% – 49% |
|
Fail |
0% – 39%
|
Non-standard MBA criteria
a) Work experience
Without an undergraduate degree, the procurement of extensive work experience is a prerequisite to get accepted to a master’s programme. Depending on your field of interest, you may also be eligible to qualify for some master’s programmes if you possess a relevant professional or artistic portfolio.
If an applicant has additional relevant credentials or experience, some universities will accept them without the traditional prerequisite of a strong undergraduate degree. As an illustration of their prior experience and genuine enthusiasm for their subject, candidates who have, for example, worked in the field for some time or had their work published may be given preference.
b) Postgraduate certificate
A graduate certificate can help you improve your credentials and equip you with the advanced practical skills required by specialised fields. Some programs enable enrolment if you possess sufficient job experience, even though admission normally requires an undergraduate degree. Typically, obtaining a graduate certificate takes six to twelve months.
c) Postgraduate diploma
In comparison to master’s degrees, graduate diplomas are typically less expensive and shorter. Additionally, universities may allow graduate diploma holders to then transfer to a master’s programme within the same field. The Diploma is a postgraduate credential in and of itself. Often, all that’s needed to upgrade a diploma to a full master’s degree is to complete a postgraduate dissertation, however specific course requirements may apply.
d) Competency-Based assessments
Some organisations use competency-based tests to gauge a candidate’s knowledge and abilities rather than only focusing on formal schooling. These assessments determine a student’s level of expertise in particular subjects, enabling them to evade certain prerequisites.
As online learning has become more prevalent, master’s programmes have become more adaptable to meet the needs of non-traditional students. Numerous online master’s programmes, predominantly those intended for working professionals, adopted more accommodating admissions policies.
At Stafford Global, you can undertake the Global Online MBA from the University of Hull and the Executive Part-time MBA from the University of Northampton through a non-standard route.
Alternative entry requirements to our programmes
For acceptance into the UK MBA, you would have to have at least 10 years of managerial as well as provide a portfolio of evidence and for acceptance to the PGCEi, you would have to at least 6 years of teaching experience as well as access to a classroom or school setting, access to a school can be either paid or voluntary, at least twice a week during the 12 months duration of the course. Our other MBAs also offer non-standard entry routes but the criteria differs from course to course.
Strict Entry Requirements for DBA
For the Doctorate of Business Administration, admissions requirements are strict and non-standard entry is not an option, you would have to attain a master’s degree before embarking on the DBA.
Interested in pursuing an MBA? Contact our Higher Education Consultants to discuss Executive MBA, and Online MBA options.
Written by Refaat Kazoun,
GROUP CEO, Stafford Global
