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Information about the University of London External Programme

International Management programme:
MBA - MSc - Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate

How you Study

Distance learning is much more flexible than traditional face-to-face teaching. It allows you to study whenever and wherever is convenient to you, and to fit your studies in around professional or personal commitments. You can study wherever you live in the world - if you move country with your job, for example, you can still continue with your studies.

Studying by distance learning requires you to be highly motivated, disciplined, and able to master complex problems independently. Many students do find self-directed study to be challenging, but the outcome is incredibly rewarding.

Academic support

University of London provide personal, individual guidance in many areas:
  • Tutor-marked assignments Your assignments will be marked by tutors at Royal Holloway as part of each course assessment. This is an opportunity to receive invaluable feedback and to measure your progress throughout the course.
  • Dissertation For the MBA and Msc you will be assigned an individual supervisor to help you when writing up your dissertation.
  • Regional study support You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution and benefit from the more formalized support this provides. Please note that the University of London does not have a formal relationship with these institutions and cannot guarantee or comment on the standards of their teaching or service to students.

Face-to-face plenary sessions (MBA/MSc only)

You will have the opportunity of hearing from, and engaging with, Royal Holloway academics. They will allow you to immerse yourself in all core modules and your group presentation and project, as well as develop networks with colleagues on the course. The sessions are intensive, and include a range of master classes on all core modules, but students have told that they have benefited enormously from them. You will also be able to work in groups and practice leadership skills.

Plenary sessions take place once a year: towards the end of June at Royal Holloway (UK) and throughout the year in the form of master class weekends at HKU SPACE (Hong Kong).

If attending at Royal Holloway: you are required to join two one-week sessions.

Week one: consists of master classes for all core modules.
Week two: consists of career and personal development sessions and includes two days of focusing on the consultancy/case study group project. You may attend the first week of master classes at any point during your studies, but you are required to have attempted the assessment (TMA and examination) for all nine MBA and all seven MSc core courses prior to attending week two of the plenary session.

If attending at HKU SPACE: you are required to join a number of master class weekends and a further weekend session which will focus on personal development and the consultancy/case study group project. All master classes in Hong Kong will be offered by Royal Holloway academics. You may attend the master class weekends at any point during your studies, but you are required to have attempted the assessment (TMA and examination) for all nine MBA and all seven MSc core courses prior to attending the further weekend session which will include the consultancy/case study group project.

Accommodation arrangements for plenary sessions

You are required to arrange their own travel and accommodation when attending the plenary sessions at Royal Holloway in London or at HKU Space in Hong Kong. However, the University will provide you with comprehensive information on how and where to book accommodation on campus (at Royal Holloway) or any other close-by (walking distance) accommodation in a B&B or guest house/hotel.

World Wide Learning Community (WWLC)

An integral part of the MBA programme, Royal Holloway's online World Wide Learning Community [external link; new window] offers a variety of resources to support the learning experience. It allows you to:

  • Access your course materials.

  • Take part in discussions with your tutor and other students.

  • Receive notices, seminar dates, project support and other programme-related information.

  • Ask questions regarding the administration of the programme.

  • Seek help for any technical problems you may encounter.

  • Access the University of London Online Library.

Study materials

The University will give you a full range of study aids when you first register. These will either be printed or you'll be directed to the World Wide Learning Community website [external link]:

  • Handbook This covers everything from planning your studies to preparing for exams.

  • Assignments booklet This outlines the assignments that require submission for tutor marking

  • Regulations
    And for each course you study you will receive:

  • A study guide written by subject specialists, including the core content for the courses and case studies

  • Core textbooks

  • Past examination papers and Examiners' reports if applicable.

You can buy study materials for new courses at any time of year by paying the appropriate course fee.

Careers support

The School of Management, Royal Holloway is now offering a careers service to distance learners. This will be based on advice from MBA recruiters offering an international network of careers advice which will include:

  • Targeted online careers seminars

  • Individual career coaching for students, including CV sessions and self-improvement diaries.