An MBA is the qualification known as the Masters in Business Administration. ‘Leadership MBA‘ may be used to refer to these courses, although no MBAs focus on leadership to the detriment of the other topics that are mandatory for MBA syllabuses. As such, an MBA could be considered as a type  of leadership course.

Types of MBA Programmes

When people refer to an ‘MBA’ they are usually referring to a 15-21 month full-time course structure which will fill 2 years. However there are in reality, several types of MBAs that exist.

Fulltime – Standard MBA

This is the famous 2 year MBA course. A generous summer holiday of 3 months is given, as well as other breaks. This format of course is given by almost 100% of Universities which deliver MBA teaching. Lancaster University delivers an excellent example of a full-time MBA.

Fulltime -Accelarated MBA

This MBA is designed for those who want to obtain the MBA qualification as quickly as possible with minimal downtime. For real career hot-shots, this means fewer holidays and higher workloads. However in return, the candidate could be back in the work place up

Part time – Standard MBA

A part time MBA is usually taken on by individuals who are either financing their MBA without the help of their company, or who do not have the spare time to devote to a full time course. A part-time MBA can take around 3 years to complete.

Part time – Executive MBA

Executive MBAs are increasingly popular among the senior management of organizations. Executive MBAs or ‘EMBAs’ are created with experienced managers in mind. A minimum requirement of work experience may actually be placed upon these programs.

Part time – Distance Learning MBA

Distance learning can be helpful for people who do not live near a major city, or more specifically, near a top class institution. Distance MBAs take the geographical lottery out the picture by allowing a student to join regardless of where they live. However one could argue that the teamwork elements of the MBA course cannot be fulfilled as competently as with a bricks and mortar MBA.

Which Leadership MBAs are the Best?

Several authoritative bodies compile rankings for MBAs and EMBAs worldwide. Here is a pick of the most popular:

Financial Times 2010 Global MBA Rankings

The Economist – ‘Which MBA’ Ranking

TopMBA.com – Europe’s Top MBAs

Accredition of MBAs

In the UK, the Association of MBAs (AMBA) accredits all respectable Leadership MBAs.