5 benefits of practice-based learning

Sponsored by University of Bath School of Management  

Whether you are a recent graduate pursuing a full-time MBA or a seasoned manager considering an Executive MBA (EMBA), it’s crucial to identify a business school and course which are aligned to your professional goals. 

One key factor that differentiates top-tier programmes from the rest is their emphasis on practical, experiential learning.  

The University of Bath School of Management has pioneered an approach to business education that transforms knowledge into action, challenging the traditional boundaries between academic insight and real-world impact. Their MBA and EMBA programmes place collaboration and practical learning at the heart of the learning experience. 

Practical learning improves your understanding of theoretical concepts 

Rooted in contemporary learning theories that emphasise experiential knowledge, Bath's MBA programmes recognise that true leadership emerges from navigating real challenges, not just studying them.  

The world of business doesn't exist in theoretical silos. It's a dynamic ecosystem of interconnected challenges, where success depends on the ability to apply knowledge, adapt quickly, and generate innovative solutions. This understanding is the cornerstone of Bath's MBA approach. 

Traditional education often separates learning from doing but the Bath MBA inverts this model. For the Bath MBA, learning is doing – a continuous process of engagement, reflection, and transformation.  

Whether this is through the full-time MBA's Multi-Project Suite or the part-time Executive MBA's consulting projects, students don't just study business problems; they become active participants in solving them.  

“Great leaders need to be able to navigate the increasing complexity of the business landscape. They must have a comprehensive understanding of business operations, and the confidence to be innovative and creative when leading transformation,” explains Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, Director of Teaching on the University of Bath’s MBA programmes.  

"Our approach to the MBA is intentional and deliberately challenging. We're not simply teaching business; we're cultivating leaders who can read, respond to, and reshape complex organisational landscapes.” 

“The way we structure learning at Bath is deliberately challenging. We’re not just teaching theory – we're asking our participants to apply their knowledge to complex business situations, often working with organisations facing real strategic challenges.” 

Transform your knowledge into capability 

Practical learning opportunities allow students to test their understanding, make decisions under pressure, and navigate the complexities of the business world. 

Take, for example, the Bath MBA’s Multi-Project Suite – a revolutionary replacement for the traditional dissertation. Instead of writing about business in abstract terms, students on the one-year MBA programme engage directly with live organisational challenges.   

“Our team worked with BMT on the Consulting and Change Project. They are primarily a maritime and defence consultancy, and our task was to come up with solutions to help the maritime industry move towards greener, sustainable fuels,” explained George Peters, a current MBA student at Bath School of Management.  

“It really felt like we were working with them towards a common goal and was a fantastic experience.” 

The sustainability strategy project wasn't just an academic exercise; it was a real intervention that required research, strategic thinking, and practical implementation and outcomes.  

Jake Rigby, Head of Innovation & Research at BMT, has seen first-hand the impact of these student collaborations:  

"Working with Bath MBA students has transformed our recruitment. Project participants gain valuable experience before their formal start, developing a solid understanding of our business. These projects deliver tangible results we implement with customers.  

"The students collaborate effectively, asking challenging questions and producing high-quality work. Their professionalism - coming prepared with research and setting clear agendas - enables us to provide guidance while building experience within our company." 

Build confidence and grow as a professional 

Leadership is fundamentally about understanding oneself as much as understanding others. The Bath MBA approach recognises that professional transformation is a deeply personal journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.  

Throughout their MBA, students engage in a comprehensive development process that goes beyond traditional skill acquisition. The focus is on building emotional intelligence, developing adaptive leadership capabilities, and creating a profound understanding of personal and organisational dynamics.  

Students are guided to explore their unique leadership potential, cultivating resilience and interpersonal skills that enable them to create meaningful impact within an organisation.  

It's a transformative process that delves deep into personal strengths, challenging individuals to understand not just what they can do, but who they can become as leaders.  

Karl Fearnley, an Executive MBA alumnus and Director at Babcock International Group, said: "The MBA gave me the opportunity to elevate my perspective and approach business with a more strategic context.  

“I was able to see things from a C-Suite level and apply modules at a board-level perspective. This was the step change in my career that I wanted and needed."  

Through coaching, mentorship, and experiential learning, students develop the confidence to lead with authenticity, empathy, and strategic insight. This prepares them, not just for their next role, but for a lifetime of meaningful leadership. 

Prove to employers you can make an immediate impact 

Employers consistently value candidates who can hit the ground running. In fact, many of the top global recruiters seek out graduates from business schools known for strong experiential learning programmes because they trust these candidates to have already been tested in real business environments. 

Internships, consultancy projects, and entrepreneurial ventures provide students with tangible accomplishments to showcase on their CVs and discuss in interviews. These experiences often serve as stepping stones to full-time offers, career pivots, or promotions 

At the University of Bath School of Management, great care has been taken to ensure their students gain a thorough understanding of the topics required to future-proof their organisations. 

Dr Ellis-Brush said: “The learning experience incorporates developments in areas like AI, disruptive technology and sustainability to align with the realities of a world shaped by uncertainty, technological advances, and societal change.” 

Gain diverse skills to provide you with optimum career flexibility 

As businesses face unprecedented challenges – from technological disruption to sustainability imperatives – the world needs leaders who can see beyond conventional boundaries.   

The Bath MBA transforms theoretical understanding into practical wisdom, demonstrating that true leadership is learned not through passive study, but through deliberate, engaged action. It empowers you not just to understand business, but to do business, with confidence and real-world impact. 

Whether your goal is to switch careers, accelerate your rise to leadership, or launch a venture, a hands-on, experience-rich education will be one of the smartest investments you can make.