Flexibility on the part-time MBA programmes

Our portfolio of part-time MBA programmes, including Executive MBA, Global Online MBA, and Accelerator MBA, has been designed with busy lives in mind. Our flexibility is a real benefit for our participants, with the option to pause and extend any of our two-year part-time MBA courses by a further year for free, or into a fourth or fifth year for an extension fee.

We caught up with participants and alumni from across our part-time MBAs, to find out how they’ve benefited from the flexibility on offer.

Navigating health issues, family responsibilities and an MBA

Nadim Chidiac, Global Online MBA (was Distance Learning MBA) graduate

Warwick Business School (WBS) has been instrumental in allowing me to balance my studies with my personal and professional responsibilities. When I started my MBA in January 2017, I anticipated graduating in 2018. However, several unforeseen events significantly impacted my timeline, demonstrating the essential flexibility and support offered by WBS.

In 2017, shortly after commencing my studies, my wife became pregnant. Recognising the need for my support at home, I decided to take a break from my studies for an entire term. The WBS team was understanding and accommodating, enabling me to focus on my family without academic pressures.

In 2019, my father fell seriously ill and was placed in a medically induced coma. Thankfully, he recovered after a few days, but this period was extremely stressful. Later that year, I faced my own health challenges and was hospitalised for a month due to a bacterial infection in my liver. 

The staff at WBS provided exceptional support during these times, allowing me to temporarily withdraw from my studies and manage my personal crises.

During this period, I also faced significant professional challenges. I was responsible for managing two new product launches, which required substantial time and effort. Additionally, I received a job promotion that came with increased responsibilities. Balancing these professional demands with my studies was daunting, but the flexibility offered by WBS made it feasible. I was able to adjust my study schedule, move modules around, and take temporary withdrawals when necessary, ensuring that I could meet my professional obligations without compromising my education.

The arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 further complicated matters, as I endured four infections and ultimately received a diagnosis of Crohn's disease in 2021. Despite these setbacks, the WBS Programme team and my dissertation advisor were incredibly supportive. They facilitated extensions and permitted me to move modules around, ensuring that I could continue my studies at a manageable pace. This flexibility was crucial in enabling me to work on my dissertation and complete my degree, albeit later than originally planned.

Throughout these challenging years, the flexibility and support from the WBS team provided me with the necessary breathing room to navigate my health and family responsibilities. The understanding and proactive assistance from the WBS staff played a significant role in my ability to persevere and ultimately graduate with merit in August 2021.

I am profoundly grateful for the accommodating and supportive environment provided by WBS, which enabled me to achieve my academic goals despite numerous obstacles.

Balancing an MBA with professional and health-related issues

Diana Popescu, Global Online MBA (was Distance Learning MBA) participant

When I opted to enrol on the MBA, I was well-informed about the outstanding feedback concerning the exceptional support provided throughout the duration of the degree. Even though few years have passed since then, I vividly recall a review from an alumnus likening the support at WBS to that of a "5-star concierge". I can attest that my experience during my MBA studies mirrors precisely this level of exceptional assistance.

Throughout my MBA journey, I encountered numerous challenges, from the early days of the programme, encompassing both work-related and personal issues.

Within the first six months of the course, I found myself in need of additional time. Overwhelmed with anxiety, I mustered the courage to request a one-week extension for one of my assignments. My heart raced as I pressed the submit button, and the feeling persisted until one of the WBS staff members approved my deadline extension.

At that time, I believed that my initial request for an extension would be the only one necessary. However, little did I anticipate the dramatic shift my life would take with the onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, my world was upended. I found myself utterly shattered and overwhelmed by grief, pain, and a whirlwind of emotions I never imagined possible to experience in such a short span of time. Amidst this turmoil, I was convinced that I wouldn't be able to complete my degree. Despite having completed all the previous assignments, I felt too paralysed to focus on my final task: the Research Project and Dissertation.

Once again, consumed by pain and engulfed in shame and a myriad of negative emotions, I found myself requesting another suspension. Thanks to the compassionate efforts of the WBS staff, I was granted the opportunity to regain control of my life. This gesture proved invaluable to my recovery from a period of depression in 2023. I continue to recover, and hope to complete my dissertation and ultimately earn my MBA.

The flexibility provided has been instrumental in helping me navigate the demands of both my work and personal life, fostering in me a greater sense of adaptability and resilience.

This, in turn, has empowered me not only to pursue my life goals (getting my health back) but also to evolve into a better individual on a personal and professional level, a goal I have always aspired to achieve through the MBA programme.

I am deeply grateful to every member of the staff for their unwavering support, guidance, and dedication, which have made this journey smooth, helpful, and enjoyable despite the myriad challenges I have faced.

Pursuing an MBA while pregnant

Rachael Newbold, Executive MBA graduate

Embarking on an MBA programme is already a significant challenge but doing it while pregnant adds a new level of complexity. However, with the right support and flexibility, it is possible to navigate this journey successfully.

Starting my MBA in 2020 while three months pregnant with my second child, I was fortunate to have a supportive network of staff and faculty. Their understanding and encouragement helped me balance my academic and personal life effectively.

After giving birth in February 2021, I took a three-month temporary withdrawal from the programme, missing two core modules. The process was seamless, thanks to the assistance of the Programme team.

They guided me through the application process, ensuring a smooth return to my studies.

Upon returning, I initially pushed back my graduation date by six months to June 2023. This gave me some time to catch up with the modules I had missed. While managing my studies and family life was challenging, I was able to strike a balance until early 2023, when I was promoted at work, resulting in additional responsibilities. Recognising that I needed more time to juggle my new role and complete my dissertation, I reached out to my supervisor, Dawn Eubank, who was very supportive.

When I expressed my struggles in managing multiple commitments, she offered understanding and guidance. I decided to take another three-month temporary withdrawal to focus on my family and work. By pushing my dissertation submission to September 2023, I was able to relieve pressure and regain focus.

Taking that temporary withdrawal was the best decision I made. It allowed me to refocus and re-energise myself. When I returned to my studies, I had the dedication and drive to give it my all. I had set myself a personal goal of achieving a distinction, and I was able to achieve this, something I am very proud of.

Completing an MBA while managing pregnancy and family commitments is undoubtedly challenging. However, with unwavering support from Programme team, along with options like temporary withdrawal and module rearrangements, it is possible to overcome these challenges and succeed.

Navigating professional transitions and an international relocation whilst studying for an MBA

Lola Babalola, Executive MBA (London) participant

Embarking on an Executive MBA journey is a significant commitment, especially when balancing professional responsibilities and personal life. My experience with WBS has been remarkably accommodating, providing me with the flexibility needed to fit my studies around my needs and responsibilities. This support has been crucial as I navigate the complexities of transitioning roles and relocating abroad for an international exchange opportunity.

From the outset, the support from WBS staff has been outstanding. The dedicated programme coordinators and academic advisors have been incredibly responsive and proactive in addressing my concerns about managing my core modules and upcoming electives. The staff helped me devise a plan that aligned my study schedule with my relocation timeline, ensuring a smooth transition.

One of the standout features of the WBS Executive MBA programme is the ability to move modules around to suit individual circumstances.

This flexibility has been a game-changer for me. With the impending international exchange, I faced a potential clash between critical modules and my relocation dates. Thanks to the flexible module system at WBS, I could reschedule certain classes without jeopardising my progress. This adaptability has allowed me to remain on track with my studies while preparing for an international move.

Moreover, the online resources and virtual learning options have been invaluable. The comprehensive online platform offers access to lectures, reading materials, and discussion forums, enabling me to stay connected with module activity regardless of my location. This virtual learning environment has been particularly beneficial as I transition to a new country, providing continuity and stability in my education.

The community at WBS has also played a significant role in my experience. The network of peers, many of whom are juggling similar responsibilities, has been a source of inspiration and support. Sharing experiences and strategies with fellow students has enriched my learning journey and provided practical insights into managing work-life-study balance.

Overall, the Executive MBA programme at WBS has offered me great flexibility and support, making it possible to pursue my academic goals while managing professional transitions and international relocation. The tailored assistance from WBS staff, the ability to adjust modules, and the robust online resources have collectively ensured that my educational journey remains seamless and fulfilling, even with the exciting changes in my personal and professional life.

Juggling an MBA with motherhood

Yenny Otero, Executive MBA (London) participant

Balancing a full-time job, raising a four-year-old daughter, and organising a prestigious Bachata dance festival with my husband, I wondered how I could manage an MBA as well. I chose the Warwick MBA for its accessible London campus, flexible programme, and emphasis on assignments over tests.

Elena, the Deputy Programme Manager, has been incredibly supportive, helping me create a tailored study plan. Without rushing, I am pacing the programme over three to four years. Despite my initial fears about time constraints, I am relieved to know I can extend my degree, temporarily withdraw, or adjust my module formats to fit my schedule. This flexibility ensures my MBA journey is enriching rather than burdensome, allowing me to apply new frameworks and theories practically and enjoyably.