University of Bath School of Management

Do you have an application fee?

No.

What is the minimum work experience I require?

We require applicants to have a minimum of three year’s relevant, post-graduate, management experience. At Bath we value the contribution made by each and every one of our students and you should be confident in your ability to actively contribute by sharing your views, experience and skills.

Are all applicants interviewed?

No. Applications are short-listed by the MBA Admissions Committee. Some applicants may be asked to arrange a meeting with our Admissions Manager.

Do I have to come to Bath for an interview?

This is not necessary. However, the MBA Admissions Manager holds regular ‘drop in’ / informational sessions. Shortlisted applicants are invited to schedule a one-2-one session to discuss any queries that they may have.

If it is not possible for you to come to Bath, we can arrange a telephone interview at a mutually convenient time. We encourage international candidates to discuss their queries via email or telephone.

Are there any age restrictions?

The average age of the current, full-time class is 31 and ranges from 25 to 60. Younger candidates will need to be able to demonstrate a high level of maturity, combined with evidence of leadership ability.

I don't have an undergraduate degree. Can I apply to the Bath MBA?

The majority of our students hold an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from exceptional candidates who do not hold an undergraduate degree but who possess significant work experience. In these instances, we recommend that the applicant take the GMAT test aiming for a minimum score of 600 as preparation for the academic rigors of the programme.

What type of work experience is required?

We require candidates to have a minimum of three year’s relevant, post-graduate, management experience.

We consider both your increasing responsibility and/or promotions, the contribution you have made to your organization(s) and future senior management potential. In addition, we also look at the stability of your career to date, and the reasons why you have chosen a particular career path or changed jobs and/or industries. We are seeking evidence that, even if you have not held a formal management post, you have worked in a meaningful organizational capacity and assumed decision-making, budget, or project management responsibilities. Many successful candidates come from non-traditional business roles such as doctors, teachers, and military personnel who are looking to build upon their expertise to move into general management.

Which documents should be submitted with my application?

Please refer to the check list page.

I am not able to provide an academic reference since it has been a while since I graduated from university. Can I provide a second professional reference?

We recognise that experienced managers several years after leaving University may sometimes find it difficult to obtain an academic related reference. Also for an MBA professional references are often more relevant. We therefore prefer two professional references though an academic and a professional reference will be accepted.

How do I know my application has been received?

We endeavour to process applications as quickly as possible. Online applications receive an automatic email advising they have been received.

How will I be notified regarding the outcome of my application?

A decision will be communicated by email from the MBA Admissions Office.

What are the possible outcomes of my application?

The possible results of an application include:

1. A conditional offer subject to the payment of the Non-refundable Reservation fees
2. A conditional offer subject to successful completion of a pre-sessional and/or pre-MBA language course and payment of the Non-refundable Reservation Fees
3. A conditional offer subject to attaining a required IELTS, and/or TOEFL and/or GMAT score and payment of the Non-refundable Reservation Fees
4. Unsuccessful

Do I have to take the GMAT?

Not all candidates are required to take the GMAT test.

Where applicants have less than 4 years of relevant, postgraduate, management experience or do not have a first degree, but have a significant number of years relevant management experience -– a good GMAT score is required.

What GMAT score do you expect?

For those applicants who are required to submit a GMAT score we require a score of 600+. It is important to remember that GMAT test scores are only one element of your application, and you should not over-estimate their importance. A high score does not guarantee a place, nor does a low score automatically disqualify your application.

School of Management code/ref: 0971

Is my English good enough?

The University of Bath School of Management is English speaking. Written assignments, exams, lectures and class participation are all in English.

Candidates whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate their English Language proficiency with an IELTS score of 7.0 or above (with 7 in every band), or a TOEFL score 100 (internet-based test) with a minimum of 25 in every band.

I have a degree from an institution in an English speaking country - Do I still have to sit TOEFL or IELTS?

We may be able to waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirement if you have gained a degree from an American, Australian, British, Canadian or South African University. If your education in another country has been in English or you have lived/worked in an English-speaking country for some time, you may submit a letter with your application to request a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. This will be considered on an individual basis.

What happens if I took the IELTS or TOEFL test and didn’t meet this requirement?

• For candidates who scored a minimum of 6.5 overall in the IELTS test, we may make a conditional offer subject to successful completion of the Pre-MBA course. There is strong demand for places on the 4 week pre-MBA programme which runs from mid August each year. Candidates are advised to apply early. For details of the content of these courses, please visit the University of Bath English Language Centre website.
• For good candidates who scored a minimum of 6.0 overall in the IELTS test, we may make you a conditional offer upon successful completion of both the Pre-sessional English language course and the Pre-MBA course.

I am an international student. What special support systems are available for me and my family?

Many students who bring their families and partners with them to Bath are concerned about their families adjusting and benefiting from this new experience. The International Office provides many services and welcoming events for international students and their families in order to help them settle in and provide assistance and advice if and when required.

Do I need to pay a non-refundable reservation fee once I have accepted my offer of a place?

Candidates who are admitted to the Bath MBA are required to provide a £500 non-refundable reservation fee to secure their place within 3 weeks of accepting their offer. This non-refundable reservation fee will be applied toward the tuition fees.

Please Note: Your place on the MBA is not guaranteed until you have paid your 500 GBP reservation fee.

Can I defer my acceptance?

Yes, your offer (subject to the same conditions) may be deferred for one year once you have been offered a place on the programme. You will need to send a written request to the MBA Admissions Team. Please note that we are unable to refund your £500 reservation fee.

How do I find out about accommodation?

There is a high demand for accommodation on campus; you are advised to apply early once you have decided to accept a place on The Bath MBA.

Please visit the Accommodation Office web pages for information on the different housing options available both on and off campus. Please note accommodation can only be booked once we have received confirmation of a student's acceptance of an offer. Spaces fill up quickly during the year and it is recommended that you apply before the 1st June deadline.The Accommodation Office also has details of private accommodation to rent in Bath.

How do I reserve accommodation?

Only after you have been offered and accepted your offer of entry onto the Bath MBA with a non-refundable reservation fee, will you be provided with a password from the University Accommodation Office which allows you to apply for accommodation.

One of the advantages of studying in Bath is that students do not need a car unless they choose to live some distance outside the city, because it is relatively compact with many places within easy walking or cycling distance. The campus is about 2km from the centre of Bath, but all our off-site residences are within a short walk of the main bus/train terminal and there is a regular bus service between the city and the campus, which takes 10 - 15 minutes and runs until 2.00am during term-time.

Although parking is at a premium on campus, MBA students may apply for a permit via the University Security Office. Due to the amount of time spent on campus, Full-time students pay a fee for this privilege. A parking permit is included in course fees for Executive MBA students.

What jobs do MBA graduates from Bath typically obtain?

There is certainly no one standard career path for the typical Bath graduate. However, key functional roles obtained by Bath MBA graduates include consulting, financial services, marketing and entrepreneurial activities.

Do you have a dedicated Careers Service?

The School of Management provides a specialist MBA Careers Service which offers careers support to all MBA students. Working with a range of partner organizations it provides one to one career counselling and coaching, together with a range of events over the year. Events are integrated into the taught programme throughout the year to maximise the benefit to all students. 'Careers weeks' include the opportunity for one to one time, as well as guest speakers and introductions to resources and other specialist careers services. Recent events have included:

• Speakers drawn from the Bath MBA alumni talking about their career fields such as consultancy, marketing, stategy, career change, etc.
• Speakers from leading UK recruitment consultants talking about career opportunities in management consultancy.
• Headhunters speaking about guidance on writing your CV and preparing for interview.
• A speaker from a London law firm describing the Highly Skilled Migrant programme and UK immigration.
• Guest contributors running one and half day workshops on areas such as: 'Consultancy skills for MBA students', 'How to achieve anything', and 'Reinventing Your Career'.

The MBA Careers Service works with partner organizations to provide a wide range of online services including:

• CV platform,
• Jobs platform

web based resources such as:

• MBA recruitment information for FTSE 100 companies for UK, Europe and globally as well as for the top 100 companies in Asia.