What’s It Like Studying at Warwick Business School? WBS MBA Programs Explained
Considering an MBA at Warwick Business School? Students from the full-time MBA, EMBA, and online MBA, share their experiences
Considering an MBA at Warwick Business School? Students from the full-time MBA, EMBA, and online MBA, share their experiences
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By Lili Cariou
Mon May 2 2022
Warwick Business School is ranked among the best business schools in the UK and the world, boasting a network of more than 53,000 alumni across 167 countries globally.
Students at Warwick may choose from a suite of MBA programs.
This includes the flagship one-year, Full-time MBA, an Executive MBA where participants have the option to study at either the Warwick campus or WBS London base at The Shard with different study schedules available, and a Distance Learning MBA, ranked the best online MBA program in the world by the Financial Times.
After graduation, Warwick MBA students get hired by top firms across industries like Amazon, Deloitte, GSK, and Goldman Sachs. Full-time MBA students earn over $100k on average after graduation and many make a career switch, changing role, industry, or location, or even starting a new business of their own.
Beyond the classroom, students have access to over 250 student societies, 60 sports clubs, and a 750-acre campus less than an hour train journey away from the center of London.
What’s it like studying at Warwick Business School? BusinessBecause caught up with current students from three different Warwick MBA programs to find out.
Marco Luna-Straffon | Exploring career opportunities
Marco Luna-Straffon spent almost a decade working for Mexico’s state-owned oil and gas company, PMI, as a logistic supervisor and manager, before he thought about switching to a more sustainable industry with a career focus on healthcare.
Marco’s first criteria when choosing where to do his MBA was to study at a global university with a focus on career development and coaching. At WBS, there are many opportunities to help you dive back into the job application process, including coaching sessions, a personal mentor, mock interviews, and assessment center training.
“I did not expect these sessions to be so insightful. It also opens the possibility for international students, like me, to access training in a different language and culture,” Marco explains.
One highlight is the practical learning approach Marco has experienced at WBS. During the Marketing module, he worked with a group on creating a marketing plan for a company owned by his friend.
“The outcome of the project helped him with marketing ideas and how to boost his brand. Helping a company, adding some value to them, and being able to help a friend whilst learning was really rewarding.
“The international diversity at Warwick is also astonishing,” he continues. “We get to hang out with over 38 nationalities after classes and on weekends, and talk about our lives and hear the stories that everyone has to offer.”
Marco is already putting the skills he’s gained at WBS to good use, creating his own entrepreneurship club on campus where he gets to build ventures and interact with colleagues from the EMBA and Distance Learning MBA at Warwick.
“At Warwick, it’s not just about academic practice, you get to do a lot of things that you otherwise would not have time to do,” he says.
Nicola Graham | Combining business, family, and an MBA
Nicola Graham has run her own physiotherapy clinic for the last eight years, without a formal business education. As a more experienced professional, she wanted to pursue an Executive MBA that could teach her business theories and strategies as well as their implementation in practical business cases.
The Warwick EMBA is designed for professionals with at least four years management experience, compared with the Full-time MBA that targets professionals with three years’ work experience post-university.
While the MBA is a full-time program, Warwick EMBA students come to campus every six weeks for four days, and in the meantime they return to their full-time jobs, continue with project work, and read over materials for upcoming modules.
What’s surprised Nicola most about the program is the focus on groupwork. For every module, at least 20% is dedicated to a group presentation, which is assigned to you during the four days students come to campus. Students spend Wednesday to Friday preparing the presentation and presenting it over the weekend.
“This is a great opportunity to revisit your presentation skills, as well as learn to work together and collaborate with different people from completely different industries, backgrounds, and nationalities,” says Nicola, who runs her business and studies the EMBA at the same time.
Although the four days are intensive and students must immerse themselves within Warwick’s campus environment quickly, it’s part of what Nicole loves about the program.
“There’s a social aspect at Warwick where we can all sit down and have a drink at the end of the night, sometimes till two in the morning because there’s not enough time to chat to all the people you want to,” she smiles.
Niyati Joshi | Advancing into leadership roles
After several years in product management within the financial service industry, Niyati Joshi wanted to invest in further education to develop her strategic thinking and leadership skills to transition into a more senior general management role.
Niyati was drawn by the syllabus of the Distance Learning MBA at WBS which covers a breadth of topics including Innovation and Strategic Entrepreneurship to Leadership with a focus on diversity, sustainability, and innovation.
Choosing the online MBA format is about choosing flexibility and being able to fit the program around your work and life commitments. During the week, Niyati studies one hour before and after work, using the weekends to either catch up on additional work, organize group calls with classmates and professors, or write assignments.
And she’s able to apply the concepts and frameworks she’s learned during her MBA directly to her full-time job.
“I saw the Warwick MBA as a comprehensive program that would be educational and help me transform into a senior leader,” she says. “I’ve found that every module contributes to a new way of working or framing of a problem and solution that helps drive the business forward.”
Niyati says she most enjoys the in-person networking events held at The Shard in London, where she meets with some of her cohort face-to-face, as well as students from other MBA program types and alumni.
“These have been amazing, enriching experiences where you meet like-minded people, learn from them, and work with them,” Niyati exclaims.
Now, Niyati is looking forward to applying the knowledge she’s gained from the MBA to transition into a leadership role in her company.
“The Warwick MBA will give me the expertise to navigate and adapt to industry changes, approach challenges from different perspectives, and develop innovative solutions that benefit the business on a larger scale,” she says.
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
Student
Verified
12/08/2023
On Campus
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
