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Your Directors
Prof. Milyan Hills
Exec Coach Lins Ford

WELCOME

Thank you for visiting Hillsford Business School's website!

A very warm welcome from Professor Milyan 'Mils' Hills + Exec Coach Ms. Lindsey Ford

​We've founded the UK's friendliest, most accessible, super-supported and value Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programme.  â€‹With a unique mindset and coaching ethos underpinning how we set you up for success - this is an option that career pivoters, promotion pathfinders, validation seekers should absolutely consider.

​+ No first degree needed! Open to all English Speakers over 21 years old +

​​This MBA programme is in two parts: we equip you with a Post-Graduate Level 7 Diploma (accredited by OTHM Qualifications). After successfully completing the 6 Units of that Diploma, you receive 120 Credits in the Diploma. This is your passport to acceptance to a UK University ' MBA Advanced Entry' or 'MBA 'top-up' course where with a dissertation you complete your studies with 60 Level 7 Credits and graduate from that University with a full MBA degree.

​In past roles with the University of Northampton and other education providers, Mils has supported hundreds of mature learners through exactly this pathway. You re in totally safe hands.  There are many testimonials from delighted graduates on his LinkedIn page

​Together, Lins and Mils have over three decades of experience in education, business, mentoring and more.

​​Please do explore this page to learn more about our offer. If you have questions or queries - just drop Mils a line at mils@hillsfordconsulting.com or call +44 (0)7868 660218

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Our Origin
Story

Get to Know Us

We decided to launch Hillsford Business School in late 2024. We were deeply involved in helping student clients with mentoring and coaching to help them get through their studies with private and university providers of MBAs.

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But we wanted to do more. 

 

We realised that we should create our own programme ensuring that 'end to end', we prioritised learner experience, mindset and study skills support, democratising access to and achievement through an MBA programme - as well as extend our range of qualifications and pathways in due course.

 

With the experience we have in education and a deep commitment to pastoral care, we created our content, recruited an amazing team of Associate Lecturers and sailed through accreditation. We received final approval to deliver the PgDiploma (the main part of the MBA programme's content) in early February 2025.

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For Mils, this is a welcome return to education after a career refresh in industry. Between 2010 and 2022, Mils has worked with hundreds of HM Armed Forces personnel and others in work, in transition and acing their move to civilian life. Many of our Lecturers have taken exactly this journey.

Why You Should Consider an MBA. Especially if you think it's beyond you!

​The Value of an MBA | Career Advancement and Increased Job Satisfaction 

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Research by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) indicates that adult learners who pursue an MBA often experience significant career advancement and increased job satisfaction. Many report improved leadership skills and greater confidence in their professional abilities, which enables them to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities. This growth not only benefits individual careers but also enhances organizational effectiveness as these professionals apply their newfound skills in the workplace. 

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Skill Development 

A report from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) highlights that adult learners gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in their current roles. Skills such as strategic thinking, project management, and financial analysis are emphasized in MBA curricula, helping students to excel professionally. This practical approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to tackle real-world business challenges effectively. 

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Increased Earning Potential 

According to The Financial Times, adult learners in MBA programs often experience a notable increase in earning potential post-graduation. Many professionals see a significant uptick in salary, which is particularly beneficial for those supporting families or managing financial commitments. This return on investment makes pursuing an MBA an appealing option for many adult learners seeking to enhance their financial stability. 

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Personal Development 

A study featured in The Journal of Continuing Higher Education notes that adult students frequently report enhanced personal growth as a result of their MBA studies. Increases in self-esteem and critical thinking skills contribute to overall life satisfaction and well-being. As these individuals advance in their careers, they often find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment, which positively impacts their personal and professional lives. 

 

In summary, an MBA is a great choice of qualification. However, the barriers to entry have typically been high. Here at Hillsford Business School – we’re removing and reducing them

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The Traditional Costs of an MBA in the UK 

The cost of MBA programmes in the UK can vary significantly depending on the institution and the specific program format. Generally, tuition fees for full-time MBA courses range from £30,000 to £60,000. However, part-time programs may offer a more flexible financial arrangement, with fees typically ranging from £15,000 to £40,000. Additional expenses, such as books and materials can further impact the overall investment in an MBA. As a result, prospective students often need to evaluate their budget carefully and consider financing options. 

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++ Our Programme is MUCH more affordable than any of these options, you could invest a fraction of the prices above and complete your studies in 13-24 months. The only difference between this Programme and others is that as a private training provider, we teach and accredit the first 120 credits of the MBA, with you then transitioning to a UK university for the final 60 achieved by a dissertation. You then graduate with a full MBA from that university, with a degree certificate that’s exactly the same as anyone else’s. Rest assured, we’re fully authorised and regulated by an OFQUAL approved body: OTHM. ++ 

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Note: discounts are available for ‘early bird’ applications and for serving / veteran members of the armed forces. Ask for more details! 

 

Entry Requirements 

Most universities in the UK also have specific entry requirements for MBA programmes, which commonly include holding a first degree. Additionally, many institutions seek candidates with relevant work experience, often requiring a minimum of three to five years in a managerial or professional role. Some programs may also require applicants to submit GMAT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation, which contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of their suitability for the course. 

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++ With this programme, we have a very short enrolment form where we learn more about you and your background, concerns about study and so on – no letters of recommendation etc. In short, so long as you are over the age of 21, have done some managing of people in the real world – you’re able to start with no first degree or additional pre-qualifications. ++ 

 

Unlock Your True Potential with our friendly Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Pathway 

Transform your career with our MBA pathway that requires no first degree or other pre-requisites, ensuring accessibility for all aspiring leaders. Combining the best of private training provision and UK university experience, this Pathway is designed and led by Professor Mils Hills, who employs a unique methodology in teaching and study design refined over 12 years of University business school experience. Students find that complicated subjects become digestible, study skills are easily learned, and each learner is both supported and confident in their abilities. This approach is complemented by a team of inspirational and energetic tutors, allowing you to study part-time and online from anywhere and at times to suit your lifestyle. 

Most importantly, you’re going to be working with humans who love helping others achieve their goals in study. We don’t patronise or intimidate our learners, we build them up. We break down learning criteria and ideas so that you can easily understand them and evidence your learning to ace the assignments. We specialise in transforming somewhat fearful and reticent learners into self-confident, self-directed and high-achieving graduates. We don’t just offer the opportunity to elevate your CV, we enable you to change your psyche. 

With a proven track record of helping hundreds of adult learners succeed in their MBA studies, including serving and veteran members of the military, managers across utilities, logistics, finance, and other sectors, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel through and beyond your studies. Complete your work within as little as 10 months (or take 12-24!) and graduate from a respected UK university with your MBA. You’ll experience unbeatable value that empowers you to achieve your professional goals while balancing your personal commitments. Employers respect the commitment to an MBA pathway and many students find they can begin applying insights, tools and models into their work almost from day one! 

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Additional Value to Ace Your Studies 

And you get additional value from this Pathway: 

  • Mindset Coaching session at the outset and throughout your studies with us (unique to our centre) 

  • Confidence-building Study Skills programme and live support 

  • Friendly and supportive tutors – and a dedicated Head of Pastoral Care (unique to any provider in the UK) 

  • Weekly live Q&A session 

  • Timely email responses 

  • WhatsApp check-ins for your cohort 

  • Professor-produced multimedia slide decks to support each assignment 

  • Study guide to enable completion in 1 year 

  • Curated academic literature resources to support assignments 

  • Templates to support essay planning 

  • Feedback on assignment plans ahead of submission via Loom or similar 

  • Transition support for top-up university year dissertation work 

MBA Chat

Promoting the MBA Pathway - graduate Dave Finnegan in conversation with Mils.

 

Dave is also a proud DBA and now one of our Associate Lecturers. Thanks Dr David Finnegan MBE MBA.

© 2025 by Milyan Hills and Lindsey Ford 
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Hillsford Consulting and Training Ltd. is a limited company registered in England and Wales.

Registered number: 15983738.

Registered office: 71-75 Shelton St, London WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom.

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