Online MBA Rankings Q&A: Imperial College Business School

In conjunction with the launch of our Online MBA Rankings 2020, TopMBA had the pleasure to interview top schools featured from across the globe.

Imperial College Business School’s Global Online MBA was named the second-best online MBA program in the world this year, and so, we spoke to Professor Markus Perkmann, Academic Director of the Global Online MBA to find out more.

QS: How do you feel about being named the second-best online MBA program in QS’ ranking?

MP: We’re delighted to retain a strong position in this year’s QS rankings and to be recognized by QS as a global leader in MBAs. This ranking reflects that we have selected our best core faculty to teach on our Global Online MBA and that our graduates do very well in terms of progressing their careers. We are proud that our Global Online MBA is powered by our own innovative learning platform, providing superior online pedagogy and cementing our reputation as a leading technology-based business school.

QS: Imperial’s online MBA program scored very highly for Faculty and Teaching and the Class Experience indicators. Why do you think this is? Is there something Imperial is doing above and beyond other business schools?

MP: Our Global Online MBA is taught by the same high-caliber faculty as our residential MBA programs. Our faculty are world leading experts in their subject domains and offer a great online learning experience, closely aligned with the skills students need to succeed in the global jobs market.

QS: What sets your online MBA program apart from others across the globe?

MP: Our pioneering in-house EdTech Lab has created an innovative learning platform – the Hub – that sets itself apart with its superior usability, offering a learning experience that allows students to enjoy all the benefits of an online degree whilst still retaining close interaction with their tutors and fellow students. The online Hub ensures students always feel connected and supported in a similar way that they would with a face-to-face program. 

QS: Imperial’s online MBA has a high proportion of international students in its cohort – do you think this is important today in business education?

MP: International students enrich our community and bring unique cultural, career and educational backgrounds to their cohort which creates a more interesting study experience for all students. Online learning has taken away the physical barriers of geographic location which means that students from all over the world can study together, gaining the important skills, knowledge and networks needed to succeed in the world of international business.

QS: How important do you think online programs are today? Especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

MP: The pandemic has proved that online learning is viable and perhaps also desirable for both students and academics. Innovation in digital learning and EdTech should be expected and encouraged during such a challenging time and this current crisis may encourage more universities to become more innovative in embracing new technology to deliver new teaching experiences.

QS: Have there been many changes made to the online MBA program at Imperial since the last academic year?

MP: Our program is continuously undergoing improvement. We are continuously updating modules and creating new modules. We are also creating options for GMBA students by offering them the opportunity to take on-campus electives (which will be resumed as soon as the situation allows).

QS: What can we expect in the future from Imperial’s online MBA?

MP: We have created an online learning alliance – the FOME alliance - with international leading business schools and will in the very near future provide our students with the exciting option to “visit” other schools for specific online modules. These modules are produced and taught via our own learning platform, ensuring continuity in user and learning experience across all modules.

QS: What advice would you give to prospective students hoping to earn a place on the online MBA program?

MP: Be clear about the reasons you wish to study for an online MBA, especially given the current climate. Consider which school offers the experience that best matches your study and career goals. Also make sure you carefully balance the compelling advantages of an online program – continuing in your job, learning from anywhere in the world, integration into a virtual community – against the benefits of a residential program (classes on campus, face-to-face interaction with faculty and colleagues). We encourage students to reach out to the school’s recruitment and admissions team to ask questions and get individual support and guidance.

In conjunction with the launch of our Online MBA Rankings 2020, TopMBA had the pleasure to interview top schools featured from across the globe.

Imperial College Business School’s Global Online MBA was named the second-best online MBA program in the world this year, and so, we spoke to Professor Markus Perkmann, Academic Director of the Global Online MBA to find out more.

QS: How do you feel about being named the second-best online MBA program in QS’ ranking?

MP: We’re delighted to retain a strong position in this year’s QS rankings and to be recognized by QS as a global leader in MBAs. This ranking reflects that we have selected our best core faculty to teach on our Global Online MBA and that our graduates do very well in terms of progressing their careers. We are proud that our Global Online MBA is powered by our own innovative learning platform, providing superior online pedagogy and cementing our reputation as a leading technology-based business school.

QS: Imperial’s online MBA program scored very highly for Faculty and Teaching and the Class Experience indicators. Why do you think this is? Is there something Imperial is doing above and beyond other business schools?

MP: Our Global Online MBA is taught by the same high-caliber faculty as our residential MBA programs. Our faculty are world leading experts in their subject domains and offer a great online learning experience, closely aligned with the skills students need to succeed in the global jobs market.

QS: What sets your online MBA program apart from others across the globe?

MP: Our pioneering in-house EdTech Lab has created an innovative learning platform – the Hub – that sets itself apart with its superior usability, offering a learning experience that allows students to enjoy all the benefits of an online degree whilst still retaining close interaction with their tutors and fellow students. The online Hub ensures students always feel connected and supported in a similar way that they would with a face-to-face program. 

QS: Imperial’s online MBA has a high proportion of international students in its cohort – do you think this is important today in business education?

MP: International students enrich our community and bring unique cultural, career and educational backgrounds to their cohort which creates a more interesting study experience for all students. Online learning has taken away the physical barriers of geographic location which means that students from all over the world can study together, gaining the important skills, knowledge and networks needed to succeed in the world of international business.

QS: How important do you think online programs are today? Especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

MP: The pandemic has proved that online learning is viable and perhaps also desirable for both students and academics. Innovation in digital learning and EdTech should be expected and encouraged during such a challenging time and this current crisis may encourage more universities to become more innovative in embracing new technology to deliver new teaching experiences.

QS: Have there been many changes made to the online MBA program at Imperial since the last academic year?

MP: Our program is continuously undergoing improvement. We are continuously updating modules and creating new modules. We are also creating options for GMBA students by offering them the opportunity to take on-campus electives (which will be resumed as soon as the situation allows).

QS: What can we expect in the future from Imperial’s online MBA?

MP: We have created an online learning alliance – the FOME alliance - with international leading business schools and will in the very near future provide our students with the exciting option to “visit” other schools for specific online modules. These modules are produced and taught via our own learning platform, ensuring continuity in user and learning experience across all modules.

QS: What advice would you give to prospective students hoping to earn a place on the online MBA program?

MP: Be clear about the reasons you wish to study for an online MBA, especially given the current climate. Consider which school offers the experience that best matches your study and career goals. Also make sure you carefully balance the compelling advantages of an online program – continuing in your job, learning from anywhere in the world, integration into a virtual community – against the benefits of a residential program (classes on campus, face-to-face interaction with faculty and colleagues). We encourage students to reach out to the school’s recruitment and admissions team to ask questions and get individual support and guidance.