Online MBA scores ‘world-first’ accreditation

The University of Birmingham’s online MBA is the first in the world to receive formal accreditation

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has accredited Birmingham Business School’s distance learning MBA as a wholly online programme. Previously, all AMBA accredited distance learning MBAs included a residential component, but the Birmingham programme is the first to be delivered completely online.

Being wholly online, the programme makes it much easier for people around the globe to combine a busy professional life – and family life – with postgraduate study.

Professor Simon Collinson, Dean of Birmingham Business School, said: “The accreditation is testimony to our innovative programme design and state-of-the-art online learning experience that benefits professional people around the globe, who would normally find it difficult to study at university full-time.”

Dr Michael Shulver, Designer and Director of the distance learning MBA, said: “Securing AMBA accreditation for Birmingham Business School’s online MBA reflects the very high standards we have set in designing and delivering this programme of study using the latest technology and teaching methods.

“Previously, no institution has ever applied for accreditation as a wholly online programme. We knew that in working with AMBA on the pilot accreditation we would be subject to increased scrutiny, and that the accreditation process would incur an element of risk. However, I am delighted at the outcome; we have re-defined the distance learning MBA for a 21st Century market.

The MBA programme is one of a number of online Masters degrees offered by the University. Also available is an online Masters of Science (MSc) in International Business, delivered by Birmingham Business School, as well as a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) through the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) – the University of Birmingham’s academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management.

Since launching in September 2015 the programme has attracted students from over 20 countries. The courses are delivered through the University’s online learning platform and pair world-class academics with the latest teaching methods.

Birmingham Business School has restructured its MBA programmes under the heading of ‘One MBA’, enabling students to pursue their studies in a much more flexible way. Each student can select which method of delivery (or location) they prefer for each of their modules.

Although the method of delivery may differ, the content is of the same high quality, leading to the award of the Birmingham MBA, regardless of how the learning is undertaken.

More information can be found here

Free live webinar & QA

Blended learning – Did we forget about the students?

Free Education Webinar with Class

Wednesday, June 15, 11AM London BST

Join our expert panel as we look at what blended learning means in 2022 and how universities can meet the needs of ever more diverse student expectations.