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Did i make the right choice? International Business, Finance and Economics?
Hello there. This is my first post. I am gonna get straight to the point. I have had a offer for International Business, Finance and Economics accepted unconditional firm at the University Of Manchester. On the face of it, it looks good. However doubts have arisen over the past two months and have been magnified as i recieved my results. The problem is this. My second choice was Aston University, studying Business and Management (International). So from the begining i had a extremly difficult choice and i knew i would have concerns no matter what University i got into.
The majoy worry i have with Manchester is the attitude. I am getting the feeling that because of its reputation and high entry standard, the tutors will not bother teaching ie get complacent and just think these students can handle it they have got this far. Next looking at the rankings its just slightley clear Aston is just ahead, mainly because of the better job opportunities due to the placement. Indeed this latter point is one that concerns me. Does anyone have any idea how i could somehow make up for this whilst studying at Manchester if i decided to go? Thanks
Next i feel there is more flexibility at Aston in the course modules. This if from looking at the prospectus of each University. Aston had a common first year where you could then branch off into many areas. I am not sure IBAE has this approach. And now i am gonna get to the controversial bit. I feel the students at Manchester will regard themselves as 'elites' and i really do not like that. The only reason i did well at college was not because i was intellectually good, it was just hard work and trying hard with good support and excellent course content. I feel at Aston there may be a more laid back relaxed freindly atmosphere.
And now to the even more worrying bit. I have been told this IBFE contains a significant amount of maths. This is a worry for me, as i admit right out i am useless at Maths. It has been many years since i did maths and i dont want to go back to those 'nightmare' days. I have bad memories there. Can someone comfirm the amount of maths and the level at which it is? Thanks. I look forward to your replies. I am considering by the way withdrawing my application and waiting a year to apply for Aston University next year
I made the decision in good faith but i dont think its paid off frankly. It is possible however i may not go into University if i take that option, because i took my year out between school and college (hated school) instead of now. So if i take that option i will be pretty old entering into University.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
The majoy worry i have with Manchester is the attitude. I am getting the feeling that because of its reputation and high entry standard, the tutors will not bother teaching ie get complacent and just think these students can handle it they have got this far. Next looking at the rankings its just slightley clear Aston is just ahead, mainly because of the better job opportunities due to the placement. Indeed this latter point is one that concerns me. Does anyone have any idea how i could somehow make up for this whilst studying at Manchester if i decided to go? Thanks
Next i feel there is more flexibility at Aston in the course modules. This if from looking at the prospectus of each University. Aston had a common first year where you could then branch off into many areas. I am not sure IBAE has this approach. And now i am gonna get to the controversial bit. I feel the students at Manchester will regard themselves as 'elites' and i really do not like that. The only reason i did well at college was not because i was intellectually good, it was just hard work and trying hard with good support and excellent course content. I feel at Aston there may be a more laid back relaxed freindly atmosphere.
And now to the even more worrying bit. I have been told this IBFE contains a significant amount of maths. This is a worry for me, as i admit right out i am useless at Maths. It has been many years since i did maths and i dont want to go back to those 'nightmare' days. I have bad memories there. Can someone comfirm the amount of maths and the level at which it is? Thanks. I look forward to your replies. I am considering by the way withdrawing my application and waiting a year to apply for Aston University next year
I made the decision in good faith but i dont think its paid off frankly. It is possible however i may not go into University if i take that option, because i took my year out between school and college (hated school) instead of now. So if i take that option i will be pretty old entering into University.Any thoughts? Thanks.
dude, just like u, got my place in Manchester for sept 07 for ibfe! don't sweat it, am well crap at maths so i be with you trying to get the maths! maths be fine, just learn it quick and get someone to help you! anyways, the GMAT 800 is the exam before anyone takes a masters so you need maths anyway! Manchester be fine! all good company's go there to recruit! you ain't dum as you think, you aint met me yet
you got into Manchester, be happy
you got into Manchester, be happy
KKwaz
The majoy worry i have with Manchester is the attitude. I am getting the feeling that because of its reputation and high entry standard, the tutors will not bother teaching ie get complacent and just think these students can handle it they have got this far.
I study management at the business school and i've never found the teaching to be complacent. I've had one bad lecturer but generally they are really helpful and the teaching is of a high standard.
KKwaz
Next looking at the rankings its just slightley clear Aston is just ahead, mainly because of the better job opportunities due to the placement. Indeed this latter point is one that concerns me. Does anyone have any idea how i could somehow make up for this whilst studying at Manchester if i decided to go? Thanks
You could always choose to take a year out to go and do a placement after your second year. I've ended up doing it this year (although it wasn't my intention). If you go and talk to your tutor about it, they should be able to advise you how to go about organising a placement. Otherwise you could get part time jobs or do voluntary work whilst at uni.
KKwaz
Next i feel there is more flexibility at Aston in the course modules. This if from looking at the prospectus of each University. Aston had a common first year where you could then branch off into many areas. I am not sure IBAE has this approach. And now i am gonna get to the controversial bit. I feel the students at Manchester will regard themselves as 'elites' and i really do not like that. The only reason i did well at college was not because i was intellectually good, it was just hard work and trying hard with good support and excellent course content. I feel at Aston there may be a more laid back relaxed freindly atmosphere.
After the first year you can choose about 1/2 you modules for IBFE each year but you seem to have a lot of choice. This isn't quite as flexible as most of the business school programmes where you choose all your modules but still means that you can specialise in whatever area you want. And i definatly don't think that students record themselves as elite. Yeah there are a few who probably would but the majority are fairly down to earth, most people do have to work to get good grades! obviously i've never been to aston although the few people i met from there during my year out seemed to have the same kind of attitude as the people from manchester.
KKwaz
And now to the even more worrying bit. I have been told this IBFE contains a significant amount of maths. This is a worry for me, as i admit right out i am useless at Maths. It has been many years since i did maths and i dont want to go back to those 'nightmare' days. I have bad memories there. Can someone comfirm the amount of maths and the level at which it is? Thanks. I look forward to your replies. I am considering by the way withdrawing my application and waiting a year to apply for Aston University next year I made the decision in good faith but i dont think its paid off frankly. It is possible however i may not go into University if i take that option, because i took my year out between school and college (hated school) instead of now. So if i take that option i will be pretty old entering into University.
I made the decision in good faith but i dont think its paid off frankly. It is possible however i may not go into University if i take that option, because i took my year out between school and college (hated school) instead of now. So if i take that option i will be pretty old entering into University.regarding the maths, there seems to be 3 different levels for IBFE depending on what level you have previously achieved. that means that the maths modules you do will be tailored to a suitable level. if you only have GCSE maths then you will take the introductory maths&statistics moudules. I can't imagine it would be too difficult. The are different maths modules for people who have done AS or A-level although you can move into a different group if you believe your group to be too easy/hard.
Otherwise have you considered finding out whether you could take the International Management course at Manchester or even just management? After the first year you can choose all your modules and there is less maths involved.
Hope this helps a bit and good luck with your decision. I love manchester but obviously it's not for everyone.
Hey I got into IBFE too!yay!
Don't worry i am crap at maths too!we'll cry together!
There are 3 levels of maths depending on your previous level of attainment. I got a C at GCSE so i guess i'll be taking the introductory maths&statistics moudules.
I've visited Manchester twice and loved the uni and the course and previous students of IBFE seem to agree! Further, the tutors seem friendly and gave me a lot of advice.
In addition manchester is exceptional recruitment-wise. Many employers visit the uni and the careers service is again brilliant.
I certainly think you'll recieve a lot more both acedemically (i can't spell!) and socially by comming to manchester.
Well done for getting in by the way!
x
Don't worry i am crap at maths too!we'll cry together!
There are 3 levels of maths depending on your previous level of attainment. I got a C at GCSE so i guess i'll be taking the introductory maths&statistics moudules.
I've visited Manchester twice and loved the uni and the course and previous students of IBFE seem to agree! Further, the tutors seem friendly and gave me a lot of advice.
In addition manchester is exceptional recruitment-wise. Many employers visit the uni and the careers service is again brilliant.
I certainly think you'll recieve a lot more both acedemically (i can't spell!) and socially by comming to manchester.
Well done for getting in by the way!
x
Thanks for the replies they have helped ease some worries. I accepted the place on friday through the website confirmation section so fingers crossed everything goes through now.
I was thinking if this was possible and it seems a good idea. For sure i will make sure to check it out.
On the maths part it does not seems so bad now, i have GCSE C maths so i guess it will be the introduction module for me also. Since i am weak at maths i am going to try to make sure i try extra hard on that aspect. Other than that the course is what i wanted. I like the combination of business, finance and economics in the international perspective.
Yup good point. I was looking at the international management courses, but found to my horror that although i had the A level grades, i did not have the required GCSE grades They wanted B for english and A for maths or B for maths if i can remember right. So that one was out of the window. I find it interesting however that although the maths requirements are higher on the internation management according to you there is less maths, opposed to more maths in the IBAE programme which requires lower maths GCSE grade. I do find that odd. Is it just to do with filtering out candidates?
Thanks again got some real good answers from you guys, i knew i could expect it on this forum, quality place.
You could always choose to take a year out to go and do a placement after your second year. I've ended up doing it this year (although it wasn't my intention). If you go and talk to your tutor about it, they should be able to advise you how to go about organising a placement. Otherwise you could get part time jobs or do voluntary work whilst at uni.
I was thinking if this was possible and it seems a good idea. For sure i will make sure to check it out.
On the maths part it does not seems so bad now, i have GCSE C maths so i guess it will be the introduction module for me also. Since i am weak at maths i am going to try to make sure i try extra hard on that aspect. Other than that the course is what i wanted. I like the combination of business, finance and economics in the international perspective.
Otherwise have you considered finding out whether you could take the International Management course at Manchester or even just management? After the first year you can choose all your modules and there is less maths involved.
Yup good point. I was looking at the international management courses, but found to my horror that although i had the A level grades, i did not have the required GCSE grades
They wanted B for english and A for maths or B for maths if i can remember right. So that one was out of the window. I find it interesting however that although the maths requirements are higher on the internation management according to you there is less maths, opposed to more maths in the IBAE programme which requires lower maths GCSE grade. I do find that odd. Is it just to do with filtering out candidates?Thanks again got some real good answers from you guys, i knew i could expect it on this forum, quality place.
KKwaz
Yup good point. I was looking at the international management courses, but found to my horror that although i had the A level grades, i did not have the required GCSE grades They wanted B for english and A for maths or B for maths if i can remember right. So that one was out of the window. I find it interesting however that although the maths requirements are higher on the internation management according to you there is less maths, opposed to more maths in the IBAE programme which requires lower maths GCSE grade. I do find that odd. Is it just to do with filtering out candidates?
They wanted B for english and A for maths or B for maths if i can remember right. So that one was out of the window. I find it interesting however that although the maths requirements are higher on the internation management according to you there is less maths, opposed to more maths in the IBAE programme which requires lower maths GCSE grade. I do find that odd. Is it just to do with filtering out candidates?It's because there aren't separate maths groups like there are for IBFE. There are separate groups in semester two but the semester one maths course is the same for those who have A-level and those who don't on the international management course.
Anyway if you still think you don't like the maths content of the course, you could always try changing. They don't seem to care so much about your GCSE/A-level grades once you've started! Hopefully you'll enjoy IBFE though, it sounds like a good course
Yeah thanks for the tips. I never knew you could adjust and move around courses, gives me some extra flexibility Other than that i guess all will be relieved when i get there, IF i get there as anything could happen of course. Thanks for the help again, good to have some of issues settled, helps ease the worries and make the move more enjoyable.
Other than that i guess all will be relieved when i get there, IF i get there as anything could happen of course. Thanks for the help again, good to have some of issues settled, helps ease the worries and make the move more enjoyable. Mate u dun need to worry, im going into the 3rd year IBFE now and frankly, no1 is smug or elitee.
One thing abt the maths modules, even though u can take intro maths, u might have some difficulties later on with finance modules and managerial economics in the second year.
other than that, we keep complaining abt the bloody compulsary sociology modules...marx, ford and bureaucracy might be good for common knowledge, but wen i applied for INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS,... i thought we r gonna get some more business related courses.....but then i heard some enjoy it..so thats up to u.
I cnat tell u so much abt job opportunities, ill b applyin in september and ill c then...
for internships i got lucky, i went on exchange in the second year (offered in the IBFE course) and slipped into the singapore exchange uni worlplacement programme....i dun think that the uni name helped me...
One thing abt the maths modules, even though u can take intro maths, u might have some difficulties later on with finance modules and managerial economics in the second year.
other than that, we keep complaining abt the bloody compulsary sociology modules...marx, ford and bureaucracy might be good for common knowledge, but wen i applied for INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS,... i thought we r gonna get some more business related courses.....but then i heard some enjoy it..so thats up to u.
I cnat tell u so much abt job opportunities, ill b applyin in september and ill c then...
for internships i got lucky, i went on exchange in the second year (offered in the IBFE course) and slipped into the singapore exchange uni worlplacement programme....i dun think that the uni name helped me...
Interesting comments nicc7. Thanks. Yeah true i was thinking the same thing about maths. I suppose i could avoid the modules which have a lot of maths in them. I want to go down the marketing route and go for those modules a little more. May i ask in your opinion about how 'heavy' the maths is and also did u take A level maths. Thanks.
Its interesting you mention some of the modules. I hope its very Business themed because that is what i and many others picked it for. But the thing is you never know until you get there Could turn out a totally wrong course who knows. Its a risk i know. I think the workplacement will be important to get, although like u say availability will be an issue.
How do you feel about the support the University gave you? and also the quality of the lectures? So far i admit they have been 'distant' from me in my opinion, for example i asked for a accomdation deadline and they refused
What am i supposed to do if the letter and my documents to confirm get lost in the post?
Its interesting you mention some of the modules. I hope its very Business themed because that is what i and many others picked it for. But the thing is you never know until you get there
Could turn out a totally wrong course who knows. Its a risk i know. I think the workplacement will be important to get, although like u say availability will be an issue. How do you feel about the support the University gave you? and also the quality of the lectures? So far i admit they have been 'distant' from me in my opinion, for example i asked for a accomdation deadline and they refused
What am i supposed to do if the letter and my documents to confirm get lost in the post?
hm...the maths load.....since i have done math/s/statistics in AS-Level, im alright with most of the maths...but one of my friends, who didnt take maths at higher level, told me from time to time that he has problems
as far as i remember there was a fair amount of maths in the intro economics courses....no rocket science...but then for me it might b different, since i mirecoulisly passed my as-levels.
...sofar tho my firend made it through and i guess if u choose ur courses concentrating on other areas u should be fine....one of the good things with IBFE is that u have many areas to choose from...on the other hand (what i dislike abt the course), u cant specialse very heavily. I want to specialise in Finance and Investment, and avoid all socioligy, politics and management courses and im struggling to get enough courses in fiinance
at some point i was even thinking abt changing courses....but in the end i lacked the balls for that.
You do have choices in marketing....but im not sure again how much u can specialise in it....i guess once u have a clear idea what u wanna do, IBFE isnt that great......jus that if u kno its gonna b business related, but u dun kno what area specifically, then IBFE is ideal.
help from the uni....hm....i guess for me its an exceptional case, i went on exchange and therefore had a lot of organisational problems and i had to adopt a more pro-active approach....
also, last year my uni fees grant came in late, so i had to pay first, it took the uni 5 months to repay me
I found lecturers and tutors very approachable, but i didnt really get to know any of the staff very well and wen it came to applying for internships and they were asking for referees, i was screwed.
whereas here, in singapore, after 4 months i knew all the tutors well and they were writing all the recommendations...less hussle.....but then the system is different, more the american style of teaching, and u wont get that in manchester.
as far as i remember there was a fair amount of maths in the intro economics courses....no rocket science...but then for me it might b different, since i mirecoulisly passed my as-levels.
...sofar tho my firend made it through and i guess if u choose ur courses concentrating on other areas u should be fine....one of the good things with IBFE is that u have many areas to choose from...on the other hand (what i dislike abt the course), u cant specialse very heavily. I want to specialise in Finance and Investment, and avoid all socioligy, politics and management courses and im struggling to get enough courses in fiinance
at some point i was even thinking abt changing courses....but in the end i lacked the balls for that.
You do have choices in marketing....but im not sure again how much u can specialise in it....i guess once u have a clear idea what u wanna do, IBFE isnt that great......jus that if u kno its gonna b business related, but u dun kno what area specifically, then IBFE is ideal.
help from the uni....hm....i guess for me its an exceptional case, i went on exchange and therefore had a lot of organisational problems and i had to adopt a more pro-active approach....
also, last year my uni fees grant came in late, so i had to pay first, it took the uni 5 months to repay me
I found lecturers and tutors very approachable, but i didnt really get to know any of the staff very well and wen it came to applying for internships and they were asking for referees, i was screwed.
whereas here, in singapore, after 4 months i knew all the tutors well and they were writing all the recommendations...less hussle.....but then the system is different, more the american style of teaching, and u wont get that in manchester.
Thanks again for the reply. Its good to have a realistic post, i know it will not be all fun and games at University. At the moment i am not sure what area i will specialise in but i know i wanted it in the internation dimension so will see how the course progresses. Marketing/Management are the ones that stand out at the moment. Its interesting you mention changing course. Is it easily achieved? lol dont worry i am not thinking about changing course, its just that its good to know you have options and 'some flexibility' if things do not go to plan. What do you mean by the American style of teaching? More helpful and tutor based? Thanks again mate, liking the comments gonna be useful for me
PS Yeah late payment of fees sucks. Hope that does not happen to me!
PS Yeah late payment of fees sucks. Hope that does not happen to me!
i heard many rumours that u can change courses at the beginning. friend of mine switched from BA Econ to Bsci Econ, but this is Social Science School.
There will b forms in the MBS office where u can request swappin courses.
In the UK we have that "DIY" teachin method. U go to lectures, listen to somethin, dont understand it and then go to the library and teach it urself.
Which is helpful later on in ur career. whereas in america u go to classes, size of around 20students and get taught like in the old days in high school....this is why they have knowledge, but they r dumb as soon as u confront them with a new problem, this is where we can ace it.
There will b forms in the MBS office where u can request swappin courses.
In the UK we have that "DIY" teachin method. U go to lectures, listen to somethin, dont understand it and then go to the library and teach it urself.
Which is helpful later on in ur career. whereas in america u go to classes, size of around 20students and get taught like in the old days in high school....this is why they have knowledge, but they r dumb as soon as u confront them with a new problem, this is where we can ace it.
Thanks. Since you know quite a lot i have a few more questions. What is the difference between BA and BSC? I have heard BA is more social, essay driven but could you elaborate. Also i was looking at other University's and noticed how much higher the entry requirments for Manchester are. Is this just based on demand or is it because the course is harder. I would have said the course is same throughout many Universities and it is the demand. Thanks again.
i have a few more questions. What is the difference between BA and BSC? I have heard BA is more social, essay driven but could you elaborate. Also i was looking at other University's and noticed how much higher the entry requirments for Manchester are. Is this just based on demand or is it because the course is harder. I would have said the course is same throughout many Universities and it is the demand. Thanks again.BA is the Bachelor of Arts, BSci is the Bachelor of Science. Latter more mathematical, so BSci's Economics would take courses like Econometrics, Adcanced Maths/Stats and operational Maths, whereas the BA Econ people do alternative resources, UK Ecoomic History and the have the option to choose mathematical courses.
I remember last year, when we were deciding to raise the entry requirements, I think its AAB now,right? Im not sure whether its the demand that influences that, but with the new management of the Business School, they r trying to position the school even higher in the international rankings. When i do the exam sessions I have always found the actual exams harder than the past paper i use to revise....indicating that either im stupid and cant get the things right under exam pressure, or they r actually making the course harder.
But the courses that IBFE people do are not specifically tailored to us, usually we join courses that r run for management or economics students, so i guess if these courses have higher entry requirements too, then it proves the point that its gonna get harder and harder.
I remember last year, when we were deciding to raise the entry requirements, I think its AAB now,right? Im not sure whether its the demand that influences that, but with the new management of the Business School, they r trying to position the school even higher in the international rankings. When i do the exam sessions I have always found the actual exams harder than the past paper i use to revise....indicating that either im stupid and cant get the things right under exam pressure, or they r actually making the course harder.
But the courses that IBFE people do are not specifically tailored to us, usually we join courses that r run for management or economics students, so i guess if these courses have higher entry requirements too, then it proves the point that its gonna get harder and harder.
I do IBFE just finished my first year. I think its as hard or easy as you want to make it. If you put the work in then it will be easy if you dont put the work in then it wont be quite so easy.
I managed to do ok with some last minute work, so I wouldn't worry too much. Enjoy yourself and make sure you attend tutorials (if you dont then make sure you pass each module).
Good Luck
I managed to do ok with some last minute work, so I wouldn't worry too much. Enjoy yourself and make sure you attend tutorials (if you dont then make sure you pass each module).
Good LuckThanks for the replies. Really helped me out. It is indeed AAB to get in although they may have let people with ABB in also. I suppose exams get harder every year, its interesting to see the new management team are trying to drive up standards. I guess overall it will be important to relax and enjoy myself. I am nearly there now, got accomodation sorted and loans, just waiting to go and register with Manchester now which will be when i officially start. I am looking forward to it but also know the concerns and things that could go wrong. Would just like to thank everyone here who helped, in particular nicc7 who i see has four posts, all helping me! Thanks mate
An on a more social note, Im a manchesterian and I love manchester and its people so much I dont want to move We're very friendly and approachale. The only 'elitest' type of thing i can think of is a bit of banter between man met and man uni students, but its all just a bit of fun
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