Technology has transformed the way people live and work but it has yet to change fundamentally the MBA market. Despite the digitisation of many aspects of teaching, not least the plethora of free-to-study Moocs (massive open online courses), most people completing an MBA from a leading institution still take a career break in order to study on campus.

There are signs, however, that the online MBA could become the most popular option eventually. A growing number of teaching institutions and students are embracing qualifications that are delivered entirely or mainly over the internet. Online education is coming of age.

Last year there was a small but significant increase in the take-up of programmes covered by the annual Financial Times Online MBA Ranking. Enrolment numbers on these course rose on average 7 per cent for the 15 schools in the 2016 ranking. Five more schools were added to this year’s ranking, reflecting an increase in online offerings from notable institutions.