We spoke to Τom Rhodes, Head of International Relations at CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, and asked him to give us some insights about the Pan-European Executive MBA programme offered in Yerevan and the new partnership with the University of Strasbourg.

CITY College is the European campus of the University of York and all your degrees are awarded by this prestigious British university.  Why did you decide to have a dual degree programme?

CITY College Europe Campus has always sought to develop and innovate for the benefit of the societies in which we operate. We have responded to changing circumstances in the world to ensure that the programmes we offer to executives and professionals are of the highest quality and international value. In responding to Brexit, we wanted to enhance the Pan-European Executive MBA programme’s European perspectives and provide both a UK and EU qualification.

Why did you decide to partner with the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Strasbourg?

It is very clear that we share the same values and goals as the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Strasbourg and so it has been a great match. We are both looking to provide the very best in executive business education and to empower our students in their career development. Our Executive MBA has been offered in the region for many years and is well regarded by companies and professionals alike. It is an AMBA-accredited MBA programme, one of the only 300 MBA programmes worldwide that are accredited by this prominent accreditation body for MBA and Management education.

Now, with our partnership with the University of Strasbourg, our Pan-European Executive MBA programme is even more enhanced and even more responsive to the needs of the modern business person in this region.  Founded in 1631, the University of Strasbourg is one of the top European Universities with a long and prestigious history. It has 18 Nobel prize winners and a great research record. It sits at the heart of Europe, alongside the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Parliament.

What are the benefits for students undertaking the dual award Executive MBA programme?

Our Pan-European Executive MBA provides local and international perspectives balancing theory and practice, taking a holistic approach to business management education. Through the additional involvement of the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Strasbourg, we can further enhance the breadth of European and international perspectives to support the development of individuals, companies and societies. The programme delivers significant international exposure to students who can undertake modules in any of our eight locations around the region. We also provide options to study modules without the need to attend all face-to-face classes through our blended, online programme.

As part of their studies students also have the opportunity to participate in three Study Trips - to York (UK), Strasbourg (France) and Thessaloniki (Greece). Participants from all our eight international locations attend joint classes during the Study Trips giving them a truly international educational experience with invaluable networking opportunities. Professors and business experts from various international universities, including the University of Strasbourg, share their knowledge and expertise. Finally, on completion, participants are awarded two MBA degrees from two outstanding universities: a top British university, the University of York, and a prestigious French university, the University of Strasbourg.

Is the Pan-European MBA the best of two worlds for an MBA?

I think this is absolutely true. The values, aspirations and vision that we share with the University of York gave birth to the Europe Campus of the University of York CITY College and we now drive these agendas even further through our relationship with the University of Strasbourg. It is within our DNA to move forward, innovate and internationalise our education so that we can offer our students the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. I believe that our 10,000+ alumni from more than 60 countries know this and honour us by making a difference everywhere they work and live.