In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we welcome back Becky Gallagher, Head of MBA Admissions and Recruitment at the University of Bath School of Management in the U.K.
Becky has worked within the University for over 20 years, spending time in the Students’ Union where she oversaw student development and leadership programs. She has worked in the role of Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions since January 2021 and has built an impressive network of connections globally. Becky loves nothing more than taking a student through the journey from pre-applicant stage right through to becoming an alumni.
“It’s a wonderfully rewarding role, seeing the transformative effects our program and the experiences at Bath can have on an individual and their career,” she says. “The personal connections we have with our students and alumni is palpable and it’s a privilege to be a part of their personal and professional growth. These connections underpin our purpose and drive us to ensure that the service our applicants receive is true to our ethos: Professional. Practical. Personal.”
In this interview, Becky provides her insights on the application process and what makes Bath’s MBA program unique.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Becky Gallagher: What often gets overlooked is the profound impact an MBA has on an individual level. Throughout the MBA programme, you are prompted to reassess your motivations and values, engaging in a deep exploration of your personal and professional aspirations. This introspection helps you align your goals with your intrinsic values, leading to more purposeful and satisfying life choices that extend beyond the workplace.
On the Bath MBA you are also assigned an executive coach, a professional who will help you make sense of the world you are moving into. The coaching encourages you to think more widely about your future career and how you can reach it whilst staying true to your own values. It can be transformative. Having a confidential space and specific time to reflect under the tutelage of a professional can really help you develop your own journey.
CA: Walk us through the life of an application in your office from an operational standpoint. What happens between the time an applicant clicks “submit” and the time the committee offers a final decision?
BG: We’ve designed a smooth, supportive admissions process. We encourage you to contact us early so we can offer tailored advice from the start. We’re proud to provide a personalised experience throughout the journey.
Once you submit an application, our admissions team review the documents and will invite you to book a one-to-one online interview, available up to 2 weeks in advance. This gives you time to prepare and reflect on your goals. The interview is a key opportunity for us to get to know you and understand how we can support your ambitions.
Our Admissions Committee meets weekly, so you will receive a decision within seven working days of your interview.
CA: How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? What are you looking for as you read an essay? Are there common mistakes that applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing they should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
BG: We ask you the same set of questions as everyone else, to ensure all applicants have an equal chance to shine. Each one reflects the skills and qualities we look for in an MBA candidate and invites you to share your motivations and aspirations.
Strong responses often draw on real experiences to highlight key strengths, while also acknowledging areas for growth. We value authenticity, so if AI tools are used, you should review your answers to ensure they truly reflect your own voice and values.
We also expect you to explain why you’ve chosen this MBA and what your career journey looks like, now and in the future. Take your time, follow the instructions, and stick to the word limit.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately what percentage of applicants are invited to interview, who typically conducts interviews, and what should candidates expect in terms of interview style and format?
BG: You can choose your interviewer from our recruitment team, helping to reduce stress and make the experience as smooth as possible. We aim to interview as many applications as we can and usually offer one-to-one interviews to around half of all applicants.
Interviewers review all supporting statements in advance. The 40-minute conversation includes set questions based on your experiences and reflections, along with a discussion about your career goals. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible; making sure you’re in a calm space with no distractions can help you concentrate.
We encourage you to ask questions too. This is a big decision, and we want you to feel informed and supported. While most interviews are held via Teams, we always welcome visits to Bath and are happy to arrange meetings with our team, students or alumni.
CA: If your application features an impromptu video interview/video essay, how does it differ from the main interview?
BG: Currently, we don’t use impromptu video interviews. Instead, you’ll complete a personal statement with set questions ahead of the interview, and those applying for certain scholarships will also submit an essay. The formal interview itself is held online and goes deeper into your essay and personal statement, while also including some classic MBA-style interview questions.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
BG: Make sure all your documents are uploaded correctly, though our team will let you know if anything is missing. And it’s a good idea to connect with the admissions team early through a one-to-one consultation or at one of our online Information Sessions, which will run throughout the year.
Submitting your deposit promptly not only secures your place but will enable you to secure any scholarship, if offered one. Once you have an offer, you’ll be able to connect with current students and other offer holders, and we’ll support you with everything from visas and accommodation to settling into life in Bath. Many international students also find it helpful to watch our YouTube videos to get a feel for the experience.
CA: Conversations about MBA value often centre on jobs, salaries, and ROI. What are some of the other ways students benefit from the MBA experience that may be harder to quantify upfront?
BG: One of the things we hear most often from students is that the biggest change isn’t necessarily what happens to their CV, it’s what happens to their confidence.
Over the course of the programme, people become much more comfortable leading others, challenging ideas and making decisions when there isn’t an obvious right answer. That’s something many students don’t fully expect when they start.
The diversity of the cohort plays a huge part in that. You’re learning alongside people with very different professional and cultural backgrounds, which naturally pushes you to see things from different perspectives. Some of the strongest friendships and professional connections are formed during that experience and often continue long after graduation.
Those changes can be difficult to quantify when you’re comparing MBA programmes, but they’re often the things graduates talk about years later. The impact goes well beyond career progression.
CA: Are there any trends in the applicant pool, admissions process, or MBA experience that you are particularly focused on right now?
BG: From an admissions perspective, we’re paying a lot of attention to how candidates think about change and uncertainty.
The world of work is evolving quickly, particularly with the growing influence of AI and new technologies, so we’re looking for people who are curious, adaptable and open to learning. You don’t need to have all the answers, but we do want to see evidence that you’re engaging with those changes and thinking critically about the opportunities and challenges they create.
The candidates who stand out are usually those who have reflected honestly on where they are in their career and why an MBA makes sense for them now. They have a clear sense of what they want to develop, but they’re also open to being challenged along the way.
Ultimately, we’re looking for people who will benefit from the Bath MBA and contribute to it. The best MBA cohorts are built on shared learning, so we’re always thinking about what each individual will bring to the wider group as well as what they’ll gain from the experience.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
BG: The Bath MBA combines the latest teaching techniques with practical projects, building strong foundations in leadership and business. Our research-led approach ensures content is fresh and relevant. Through our distinctive Multi-Project Suite, you can take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real business situations.
We know many of you are exploring your next steps, so we combine academic teaching with tailored career support. Our expert team offers coaching, mentoring and workshops to help define your goals and support your job search after the MBA.
Your wellbeing is a priority. Our dedicated support team offers confidential advice, academic help, and plenty of networking and social opportunities to enrich life beyond the classroom.
We encourage you to book a one-to-one chat before applying, to ask questions, understand the process, and feel confident ahead of your interview. Our friendly team is here to help from the start.
