There was a user on this board a while back who raved about the Durham program - said that the technologies they used made the experience very engaging. They use Elluminate Live to deliver lectures live, as opposed to having you watch pre-recorded videos.

Bradford uses the original Blackboard platform, which enables you to engage printed and video material, along with "live tutorials" that help you through it.

Both programs also use discussion forums.

In terms of the learning experience, I'd say that Durham, with its live classes, is probably more similar to being in a classroom. That's not to say that it's better - but it might be better suited for you if you are not the self-motivated type.

Either way, you are going to want to take advantage of either program's on-campus sessions. For these programs, they're not required, but you will receive a much deeper learning experience if you can have face-to-face interaction.

hello there, Im not sure if you joined any yet. However, I got an acceptance from Bradford. It's double accredited and good ranking. You need to take two modules every three months but can take only one of you get if a work pressure or other reason. The only drawback is each course is offered once a year. That is the thing that made me hesitant having a full time job and a daughter.

Thanks for the insight, MimoDL. Can you tell us a little bit about how the course works? How are lectures delivered, what the learning experience is like, etc.?

I did not join Bradford as it was not feasible with my current lifestyle. I got the acceptance, though. Here is what they communicated with me:

Most of the core modules run once per year. Therefore, if you take just one module each semester you will complete the 8 core modules within 2 years rather than 1 year. Most students study 2 modules per semester but the choice is yours.

You can only choose elective modules once your core modules are completed. You can take electives as blocks at our partner institutions (including Dubai) but cannot take core modules. The modules change from year to year. At present they are offering marketing modules as follows;

Marketing (core)
Marketing Communications (elective)
Corporate Marketing (elective & block)
International Marketing (block)
Services Marketing (block)
Entrepreneurship (elective and block)

You are sent the materials for modules when you register for them. Therefore, if you registered for 2 modules one semester the module materials would be sent to your contact address prior to the start of teaching for those subjects. All on-line resources can be accessed throughout the period of teaching. The live Elluminate sessions are usually recorded and made available by the module tutors. The awarding certificate states ?awarded MBA?. It does not mention distance learning.

My only concern is taking two modules every three months, compared to Durham's six months module length. Bradford is flexible in terms of the length of time to complete the programme, not with possibility of taking the module at more than one chance per year. So with full time job and a daughter, studying two modules every three months, each with assignments/exams will be very difficult in my case.

If you wish to complete Bradford's MBA within 2-3 years you would need to study 2 modules per semester but if you choose to study 1 module instead that is also fine but it would mean extending the completion of the programme by 2 more years. You have up to 6 years to finish the programme. Durham is more flexible in my case. I am still waiting for their reply.

Thanks for the insight into this - I'm sure it will help other users. With the Illuminate live lectures, it certainly sounds very similar to the Durham program.