Highlighted courses - June 2016

 

New flexible MBA for busy working women will act as a sledgehammer to stereotypical boardroom glass ceilings

Johanna Craig

There is increasing agreement and attention being paid into the valuable role that females play within the boardroom. The unique mix of business and soft skills of females to date have been underutilised by many corporations.  Research suggests that females typically hit a ‘glass ceiling’ in leadership positions, but  it has been shown that personal development programmes, such as the Ulster MBA are a key component of changing this.

Recently, the Ulster University Business School at Jordanstown and Magee campuses have developed a more flexible life-long learning opportunity in the form of a ‘Mini Executive MBA’.

Dr Trevor Cadden, MBA course director, explains: “In the last 10 years, both global and our own internal statistics have highlighted that under 25% of the student cohort of the MBA programme are women.

“The barriers for female managers are fairly predictable – combining work, family and education is a challenging balancing act that all busy working mums have to face.  The MBA also presented financial barriers.  Our response is the new Mini Executive MBA which offers a much more flexible and user-friendly approach to gaining this prestigious postgraduate qualification.”

Diane Christie, Head of Product Development at Avondale Foods is one such female who has had tremendous benefit from undertaking the Mini Executive MBA, and then progressed to complete the full executive MBA.

“A few years ago it became clear that in order to realise my potential I needed to move out of my comfort zone and fill my knowledge and transferable skill gaps.  For me the MBA teaches you how to speak up, defend your position and perhaps most importantly – not crack when you’re challenged.  It removed me from my comfort zone and gave me a lot more self confidence in my own abilities.”

Traditionally an MBA is awarded once 180 credit points are achieved.  The Mini MBA allows students to exit after completing 120 credit points with a Postgraduate Diploma (8 modules) or after completing 60 credit points (4 modules) with a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Having gained either a Diploma or Certificate students can then complete the full MBA requirement at their own pace provided it is within a reasonable amount of time.

Organisations can use this ‘Mini MBA’ option to structure the full MBA into smaller awards. Applications are now open for a September 2016 start.

To find our more contact Dr Trevor Cadden or Edel Griffin, MBA Course Director, Ulster University Business School on t.cadden@ulster.ac.uk or e.griffin@ulster.ac.uk

Career development opportunities through postgraduate short courses at Ulster University

We offer a range of postgraduate short courses to support your continuing professional development. The majority of short courses are also linked to a full Master’s degree, allowing you to experience the subject area before applying to the full postgraduate qualification.

Short courses can be studied individually or you can also combine several short courses from different subject areas towards an accredited postgraduate qualification. 

Short courses may be delivered on campus each week, by block teaching over a number of days or fully online. 

Fees can start from as little as £150 for a 5 credit point course. Funding may be available and previous Ulster graduates can receive 10% discount on their tuition fees. 

Short courses are available across a range of areas including:
•Business
•Marketing
•Law
•Psychology
•Environmental Sciences
•Built Environment
•Counselling
•Communication
•Hospitality and Tourism

Find out more: 

W:  https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/course-finder (Short courses and CPD)
T: 028 9036 6680 
E: postgradcpd@ulster.ac.uk

Advance your career with postgraduate study at Ulster University 

Thank You Whether you want to broaden your employment prospects, stand out in a competitive labour market or change career direction, you can succeed in your ambitions with Ulster University. Our postgraduate prospectus is packed with a range of flexible and affordable postgraduate opportunities and all you need to help you take the next step.

Our extensive range of full-time, part-time, online and blended learning courses means you can learn your way and fit your study around work and other commitments. There is also the opportunity to study at a variety of levels, from short courses and postgraduate certificate and diplomas, to a complete master’s degree, giving you greater flexibility and choice over your learning journey.

Whatever your motivations for further study, we can support your future plans and provide a first class learning experience to help you fulfil your potential.

Download the prospectus today or pick up your copy at any Ulster campus.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with our recruitment team at postgradstudy@ulster.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)28 9036 8506 /+44 (0)28 9036 8821.   

 

Access the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)

We provide our graduates with a HEAR – an enhanced digital transcript which includes both academic and extra-curricular achievements to supplement the traditional degree award.

The HEAR is a digital document that allows you to showcase your achievements to employers or postgraduate tutors as well as enabling you to review your progress and plan future activities during your time in higher education.

Please select the following link to find out more about HEAR