Durham Business School

Age: 46

History: Durham is one of the oldest business schools in England. It was set up, along with the London and Manchester schools, as a result of the 1965 Franks Report. It is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.

Address: Based on the edge of the city, it's still part of the ancient university, but is housed in a modern building.

Ambience: The school's purpose-built facilities include a library, dedicated MBA IT suite and some on-site accommodation. The school is in Durham, in a green semi-rural setting next to a golf course. There is quick and easy access to Newcastle's lively café culture, bars and nightlife, together with international transport links. The Pennines, Lake District and wonderful Northumberland coast are nearby.

Vital statistics: The school caters predominantly to postgraduate executives and professionals. Its MBA programme allows students to create either a generalised or more specialised route for themselves. A range of one-year specialist Masters are also available.

Added value: Good choice of electives including entrepreneurship and organising for strategic advantage. The school was quick off the mark in establishing its distance-learning MBA in 1988. Its continual professional development programme ensures you will learn key skills in leadership, effective communication change management, and cross cultural awareness.

Easy to get into? Minimum requirements are three years' work experience and a degree or equivalent. Foreign students will need to prove their fluency in English.

Glittering alumni: Ian Emery, vice-president, Chase Manhattan Bank, London; John Cuthbert, managing director, Northumbria Water Group Plc; Hernan Giannasi, vice-president, HSBC investment banking, Argentina.

International connections: Around 80 per cent of full-time MBA students come from overseas. MBA staff jet off to the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia in search of students. The programme includes a week-long international study experience.

Student profile: The average age on the full-time MBA is 31, on the part-time it's 36 and on the distance learning MBA, 34. The male-to-female ratio is roughly 2:1.

Cost: £19,500 for the full-time MBA; £16,500 for the executive MBA; and £16,400 for the distance learning option.

Return on investment: MBAs receive an 83 per cent average salary increase after three years.

Who's the boss? Professor Rob Dixon.

Prospectus: +44 (0)191 334 5533; pg.bus@durham.ac.uk; www.dur.ac.uk/dbs