The Hull MBA

Postgraduate study Entry 2013 Hull University Business School

Part of our leafy Hull Campus, with the inspiring listed buildings of the Business School.

Contents

Message from the Dean | 2 The Hull approach | 4 Advance your job prospects | 5 The Hull MBA structure | 6 The key themes of the Hull MBA | 8 The learning environment | 10 Living in Hull | 14 Applying for the Hull MBA | 16

Having been away from any kind of academic experience for many years I found the MBA programme to be exacting and enjoyable and importantly relevant to my experiences over many years of management.
Stephen Brooks graduated 2010, now General Manager, Seymour and Castle Electrical Engineers Ltd.

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The Hull MBA

From the Dean

Hull University Business School (HUBS) is proud to continue to support the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). We are committed to developing "responsible leadership for a complex world", underpinned by these two concepts of recognising the crucial need for responsible management education and the crucial need to recognise complexity and connectivity. We are a component part of the University of Hull whose Royal Charter requires us to "advance education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding by teaching and research, for the benet of individuals and society at large". The strategy of the University is underpinned by an ethos of "going beyond", an emphasis on an outstanding student experience, international engagement, empowerment and sustainability. Our School medium-term strategy is shaped around the six aims towards remaining nancially viable and being research-led (with our emphasis on "responsible leadership for a complex world"), international, externally-engaged, with an excellent student experience, and collegiate. Our research therefore aims to develop students who understand responsibility and sustainability. Our research-led teaching aims to develop understanding of the dynamics and inter-connectedness between individuals, corporations, public bodies and the environment to help better understand the creation of sustainable value. We believe that our relationships with students and between staff and our organizational practices reect our values of mutual respect, empowerment and collegiality. The School has been accredited with the "triple crown" of AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, and as such is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to develop these themes. We particularly value our relationship with other like-minded Schools and seek to contribute to, and learn from, them in our relationships with bodies such as PRME, EABIS and Business in the Community. Professor Terry Williams Dean of school

Stand out from the crowd

The Hull MBA

Set in attractive grounds, our Business School has been described by Sir Digby Jones, the former Director-General of the CBI, as a world-class learning and teaching facility.

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The Hull MBA

The Hull approach

What are the benets of the Hull MBA?

Our MBA delivers tangible results in terms of personal and professional development in the context of international business. You will gain increased career potential through the development of high-level business knowledge and skills, allowing you to shape strategy long-term success and personal growth through our career development programme, an international alumni association and AMBAs global network a competitive edge in business gained from your ability to assess the whole of a situation and make an immediate positive impact increased condence in your new abilities built by putting theory into practice for example, through a company-based project the global outlook necessary to thrive in the modern business world, acquired through the programme content and our international partnerships a universal sign of quality in a degree accredited by internationally recognised bodies and awarded by an established institution advanced skills in problem solving, leadership and communication a broad perspective gained through interaction with a diverse group of students from a range of business backgrounds the start of your global network.

A programme with real results

The Hull MBA has been designed in response to excellent research into how real organisations function internally and how they operate in an ever-changing global context. This approach will allow you to recognise and balance the strategic and operational needs within an organisation. You will be challenged to relate your learning to your own experiences, stepping outside your existing area of expertise to see how your current role and skill set ts.

The Hull MBA made me realise the importance of pushing my boundaries to attain professional excellence and to deliver exceptional performance. Getting an MBA has been a blue-chip investment with a high-value dividend yield.
Chalya Miri-Gazhi graduated 2009, now Chief Operating Ocer, Prompt Impact Solutions Ltd

Get a wider perspective

A signicant aspect of this perspective is an understanding of ethical and environmental issues. We have substantial experience in this eld, and are proud to be one of the rst institutions to sign up to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. We are also active in the European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS). Tomorrows managers will also be expected to consider how their decisions may affect resources and consumers of the future the Hull MBA prepares you for long-term career success.

Is it right for me?

Graduates with at least three years appropriate experience can apply. Those taking up study must have a sustained level of motivation and commitment to the programme, which runs over one year. In order to maximise the potential for intellectual growth and development, participants will also need an enquiring and open mind and be willing to share their own perspectives.

The Hull MBA

Advance your job prospects

A comprehensive programme of personal and professional development (PDP) is integrated into the MBA course to help you achieve your career goals. PDP activity complements the course content, so you will grow as a business professional at the same time as you are learning new tools and techniques. Organisations are increasingly looking for managers who recognise their own strengths, so we will help you to uncover those you already have and to develop further in areas including leadership, communication, analysis, problem solving and teamwork. We provide individual career coaching and access to CareerLeader a tool used by top business schools, designed specically for MBA students to help dene career goals. Interaction with the business world is coordinated by our dedicated World of Work team, which connects students and employers, advertises appropriate job opportunities and provides advice on working in the UK and overseas. Guest speakers from industry and company visits enliven the learning experience, bringing module content to life and provoking fresh insights into business practice. For example, students have visited one of our international partners, the Bordeaux School of Management (BEM). This business and cultural excursion incorporated a day trip to Toulouse, and behind-the-scenes tours of the Airbus A380 plant and the Smurt Kappa Group paper factory, providing invaluable insight into the operations of successful businesses.

Continuing career support

The support that we provide does not end with graduation. We encourage all our students to keep in touch with us after they have nished their studies by joining our global community of 20,000 graduates. These range from senior managers in functional areas to chief executives in organisations including Hilton International, Rolls-Royce, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Ericsson, HSBC and UNICEF. Through our Alumni Connect scheme you will have access to tailored career advice and support, webinars, networking events, online resources and more, to help you continue your professional development wherever you are located and whatever your business. MBA participants further benet from the schools aliation with AMBA, a worldwide contact network, around two-thirds of whose members are senior managers, board directors or CEOs. On successful completion of the MBA, participants gain CIPD at Licentiate level and are automatically awarded the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. You will be able to apply for Chartered Manager Status, which is the highest status that can be achieved in a managerial profession.

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The Hull MBA

The Hull MBA structure

The taught elements of the Hull MBA are organised around ve interconnected key themes, ensuring that learning in one area can be associated with and deepen understanding in all others. These themes address the main functional areas in business, including nance, marketing and strategic management, developing specialist expertise. The programme cultivates a broad perspective on the management of complex organisations, decision making and the skills needed to operate effectively in dynamic international contexts. To be awarded the Hull MBA, participants must complete the two core modules for each of the ve themes (a total of 10) any two options from the options listed below (subject to availability) MBA Dissertation Managing in a Global Context Managing in Organisations Personal and Professional Development Options Leadership and Change in Organisations International Business Management and Organisational Learning Managing Relationships Human Resource Management The Economic Environment Options Business, Economics and Government International and Comparative HRM Public Sector Management Managing the Value Chain Marketing Operations Management Options Integrated Marketing Communications Logistics and Supply Chain Management Managing Knowledge Accounting and Finance for Managers Research Methods Options Corporate Finance Financial Decision Making Financial Statement Analysis

The Hull MBA

Managing Strategically Managing Holistically Strategic Management Options Business Innovation Complex Project Management Information Systems Management The MBA Dissertation The 15,000-word dissertation provides you with an opportunity to carry out a signicant piece of research in an area of personal interest related to the world of business and management. Company-based project Your dissertation can be in the form of a company-based project for a real organisation, and such projects have included research into HRM and relocation, market share, costing, maintenance of machinery, biofuels and marketing material. Participants are supported by a dedicated academic supervisor during the dissertation period (June to August). International study option All MBA students are encouraged to take advantage of a range of opportunities to get out of the classroom and see business ideas in practice. MBA participants at Hull can enhance their international perspective by taking one of their taught modules alongside the Hull MBA cohort in Bahrain, Muscat, Hong Kong or Singapore. Through this you will gain valuable cultural experience, enlarge your familiarity with international business contexts and practices, and widen your networks.

MBA timetable The academic year at the University of Hull starts in September. Following a dedicated induction programme, the rst teaching semester runs until December; the second runs from January to the end of May. During that time MBA participants complete their taught modules, which are delivered through lectures, presentations and group discussion. The summer period is spent working independently, with academic supervision, on the Dissertation.

I do genuinely believe that the MBA at Hull University Business School is a good course for anyone to take up, offering a number of benets that will stay with you throughout your professional career. The coursework and assignments specically focus on building the critical element in your thought processes, encouraging you to question the status quo and to question your own beliefs evaluating them objectively and working towards an end using a more holistic approach.
Nishant Mahajan graduated 2008, now Senior Reward Consultant with Aon Hewitt

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The Hull MBA

The key themes of the Hull MBA

Managing in a Global Context sets management development

rmly within an international framework, encompassing issues of personal effectiveness, cultural diversity, management thinking, organisational life and individuals as change agents. Participants are encouraged to examine their own experiences, focusing on the development of self-awareness and the skills required for managing in organisations characterised by change and uncertainty. These include team building, leadership and negotiation. You will also have the opportunity to learn another language through use of our excellent resources. Through the MBA you will develop a critical and multidisciplinary understanding of CSR that addresses how to accommodate social and environmental concerns in management decision making; stakeholder analysis and related issues; and cultural-diversity issues and employment practices.

Managing Relationships focuses on internal and external

stakeholders, bringing together strategy and practice in the management of human resources with an understanding of the wider business environment and its impact on business performance. Participants will assess the relative impacts of social, legal and economic factors at any given time and use this information to inform strategic decision making. A key outcome is the ability to apply an economic perspective to a wide variety of issues and problems, ranging from company-level pricing decisions to the international effects of exchange rates. You will also explore key aspects of managing people in the workplace, in business and service organisations, exploring possible strategies for improving internal and external relationships to achieve strategic objectives.

Managing the Value Chain explores how rms can add value by
providing products and services to meet the needs of the market. We examine the critical importance of logistics and supply chain management for modern businesses by linking theoretical developments with contemporary practices to assess how optimum performance can be realised. Key marketing concepts and aspects of applied marketing practice encourage participants to develop a critical perspective on how marketing activities build strategic and sustainable value, resulting in long-term competitive advantage in specic markets. Both the marketing and the logistics functions require collaboration and relationships with other functional areas of the rm, and these relationships are explored within the context of a value chain beneting the customer and the company.

The Hull MBA

Managing Knowledge investigates the identication of relevant

knowledge, how best to acquire it (and how to cope when it is not available), and how to put it to use so that it genuinely contributes to the analysis of complex problems and to effective decision making. Participants are introduced to research methods used in business and management, and we emphasise the crucial importance of data collection, construction and interpretation in shedding light upon particular problems. This also provides a platform for the development of understanding about the selection and design of research methods, giving due consideration to the research question(s), contextual constraints, and issues of ethics and validity. The nature and value of nancial information relevant to management is also explored, so that managers can communicate effectively with specialist members of their team.

Managing Strategically builds a perspective that takes account

of the business organisation as a whole, its purpose and strategic development, and one that informs managerial decision making. Participants explore the complexity and richness of debates in and around strategic management, developing the ability to ask critical questions rather than seeking ready-made techniques or certain answers. Topics examined include the nature of and approaches to strategy; corporate mission, responsibility and governance; customer analysis and market segmentation; innovation and dynamic competition; and whether strategy matters. Attention is also paid to strategic decisions, and the motives behind these, including those of building and applying resources; cost leadership and dierentiation; integration; diversication; outsourcing; strategic alliances; globalisation; and organisational change. Participants draw on their own experiences to consider how eective decision making can also involve intuition and the balancing of dierent functional perspectives.

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The Hull MBA

The learning environment

Support
The Hull MBA begins with an induction programme, where you will have the chance to get to know the teaching team and your fellow participants. The learning experience will be grounded in your existing familiarity with the business environment while introducing you to innovative ideas and the latest research, creating a programme which is rigorous, stretching and challenging. You will be encouraged to engage and interact with the programme material and develop new ways of working, as you take part in group discussions, problemsolving exercises and presentations. To support you through your course and prepare you for assignments and examinations, we provide extensive learning materials and unlimited access to an excellent library, broadband-enabled PCs and e-journals. All MBA participants are also assigned a personal supervisor who is a source of pastoral care, information and links with other support services in the University.

Studying at the Business School

The school provides a stimulating environment in which fundamental issues in international business and management are studied and developed, often in such a way as to inuence practice. The school is housed in four inspiring listed buildings which have been sympathetically renovated to accommodate the seamless integration of rst-class modern facilities, including dedicated computer suites, a 500-seat lecture theatre and a fair-trade cafe. Our postgraduate students further benet from our world-class Logistics Institute as well as access to extensive, modern ICT facilities. Further information on the school can be found at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs.

The University of Hull

The University of Hull is a centre of excellence in teaching and research and has a reputation as one of Britains friendliest universities. It has active links to industry and to the local community as well as an international reputation. The Education Guardian ranks Hull among the north of Englands top three universities for quality of teaching and feedback, while the Times Higher Educations Student Experience Survey graded the University especially highly for its fair workload and helpful staff. The Universitys students union was voted the UKs No 1 Students Union in 2012. The students union and the careers service are ranked among the countrys top 10 in the International Student Barometer (ISB), and 89.1% of our international students were satised or very satised with their overall learning experience. More information on the University, its achievements and its facilities for graduate students can be found at www.hull.ac.uk.

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The Hull MBA

Students and staff enjoy the Derwent Cafe, at the heart of the Business School.

More than a stylishly appointed reception area, the main entrance to the Business School is also a place to do business.

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The Hull MBA

Research at Hull University Business School

We are proud to be home to a supportive, active and outwardlooking research community that produces innovative, transdisciplinary research focused on business impact. The schools academics share a dedication to the production and dissemination of internationally inuential research, all of which shapes and underpins your programme of study. Through our research we make a signicant contribution to Hulls reputation as one of the UKs leading research-engaged universities. Our world-class staff play major roles in the international academic community. Their research, disseminated through books and leading peer-reviewed international journals, generates and advances new knowledge and ideas; inspires new ways of working; underpins new teaching content and methods; and supports strong relationships with universities, businesses and institutions both regionally and internationally.

Research degrees
Our aim is to nurture critical thinkers, with the ability to generate knowledge and apply it to business improvement. Our research programmes the MRes, MPhil and PhD can support students with interests in any of the schools areas of research excellence. These are accounting and accountability; economic policy; empirical nance and banking; logistics; marketing innovations and applications; organisational futures; regional and international business; and systems studies. Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy This is a three-year full-time programme (occasionally taken parttime over ve years). Successful applicants to the PhD are rst registered on an MPhil and are then expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD through an Upgrade Seminar (comprising a 10,000word research report and presentation) at the end of their rst year. Exceptionally, students may continue on the MPhil, which is, in total, a two-year full-time programme (three years part-time). Master of Research (MRes) This is a one-year taught foundation programme that provides an ideal preparation for students wishing to study for a PhD but whose rst degree or Masters degree did not contain a sucient researchtraining element. The programme of study includes modules on research philosophy, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, generic research skills, interview skills, survey methodologies and appropriate subject-related options. Successful completion allows progression to the MPhil and PhD programme. For more information on research degrees at Hull University Business School, please visit www.hull.ac.uk/hubs.

Hull is a bustling city, and my time there has helped me to manage the many crosscultural issues within and outside the company.
Catherine Peng graduated 2000, now China Director, Michelin Maps and Guides

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The Hull MBA

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Living in Hull

About the city of Hull

Hull combines the very best of an urban waterfront location with a rich heritage and an exhilarating mix of culture, history, shopping and nightlife. Because of its location at a gateway to Europe, multinational organisations choose to base their operations in Hull and the region. In addition to being one of Europes busiest port complexes and a manufacturing hub, the region is also home to the health care giants Smith & Nephew, Reckitt Benckiser and Seven Seas, as well as BP, Kimberly-Clark and Arco all corporate partners of the Business School. Students benet from interaction with these organisations during their programmes of study. The University is located in the most cosmopolitan part of the city. Leafy streets lead on to Newland and Princes Avenues, where a wealth of local and speciality shops, cafes, bars and restaurants can be found only 10 minutes walk from the University. On a summers day this bohemian quarter of Hull is the perfect place to while away an hour or two with friends, taking in the relaxed atmosphere and sharing a meal from the wide choice of cuisines on offer.

Location
The Hull Campus is only minutes away from beautiful open countryside, and approximately an hours drive from historic York. The cities of Sheeld, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham are also easily accessible by rail or road; and the direct train service from Hull to London takes around 2.5 hours. Hull is served by international airports at Manchester, Leeds and Humberside and by overnight ferries to Europe.

Accommodation
There are various accommodation choices, including residences owned, managed or directed by the University. The Universitys Accommodation Oce can provide advice as to the right accommodation for you, as well as access to privately owned houses, ats and rooms. Accommodation which is owned, managed or directed by the University is guaranteed for all unaccompanied overseas students, and further information on this can be found on the Universitys website at www.hull.ac.uk/accomm.

Cost of living
The cost of living in Hull is lower than almost anywhere in Britain (indeed, some 3040% less than in London) and signicantly lower than in comparable university cities. This means that accommodation and food are generally more affordable. Also, the location of our campuses and residences means that daily travelling costs are low (or non-existent), and that shopping for food, clothes and other everyday items is within easy walking distance.

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The Hull MBA

The Deep. The Deep.

Beverley Minster with Beverley Westwood in the foreground.

Alfresco dining at Princes Quay.

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The Hull MBA

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Applying for the Hull MBA

Admissions criteria
Hull University Business School welcomes suitably qualied individuals to apply for entry to its MBA programmes. To be eligible for admission, applicants should normally possess a minimum of three years appropriate post-graduation work experience a good degree awarded by a UK university or comparable overseas institution, or an equivalent professional qualication Applicants with degrees from non-English speaking countries as per UKBA designations will be required to demonstrate English language prociency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in all skills) or TOEFL 90 IBT (from ETS) with at least: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20 and Writing 17. Applicants not requiring a UKBA visa may be exempt from the requirement to complete IELTS or TOEFL tests if they have evidence of equivalent English language prociency for example, if they have studied in English or worked for at least ve years in a predominantly English-speaking environment. Applicants who do not have a degree or equivalent professional qualication and meet the other eligibility criteria may submit a Portfolio of Evidence to demonstrate that they can benet from, contribute to and succeed on the programme. You must also submit a University of Hull Postgraduate Application Form, completed and signed a current detailed CV a 200-word personal statement indicating what you hope to gain from the MBA and the contribution you would make to the programme two good letter-headed work references proof of qualications to date Once applicants have satised all other conditions, they will be interviewed by Business School staff, either by telephone or in person, as the nal stage of the process.

How to apply
You can apply online or download an application form through the Postgraduate section of the University website at www.hull.ac.uk. A hard-copy application pack may be obtained from Admissions Service University of Hull Hull, HU6 7RX, UK E pgstudy@hull.ac.uk

Scholarships and fees

The Business School offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to UK/EU and international MBA students each year. Further details can be found at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs-awards or through the Business School website at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs.

Contact us
Information about applying for MBA programmes, tuition fees, and scholarships and bursaries can also be found on the MBA pages of the Business School website at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your application, please contact Admissions Team Hull University Business School Hull, HU6 7RX, UK T +44 (0)1482 463254 F +44 (0)1482 463370 E businessmasters@hull.ac.uk www.hull.ac.uk/hubs

Disclaimer
This publication is intended principally as a guide for prospective students. The matters covered by it may be subject to change from time to time, both before and after students are admitted, and the information contained in it does not form part of any contract. While every reasonable precaution was taken in the production of this brochure, the University does not accept liability for any inaccuracies.

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2727~ME/Lou

 University of Hull Published August 2012

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Think connected with the Hull MBA. The unique holistic approach of our programme means that youll understand how complex organisational relationships and the fastchanging global business environment play a part in the decision-making process giving you the capacity to make the right decisions at the right time.

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Admissions Service University of Hull Hull, HU6 7RX T 01482 466850 F 01482 442290 E pgstudy@hull.ac.uk