Wales has best of East and West

Overseas universities offering courses in Hong Kong aim to give local postgraduate students the best of both worlds. They offer both the chance to earn an internationally recognised degree from a top institution, and the convenience of being able to combine work and study without breaking the bank.

"What we offer suits busy executives who are aiming for better positions in the business world and in life, but find it impossible to study full-time," says Stephen Griffiths, MBA programme director for the University of Wales and moderator of programmes available in Hong Kong. "Lectures and tutorials are held at weekends to minimise the impact on work schedules, and regular classroom teaching effectively facilitates the momentum of learning."

Griffiths notes that the approach is essentially practical, with programme content given a clear context, using a wide variety of case studies and assignments. These are tailored to real-life situations and the day-to-day challenges of doing business in Asia. In this way, students cover the necessary academic aspects, while also seeing what it takes to manage competently and lead successfully in different types of organisation and industry.

"We make sure that students also gain broad learning experience outside the classroom," Griffiths says. "They automatically become members of the HKMA (Hong Kong Management Association), which means they can participate in a wide array of seminars, talks, and professional development activities led by local and overseas experts, as well as company visits and networking events."

Full tuition fees for the MBA come to HK$104,000 - a figure said to be "very competitive".

"We understand that doing a part-time master's degree is a big investment," Griffiths says. "But this MBA is mapped against identical standards, content and levels as the 'home' course in Wales. Students can rest assured they will earn a qualification which is recognised worldwide and which will allow them to move forward in their careers."