MIP vs Bocconi MBA: Course Structure, Exchange Programs and Ranking

We had written about top MBA in Italy but MBA applicants planning to complete their MBA from Italy have requested us to compare SDA Bocconi with MIP Milano. In this first part of the Bocconi vs MIP MBA series; we will look at three key comparative factors: course structure, exchange programs, & ranking. In the second part, we will look at post-MBA statistics and class profile.

Course Structure

MIP Milan International MBA is a 14-Month Full-time MBA program with 11-month of classroom and 3-month of project experience. The program commences in May and concludes in June, the following year. A day in the classroom is divided into two three-hour sessions – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Although there is no scheduled daily after-class time, students are required to stay back for the speaker series or activities according to the curriculum.

Bocconi, on the other hand, is a 15-month Full-time MBA program with classes starting in October and concluding in December, the following year. A typical day in the classroom is divided into three hours in the morning and six hours in the evening. The 4.5 hours in the evening session is dedicated for seminars and CS activities. For candidates unfamiliar with Business fundamentals, there is a 1-month pre-course that covers: Introduction to Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics.

MIP Milano MBA look at personal development and career service as a course-long endeavor with activities and courses included throughout the duration of the program. Mock Interviews, Outdoor Activities & Events are part of personal development. Business Seminars and Organizational Check-up come under Career Service. The first eight-month is dedicated for developing the core fundamentals. The next three months on concentrations and the final three on Exchange and project work. Students can choose from 11 courses for the three month concentration that include ‘Advanced Marketing’, ‘Circular Economy’, ‘Design Management’, ‘Energy & Sustainability Management’, ‘Entrepreneurship’, ‘Finance I’, ‘Finance II & Risk Management’, ‘Global Business & Management’, ‘Global sourcing & procurement of services’, ‘Innovation Management’, and ‘Luxury Management’.

Bocconi has a sequential structure with the emphasis first on soft skills: project management, negotiation and leadership, and fundamental Business skills. After students have developed the basic business skills, they are given opportunities with summer projects. The Track in Luxury Business Management & Concentrations ends by mid-November during the concluding year. The two-month concentrations are themed as ‘Finance and Financial Institutions’, ‘Innovation, Product Development, Execution’, ‘Customer Marketing and Social Media’, and ‘Private Equity, Entrepreneurship and Renewal’ with five courses in each concentration, giving the students a choice of 20 courses.

Exchange Programs

The January to March 3-month Exchange program in MIP Milano MBA program coincides with the period when students can opt for concentrations. In fact, students have the option to travel abroad for one to two weeks and complete some electives as part of the concentration. The other option is to complete the entire 3-month concentrations in one of the partner Business Schools. Some of the renowned Exchange Partners are COPPEAD, Brazil; EM Lyon, France; and Indian School of Business, India.

SDA Bocconi provides the exchange option during September/October and the program lasts till November/December – a two month opportunity to experience MBA program abroad. Students have to clearly articulate in their application as to why the exchange is important for their personal and career growth. Some of the prestigious partner schools are HEC Paris, London Business School, Kellogg School of Management, Chicago Booth, Tuck School of Business, Wharton, Rotman School of Management, AGSM, CEIBS, Indian School of Business & Keio Business School, Japan.

Ranking

Since both Bocconi and MIP are European MBA programs, we will ignore US news MBA ranking that is focused on US programs. Instead, the ranking data from The Economist & The Financial Times – two respected publications in Europe will be our data source. According to the latest The Economist Full-time MBA ranking, SDA Bocconi MBA program is ranked 47th in the world while MIP Milano is not featured in the top 100 MBA programs. Bocconi is ranked 31st in the latest Financial times MBA ranking. MIP Milano is not featured in the top 100 MBA programs in the publication too.

Conclusion

On the three factors: SDA Bocconi is a clear winner with a wider range of choices for customizing the curriculum, and a more prestigious list of exchange partners.