The Manchester Method

We don't just give you the theory - we show you how to use it to get the results you want.

Alliance Manchester Business School was a pioneer in experiential learning and our academics developed the Manchester Method in the 1960s. Our approach focuses on group work, practice-based learning and reflection.

Learning by doing

Our practical approach produces highly employable MBAs who challenge the status quo in a complex and rapidly changing world.

Through the Manchester Method, you'll learn to:

Take structured and data-informed approaches to decision-making
Lead and work effectively with multinational groups
Reflect critically and analytically.

Full-time MBA

Some examples of how you'll apply The Manchester Method on your Full-time MBA course include:

Group work with a diverse international class
Social Impact Consultancy Project
Commercial Business Consultancy Project
International Business Consultancy Project
10-12 week internship (optional)
Regular reflective sessions with an external practitioner
Business competitions
Practical case studies
Guest Speaker Series and business networking
MBA+ personal and professional development activities.

Global Part-time MBA

Some examples of how you'll apply The Manchester Method on your Global part-time MBA course include:

A live business project
Intensive, interactive workshop residentials
Real-world case studies
Group work with a diverse class.

Original thinking. Applied themes.

At Alliance MBS, applying original thinking is at the heart of everything we do. We structure the Manchester MBA around four practical themes that reflect the business world. Our real-world focus develops reflective leaders who can navigate global challenges.

Theme 1: Management in practice

How can we understand today's complex, uncertain business environment and overcome the challenges of leading and managing in a rapidly changing world?

What you'll study

Leading Global Transitions

Examines current business environments using the practice-based Manchester Method. It encourages you to reflect and engage with the historical, cultural and ethical considerations that should underpin any commercial decision.

Exploring Management Decision Making - Full-time MBA only

An enquiry-based course that focuses on the realities of management in practice and current developments in business. You'll develop practical knowledge and skills for senior level roles in business and other sectors.

Theme 2: Value creation in business

How do contemporary businesses create value? We explore this question from both an academic and commercial perspective.

Our teaching emphasises the interdependencies and interrelationships between the operational, tactical and strategic functional areas of an organisation.

What you'll study

In both our Full-time and Global part-time MBAs, you'll study key areas such as:

Operations and marketing
Business accounting and finance
Strategy and competition.

In the Full-time MBA, you'll also take part in hands-on projects, including:

Social Impact Consultancy
Commercial Business Consultancy
Mergers and Acquisitions Consultancy.

Theme 3: Tailor your journey

Customise your MBA experience with a variety of options. Our network of global centres, relationships with multinational companies, and partnerships with worldwide institutions provide the opportunity to build a truly international CV.

You can choose from:

Elective courses with workshop residencies at our centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai and Singapore
Overseas study tour - Full-time MBA only
Three-month international exchange - Full-time MBA only
10-12 week internship - Full-time MBA only
Live business project - Part-time Global MBA only
Online elective - Part-time Global MBA only.

Theme 4: Professional skills for business

What professional and personal competencies do successful leaders require? You'll identify and develop these qualities through lectures, workshops and individual guidance sessions.

You'll also gain access to business practitioners, careers support and our alumni network. This will support you as you plan and execute your post-MBA strategy.

Your options include:

MBA+ Careers
MBA+ Alumni Events and Activities.

If you're on the Full-time MBA programme, you'll also get to take part in:

MBA+ Competitions
MBA+ Social
Weekly Guest Speaker Series.

By the second week of induction, teams are already face-to-face with an external client to scope out their first project. The projects bring the learning material to life.

Dr Mike Arundale, Senior Lecturer in Strategy