This October, The University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai welcomed Global MBA students from around the world for a series of immersive elective workshops — a true celebration of international learning and cultural exchange.

Embarking on an MBA journey with Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) is more than earning a degree; it’s a transformative experience that prepares professionals to lead with purpose in an interconnected world. With five global centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai, and Singapore, AMBS brings the Manchester MBA to major business hubs worldwide. Students benefit from flexible online learning combined with practical, interactive workshops held across global locations.

At the China Centre, three elective courses were delivered this October:

• Negotiation Skills (NSKS) led by Dr. Judit Csiszar (16–18 October)
• Venture Capital & Private Equity (VCPE) led by Dr. David Pattison (19–21 October)
• International Business Strategy (IBS) led by Dr. Marie-Aimée Tourres (23–25 October)

The workshops brought together 26 students from 15 countries and regions — including Peru, Chile, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, and Georgia. Around 85% of participants were international students, creating a vibrant and globally diverse classroom.

Each course offered hands-on, immediately applicable learning experiences:

• International Business Strategy explored how multinational corporations use resources, capabilities, and cultural insight to stay competitive in global markets.
• Negotiation Skills equipped students with practical techniques to manage complex business situations and achieve win-win outcomes.
• Venture Capital & Private Equity deepened participants’ understanding of investment and exit strategies through real-world case studies, simulating roles as investors, managers, and advisors.

Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the high academic quality, lively classroom discussions, and warm hospitality from the Shanghai Centre team.

Katarzyna Paciorek（Poland）

Site Sales Manager

Cooper & Turner

Class of 2026

Xièxiè Shanghai! CN

It has been a truly enriching experience to take part in the International Business Workshop delivered at The University of Manchester China Centre by the inspiring Marie-Aimée Tourres. Listening to the real-life experiences and insights shared by my colleagues in the cohort was both eye-opening and motivating.

Key takeaway: we live in a VUCA world — and for organisations to succeed, they must remain agile and adaptable. Grateful for this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in such an inspiring international setting.

Katarzyna with her group members at the China Centre

Maximilian Dowling (UK)

MBA Class President

Class of 2026

I flew to Shanghai for the Negotiation Skills workshop, led by Judit Csiszar at The University of Manchester China Centre. Working alongside Liangjian, Bushra, Zhantas and Ming, we engaged in multiple simulated negotiations, culminating in our assessed scenario:

A life-saving pharmaceutical deal during a pandemic, representing the buyer vs another team of MBAs as the seller.

Outcome: We successfully reached a deal on terms we were satisfied with! A powerful learning experience in strategy, persuasion and collaboration.

To celebrate, we shared another group meal, this time featuring the famous sea cucumber delicacy!

After two intensive workshops and days of non-stop travel, I finally explored the Shanghai Tower, Jing’an Temple, and People's Square—an evening dinner with full-time MBAs.

Living from a suitcase since September isn’t easy… but it’s worth it. Thank you to all my classmates, professors and friends who were part of this incredible journey.

Max at the Bund

Mejidy Silva (Angola)

Head of Mcx Express Division

EMIS

Class of 2026

An unforgettable experience in Shanghai! I had the honour of participating in the intensive Venture Capital & Private Equity workshop, led by the brilliant Professor David Pattinson of The University of Manchester, at the University's China Centre.

During a few days of immersion, I was able to learn in a practical, challenging, and collaborative way, alongside incredible colleagues from our cohort—especially my group 5 partners: Adhitya Wisesa, Hisham Attia and Jiajun Wang, with whom I shared learnings, challenges, and many laughs. Thank you for the impeccable teamwork! Thank you to The University of Manchester for providing a global academic experience that connects knowledge, cultures, and people.

Mejidy with her group members at the China Centre

Umar Khan (Pakistan)

Marketing Lead,

Emaar

Class of 2026

Intense yet incredibly rewarding days in Shanghai for the Venture Capital & Private Equity Workshop. Grateful for the opportunity to engage with brilliant minds from across the world, exchange perspectives, and deepen my understanding of the global investment landscape.

The group also reflected the programme’s professional depth — with an average age of 36 and 12 years of work experience. Among them, 25% were managers, 25% heads of departments, and 35% directors or general managers, representing a mix of AMBS programmes including the Global MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, MSc Financial Management, and Full-time MBA.

At AMBS, learning extends beyond the classroom. Students also take part in cultural and networking activities that help them build cross-cultural understanding and long-term professional connections — vital skills for global leadership.

With the Manchester Global Part-time MBA, you gain more than a degree. You become part of a truly global community that empowers you to lead, grow, and make an impact in a connected world.

The second round of applications is now open for the January 2026 intake. Send your updated CV to mba@uom.ac.cn for an initial review. Start your global journey with Manchester today!