EXECUTIVE EDUCATION FAQS

Discover frequently asked questions about Executive Education at Alliance Manchester Business School.

GENERAL

What is Executive Education?

Executive Education is a portfolio of professional development courses designed by leading business academics.

Whether you want to boost your own skills or develop your employees’ leadership and management abilities, Executive Education can help you thrive in today’s complex, fast-moving business world, driving positive change in your organisation and helping you to achieve your full potential.

At Alliance Manchester Business School, our professional development programmes span in-person short business courses; senior leader apprenticeship programmes and customised programmes built with clients to address specific business issues.

Who is Executive Education for?

Executive Education is for anyone with ambition.

Perhaps you have high potential colleagues who are transitioning to senior management roles and need to enhance their leadership skills, or who want to move out of their current role and join a new department.

Maybe they are skill seekers who are already in mid-senior level general management roles but want top-level specialist knowledge or decide to focus on a specific function, like ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) or exporting.

They might be in mid-senior level management roles, but want to refresh their skills, modernise, and get better at what they do, leading people and planning strategically.

Or perhaps there is a specific business issue or complex project, and you don’t have the in-house skills to make it a success, like digital transformation, using big data or AI.

Employers with a payroll above £3m per year contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy and can access this fund for our approved senior leader apprenticeship programmes.

Some clients look to us to help them address their specific business issues. From leadership succession planning to the implementation of large-scale change, we work with a wide range of organisations to define their exact training and development needs to achieve the right solution. That could mean adapting one of our existing tried and tested course formats or creating a bespoke programme from scratch.

Whatever your needs, we have an Executive Education programme that fits the bill.

Why study Executive Education at Alliance Manchester Business School?

We’re part of the world-renowned University of Manchester and our courses are delivered by some of the most highly regarded academics in business and management, who turn theory into practice.

Whatever your needs, we have tailored a diverse programme of courses, or we can work with you to tailor your own programme to meet your business needs.  

Our courses will inspire you to lead with vision, supercharge your skills and empower you to build a brilliant career.

All Executive Education delegates become part of our Executive Education network, rubbing shoulders with contemporaries from a diverse range of organisations and industries, with access to our groundbreaking research and the opportunity to network at a host of events.


Why is Executive Education important?

The last few years have been a challenge and businesses have had to adapt quickly to survive and thrive.  

Against this backdrop, it’s now more important than ever that leaders and managers are armed with the skills they need to build resilient, innovative sustainable businesses that are fit for the future, whatever it may bring.

At Alliance Manchester Business School, we have developed our Executive Education portfolio to inspire and empower businesses to move forward with confidence.

Why is Executive Education right for me?

You’ll benefit from the highest-quality education programmes, tailored to your needs, and delivered by an institution with an unrivalled international reputation, bolstering your CV and career prospects.

You’ll get in-person support from acknowledged experts in their fields and access to first-class, on-campus facilities.

Or you can access our online courses remotely from any location at a time that suits your lifestyle.

You will also enjoy meeting and networking with like-minded professionals, providing even more opportunities for you and your business.

SHORT BUSINESS COURSES - GENERAL

Do I need to attend the full Executive Education course?

Yes. To benefit from the full learning experience, you will be expected to attend all course sessions including group work.

Can you organise my accommodation?

We are not able to book accommodation on your behalf. The Hyatt Regency Hotel is on the university campus, next door to the AMBS Executive Education Centre.

Are these programmes available to individuals that live outside of the UK?

Yes, delegates from across the globe attend our short business courses.


Do I become an alumni after completing a short business course?

Once you have completed a course, all delegates will become part of our exclusive Executive Education Network. This is a growing network of like-minded professionals. By joining this network you will receive information on new programme launches, top-class speaker events and more.

Do these courses count towards an MBA?

Anyone who has completed one of our four day short courses and is successfully accepted onto the Global MBA, will be able to receive exemption of one elective. Your attendance on the short course must be mentioned at the time of application. For further information please do contact us.

Do you support in the visa application process?

Once payment has been received, Alliance Manchester Business School can provide a visa letter confirming your attendance on one of our programmes.

We encourage you to check directly with your embassy to determine whether you need an entry visa for the UK and the time needed in order to process the visa application.

SHORT BUSINESS COURSES - PAYMENT

How can I pay for a short business course?

If you are paying for a short business course yourself, you can pay by credit card. If your employer is funding your place, you are able to pay by invoice when you complete the required information on our booking forms.

We suggest paying for a course by credit/debit card if you are booking your place 30 days before the start date.

Are your short courses covered by the apprenticeship levy fund?

No. Please find more information here regarding our courses covered by the apprenticeship levy.

Are meals included in the course fee?

During your programme, each day you will be provided with a buffet lunch as well as refreshments throughout the day.


SHORT BUSINESS COURSES - BOOKING PROCESS

How do I book my place on one of the short business courses?

To book a place on one of our short business courses you should go to the relevant course page and complete a booking form. A member of the Client Relations Team will be in touch within 48 hours about next steps.

What level of English is required?

All of our courses are delivered in English and delegates are expected to be able to understand, and contribute to class discussion.

SHORT BUSINESS COURSES - COURSE INFORMATION

Is there any pre-work I need to complete or information I need to know before starting the course?

You will receive joining instructions once you are enrolled on the course. Any recommended reading lists, pre-work or other essential information will be shared here with you.

What support will I have whilst participating in the programme?

All delegates will be supported by the course leader, who provides academic support throughout. The programme operations team are also on hand to answer any questions and support with practical considerations, as well as the eLearning team who is able to provide technical support for our online learning platform.

Please contact us if you have any additional needs and we will discuss further support.

Will there be any assignments or examinations I need to complete as part of this course?

Each short business course has a practical task to be completed during or immediately after the four days – this may be a presentation, group work, reflective task etc.

You do not need to complete any examinations.


Which qualifications will I get at the end of the programme?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Manchester Professional Certificate. Paper copies of certificates will be given to you on the last day of the course. Within ten days of completing the course, you will also receive a digital certificate and digital badge to share across your social media.

You can also choose to attend a total of four short business courses to receive the Manchester Professional Diploma in Leadership.