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Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the connection between AMBA and BGA?
Both brands fall within the same organisation, Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association Ltd., and are head quartered in the same office in London, UK. Though both share similarities, AMBA’s focus is on quality enhancement and recognising pre-existing quality of MBA programmes, while BGA’s focus is on quality improvement of the entire business school.
If we have AMBA accreditation, can we get BGA accreditation (and vice versa)?
Institutions can apply for joint accreditation if they choose, and the assessment visits can take place on the same day to limit costs. Undertaking joint accreditation provides a discount.
What’s the difference between BGA’s validation and accreditation options for business schools?
Though both are quality assurance processes, each service differs in terms of resource-intensiveness and criteria. Validation is a lighter process which aims at examining how well a business school meets the BGA’s Charter principles, and takes between three-to-six months to complete and is done completely offsite. Though shorter in duration, the process is a stringent quality check, requiring documentation and data to support the business school’s claims. Business schools who become validated earn silver status within BGA.
Accreditation, on the other hand, is a rigorous process which employs a set of key criteria a business school must meet to become BGA-accredited. The process involves the integration of BGA's Continuous Impact Model, as well as an assessment visit aimed at determining the quality of programmes available, the institution's facilities, and includes interviews with students and faculty. Accreditation functions as a full audit as well as consultation, for a business school.
Is validation a prerequisite to achieving accreditation?
No. Business schools who want to pursue accreditation can do so the moment they become members, though it is generally recommended a business school achieves validation first. Services included within the validation process are a great tool in supporting an institution in its preparation to achieve accreditation, not only for BGA accreditation, but in many cases validation may support in preparation for AMBA accreditation.
How much does membership, validation, and accreditation cost?
Please head to the Business School page here to see the various fees associated with our services.
What are the requirements to becoming an educational member?
Business schools need to complete an application form, and require proof of national accreditation or certification, alongside financial statements.
Is accreditation a pre-requisite for my students to access BGA’s student and graduate membership platform?
No. Business schools need only become educational members to grant their current students access to the student and graduate membership platform. However, for graduates to become members, the business school will have to undertake validation and/or accreditation.