Continuing strengths of the OU MBA

What are the continuing strengths of the Open University MBA?

Triple accreditation

With AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA recognition, The Open University Business School is the largest triple accredited MBA provider in the world. This guarantees our reputation as a global top-tier provider of management education- and places the OUBS in the top 1% of global business schools.

Employers value our MBA because it delivers consistent, high quality development and shared terminologies to high-potential executives wherever they are located.

Global reach, local relevance

Managers in over 75 countries are studying the Open University MBA because of its international relevance. The impact of cultural differences is a theme that runs through and unites all our MBA courses. By focusing on current work practice, local and organisational contexts are interwoven in all MBA study. This approach is fundamental to developing global leaders.

Immediate outcomes

You need an MBA to be recognised as a manager of international standing. We fast track your career because we let you study while you work and earn. Unlike MBAs which require attendance on campuses, our MBA links your daily work practice to management theory. Learning by your experience and that of other working managers on the course is more relevant and rewarding than any classroom activity. From day one, it makes you a more rounded and complete manager.

Blended learning experience

The global delivery approach varies by course but generally the experience will include:

• being assigned to a tutor group of about 16 students with online forums and web discussion rooms (separate tutor groups can be arranged for organisations sponsoring large number of students)
• OU originated textbooks written halfway between the formality of a book and the informality of a seminar to make them user-friendly and accessible
• a learning e-platform with activities and case studies to make the experience interactive
• in-person tutor sessions as appropriate
• residential schools over 4-5 days covering a range of topics  
• course specific web pages with electronic versions of study materials
• materials available in alternative formants – eBooks (iPad/Kindle compatible) and MP3
• online forums for networking with fellow students and tutors
• use of multimedia including interactive simulations, audio casts and online videos 

International faculty

In keeping with our aim to develop global leaders through the Open University MBA, our academic staff has a wide range of international experience. We owe much of our success to the diversity of our academic researchers and the inspiration of our large community of leadership practice.

Networking on the MBA and after

While on the Open University MBA, you will have access to the knowledge and experience of fellow managers around the world.

When you graduate, you automatically become a member of the MBA Alumni Association (over 20,000 members in more than 75 countries). It’s a powerful global network which you can use to your advantage throughout your career.

Employer sponsorship

Over 40% of our MBA participants receive some sponsorship from their employer. We can help individuals gain sponsorship from their organisation. Read why so many employers sponsor staff on our MBA.