Kingston University London

One of the key attributes of the Kingston MBA is the diversity of its student community.

Students come from a variety of business and non-business backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and knowledge to enhance the learning experience on the MBA.

Our students and graduates attest to the significant boost the course has given them, both in their professional lives and in their personal development and level of confidence. Below is a sample of what they have to say about their time at Kingston.

Imran Khan talks about the facilities and value for money of the Kingston MBA:

Imran goes on to talk about study groups and the work environment on the Kingston MBA programme:

David Marks talks about study groups, teamwork and peer to peer learning on Kingston's MBA:

Sancha Norman talks about personal development on the Kingston MBA:

Sancha goes on to talk about alumni activities and networking opportunities through the Kingston MBA:

Pedro talks about the international experience of the Kingston MBA:

Name: Graham Copland
Course: Executive MBA
Position: Market Development Manager, BAE Systems PLC

“I looked at a number of Executive MBA programmes before taking the decision to enrol at Kingston University. My criteria was that it had to be accredited by AMBA, have a good reputation and (most importantly) balance the flexibility of distance learning with the social, motivational and learning benefits of studying within a university environment. The Kingston MBA met all these criteria.

“I wanted to study for an MBA as a springboard to take me to the next stage in my career. Prior to joining the programme, I expected to learn the theory, tools and techniques needed to be successful in business and this has certainly been true. The teaching staff at Kingston Business School bring a wealth of academic and business experience. As a result, the lecturing and course materials are both theoretically grounded and practical.

“That said, I didn’t expect the MBA programme to also be about genuine personal development. I think I have changed a lot since being on the programme. I feel I am able now to look at business from some entirely different perspectives. I am far more open to new ideas, and I am definitely more confident in my own work environment.

“Group working and social networking are important aspects of the Kingston MBA. Having the opportunity to work with people from a wide set of backgrounds in an intense environment not only enhances the learning experience, but helps cement friendships. A highlight for me was the opportunity to meet and study with the Russian students on the programme in Moscow early this year.

“Studying for an MBA is an emotionally charged experience, with many highs and lows. But having the support of your fellow students and the staff at Kingston gets you through the difficult times, as well as developing friendships and contacts that will be invaluable for the future.”

Name: Benedict Sheppard (Ben)

Course: Full-time MBA (2005/06)

“Prior to attending the Kingston MBA, I spent eight years in the British military involved in operations management, training and military engineering. Planning a significant career change from this very public organisation into the wider working world, I thought that an MBA would provide me with the best grounding to pursue one of the many career paths that I was considering.

“I chose the Kingston MBA due to the international perspective that I believed the class diversity would provide. The great location was also a major consideration as I studied the course full time and needed to travel in everyday – thanks to good transport links this was not a problem.

“Being self-funded, I also had to consider the cost/benefit. I believe Kingston offered me excellent value for money for a well-known and respected AMBA-accredited MBA.

“I can happily say that undertaking an MBA was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my life. The study group work was extremely well thought through and mentally invigorating. Working in a team with different strengths – within a safe environment that encouraged self examination and shared learning – was a very powerful way to develop ‘softer’ skills, which have played an important role in my future employment.

“The Kingston MBA has also given me a good general understanding of all business functions and how they should align to add value for owners, shareholder or the public.

“I have learnt how to take a complex problem and tackle it to ensure all stakeholders are considered and – where relevant – satisfied with the outcome. I believe the ability to place yourself in someone else’s shoes is critical to this and the Kingston MBA gave me this skill.

“I also have the confidence to interact at the highest levels of the company. This is based on a detailed understanding of the business environment, the strategies that it influences and the functional agendas that may be at play in the organisation.”