Whether you’re a young student preparing for your future career, or a midstream career professional with continuing professional development credits to use up, chances are there is a quality business programme available near you.
The UK’s largest population centre boasts a bustling business community with many international and domestic corporate headquarters, so it comes as no surprise that residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to business studies in London. Local professionals and students from all over the South of England will find accessible options for study, ranging from introductory and degree programmes to short-term and flexible studies that can fit around other priorities.
However, Northerners need not undertake the trek to London to take advantage of top-notch business studies. The economic powerhouse of Manchester has grown well beyond its heritage as an industrial centre to play host to some of the largest and best-known multinationals. Centrally located with strong transit connections, its size and accessibility make it an excellent choice for students in the North. The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) has recognised Manchester’s dominance as a leading location for business professionals and the next generation of business and finance leaders with its LSBF Manchester campus.
Not to worry if neither London nor Manchester is within reasonable reach from your location, though. The next generation of business studies offer flexibility and accelerated, compressed and remote programmes and coursework to suit a variety of schedules.
In fact, that flexibility is a hallmark of contemporary and future-focused business studies. They both recognise the importance of teaching students the technology and strategies that will enable them to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s companies, and put that technology and strategic planning to use.
It’s worth taking some time to review different formal education providers and assess the value of their programmes. There are a number of options in London, Manchester and other population centres around the UK, but not all are equal. Some of the most storied business schools are locked in the past, while some of the newest entrants provide the most value to today’s students.
Review curricula, course schedules or other detailed information on the contents of the business programmes available. Check for a combination of practical skills that focus on contemporary and emerging technology, and transferrable strategies and theories that can equip you for the future. While business and finance theory continues to evolve, you do need a solid foundational knowledge of the most common and successful approaches to help you communicate and understand what’s been done in the past. The best programmes will help contextualise the past and help you continue to learn and solve problems as the world changes.
If you’re looking for the right place to start your professional studies or expand your education in the South, then London is the obvious place to look, while Manchester acts as the “London of the North” with equally valuable programs. If both cities are out of reach, then you’ll want to look into remote study options available by extension from schools in either location.
