Formal MBA launched for facilities management professionals

Published: 7-Sep-2012

Facilities Management Association qualification will help upskill facilities managers


Healthcare estates and facilities managers are being given the opportunity to increase their knowledge with the launch of a formal MBA for the industry.

The qualification in facilities management has been developed by the Facilities Management Association (FMA) in conjunction Sheffield Hallam University and will provide a new and innovative route for those who have worked within the industry, but had little opportunity to develop leadership qualifications.

The new postgraduate programme is for FMA members and has been designed only for the member organisations. The distance-learning course will be provided by Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University, allowing independent study and completion of the programme in just three years, with a total of 20 campus days in London.

The blended learning course, which builds on the university's portfolio of facilities management courses including its existing MBA, is being offered at a discount as an additional benefit to membership of the association. Paid for and nominated by individual companies, it will be seen as a continuing display of employer commitment, with its primary aim to develop leadership and management skills.

As part of its continuing investment in the industry, the FMA will also be funding a scholarship place for the course.

Chris Hoar, CFMA chief executive, said: “This move represents our ongoing dedication to upskilling the industry. The path of this qualification has never been taken before and has been designed for a number of experienced FM professionals in our industry who do not have any formal qualifications to compete with those gained by new graduates. It bridges the existing gap in education for the sector and highlights employer dedication towards staff.”

Mel Bull, course leader for the facilities management MBA, added: "Sheffield Hallam has long been at the forefront of delivering facilities management courses and is proud to have developed this novel course with the FMA.”

"The course will respond to a clear need in the profession. We found that facilities management professionals have exemplary professionalism and long career histories and this unique course will give them the academic distinction they deserve.”

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