Full-time MBA: Frequently Asked Questions

We know that applying to an MBA programme is a significant decision and that you want to make sure that you have all the information you need to select the right school for you and to enable you to submit a complete and competitive application. To make the whole process easier for you, we have compiled a list of answers to the most common questions we get asked by our prospective students.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Full-time MBA?

We require a minimum of 3 years’ postgraduate work experience, with evidence of increased responsibilities, achievements and progression. Alongside this, we are looking for a GMAT score of 660 and a good honours degree. We would also be happy to consider candidates without a degree if they can demonstrate suitable work experience. If English is not your native language, you may be asked to take an approved English Language Test.You can submit your application prior to sitting a GMAT or an IELTS exam, all we ask is that you are thinking ahead and have a test booked as soon as possible.

Do I need to take an English language test as an international student?

All of our programmes are delivered in English, so if English is not your first language or you have not graduated from an English speaking university or worked in an English speaking environment for at least two years, you must demonstrate a minimum overall standard in the University recognised tests of English. ?You can submit your application without a language test and the selection committee will decide whether one is required or not.

What references do you require?

You will have an opportunity to provide the details of up to three referees on your application form, however only one is mandatory and that has to be from your current, or most recent line manager. We understand that you might not want to disclose to your employer your intentions of leaving the company too early, therefore we would be happy to consider your application without the reference and, if you’re successful, give you a conditional offer on providing a satisfactory line manager’s reference before the start of the course.

What are the application deadlines?

We have four application deadlines for each intake of our Full-time MBA and all the latest dates and details can be found here.

What careers support do you offer on the Full-time MBA?

Personal development and career planning with our specialist CareersPlus team is fully integrated throughout your Full-time MBA.

This begins before you even arrive, with access to pre-arrival webinars and consultations. Once your programme begins, you will have weekly sessions allocated within your timetable dedicated to your career development ensuring you leave WBS feeling confident to make your next career move.

You will also have access to unlimited one-to-one coaching throughout the year and will have the opportunity to be featured in our annual Talent Profile book, which is sent to over 200 employers across a broad range of sectors.

Do you offer any specialisms?

Alongside the MBA’s core backbone of building all-round business acumen, you can choose to focus your MBA within entrepreneurship by studying two of your elective modules and basing your MBA dissertation within this area. You will gain a letter of acknowledgement from the Dean of Warwick Business School to confirm your success within this specialised area.

The entrepreneurship specialism will enable you to make calculated decisions between seizing opportunities and managing risk. Whether you want to set up your own business or develop your entrepreneurial mind-set within a large corporate or an owner managed business, we will equip you with the innovative skills to find creative solutions to day-to-day problems.

We also offer many additional opportunities to support both our students’ and alumni entrepreneurial journeys, such as:

• Monthly entrepreneurship clinics
• Access to incubator and pre-accelerator programmes
• A network of more than 2,600 entrepreneurs, student entrepreneurs and investors
• Informative networking events
• Mentoring programme.

What is a consultancy project?

You will get an opportunity to undertake an individual consultancy project with a real organisation for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer period. The project will give you hands-on experience of consulting on a specific business challenge, enabling you to put everything you have learned into practice while offering the chance to network and showcase your individual talent for potential future employment with the organisation. Please note that consultancy projects are competitive and not guaranteed. You will have to apply and be accepted by an external company.

Can you tell me more about the new immigration route due to be introduced for international students?

The UK government is planning to introduce a 'Graduate route' to enable international students to work in the UK for 2 years after graduation which is due to be introduced in the summer of 2021.

The new ‘Graduate route’ will be open to all international students who have valid UK immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider. The visa will allow eligible students to work, or look for work, in any career or position of their choice, for two years after completing their studies.

UKVI have not updated the Immigration Rules with regards to the Graduate Route and all guidance given thus far is based on preliminary information released by the UKVI and is subject to change.

Please check for updates on our web page.

How do I successfully prepare for an interview?

Our interview is quite informal and will be more of a chat about your motivations to study at WBS and your career progression so far. There is no formal preparation that you need to do, but you may wish to reflect on the core competencies we are looking for:

• Strategic Thinking: Thinks broadly and strategically, demonstrating sound commercial acumen
• Problem Solving & Creativity: Open to new ideas, experiences and learning opportunities. Shows clear analytical thinking, getting to the heart of complex problems and identifying innovative and creative solutions
• Drive for Results: Strong focus on delivering a high quality service or product. Seeks opportunities for self-development and career advancement. Manages pressure effectively and copes well with setbacks
• Personal Impact: Communicates and networks effectively and successfully persuades and influences others. Relates to others in a confident and relaxed manner.
• Leadership: Initiates action, gives direction and takes responsibility. Supports others and shows respect and positive regard and puts people first.

The interview takes about an hour to complete and you will be interviewed by an individual, not an admissions panel.

What will happen after Brexit?

Warwick's community is welcoming and inclusive. We are proud of our international community and will continue to offer a global experience whatever the outcome of Brexit.

You can find more information here.

How do you teach on the Full-time MBA?

We take a creative approach to teaching, using film, drama, business simulation software and role play on different modules during the course. This allows you to apply your learning to real life scenarios, try out new leadership techniques and generate creative responses to challenges. By building your leadership and management skills you can increase your confidence and prepare for any scenario.

Why should I study at WBS?

If you’re interested in debate, discussion and different ways of doing things, if you’re ready for real development, if you want a diverse network of lifelong contacts, then WBS is the place for you.

What is it that makes the Full-time MBA at WBS different?

We welcome Change Makers - At WBS, we welcome students, faculty, staff and corporate partners who embody our Change Maker values, and have a passionate drive to make a positive difference in the world of business and beyond.

Personal transformation - At the forefront of everything we do are our students. We will support and motivate you to unlock your full potential, and achieve your ambitions. But we’re not here to hold your hand; we’ll push, critique, and challenge you to bring out your inner Change Maker. Studying at WBS means being open to new ideas, viewpoints and new voices, helping you take on new perspectives and challenge your thinking.

Diversity matters - Being a Change Maker isn’t about where you’re from, it’s about where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. At WBS we bring people together from across the globe, from different backgrounds, who are restless to change the world and want to use business as a power for good. We don’t see what makes people different as a negative, we see it as the opportunity to share new voices, new viewpoints and new ideas.

Inspirational and applied learning environment - For our students, learning isn’t confined by physical walls. They are constantly curious, embrace independent learning, and have a thirst for knowledge that drives them to find solutions. Our rebellious streak has led us to leave the chalkboard behind, and give our students practical experiences in order to apply their learning.

What scholarships do you offer on the Full-time MBA?

The Selection Committee looks at your application as a whole when considering scholarship, taking into account the following: Essays, ambitions, academic record, work experience and successes, career progression and career potential, interview performance and what qualities you could bring to the cohort. A final consideration is what ambassadorial qualities you may have, and what you could do specifically to fulfil your role as ambassador to WBS.

If successful, you would be expected to work closely with the marketing and recruitment teams to help attract future candidates onto the programme.

How long does it take to hear back from WBS?

Our turnaround time is four to six weeks from receiving an application, but please refer to our apply page for more information.

What other sources of funding can I apply for?

Up to date information on funding can be found on our MBAweb pages.

What is the cost of living and accommodation?

Details can be found on the following pages:

Funding

Accommodation

Find out more about our Full-time MBA.