Executive MBA programme of University of Sheffield will start in Yerevan in October 2016, which will allow to receive University of Sheffield diploma while living and working in Yerevan.

Professors from University of Sheffield will hold classes in Yerevan once a month, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Papers should be submitted until May 31.

Development Director of the Executive Development Institute at the University of Sheffield Nikolaos Dimitriadis visited Yerevan recently, and we asked him to tell us about the programme.

- What are the main advantages of Executive MBA programme that University of Sheffield has introduced?

- Graduates of our Executive MBA programme are awarded a world class MBA degree from one of the Top 100 universities, The University of Sheffield. This alone is a great competitive advantage since the degree is highly regarded and valued by companies and organisations all over the world. Also one of the biggest advantages of our Executive MBA programme is its holistic approach to executive education that includes 1) Personal and professional development 2) Applied knowledge with a global perspective 3) International exposure and experience and 4) Business networking opportunities. The combination of these four pillars of our holistics approach throughout the programme provides MBA participants with an invaluable educational experience.



Also, our programme is accredited and recognised by three official international bodies: It is accredited by the most prestigious international accreditation body in evaluating MBA programmes the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The programme is also accredited by other prominent international organisations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as well as the Chartered Management Institute (UK).

- What is the main difference of your MBA programme compared to other MBA programmes?

- What differentiates our programme from other MBA programmes is its curriculum, the flexible study mode that helps busy managers combine work and study, the team of distinguished academics and industry experts who teach in the programme and bring their expertise in the MBA classroom and the real-life projects that participants are assigned. Its high quality is also an advantage; the programme has been accredited by AMBA, AACSB and CMI.

- University of Sheffield has five faculties in the UK and International Faculty – CITY College, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Where will MBA programme members go?

- The University of Sheffield Executive MBA programme in Armenia will be offered by the University’s International Faculty, CITY College. The programme includes 10 weekend classes (Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday) in Armenia and two study weeks: 1 at the main campus of the International Faculty in Thessaloniki Greece and one at the campus of the University of Sheffield in the UK. This flexible mode of delivery allows students to combine work and study.

- Can you tell us about the costs of the programme and possible scholarships, reductions?

- Aiming at promoting high quality executive education in Armenia we offer special scholarships to Armenian prospective students wishing to apply for the University of Sheffield Executive MBA programme. We encourage applicants to benefit from our scholarships and take this opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills. Those interested to join our programme may contact our admissions team for details.

- We have heard that several world brand name companies used your Executive MBA programme for training their staff. Can you tell us more about that and name several companies?

- Many large companies and organizations from the region of the South East region entrust their managers’ executive education with our Executive MBA: Oracle, SAP, Coca Cola, Pepsico, Hewlett Packard, GE, JTI, Kraft Foods, Microsoft, Nestle, Novartis, Orange, Pfizer, Phillip Morris, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Unilever, Vodafone, VTB Bank, etc.



- Do you have any programs that help the graduates to find jobs after completing the course?

- MBA participants are usually seasoned professionals and executives who are already employed in top positions. However, as business coaching has become fundamental, students who wish to advance or even shift their career, may benefit from the MBA-tailored career services and resources of the programme. The Department of Student Affairs helps our Executive MBA students manage their career and create a customized career development plan by identifying the specific skills and contacts they will need. Students assess and plan their career while they are in the programme, and develop strategies and techniques that will help them succeed in their career-related goals. Moreover the MBA curriculum includes a free personal and Career Development Coaching programme which students complete during their studies.

- Sometimes people say that small countries like Armenia don’t need that many MBA graduates as the size of the economy can’t “absorb” them. What you think about such an approach?

- For the past 20 years we have recruited more than 25 managers from countries with half the size and population of Armenia. There is no company from any industrial sector - whether it is service or product related industry - that does not need qualified and well-trained employees. Also entrepreneurs or people who want to start their own company need knowledge and skills that an MBA provides! Small countries need more this type of knowledge to become more competitive.

- What is the selection criteria, what should have the applicants for applying for your Executive MBA programme?

- Selecting candidates is very critical for the Executive MBA programme. We believe that there is more to selecting a candidate than just considering scores. For this reason we take into account three primary areas: professional experience, academic background and the applicant’s overall profile. Candidates must have good command of the English language as the programme is delivered in English. In the majority, high-profile and mature executives and professionals from big companies and organisations from all over S.E. Europe join our programme.

For programme details you can call +37495 52 23 38.