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Keiran Hinchcliffe

Senior Licensing Officer at Trafford Council

MBA Master of Business Administration

Alumni student Keiran Hinchcliffe

It’s hard work at this level, but the long-term gains make it worth the effort – if it doesn’t challenge you, then it won’t change you.

“I’m the Senior Licensing Officer at Trafford Council in Manchester. We authorise premises, vehicles and people, so that might be licenses for alcohol, late night refreshment, gambling and taxis. I coordinate enforcement, investigation of complaints, and report into committees, public hearings and court proceedings. Our main priority is the safety of the people of Trafford.

I wanted to complete a postgraduate qualification for my own personal growth and continuing professional development. I’d previously studied at Edge Hill and enjoyed my time, so naturally looked there for MBA options. The course was described to me as being for people who were aspiring to become managers, and that matched where I was in my career.

I studied part-time to balance my work and family life. I looked at distance learning options, but thought that actively attending lectures and seminars would be more enjoyable. Also, the campus is absolutely stunning, it really inspires you by enhancing the study environment.

The modules really reflect and impact on how I’m working. For example, a module on human resources looks at how different strategies are used to progress an organisation. At work I’ve been tasked with addressing a backlog in taxi driver licence applications. There are improvements that can be made in the microenvironment – hiring new officers, encouraging staff in their own personal development, fostering a commitment to progressing the service. My work isn’t about making a profit, it’s about providing a service, and that’s being backed up by this MBA with such a strong focus on business strategy.

The MBA gives you the knowledge you need for future high-level decision-making. Nearly all the modules have a strategy element, and the course is also quite broad. It would benefit people who are looking to become business change analysts or move into middle management, in the private or public sector.

Don’t be put off applying for this course if you’re a mature student. In my cohort there were recent graduates, as well as mature students like me, who were given places based on their experiential learning. It’s hard work at this level, but the long-term gains make it worth the effort – if it doesn’t challenge you, then it won’t change you.”

To find out more about studying this programme, please view full course information for MBA Master of Business Administration.