The School of Management, University of Surrey

Age: The University of Surrey has been providing management programmes for over 41 years and MBAs for 19.

History: Formed from Surrey European Management School and the School of Management Studies for the Service Sector .

Address: Set in a beautiful campus in Guildford, 40 minutes from London by train and convenient for both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Ambience: On a hillside leading up to Guildford Cathedral, the modern buildings are surrounded by landscaped grounds, trees and a lake.

Vital statistics: The school has a global reputation in the sectors of hospitality, tourism and retail management, and the functional areas of entrepreneurship, marketing, technology management and human resource management. It's accredited by AMBA, the AACSB and UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization).

Added value: A strong leadership and entrepreneurial focus with computer-based action learning simulation.

Easy to get into? A first degree or equivalent, and a minimum of three years' professional work experience (with some managerial responsibilities) are required. Those without a degree but with six years' managerial work experience or more may be eligible through the mature entry.

Glittering alumni: Robert Earl, co-founder of Planet Hollywood; Alan Parker, chief executive of Whitbread; Kit Chapman, founder of Brazz restaurants.

Gurus: All Surrey MBA modules are led by a professor, ensuring a renowned and respected academic leader for all areas.

International connections: An optional study visit for MBA students to another leading overseas business school. The Surrey MBA is available by distance learning in Germany, Barbados and Mauritius, and the school has exchange arrangements with universities in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and the USA.

Student profile: 70 per cent of MBA participants are international students and a third are female. Average age on executive MBA is 34; full-time is 30.

Cost: The MBA is £17,500, but bursaries of £3,000 are available for outstanding applicants.

Return on investment: Promotion or other career boost, and often an increased salary.

Who's the boss? Professor David Allen.

Prospectus: +44 (0)1483 686345; www.som.surrey.ac.uk; somadmissions@surrey.ac.uk