Global Finance Accelerated MBA entry requirements

The MBA programme is intellectually demanding - it requires you to quickly absorb and analyse new material and apply it in a fast-moving environment. We need to be confident that you have the ability to rise to the intellectual challenges the programme presents.

Type of qualification

We require you to have a strong undergraduate degree result (UK bachelor or international equivalent as recognised by UK NARIC) from a recognised university, or a higher-level degree.

Postgraduate, specialisation and professional qualifications can strengthen your application and compensate for a weaker performance in the bachelor's degree.

In some cases, mature and experienced managers with the potential to meet the learning requirements of the MBA may also be considered as candidates.

Degree subject

We consider candidates from any subject discipline, however you should have:

• A good understanding of and ability to work with numbers
• The ability to think critically and logically, and to integrate ideas
• A good awareness of economic and international affairs.

All MBA applicants must take an admissions test. When you complete the application form, you can choose to take the Manchester Admissions Test (MAT), GMAT® or GRE®.

The Manchester Admissions Test (MAT)

Most Global MBA candidates take the MAT, which is designed and delivered by Korn Ferry. The MAT can be completed online at home, in your office or anywhere with a good internet connection.

There are three short assessments - verbal, numerical and logical. The test takes around 45 minutes to complete and you don't need to prepare.

We'll provide you with a log-in and password to take the test after you submit your MBA application. The invitation will come from kfassessment@kornferry.com. Add this email to your contacts so you don't miss the invitation.

You should take the test as soon as you receive the MAT invitation, as we are keen to give you a decision about your admission to the MBA as soon as possible.

We will not assess your MBA application until we have received your admissions test result.

If you have already completed the GMAT® or GRE®

You will be asked to enter your scores on the application form.

If you're planning to take GMAT® or GRE®

You'll need to register for a particular date in an official test centre. You will need to provide your planned test date in order to submit the MBA application form.

How we use your result in our decision

The admissions test is only one of our admission criteria - we are looking for candidates with the 'right fit' for the Manchester MBA.

We take a holistic view when evaluating applications, considering you as a person, rather than just your score. We place more emphasis on professional, academic and personal achievements, and on leadership and teamworking skills.

A very good test result does not necessarily give you a better chance of admission, and a weaker result doesn't mean you won't be admitted.

You'll need at least three years' post-graduation work experience, with evidence of strong consistent career progression and achievement.

Applying for the Global MBA

You'll need to have either:

• At least three years' of full-time work experience after graduation - from completion of your undergraduate degree to commencing the MBA
• Eight to ten years' of managerial experience instead of a recognised degree.

Applying for the Global MBA Finance Accelerated MBA

You'll need to have:

• At least three years' of professional experience, plus evidence of strong career progression and a recognised degree
• Eight to ten years' of managerial experience instead of a recognised degree
• Professional accountancy qualifications such as ACCA and CIMA.

What we're looking for

Entry is competitive. We're looking for a strong CV or resume showing:

• A good level of responsibility
• Consistent career progression - ideally fast-track
• Strong achievements for the length of your career to date - you'll need to demonstrate impact in your organisation and higher than average performance in your industry sector or function compared to your peers.

You'll also need to show leadership or management experience and potential, including some or all of the following:

• Management or leadership of teams and colleagues
• Client relationship management
• Financial or budgetary responsibility
• Project management or leadership
• Managing across different parts of an organisation
• Decision making, contribution to strategy.

The majority of MBA candidates come from business, finance, engineering or entrepreneurial backgrounds, however we're interested in candidates from any sector.

We've admitted successful MBA students from many non-traditional business sectors including military, healthcare, legal, leisure/sports and the creative arts. We also have alumni working in successful careers in many non-traditional business sectors.

Skills and competencies

Success on the MBA programme and in your future career also depends on other work-related skills and competencies, such as:

• Analytical skills
• Numeracy
• Negotiation
• Presentation
• Problem-solving
• Reasoning
• Creativity and ability to generate ideas.

Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is also essential. We look for evidence that you have or can develop these competencies.

Although it's not an essential requirement, international exposure can add a competitive edge to your application. Our Global MBA has a strong international focus and we're looking for people with a global outlook.

We look favourably on candidates who have experience of living and working in international teams or environments. International exposure is also valued by post-MBA employers.

The Manchester Global Part-time MBA provides considerable advantages if you're seeking a global career.

Entrepreneurial experience and creativity within your own business or a corporate environment are highly valued in an MBA application.

Candidates with the ability to innovate are often strong contributors during the MBA programme, and alumni involved in entrepreneurship can contribute significantly to society and communities.

We're looking for candidates with the ability to perceive opportunities and contribute ideas to the class, helping to enhance the stimulating learning environment of the MBA.

Teamworking skills are essential for success on the Global MBA. You should be an innovative and effective contributor with the ability to work constructively and collaboratively in international teams.

We expect you to be able to:

• Communicate opinions and ideas clearly and honestly
• Show respect for others
• Work in the best interests of your MBA teams and project clients.

Communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills are essential for success on the MBA programme and in senior level business careers. We place a strong emphasis on these key requirements.

You should be highly articulate with strong communication skills in English. This will enable you to effectively share your experience and ideas in the classroom - but also in student groups, written reports and presentations.

We look for candidates who are mature, motivated, energetic, ambitious, and enthusiastic, with strong personal values, social awareness, sense of community and integrity.

In addition to intellectual ability, experience, teamworking and communication skills, you'll need to show:

• Leadership characteristics
• Emotional intelligence
• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• An openness to change and personal growth.

You should be willing to share and learn from the experience and ideas of others. We're looking for people who can accept and value constructive feedback from MBA colleagues, project supervisors and company representatives.

Candidates for the Global MBA aren't automatically required to take an English Language test.

If you have already completed an English test

Provide the details of your score in the application form and email a copy of your score report. English competence is assessed throughout the admissions process through:

• The application form and essays
• Admissions Test - verbal reasoning
• An interview - if further proof of English is required.

If further evidence is needed of your English language proficiency, we may ask you to take an official English language test.

You can still apply for the Global MBA and might be considered based on alternative certified qualifications and experiential learning.

To be eligible, you must demonstrate your potential for success in the programme through:

• Notable achievements
• Strong career advancement
• Substantial management experience in leadership roles or as an accomplished entrepreneur.

In lieu of a traditional degree, you're expected to provide evidence of intellectual aptitude, such as:

• Strong high school results
• Professional certifications
• Non-degree business qualifications
• Extensive training courses
• Demonstration of significant learning derived from professional experience and career progression, highlighting specialised knowledge in your business area.

If you're applying through the experiential route, you'll be expected to do a formal interview before a decision is made by the MBA Admissions Committee.

We strongly recommend that you discuss your individual circumstances with us before you submit an application. You should contact our Admissions team.