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5 Key Reasons To Pursue An In-Person MBA In 2024

Joining an in-person MBA means gaining immersive networking experiences and more—find out the top reasons to study for your MBA in the UK in a face-to-face setting

When it comes to studying for your MBA, there are a variety of formats to choose from. You might be at that stage where you’re questioning whether to study at business school in-person, online, or in a hybrid mode. 

While the most suitable mode of study is personal to you, there are several advantages that come alongside studying for your MBA in the UK in a face-to-face setting.

Here are five key reasons to choose an in-person MBA in 2024.


Meet top companies and explore new locations during an in-person MBA in the UK

While it’s true that no matter the mode of MBA degree, you’re going to rub shoulders with recruiters and top companies. Yet the experiences and exposure you’ll gain from meeting companies face-to-face, versus a virtual setting, has many advantages that you should consider.

The Full-time 12-month MBA at Lancaster University Management School, or the Lancaster MBA, offers students plenty of opportunities to meet top firms. 

To name but a few, Lancaster organizes collaborations with multinational companies such as Nissan and Rolls-Royce, providing MBA students with opportunities to connect with these firms. 

There are also visits to sites such as the National Computing Museum, business consulting events in London, and the neighboring Lake District, which is home to England’s largest National Park. 


Improve your leadership and teamwork skills 

MBA students are always excited to roll up their sleeves when it comes to practical projects. Luckily, the Lancaster MBA offers four action learning challenge courses to keep students on their toes.

These challenges revolve around entrepreneurship, consulting, business management, and a work-based corporate challenge.

In the Entrepreneurial Challenge, students work in small teams to create a business development plan for a new company. MBAs get involved in everything from market research to business financing. 

Meanwhile, in the Consultancy Challenge, students apply their learnings from their MBA classes to work as a team of consultants to navigate a problem, and provide a strategic solution, for an organization. 

Collaborating with MBA peers in these experiential settings is a great way to test out your leadership, management, and teamwork skills. 

The best part is that—unlike in the real business world—you have the freedom to try out different actions or take risks you usually wouldn’t. 


Experience campus and city life in a UK MBA

If you’re someone who likes to be immersed in a community, there’s no better place to get this experience than at business school.

Whether you want to grab coffee with a few classmates, pop into a faculty member’s office hour, or even access resources such as the university’s gym, studying for your MBA in-person versus online might be for you. 

Nestled on a 560-acre parkland site, Lancaster University is surrounded by an abundance of green space, woodlands, and its very own lake. 

The historical UK city of Lancaster is also worth an explore, with its affordability and friendly culture making it a great in-person MBA destination for parents.  


Network with your MBA peers

Business schools encourage networking outside the MBA classroom for many reasons. Mainly because it’s a good way to get to know your classmates in an informal setting, but it’s also an opportunity to boost your career.

Students can network during events such as the Lancaster MBA London Networking Event, meeting with MBAs and Executive MBAs (EMBA). 

The business school also hosts regular guest speaker sessions, inviting entrepreneurs and Leaders in Residence.  

For those with global business ambitions, Lancaster MBA boasts an international environment, with many of its faculty, alumni, and students coming from across the world.


Access to in-person career support

It can sometimes be the case that speaking to someone in-person is much easier than in an online format—especially when it comes to something as important as your career aspirations.

Students in the Lancaster MBA can gain coaching and guidance through the business school’s dedicated career service, helping you to discuss your career ambitions and set realistic goals to work towards. 

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If you’re still undecided about which mode of MBA study is right for you, ask yourself: where will you feel most confident and what is the best fit for you? Try also reaching out to alumni from the program you’re interested in to get an informed view of what it’s like to study for an in-person MBA in the UK. 

Student Reviews

Lancaster University Management School

Jesse

Verified

28/09/2018

An exceptional educational establishment in the North West of England.

This university has been a fantastic life experience as well as a great academic one. I first decided to go to Lancaster University Management School due to its exceptional business education facilities and have not been disappointed. I recommend the university to anybody that wants to put themselves in a strong position for a career upon graduation.

Student

Verified

24/11/2022

On Campus

Student Ambassador

Overall, the instruction is decent, however it also depends on your department. The people are friendly, in my opinion. The sporting events are enjoyable, and there is a good sense of community. Although the city is quite remote, it is nonetheless attractive.

Student

Verified

3/08/2020

Lancaster University honest review

The education system in the university is excellent especially that of the Management School. The campus has great facilities for students to study and live in a relaxed manner. The students can engage in various activities through the socities.

Student

Verified

17/06/2020

Great opportunities to think beyond

Lancaster University provides a lot of good opportunities to think beyond.There Entrepreneurship in residence program helps students to meet and seek guidance about entrepreneurship and the challenges.Their Work in progress program help to fabricate your startup idea and further to pitch to the potential investors.Apart from that there are lot of programs like Enactus, guest lectures and guidance from seniors to help and shape your career needs. They provide lot of opportunities to shape up your employability skills.

Student

Verified

9/10/2020

On Campus

A top university in the UK for management science!

If you’re interested in management science studies, Lancaster University is one of the top universities in the UK. The faculty is renowned and have a sterling reputation for research in management science. Candidates specifically interested in Forecasting would find the Centre for Marketing Analytics and Forecasting especially relevant to their field. Besides, the ROI is good as the overall cost compared to other universities is less.

Student

Verified

10/04/2019

Great university for academia – not great for 'entrepreneurs'

Please keep in mind that my review is nuanced by my expectations of an Entrepreneurship degree :) I came to Lancaster University because it was one of the top universities to have a course in Entrepreneurship. After 4 years in this degree, my most valuable experience has been my placement and not the actual course. The course is heavily focused on impractical elements, which is a bit odd for an Entrepreneurship degree. There are some modules that involve hands-on work but the faculty support for such things has not been great. My course also involved a lot of teamwork which has been fantastic and really prepared me when it comes to dealing with the diversity of opinions. In terms of career prospects, the management school does A LOT to host events, workshops and support sessions to help you build up your employability skills. Although, I wish there was more acknowledgement of SMEs/startups as a viable career option. The entrepreneurship team which is meant to support budding businesses is really stepping up their game with tons of guest speakers, workshops and pitching opportunities. The location is a concern if you're not in STEM, Law or Accounting and Finance. Business requires networking with the broader community. However, for Lancaster students, the best bet is a trip down to Manchester or London. On the flip side, living in Lancaster is much cheaper! Overall, if the purpose of your university experience is to receive top academic education and have great facilities at your disposal, Lancaster is a great choice. But if you want to be in business and entrepreneurship, I would look elsewhere.