Dear colleagues,

I'm searching for DL/Online MBA program to be a good value for money in terms of program and its outcome. Unfortunately I have no chance to take full-time program and part-time seems to be more expensive (cheaper could be only taking less rated b-schools) and requires clear availability schedule for classes (not a case).

Shortly about myself:
I'm from Western Europe, my education and professional experience:
- Degree in Economics (local university) - GPA 5, diploma with honors,
- 10+ years work experience in Insurance (Finance and business administration roles),
- Senior/expert role, management experience of 1+ year, but not now.

I really enjoy learning and I'm looking for career progression - vertical career or cross functional move, e.g. taking manager's position and gain knowledge and experience for the future career steps. Turning to pure business function is preferable.
The decision to take EU MBA is determined by these facts mainly and it is a dream for years. There is no exact goal of working abroad but it is considered as a good option for the future as after the graduation I definitely expect perspectives inside my current organization locally and in EU and if nothing comes - outside...
Finally I decided to take UK MBA as didn't really find relevant options from other EU.

My criteria were:
- EU DL/online course with possibility to attend on-site modules/workshops/etc.
- Accreditation and reputation of the business school (triple seems better).
- Ratings: 1) DL 2) b-school.
- Costs (20- k GBP for the full program).

I clearly understand TOP EU b-schools like Insead, ESMT, Warwick are better choice than my options and that DL lacks network opportunities and I accept this. I plan to take it from on-site visits and in the future take short-term business courses from any TOP.

My short list matching the goals and requirements was:
1) Bradford University School of management
2) Open University
3) Strathclyde Business School.
I also did a search in LinkedIn for them as advised here and asked feedback from former students. I considered also Durham and Birmingham.

And... My winner is... Bradford University School of management!

What is your view of the choice, Bradford program and b-school? Does it match the goals? How is its reputation itself and for finance/business/insurance keeping in mind its not core sector for University?

Especially i'm appreciating getting comments from Duncan and other experts :-)

Thanks to all in advance!

Bradford is certainly a strong option. Strathclyde and Manchester put more of am emphasis on the core while Bradford and Warwick seem to have more electives. Did you look at the EuroMBA or Illinois's iMBA?

Dear Duncan,thank you so much for your reply!

I did look through all the schools with triple accreditation in Europe and ones from FT top list of last years and I recall EuroMBA is much higher price while I haven't noticed advantages of this... Will certainly take a look at Illinois. Why do you recommend it to consider meanwhile?
As for Bradford, Duncan - could you please share any disadvantage or weakness of this,from your point of view? What about the losing position in FT rating? Once you mentioned dependence on Indian market if I am not mistaken.
And am I right Bradford MBA is more strong and respected than Open university ones?

EuroMBA gives you excellent on campus experiences and six alumni networks. Illinois is an excellent, world class university and business school with a brand that is much more secure and powerful globally.

Dear Duncan, thanks again for your suggestions.
I looked at the Illinois iMBA and found out it is full online and was run first in 2016, both facts doubts me that it matches my criteria. In addition I think USA education for working in EU companies or immigrating to EU seems a weaker option.
EURO mba was I think one of the first I found after the topest ones suggested by my manager, it quite good and 6 residential weeks are perfect for sure but I really have doubts to manage taking all of them for both time, work and personal issues. An yes, it is 1.5 times more my budget...

I really appreciate the information regarding Bradford reputation and their pros and cons - any information, insights. Especially vs the others from the list.
I still have Strathclyde Business School in mind while Open University seems to be the latest option...

These are all good choices.