Short MBA vs. Full MBA: What suits you best?

In the world of business education, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly regarded. For professionals looking to boost their careers, it is often a logical choice. But not everyone has the time or need to pursue a full MBA. For that group, there is the short MBA, a condensed version that is gaining ground. But how do these programmes compare? And which one best suits your needs?

What is an MBA?

The MBA is an internationally recognised master's programme with a strong practical focus. This programme is designed for (future) managers who need to understand complex business environments and make strategic decisions. At the Netherlands Business Academy (NLBA), the part-time MBA takes 2 years plus graduation, with an average study load of 10 hours per week during the programme. This includes lecture hours. The programme is intensive, partly because you combine it with work, with modules concluded with practice-based papers. These papers are directly applicable to the student's professional field, which makes the MBA a particularly valuable programme right from your first module. But it also allows you to reduce your study load through direct applicability within your job. When choosing a Masters programme and the training institute, it is
important to look at accreditation. The MBA at NLBA is NVAO accredited, which ensures the quality of the programme and increases the value of the degree. The practical focus of the MBA makes it attractive to employers, who are often willing to support their employees in time and money during the course

What is a short MBA?

A short MBA, also called a mini MBA, is a shortened version of the regular MBA. At NLBA, this programme is called ‘short MBA’, because the term ‘mini’ does not do the programme justice. It is ideal for professionals who do not want or cannot take a full master’s degree, but still want to broaden their knowledge quickly and effectively. In this programme, all the key components of the regular MBA are condensed into one day per module, while in the full MBA they cover several days. This makes NLBA’s programme unique, as most mini MBAs only focus on a limited number of topics, missing the full breadth of the MBA.

This programme is particularly suitable for three different target groups, which means that the groups tend to be very diverse:

Seasoned professionals and specialists who want to master all facets of business administration. This could be because they are starting their own business, for example, or because they are moving on from their specialism to a management role. Sometimes this target group even already has a master’s degree in another discipline, but are looking for business administration additions.

1. Young professionals for whom a full MBA comes too soon, but who want to develop further after their HBO studies. They see this programme as a leadership path or a pre-master’s degree.
2. Doubters about investing in a full MBA, both in terms of time and money, for whom the short MBA programme offers an ideal introduction to both the content and NLBA as a training institute.

Moreover, this path at NLBA can serve as an entry requirement for progression to the MBA, if the right prior education is lacking. This is revealed during a personal intake interview.

“The short MBA brought me exactly what I was looking for: more insight into how a company is run. I now understand what mission/vision, strategy and key performance indicators are, how to define them and how my current employer formulates and deploys them.”

2023 | Marleen Dolman | Short MBA

Flow-through opportunities

A major advantage of the short MBA programme is the possibility of progression to the full MBA. If you have successfully completed the short MBA, you will be exempted from the first module of the full MBA anyway. Moreover, through the
assignments you write for short MBA, you have already laid a solid foundation that you can build on in the papers of the full MBA.

As mentioned earlier, the short MBA programme can also be a springboard for those who are not directly eligible for the MBA due to their previous education. By following the short MBA, you may still be eligible for the full master’s, depending on individual assessment. So if you are interested, always contact a student advisor, even if you do not fully meet the admission requirements.

Similarities and differences

Although both the short MBA and the full MBA focus on imparting broad business knowledge, there are clear differences and similarities between the two programmes. Both programmes offer the same high-quality teaching, delivered by the same lecturers, with the same focus on quality and practicality. The core topics of business administration such as strategy, leadership and finance are covered extensively in both programmes.

The main differences are in the depth and duration of the programme. The full MBA takes about two years, with 40 teaching days and a concluding thesis. Besides practical assignments, this programme provides a solid foundation in literature review and scientific models, which are needed for writing papers. Students have to study and apply complex theories, which makes the MBA not only practically oriented, but also offers scientific depth. The short MBA, on the other hand, is more compact, with only 11 teaching days spread over 4 to 6 months. The programme is even more focused on applying the learning material directly in practice, with literature study being optional. Instead of extensive theoretical papers, the short MBA focuses on using practical experiences and applying knowledge directly in the work environment. It thus offers a more efficient learning experience for professionals who want to see quick results and do not have time for lengthy academic commitments.

Conclusion

In short, the short MBA is ideal for those who want to gain and apply knowledge quickly, while the full MBA is more suitable for those who want to gain in-depth insights and also value a scientific foundation. Whether you choose a full MBA or a
short MBA depends on your personal situation and career plans. A full MBA offers in-depth knowledge and an officially recognised degree, while a short MBA teaches you key business skills quickly and effectively. Both programmes have their own
unique advantages, and at NLBA they are designed to ensure that you can always continue to grow, regardless of your choice.

After reading this article, do you have any questions about starting a programme? Contact us at info@nlba.nl or 076-8200505 or register for a no-obligation trial course via the website.

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