Full-Time MBA Application Process

When applying for the Full-time MBA, good preparation is key to submitting a competitive application.  The application process requires you to prepare a number of elements before you can submit.  It is important to submit a complete application. Key parts of the application that require time and attention include:

• Prepare and register to take the GMAT or GRE test.
• Prepare for and take an official English language test if required. Check the entry requirements to see what evidence you need to submit to prove you have the required level of English for the programme.
• Choose your referees and inform them they will receive a reference request directly from us when you submit your application.
• Start preparing your essays (find out more about how to write your Full-time MBA Application Essays).

See detailed application requirements in Stage 2 below.

The online application form is designed to give you the flexibility to complete it in a number of sittings and save your answers as you go. You should submit the form whenever you are ready to apply with a complete application, including the required test scores and supporting documents. The application form includes the essay questions, which you can prepare in advance and copy and paste into the application (see Stage one above to prepare your essays in advance).

Please note that when completing the application form you should only input your current employment, as we review your CV to see your full career history.

Register for an account and select to apply for the Full-time MBA.

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Application Requirements

You will also need to provide the following in support of your application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

You must upload a complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than two pages with your application. Please give reasons for significant gaps in employment history on a separate sheet.
Please make sure your CV includes the following information.

• Each job you have taken since graduating from your undergraduate degree (if you have one) in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position, with the month/year start and end date, company name and job title for each position undertaken. If you have worked in more than one position for the same company, show each position separately to highlight your career progression.
• For each position, include bullet points of your key responsibilities and achievements; and if relevant include information about any management experience and reporting levels.
• It is good practice to include a one or two-line description of the context in which each company operates, for example: Global investment advisory firm with operations in 8 countries and $36B USD AUM.

Degree documents (including English translation if applicable)

• You will need to upload electronic copies of your official degree transcripts and certificates (with official English translations if necessary) for any degrees you have completed, or relevant professional qualifications.
• Transcripts should include: the type of degree awarded, date of enrolment and date your degree was conferred (date of graduation), details of all of the modules studied and the marks you achieved, the overall mark, percentage, grade point average (GPA) or classification that you achieved.
• We reserve the right to contact your degree-awarding institutions and/or professional associations for further information in connection with your application if required.

Admissions Test: GMAT or GRE

It is a requirement to have a valid admissions test score, normally GMAT or GRE before submitting an application. Please review the Full-time MBA entry requirements for details.

• You should include the details of your score in the application form and upload a copy of your score report with your application. You should also request to share your score with the University of Manchester - Alliance Manchester Business School. This will enable us to verify your results online.
  • Register to take the GMAT
    Our GMAT code number for the Full-time MBA is N1C-XL-39 (University of Manchester)
  • Register to take the GRE
    Our GRE institution code is 1433 (Manchester U Bus Sch MBA) and dept code is 5199

Proof of meeting the English Language Requirement (if applicable)

Strong English language skills are critical to your success on your MBA. If you are an international student, you need to provide official evidence that you meet the English language requirements for the Full-time MBA programme. You may be required to take an official English language test to be admitted to the programme and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

• It is very important to review the Full-time MBA entry requirements for details of the English language tests we accept, the minimum scores required and any exemptions.
• You will be asked in the application form to tell us how you meet the English language requirements and will need to provide the appropriate evidence.

One professional reference

You need to ask two people to act as your referees, although we only need to receive one work-related reference from either of the two people you choose. You will need to input the contact details for your referees in the application form – you should use their work email, not their personal email.

After submitting the application, your chosen referees will receive an automated email with login details for our online reference system. Your referee will complete and submit the short reference online, which will upload directly into the University admissions system with your other application documents.

Choose referees who know you well and can talk about your skills. A reference from a big boss who hardly knows you will not benefit your application.

• Choose a manager who has closely supervised your work, knows you well and can provide you with a serious and in-depth reference.
• If you don't want to ask your current manager, choose someone else who knows you well in a work setting, for example a former manager in your current or previous company or a long-standing client. If you work in a family business, your referee should not be a family member.

After you have submitted your application, we will send you an invitation to take the video assessment, which is delivered by Kira Talent on their platform. Add this email to your safe list: no-reply@kiratalent.com so you do not miss the invitation.

You will need to complete the video assessment by the corresponding deadline for the round you have applied for - you will have around 7 days to complete it. We will not assess your application until both your application and your video assessment are complete.

We understand that the traditional essays and test scores only tell us part of your ‘story’. The video assessment provides you with an opportunity to share what you will bring to our unique MBA in a more personal way and bring to life the person we have learned about in your application.

The video assessment comprises of four questions, which are designed to be answered without preparation in real-time. This will help us gain a sense of your personality, potential and communication skills, particularly your ability to think on your feet and communicate in a concise manner. The four questions are as follows:

• One motivation-based question
• Two competency-based questions around the themes or leadership and teamwork
• One random light-hearted question

If your application is complete by the admissions round deadline, we will review all the application elements in our initial review assessment, including your application form, essays, CV, academic qualifications, admissions and English test scores and video assessment. If selected in the initial review, we will invite you for an interview, which is the next stage of the admissions process.

Due to the competitive nature of admissions for the Full-time MBA programme, interviews are by invitation only. The formal interview is a key component of the admissions process.