The Professional Business Diploma – A University Alternative To Fast-track You Into A Business Career
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional university course, then look no further! The Professional Business Diploma at Oxford Media & Business School runs annually from September for one academic year in central Oxford. Read on for no less than ten reasons to consider studying with us…
1. We provide a nurturing environment for our students
We are a small business school with a nurturing environment. Students are split into small groups of less than fifteen, delivering a much more personal learning experience versus the large lecture theatres found in a traditional university education. Our tutoring team has a strong desire to see every student succeed, and there is a strong focus on getting to know all our students individually.
Unlike other higher education colleges, 1-1 tutor support is available when needed, with students able to book into sessions as and when they need to throughout the academic year. They also have a nominated tutor to support them throughout their time with us, discussing grades and potential barriers to learning or providing more pastoral support where necessary.
2. We provide students with a structured learning week
Our students spend up to 20 hours per week in small groups being taught face-to-face, in contrast to many university courses which offer less than 10 hours per week in lecture theatres. This provides a full structure for their week from Monday until Friday, and their attendance is monitored as part of the course. Students are expected to achieve a minimum of 80% to pass and a minimum of 95% attendance for the top award.
3. Live the university life in the cultural city of Oxford!
Living the student life in the beautiful city of Oxford is another fantastic reason to come and study at OMBS. We are centrally located and just a stone’s throw from famous Oxford landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church Meadow and the Ashmolean Museum, as well as being located close to central shops, cafes, parks, and restaurants.
The city has a student population of 42,000, which means there is always plenty of nightlife and events for students to enjoy. For students who are passionate about sport, there are numerous sporting facilities. There is something for everyone in Oxford, whether it is shopping, eating, sport or culture. Read more about what the city has to offer in our blog here.
4. We teach practical employment skills that give students a competitive edge
At OMBS, we teach practical workplace skills that we know employers value. We regularly survey employers and work closely with recruitment agencies to ensure we teach our students the relevant and up-to-date business skills for the workplace.
5. Our curriculum is constantly evolving in line with industry requirements and AI development
Our course modules are refined and updated annually to give our students the best chance of securing the jobs they deserve. AI is now integrated throughout the curriculum, in particular in Digital Marketing and Advanced IT & Digital Literacy.
6. We focus on personal development as well as academic performance
As well as supporting our students with academic learning, we also support them with soft skill development. Our Personal Development Planning module helps our students understand their personality type through Myers-Briggs profiling, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of their learning style. They also learn about Belbin Team Roles, and take part in practical teamwork tasks that simulate the business workplace.
7. Practical assistance to gain employment is a key focus area
We support our students’ progression into the workplace in several ways. They create standout CVs and practise interview skills with experts that will get them noticed at the job application stage. We also help them find a work experience placement week in a sector that interests them in the final term of the course (these can often lead to employment offers), as well as supporting them with the knowledge and skills to create standout LinkedIn profiles and use the platform to network in the Digital Marketing module. Throughout the academic year, we hold careers events and host talks from business experts and our alumni to inspire our students into considering possible career pathways.
8. Oxford student accommodation can also be provided
OMBS also supports our student intake by providing accommodation alongside the course if required. We own several well-maintained student houses, all located within a short distance from the business school. Students can live and socialise together, as well as being able to meet other students living locally. Each house can accommodate between 4-6 students, who will have their own private bedroom and access to shared bathroom, kitchen and living facilities. Some houses also have en-suite facilities.
9. We provide continued support beyond graduation
Even beyond graduation, we continue to support our students. Our tutors offer advice and regularly answer questions from graduates who stay in touch, and our LinkedIn alumni group provides a wealth of career opportunities as our alumni love to share early access to job role opportunities. Our Principal, Andrea Freeman, and our Careers Tutor, Joanna Donelan, frequently advise on CV’s, career progression and employment opportunities.
10. The Professional Business Diploma fast-tracks students into an early business career
Three years of study and debt at university isn’t for everyone in the current economic times. OMBS students regularly secure employment before they even graduate due to our longstanding relationships with some of the most progressive London and Oxford recruitment agencies. Of our recent 2026 cohort, 20% of the cohort had already secured employment before graduation day. The average starting salary for our students ranges from £24-£28,000, with many securing employment through our strong alumni network.
If we haven’t convinced you already, come and visit us in Oxford and discover for yourself that we are a warm, friendly, relevant and progressive business school in the heart of Oxford. We hold regular formal Open Days, but we also welcome inquiries and visits at any time in the year.
To make an appointment to find out more about us click here and we will be in touch.
