Programme summary for MBA International Business by Distance Learning

About the programme

At UEL, we have rebuilt our MBA from first principles. Our ground-breaking programme offers you a thorough foundation in management theory, delivered in an innovative format that helps you to integrate theory from across the range of management disciplines in order to analyse issues and suggest solutions. The MBA also provides you with an opportunity to apply that theory to real problems in real organisations.

In addition, the programme provides extensive development of your managerial and leadership capability, through professional leadership training delivered in conjunction with a leading UK provider, and the ability to tailor your learning to the type of organisation you wish to manage in the future.

Programme structure

The MBA (International Business) is a 180 Level M credit programme delivered by distance learning. Entry is at 3 points per year, in September, February and June. In line with the University of East London’s Academic Framework for the delivery of post graduate degrees, the programme consists of four 30-credit, M-level, core modules and one 60 credit Level M Management Dissertation module (which includes a research methodology component). All students are expected to undertake each of the modules shown below:

Module	Module title	Credit	Status
SMM109	International Marketing and Operational Product /Service Delivery	30	Core
FEM205	Information Systems and Financial Modelling	30	Core
SMM206	International Business Strategy	30	Core
HRM109	International Human Resource Management	30	Core
SMM210	Management Dissertation	60	Core

Each module will be delivered in one trimester and will be one trimester in duration.
Students will be expected to have successfully completed all other modules before attempting the Management Dissertation (unless AEL conditions apply).
The Dissertation module will be offered in each trimester.
Trimesters commence in September, February and June.
Summative assessments take place in January, May and August.
Reassessment takes place at the next assessment point.

Career opportunities

The MBA is a recognised qualification of managerial competence at a strategic level. It will open the way for continuing personal and professional development. Many of our graduates have gained significant promotion upon completion of the programme.

Support

UELPlus

Study material will be sent to students by post. Students will also be able to access materials for each module using our virtual learning environment, UELPlus. UELPlus will provide valuable communication tools to support student studies. Within this environment, the student will be able to communicate with their Distance Learning Student Advisor, Programme Leader, Module Leader, Dissertation Supervisor and with each other. Students will also be able to conduct various forms of assessment and submit assignments.

To ensure privacy and security, students will be given login details, including a password which must be kept private. If students forget their UELPlus password, they may contact the IT Help Desk on helpdesk@uel.ac.uk.

If students are able to log on to UELPlus, but do not have access to their correct modules, they must contact the Distance Learning Student Advisor at distance.learning@uel.ac.uk.

Students are supported initially through an introductory tutorial on the uses of UELPlus one week before the programme begins. This is coordinated by the Programme Leader. During this period students will also receive an introduction to distance learning. This draws their attention to effective management of time and the learning environment, the importance of peer support, and the use of distance learning materials. In addition, students are given the opportunity to sample materials and activities of the kind they will encounter on the MBA (International Business).

Given that many DL student will not be able to access a UEL campus it is imperative that student support information is both useful and relevant. We anticipate distance learning students will want to know about the following:

Student Cards and entitlements
Library Services
Access to online journals
Disability support
Distance Learning Student Advisors
Web based support
Print based support
Academic support
Online resources
Exam and assessment support.

The University of East London believes that student support is essential to student success and therefore offers a range of real time, online and print based resources to facilitate learning and enrich the student experience. If a student requires further information about any of these services they are available via UEL Direct or they should contact the Distance Learning Student Advisor on distance.learning@uel.ac.uk.

Students who experience technical problems or have queries related to the administration of the programme can contact the Distance Learning Student Advisor.

Students can contact their module Tutor via UELPlus about any specific questions relating to module content. All distance learning students are encouraged to look at the Frequently Asked Questions section of the specific UELPlus module.

The Distance Learning Student Advisor is responsible for supporting students with regard to personal matters and can be contacted directly by email.

Study skills support

All students will be given a copy of the Study Skills Handbook (Cottrell 2003). The handbook is designed to help students think about their approach to study, find solutions to study problems and offer hints on how to reflect on their progress and how to present their assignments.

Students also have access to the Programme Handbook and Learning Guides for each module studied

Students will receive academic support from their individual module leader. The role of the module leader is to monitor the effectiveness of the student’s learning during the module for which they are responsible, providing feedback, encouragement and support, and any necessary remedial action. With these objectives in mind, virtual tutorials may be arranged at the instigation of the student or of the tutor, and will be held on an individual or small group basis, if appropriate. Students will receive at least two virtual tutorials per trimester.

Students should contact the module tutor via Web CT.

Admission

Application form and references (one academic, one work based)
A first degree in any discipline at 2.2 or above.
A minimum of two years work experience at a managerial or supervisory level.
An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent in the case of international students (applicants should have a minimum score of 6 in both the writing and comprehension components).
Candidates will be interviewed where this is possible.

Technical requirements

UELPlus (Campus edition 4.0) is the platform used by UEL in delivering the MBA (International Business) by distance learning.

To participate in the programme you need at least:

PC or Mac, with 10 hours unrestricted access per week
56 K modem with Internet access
A supported Internet browser (see UELPlus’s tune-up page at http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser_tuneup_information)
Reliable email
Access to a printer

The PC should be capable of running the standard MS Office suite (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. You will be expected to spend approximately 3-4 hours online per week. The learning materials contain activities that will require you to go online to research specific topics, or to locate additional resources. You will also spend some of your online time participating in discussions with your fellow students and with your module tutors. (Additionally, you may find it beneficial to spend more time online to investigate more fully any areas that are of particular interest to you.

Applications for Prior Learning or Experience

Applicants for admission may apply for AEL (accreditation of experiential learning) or ACL (accreditation of certificated learning). The AEL procedure may be used to admit the applicant with non -conventional qualifications or to establish advanced standing of up to 120 level M credits. This is an academic decision, the process to be determined by the Business School in conjunction with the School of Distance and E Learning.

The University of East London applies the principle of equality of opportunity to its admission activities and will encourage applications from those bodies of students that are compatible with the aims and objectives of the university’s strategy.