These are all well-respected programs, and there's plenty of discussion on here about the pros and cons of most of them. In general though:

- Try to maximize face-to-face learning time, as it will help you with soft skill and leadership development. In the Warwick program, for instance, there's two on-campus study sessions in the first year.

- Check out course delivery systems. These will vary between programs and potentially require different technologies. Some may allow you to 'test-drive' the delivery software, or they might have videos that show you how you learn.

- The management projects are a great way to apply your learning. I know that Durham and Bradford offer consulting projects as part of the curriculum, I don't don't about the others.

Thank you, that's good insight. I am leaning towards the Warwick program, it looks pretty good. But I'm going to talk to the schools and ask some questions first. Thanks again!

Just submitted my application for the January intake at Warwick! I hope I will be accepted. Anybody else applying for the program?

Hi guys!
I would also like to hear your opinion on the online MBA programs. I had more-less the same dilemma like 808bobby808...only I've eliminated Warwick (no triple accreditation) & Durham (fees too high) and now basically have a hard time deciding between Bradford, Open University and possibly the Strathclyde program.
Bradford seems to be the most acceptable option for me if the overall duration (2 years) of the program and the fees (13500 Pounds) are taken into account (have no sponsorship from my employer).
A little bit of background info on me...I'm 34 years old, hold a dual masters degree in Educational sciences and Biology and a PhD in Molecular Biology. I currently have about 9 years of work experience; 5 in basic research, 1 in business development&consulting (tech transfer, IP management & education) and a bit over 3 years in project management (EU funded project in research infrastructures). The main reason for getting an MBA for me is the fact that I lack formal business education (sure, I could read some books of my own but I need a real motivation to do so), I'm aiming for a career change and transfer into industry/consulting and of course there is the financial aspect to it.
Unfortunately, I am in no position to take 1-2 years off for a full-time program (which would be my preference) and also can't afford the IE business school or any other top school so I'm looking for the most acceptable option and the best value for money.
Any feedback from you would be highly appreciated..
Thanks!

I'm not sure if eliminating Warwick based solely on the fact that it lacks the triple crown is the best idea. I'm not saying that it's necessarily the best school, but it is ranked higher - and has the best salary outcomes - than the other schools you're looking at...

I'm not sure if eliminating Warwick based solely on the fact that it lacks the triple crown is the best idea. I'm not saying that it's necessarily the best school, but it is ranked higher - and has the best salary outcomes - than the other schools you're looking at...

Hi mba hipster,

Thanks a lot for your reply.
I did not eliminate Warwick based solely on the lack of triple accreditation (although that was the major part) but also based on the course duration (3 years) and the fees (22500 Pounds when compared to 13500 at Bradford for example). In addition, I think that the salary outcomes are quite relative and if you check the FT ranking, Warwick has an increase in 32% compared to Bradford that has 30% increase (http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/online-mba-ranking-2014). Now...the way I see it, this minor increase difference in 2% of the gross salary would take years to leverage the tuition costs and 1 extra year...plus there is the accreditation thing....and I also think that the actual salary outcomes are quite individual and also depend on the individual's profile, age, industry, etc...I might be wrong there though...

I wouldn't focus so much on the discrepancies in salary data for this particular ranking, since it's brand new and only represents a narrow range of MBA programs. Rankings are great for full-time MBA programs, which are designed to help students make big career leaps, but less useful for online programs.

My sense is that if a school is included in this ranking, it's probably comparable to the other schools in the ranking.

I suggest you look at the other aspects: how would the programs fit into your schedule, what kind of technology do they use and so on.

I started DL MBA at Bradford several months back. I spent about 3 months comparing it to Warwick, Durham, Leciester and Liverpool.
I'm happy with this selection:
1) studying at campus is completely optional but available 3 times

2) fees are less even average salary is less

3) hard copy materials are sent prior to every course and on line blackboard is great. However, no of on-line sessions per course (4 per 9 units) should increase

4) no of courses (15) is good compared to less numbers at other programs

5) 10 core courses cover most of required MBA topics

6) you can start your MBA at any term start (4 times a year)

7) the on-line program is provided by the school itself not by an external company
Good luck!

Hi Yasser_Alsawy,

i just applied to bradford MBA today through RDI, how long does it takes to process. whats your current experience?