In some parts of the academic world, there is a feeling that students who choose to pursue their degree by various kinds of distance or blended learning are missing out on some of the more socially and personally rewarding aspects of higher degree study when compared to full-time, on-campus student groups. The University of Manchester in Hong Kong was one of the first to trial, and then later, refine ways of enhancing our students’ experience.

Students in Hong Kong begin their MBA journey by a two-day orientation and team-building exercise and this foundation is developed by regular, programmed contacts between students and alumni. One notable aspect of this rewarding experience is our determined pursuit of ways to promote our University’s goal of demonstrating social responsibility. Recent examples of this, reported on by participants, are:

The Manchester UNESCO Run for Peace. We fielded two teams of four for the 10 km run on 22 December. Under a blue sky, all completed the course and one team (Manchester Owens) came in as second runner up in their division.

We also took part in the ACCA Charity Rickshaw Race on 13 January. We have taken part in this event since 2006. The rickshaw race starts right after the colourful costume parade and competitors are cheered on and encouraged by their support teams. The next social responsibility event for The University of Manchester in Hong Kong is MSF Orienteering on 3 March.

We have discovered that by encouraging and sponsoring such activities as these, students and alumni strengthen their bonds with each other, their intake group and their alma mater, The University of Manchester.