For those considering a move up the ladder in a business career, the MBA has long been the number one choice of business qualification – an accolade that can open doors and lead the way to a higher salary, new promotion or exciting opportunity.

However, the idea of pursuing this qualification while working abroad as an expat has, for many, ended up an unfulfilled dream. But this no longer needs to be the case, thanks to the increasing sophistication of the MBA distance learning course. Who needs a campus when you have the internet?

Why choose an MBA?

Although there are a wide range of reasons a student might choose to study for an MBA, a common candidate for the qualification is that of the specialist looking to move into a management role. In fact, the average student who signs up to the Open University’s popular MBA course in in their late 30s with a hefty 14 years’ worth of work experience under their belt.

Specialists that hope to gain a thorough grounding in the running of a business can expect their MBA course to cover a variety of key areas, including marketing, HR, finance and procurement. In the current climate, an MBA is practically viewed as a requirement for senior management positions, with a report from the Financial Times demonstrating that graduates from one of the top 100 ranked business schools can expect to boost their earnings by 55-160 per cent.

Distance learning for expats

Distance learning has come a long way over the past decade. Gone are the days when such a course consisted of simply books, papers and hours of self-study. Today’s courses utilise the world wide web with online lectures, tutorials and forums, allowing students to not only move at their own pace but to benefit from valuable interactions with teachers and other learners. There is also the option of a blended course where visiting a campus a few times a year for face-to-face sessions combines with the flexibility of distance modules.

Of course, flexibility is the keyword when it comes to fitting an MBA into an expat lifestyle. Most courses take three years to complete, with the option of taking a break should work or family matters take precedence. Additionally, part-time learning allows students to apply their newly-acquired learning to their day-to-day working lives, helping professionals become more knowledgeable and more effective without having to take substantial time out from their working life or experience a loss of income in order to study full-time.

Another great benefit of distance learning is that this type of course is usually more cost effective,  with a distance learning MBA working out approximately a third cheaper than studying the course full-time.

And despite the doubters suggesting that nothing beats the camaraderie and contacts you build from learning together in a classroom environment, it is worth bearing in mind that the international links you can build from distance learning may well be much more useful when applied to your expat business life.

If you are considering moving abroad from London, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you.

Information correct at time of publication.