Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I do an MBA?

Most people study for an MBA in order to improve their job prospects. Perhaps the single most important advantage of an MBA is that it gives you a broad overview of how business works in all its aspects, from financial management, to marketing, to human resource management, to information and knowledge management.

An MBA equips you with the tools of management and trains you to assume management responsibilities. It your competence, your confidence and your performance.

Am I eligible to get on the course?

The MBA is a postgraduate as well as a post-experience qualification. We look for students who have the will to succeed and the motivation and self-discipline to undertake this type of study. Levels of maturity and professionalism can be just as important as academic qualifications. We pay particular attention to work experience and background. If we are confident that an individual will benefit from the course, then we will do everything we can to facilitate their entry onto the programme and their progress on it.

Does everyone have a degree?

Most of our students have first degrees but some do not. Most have backgrounds in engineering,  science or technology but some do not.  Some have outstanding academic backgrounds; while others have performed impressively in a professional capacity. Some have taken an MBA to improve their CVs with a view to changing their career path, while others have studied for an MBA in order to improve their performance in their existing jobs. Motivations and qualifications vary considerably. What is important is a commitment to succeed.

How much will it cost?

The total programme cost is £5,750. The programme is totally modular and consists of 12 Study Units, each of which costs £500. The only exception to this are the Research Units which each cost £250.

Participants pay only for the Study Unit(s) on which they are currently enrolled. There is no charge for application, exemptions, registration, examination, travel, residential study periods. You do not have to take time off work, give up weekends or attend summer schools.

Are there any ‘hidden’ costs?

There are no hidden costs. The only additional costs are the cost of textbooks. Generally, each Study Unit has a prescribed textbook and the costs of this are kept to about £30.00.

How many books will I have to buy?

Typically one per Study Unit.

When will I get the study package?

This will arrive in the fortnight before the semester is scheduled to start.

Who do I ring if I have a problem?

If you have any administrative problem, you can contact PDE Ltd by post, telephone, fax or email.

How many hours a week is this going to take?

The average weekly study requirement is on average between 10-12 hours but his ‘average’ figure disguises wide differences. Much depends on your background and how recently you have studied either part-time or full time.

How will I find the time to do it?

You can take as long or as short a time as you want. By studying two Study Units each semester, you can complete the programme in 3 years. Most students take a little longer than that. Few take as long as 10 years which is the maximum time allowed for completion.

The study materials have been specially designed so that they are completely self-sufficient. Everything you need to succeed is included in your study materials package. While you can do additional research in your local library on subjects which are particularly interesting to you, the programme is based on a requirement for the study materials to be ‘stand-alone’.

Each Study Guide is fully comprehensive and comes with Selected Readings and Self-Assessment Exercises. Each Study Guide is around 300-350 pages and each is broken down into 10 Topics. Whenever you have a few moments to spare, on a train, waiting for a plane, you can use them to study a Topic or even just a few pages from it.

What happens if I can’t continue?

If you find that your job or family circumstances have changed, then you can vary the pace of study. If you find that you have no time at all to study due to an unforeseen circumstance, then you can opt out of study for a time and re-enrol when the time is more suitable.

Where will I sit the exam?

We will try to arrange a suitable examination venue within 60 miles of where you live.

Can I get past exam papers?

Sample Final Examination Papers are provided with every Study Guide.

What support will I get?

The Unit Chair (Personal Tutor) for each Study Unit is published in your Students Handbook. This is sent to you before the start of the semester. Unit Chairs can be contacted by fax or email at any time. Normally, they will reply within 24 hours.

Can I get exemptions for previous qualifications?

In certain circumstances we will grant exemptions for previous academic or professional qualifications or for in-house professional development courses. Write to us with full details and copies of all certificates or awards held.
There is no charge for this service.

How would Final Examinations be provided in Japan?

Arrangements for Final Examinations are contracted to Deakin Australia, the commercial arm of Deakin University. Deakin has a potential for 900 examination venues available world-wide. Provided that we have adequate notice of a candidate's location at the time of the Final Examination (at least 6 weeks prior to the notified date), we can arrange a venue not more than 100 kms of that location.

All such details are contained in the Student Handbook which is in downloadable formats on the web site at 'Student Support'

Tutorial support is by email from tutors based at business schools in the UK, the USA or Australia or, occasionally, in Europe. Books are sourced from Blackwells on-line bookshop. The Study Guides are designed to be entirely self-contained, apart from one, possibly two, prescribed textbooks. Generally these cost around £30.00 per Study Unit.

We try to keep email based study groups to around 25 to encourage participation and inhibit simple 'lurking'.

What is the average study time required per module?

Average study time is 10-12 hours per week over a 20 week semester.

What is the maximum duration of the entire MBA course?

Maximum duration is 10 years. Average completion time if 31/2 - 4 years but much depends upon individual circumstances. It is possible to complete in less than 3 years with accelerated programme options.

Are Business Certificates or Diplomas offered midway through course, or
after completion of number of units?

You will receive a full transcript after each Study Unit. We are presently investigating graduate certificates and diplomas as exit points.

Assignments are required for each Study Unit. Typically these are 1500 words in length and submission date is at week 9 or 10 of the semester.

Can Assignments be submitted by email?

Yes

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