University of Sheffield Management School

The University of Sheffield Management School is not for those who want a quiet postgraduate life. The university likes to point out the vibrant social scene in the UK’s fourth-biggest city, including world-class theatre and some of the country’s best music venues. The MBA course includes various outdoor team challenges and social events. Entrepreneurship is encouraged – students can join an enterprise club to help them to develop ideas into spin-out companies.

Vital statistics. Prospective MBA students who do not speak English as their first language can take a preparatory course and must sit a test before they start. Applicants to the year-long course must normally have a first degree (in any subject) and have at least three years’ work experience. The minimum GMAT score is 600. The course covers core subjects including economics, management, finance and personal skills; and electives include crisis management, human resource management and e-business. The summer trimester is devoted to the study of management consultancy and includes a project often done in-house with an organisation. The idea, the school says, is to provide an education in general management, with the emphasis on understanding and managing complex organisations. The course starting in September 2008 costs £10,600 for EU students and £15,800 for nonEU students.