which one is better for the 2011 FT MBA programme?

Inputs please !!!

Leeds ranks higher, but ranking isn't everything since both schools have solid international reputations. Of course your decision also depends on the courses you would like to take, so have a close look at each program. It might also depend on the atmosphere you're looking for. In terms of better job opportunities, I would say they're pretty equal, it really depends on you and in which direction you would like to push your career. Where are you from? Do you have to apply for a visa? This might also influence your decision.

Leeds ranks higher, but ranking isn't everything since both schools have solid international reputations. Of course your decision also depends on the courses you would like to take, so have a close look at each program. It might also depend on the atmosphere you're looking for. In terms of better job opportunities, I would say they're pretty equal, it really depends on you and in which direction you would like to push your career. Where are you from? Do you have to apply for a visa? This might also influence your decision.

Well, it seems like you're leaning more towards Leeds. I would advise you to choose the school and the city you feel more comfortable with. If you prefer the bigger city of Leeds, it might be the best choice.

I wish I could lean towards one, ASAP. lol.

The problem is that there isn't much to choose between the two, so I am looking at various other factors like accommodation, facilities, worldwide presence, alumni network etc. I was of the view that Leeds is better, but most people seem to think otherwise.

I am trying to collect as much information as possible before I make a decision. I would appreciate any further inputs!

Yes, these decisions are always difficult. From looking at other opinions online, it seems the vote is split. So I suppose it depends on you personally, as in what type of city you feel most comfortable in, your budget, and what the school can offer you in terms of its facilities, as you mentioned. Have you visited each one? Or perhaps talked to Alumni from each? Sometimes a real personal account can be convincing.

I spoke to a few friends in both the unis, and as expected, they think both schools are equally matched in terms of MBA. That said, Notts rank higher (and have ranked higher, consistently) over Leeds in the UK League Tables. We are talking about Guardian, The Complete University Guide, and Times Good University Guide.

Reputation-wise also, Notts have a sizable edge over Leeds because of their (international presence) foreign campuses in China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Coupled with their presence on the internet, Notts are the favourite among employers.

Leeds on the other hand has a well balanced MBA program, a proven track record, and are still present in the FT and the Economist rankings (for MBA). The students union is the best in UK, and Leeds is (as you said) on of the biggest cities in UK.

Location-wise, both are far off from London, so that is not a factor. The more I analyze, the more confusing it gets. The best thing to do is wait for a couple of days more and then go with the gut feeling. lol

You don't want to hear this, but I suggest you get into the best programme you can. Wait until things are easier at work and then retake the GMAT.

You have to compare the MBA programmes, not the rankings which reflect all the undergraduate programmes. Nottingham has one edge: its concentration in finance. Otherwise, Leeds looks like a better programme, and seems to have specialist MBA careers people and hosted the recent MBA Careers Cervice Council meeting.

Hi Duncan,

Thanks for the inputs! How I wish I could delay it by one more year, but I can't. Commitments! lol

If I throw Birmingham in the mix, then how would you rate it?

I need to select one by the end of this week. For me it is now or never situation.

Birmingham looks better, looking at the FT ranking.

Somehow I am very skeptical about Birmingham leading Nottingham and Leeds in the rankings. I say that on the basis of my own experiences during the application stages.

Leeds and Nottingham required me to answer 250 word essays on different aspects of my profile. In case of Notts, there were eight essay type questions and for Leeds there were three. In addition to the essays, I had to undergo quite a comprehensive interview with both the unis.

On the contrary, Birmingham required only the interview, and not any sort of essays. Of course the SOP was there, but that was quite a general description about me. (not as specific as the essays for the other two unis).

My question is: How does Birmingham filter the candidates to make sure they are picking the better ones? I know for a fact that anyone who would have gotten into Leeds and Notts through the same process that I did, will be at least decent, if not great! If I have work exp. - I am good for Birmingham. Is that the case?

nottingham....

and you would say that on the basis of?

Asif, that's a good point about Birmingham - and it was also my experience when I applied there ten years ago. Maybe Leeds is a better bet. What sort of employment are you looking for, and what electives? Perhaps a larger school is better?

Birmingham has another big plus-point though!

Fees: Bir =18000; Leeds = 20500; Notts = 20000

I am a website content writer / internet marketer / search engine optimizer by profession. In the General MBA program I am also looking at electives like international marketing / project management / information management / knowledge management. Quite honestly, Birmingham and Leeds have a program that is suited to my needs.

Asif,

Just one thought. In terms of pedagogy I prefer the Leeds approach. However, its fall out of the FT 100 has hit the programme hard in terms of applicants and momentum. Birmingham is much stronger for marketing, and has a specialist MSc in marketing as well.

honestly they are on the same level when compared..........go for what you want........i said nottingham coz it had some good record of placement in past years....

My vote is with Leeds! The fees are slightly higher but it's a larger school in a bigger city with a solid reputation, regardless of dropping out of the FT 100. As we said, rankings are not everything. It also seems like you're looking to build up your general management skills and Leeds has a well-rounded MBA. Their requirements for acceptance, compared to Birmingham as you noted, might also tell you something about its standards as an institute.

Thank you all for the inputs!

I will make a decision in a few days. I guess there are some very valid points in this discussion.