faq
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the course about?
2. Is it an MBA?
3. Does the course focus on Business in Uzbekistan?
4. Who is the course for?
5 What can I do when I finish the course?
6. When does the course start and finish?
7. How many hours do I study a week?
8. Do I have classes all year?
9. Course content
10. Who will be teaching on the course?
11. What are the entry requirements?
12. What is the application process?
13. How do I take the IELTS exam?
14. What is the cost?
15. Are there any scholarships?
16. Why is it so expensive?
17. If I have a bachelors degree in business can I still apply?
18. What is the induction and is it compulsory?
The course is an intensive introduction to all aspects of management in an international business context: the management of accounting, marketing, human resources, information and drawing on all of these, and an understanding of the international economy, an ability to make strategic management decisions. The course content reflects the increasing globalisation of both the knowledge and practice base of business and management education and this international perspective is applied to all the main functional areas of business. The centrepiece of the course is a project which allows you to investigate one particular issue in greater depth.
The MA in International Business and Management has similar content to a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), but guarantees a more solid academic qualification than many of the MBAs offered internationally, given that it is a Masters course from a well respected British University.
3. DOES THE COURSE FOCUS ON BUSINESS IN UZBEKISTAN?
While one element of the course, particularly the project, may include analysing the business situation in Uzbekistan, the focus of the course is more international with most of the case studies and examples taken from other countries. The purpose of the course is to prepare specialists for multinational companies who are able to work effectively in any country.
4. WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
The course is designed for those who have some experience in business, but no formal training and so is best suited for those whose first degree is in a subject other than business. Students with experience will benefit most from the course, as it is designed to draw from their experience in thinking about business problems and their solutions. The course is designed for those who want an intensive introduction to all aspects of business, in order to take up management positions in international businesses and organisations.
5. WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I FINISH THE COURSE?
As an internationally recognised business qualification, the MA in International Business and Management is a good basic qualification in business that will be of interest to many employers. The university does not guarantee employment of place students at the end of the course, but provides expert advice and a range of contacts to assist students in taking their next career step. This coming year the University will be running a major project developing a new state of the art careers advice centre, and the Masters students will be amongst the first to benefit from this development.
6. WHEN DOES THE COURSE START AND FINISH?
The course can be studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (evenings and weekends). There are two intakes – in September and January.
7. HOW MANY HOURS DO I STUDY A WEEK?
The British system of education places great emphasis on independent learning – where the student is given support and direction to study on his or her own, carrying out library research, writing papers, preparing presentations, and carrying out projects. So much of the work on the course will take place outside the classroom.
For those completing the course in 12 months, you would normally have 6 hours of lectures and 6 hours of seminars each week, which leaves about 28 hours for independent study (assuming a 40 hour working week).
For those completing the course in 24 months, you would normally have 3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes each week, normally held in the evening or at the weekend.
8. DO I HAVE CLASSES ALL YEAR?
The course is structured around two semesters (autumn and spring) and a summer. Taught classes are given in semesters one and two (from October to May) and then the project can be completed over the summer, during which there are no classes. You will, however, be allocated a supervisor for your project and will be able to get advice from this person throughout the year.
The course content reflects the increasing globalisation of both the knowledge and practice base of business and management education and this international perspective is applied to all the main functional areas of business. The centrepiece of the course is a project which allows you to investigate one particular issue in greater depth.
10. WHO WILL BE TEACHING ON THE COURSE?
The teaching staff on the course is a mixture of international and local experts drawing on a range of experiences from leading worldwide universities, international organisations, and multinational companies. They will be collaborating closely with colleagues at Westminster Business School in London who will overseeing the assessment process and ensuring the highest standards.
11. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Age requirement
- Be at least 22 years of age on the day of enrolment.
First degree requirement
- A first (bachelors) degree at the level of a Lower Second Class Honours (UK) or overseas equivalent.
- If your first degree was not taught and assessed in English, you will need an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (or TOEFL Paper 600 / Computer 250 / Internet based 100)
12. WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
The application process is very simple:
- Application form: Fill out the application form available from the Registrar’s Office or on the website. You do not need to submit other documents at this stage.
- Interview: If you fulfil the basic requirements you will be contacted by phone and invited to an interview with a panel of academic staff. The result of the interview will be communicated to you within one week. If you pass the interview you will be offered a place on the course and given details on how to enrol.
13. HOW DO I TAKE THE IELTS EXAM?
The IELTs exam is administered by the British Council in Tashkent and you can contact them to find out arrangements for the exam.
The cost is $10,200 – the same whether you take the course over 12 or 24 months. (The tuition fee is $11,200 for international students)
15. ARE THERE ANY SCHOLARSHIPS?Â
The university offers scholarships at undergraduate level, but not as postgraduate level which is general practice amongst UK universities. However, students are encourage and given advice to seek sponsorship from their employers or other companies.
In comparison to the same degree offered by University of Westminster in London, it is actually relatively cheap. To study full time in London would cost $20,000 dollars in fees and at least another $10,000 in living expenses.
The price reflects the fact that the degree is awarded by the University of Westminster, who like all other British universities, have to meet strict standards. The quality of the course, and the accuracy of the assessment, is monitored by both the University of Westminster and external examiners which incurs costs. The price also reflects the high level of resources made available to students, particularly the library, and also the mix of local and international staff both teaching on and administering the course.
17. IF I HAVE A BACHELORS DEGREE IN BUSINESS CAN I STILL APPLY?
Depending on the nature of your degree, the selection panel will make a decision. In most cases you will not be allowed to take the course, but if you can show that you first degree was significantly different from what will be taught on the MA you may be considered.
18. WHAT IS THE INDUCTION AND IS IT COMPULSORY?
The induction programme precedes study of the first subjects and is designed not just to introduce you to the course and the university, but also to help you prepare for the programme. The UK 1 year Masters programme is a very intensive course and requires a set of skills to be successful including English for Academic Purposes, Research Skills, Personal Development skills and advance IT skills. The induction programme helps you upgrade your skills in each of these areas, as well as bringing together the student group in order to create a team spirit and an understanding of you can assist each other in excelling in the course. For this reason the induction programme is for all students, both on the 12 month and 24 month tracks.