THE FLEXIBLE LEARNING MBA (UK)
- In your own time, at your own pace, yet with a structure that facilitates rapid completion while still at work

In 1983 Strathclyde was the first UK business school to offer a distance learning MBA, meaning students could conduct mast of their studies off-campus, with compulsory attendance at only one or two weekend schools per year. After extensive analysis we concluded that flexibility of pace was as important as flexibility of place of study. This led to the development of open learning, which allows students to vary the pace and, in many cases, the order of study according to their personal circumstances.

In recognition of the fact that not everyone wants to follow an almost entirely self-paced home study programme and that not everyone can, or indeed wants, to study full time or by evening classes, we have now taken this one step further with the evolution of our flexible learning MBA. This route combines the best of full-time, part-time and open learning. All participants join on an open learning basis with the option to supplement studies through optional face-to-face contact with tutors, visiting specialists and colleague course members but who cannot attend fixed weekly classes.

Many professional people cannot tie themselves geographically to one institution, and with fluctuating workloads they often need to vary the pace at which they study without compromising either on entrance requirements or assessment standards.

Backed by University of Strathclyde enviable academic research and teaching rating, a key attraction is flexibility
- the chance to gain an prestigious MBA in a way best suited to your own profession and personal circumstances.

Firmly routed in reality, the flexible learning programme combines state-of-the art academic thinking with an immediate practical application in your working environment. This provides benefits for both you and your organisation.

How does this flexibility work?

The foundation of the flexible learning MBA is open learning. All participants are admitted on an open learning basis. You may then choose to supplement your studies through a series of optional face-to-face sessions (additional cost per credit applicable). This provides a valuable opportunity to undertake intensive and in-depth study of a chosen unit, to meet fellow course members and to benefit from shared experiences. Our suggested timetable will give you a firm idea of commitments well in advance, allowing you to plan your year ahead at work and at home.

It has been known for course members to complete the course in 24 months, although 36 to 48 months is more usual. It really depends on how quickly you want to work. We will provide you with timetables detailing suggested study plans for completing the course in 36, 30 and 24 months. These are only suggested study plans both in respect of time and order of study. However, any change from the suggested timetable may obviously impact on the time it takes you to complete the programme.

If you are trying to complete the MBA in 24 or 30 months, we would recommend that certain units be supplemented by face-to-face sessions.

Flexible learners work at their own pace off campus.

Each course member is allocated a tutor for each subject studied. Tutors are available to give guidance and support and to provide detailed feedback on your performance in marked assignments. They can guide and support your work by telephone, fax and email.

Each course member is required to attend four weekend schools at Strathclyde during their period of study. While there is no additional cost for attending weekend schools, there is an additional cost for optional face-to-face sessions.

If you want a programme of study that allows you to vary the pace and place of study yet also allows you to attend ‘taught’ sessions, then flexible learning is ideal. As with the part-time route, you will be expected to invest around a minimum of 15 hours a week. (Taught sessions are in addition to these hours.)