Aberystwyth University, School of Management and Business

Age: The MBA programme is 27 years old.

History: Established in 1872, Aberystwyth was the first university in Wales. It has a strong international reputation with students and academics from more than 70 countries.

Address: A stunning location on a wooded hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Ambience: Most amenities are within walking distance. The town is popular with tourists and it was voted the best university town in the UK, in a 2007 poll for accommodationforstudents.com.

Vital statistics: The MBA is an intensive one-year programme and the oldest AMBA-accredited course in Wales. It is based on 10 core modules and two electives spread over two semesters. Some theory is taught, but much of the learning is through practical problem-solving, small group seminars, teamwork and case study analysis. Outside activities include field trips, case study visits, skills development courses, liaison with professionals in business and industry.

Added value: The programme is only a few minutes from the well-stocked National Library of Wales, which contains many historical documents. Teamwork is an important part of the course so expect your fair share of expeditions around Wales and elsewhere, as well as working in groups. Small class sizes encourage networking.

Easy to get into? You'll need a good Honours degree in any discipline, at least three years' professional management experience. Mature non-graduates are also considered.

International connections: The school has academic, research and recruitment links with universities in Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Thailand, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and Germany. Staff and student exchange programmes with institutions in the Netherlands, India, Belgium, Italy, France, Finland, and the US are also organised.

Gurus: Professor Nicholas Alexander, chair of international marketing, has been involved in many Department of Trade and Industry panels; Professor Steve McGuire, chair of management has wide experience in consultancy for Oxford Analytica, Hewlett-Packard and Airbus Industries. Professor Peter Midmore, chair of economics, has undertaken extensive EU-funded research on regional sustainability and rural economies.

Student profile: Around 77 per cent of postgraduate students are from overseas. The average age on the MBA programme is 30.

Cost: £13,000 full time and £6,500 part time. Various scholarships are available.

Return on investment: A range of transferable skills and many employment options.

Who's the boss? The director is Nicholas Perdikis, an international economist.

Prospectus: +44 (0)1970 622523; mbainfo@aber.ac.uk; www.aber.ac.uk/en/smb