Ulster Business School, University of Ulster

Age: 24.

History: The University of Ulster was formed in 1984 after the merger of Ulster Polytechnic and the New University of Ulster. The Business School is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 140 members of academic staff, and over 5,500 undergraduates and postgraduates.

Address: The school is spread over three of Ulster's four campuses: at Jordanstown, seven miles north of Belfast, at Magee in Londonderry, and Coleraine in the north west of the province.

Ambience: The lowest cost of living in the UK, great variety, and immense natural beauty.

Vital statistics: The MBA is a flexible, modular programme. Students who wish to study on a full-time basis can complete the programme in 12 months, while those who follow a part-time pathway can complete the programme in two years (or as many as five). The content is standard for an MBA, with an elective structure building on core skills and an emphasis on innovation, SMEs and internationalism. There is a strong focus on local regional development.

Added value: Hands-on, project-based approach and close links with professional associations. Links with local businesses are strong, and several large employers play an advisory role. Student support is taken seriously.

Easy to get into? Minimum of three years of work experience and a first degree. International students must achieve a score of six in the IELTS.

Glittering Alumnus: Denis Licence, former chief executive, First Trust Bank.

Gurus: Profs. Stephen Brown and David Carson, retailing, consumer studies and marketing; Marie McHugh, organisational behaviour.

International connections: Good links with the US and China. Around half of the full-time students on the MBA are international.

Teaching: Awarded 24 out of 24 in business and management by the QAA in 2001.

Student profile: The average age for students on the MBA is 33.

Cost: Visit the website for the latest information on course fees.

Who's the boss? Professor Robert Hutchinson is the dean of the school.

Prospectus: 028 903 66351; www.business.ulster.ac.uk; business@ulster.ac.uk