FAQs
| The Executive MBA |
Why should I choose an Executive MBA?
Should I apply to the Executive MBA or the full-time MBA?
What is the typical Executive MBA student like?
| Programme details |
How is the Executive MBA curriculum structured?
How many days will I need to take out of the office to undertake the programme?
Is there a difference between the September and January intakes?
Can I waive core courses if I have already studied particular subjects?
How do the electives fit in the programme structure?
What are the study groups? How are they put together?
Where are the international assignments? What is their purpose?
What is the management report?
Can Executive MBA students go on exchange?
Is it possible to do the Executive MBA living outside the UK?
How much time will I need to study outside the classroom?
How is the programme assessed?
| Employer support |
How can I convince my employer to support me through an Executive MBA?
Do I need to be financially sponsored by my employer to undertake the programme?
| Admissions |
What level of work experience do I need to have?
Does my work experience need to be as a manager?
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree?
Is GMAT essential?
What is the minimum GMAT score required?
Do I need to take TOEFL/IELTS?
| Application process |
When should I apply?
How much is the application fee?
Can I waive the application fee?
Who should my references be from?
What do you need from my employer?
Academic transcripts
How should I submit my application?
Once an application is submitted, what happens?
| Fees and financing |
What are the tuition fees for the programme?
What do the fees include?
Does London Business School offer a loan for undertaking the programme?
Does London Business School offer any scholarships for the Executive MBA?
Are there other recommended sources of funding?
| Finding out more |
I have read the information on the website. How do I find out more about the programme?
I cannot attend an information session as I am not based in the UK. How can I find out more about the Executive MBA?
The Executive MBA
Why should I choose an Executive MBA?
The main benefit of an Executive MBA is that participants remain in full-time work while they study, simultaneously advancing their careers and their professional and personal development. Many people wish to complete an MBA but are worried about interrupting their careers. Undertaking an Executive MBA means that you are able to continue on your current career path while studying and exploring new opportunities.
Executive MBA students are able to immediately apply knowledge gained in the classroom and through their peers back to their workplaces, which fast-tracks the learning process. While the London Business School Executive MBA is a highly intensive and challenging programme, it is also a highly stimulating and enriching experience.
Should I apply to the Executive MBA or the full-time MBA?
The Executive and full-time MBA programmes are structured and presented in different ways to accommodate the needs of two different sets of students.
On average, Executive MBA students have more work experience than their full-time counterparts. However, the most crucial difference is that Executive MBA students remain in full-time employment whilst studying. This allows them the opportunity to immediately implement theories and concepts in their working lives and to feed back their own experiences in class; in this sense, the learning process is full time.
Full-time MBA students take part in a number of practical exercises, such as work shadowing and placements, which do not form part of the Executive MBA programme. This can be useful for people who wish to change direction in their career, perhaps to a new function or industry. The full-time MBA may now also be completed in 15-months taking the fast-track option, an option not available to Executive MBA students, who complete over 20 months.
If you do not wish to interrupt your career while gaining your MBA, we offer a rigorous and flexible Executive MBA, which could be the perfect option for you. If you are interested in studying in both London and New York, explore London and Columbia Business School's EMBA-Global programme.
What is the typical Executive MBA student like?
There is not a 'typical' Executive MBA student in terms of work background and nationality. We aim for a diverse, international cohort of students. What EMBAs do have in common is that they are exceptional, experienced people who can both contribute to and benefit from the programme.
Our current class* looks like this:
| No. of students: | 69 |
| Age range: | 25-40 years |
| Range of work experience: | 4-20 years |
| Nationalities represented | 29 |
| % of Women | 16% |
| Average GMAT | 654 |
| Non-UK students |
67% |
*This is a current profile only. Our admissions decisions are taken in accordance with best equal opportunities practice.
Programme details
How is the Executive MBA curriculum structured?
The Executive MBA is a five-term 20-month programme. During the first academic year, the programme commences with a residential block week. Following this, students attend Fridays and Saturdays of every second week. Both these days are full days of study. During the second academic year, students undertake their elective courses. Schedules will differ for each student depending on which electives they choose and the formats these are offered in. Students embark on one compulsory international assignment and may choose a second as an elective course. The programme concludes with a block week of study.
As part of the Executive MBA, students complete a management report, a major piece of around 7,500 words.
How many days will I need to take out of the office to undertake the programme?
For the next Executive MBA intake (September 2008) you will need to attend London Business School for no more than 33 working days to complete the core work for the programme (attendance for electives is in addition to this). The second year is dedicated to specialisation through a minimum of six and maximum of eight elective courses - taught over 30 classroom hours on either evenings, Fridays, weekends or block weeks. The number of days out of the office for elective courses will vary depending on which courses you choose and the format in which they are offered.
Is there a difference between the September and January intakes?
Students beginning the course in either September or January follow the same curriculum and have the same choice of international assignments. The length of the programme differs slightly depending on which intake you choose.
We realise that embarking on an Executive MBA is challenging, and in order to offer you as much flexibility as possible, the programme has two start dates.
View September and January Executive MBA core course timetables.
Can I waive core courses if I have already studied particular subjects?If you hold professional accounting qualifications, or if you have a masters degree in economics, you may choose to waive out of the Accounting or Economics core courses on the Executive MBA. Waivers will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
How do the electives fit in the programme structure?
Executive MBA students must complete a minimum of six and a maximum of eight elective courses, each taught over 30 classroom hours.
At London Business School, the electives are offered in the following formats:
| Modular: Friday/Saturday format | Block week format | Term class format |
| Over a single 10 week term | Typically Monday to Friday | Three hour class |
| Alternating weeks | Blocks of five working days | Morning, afternoon, evening |
| Fridays or Saturdays | Taught outside term dates | Once a week over 10 weeks |
Elective courses offer students the opportunity to concentrate on areas of special interest and to explore new subjects.
What are the study groups? How are they put together?
You will be assigned to a group of approximately five people at the beginning of the programme, and you will work with them throughout the first three terms for core course work.
When putting the study groups together, we balance the educational background, work background, gender and nationality of each of our students, as well as considering a number of personality profiling tools, to create diverse groups whose members should work well together.
Where are the international assignments? What is their purpose?
Students embark on one compulsory international assignment as part of the Executive MBA and may choose a second as an elective course.
Assignments will take place in China, Eastern Europe, India and South Africa.
International assignments offer the opportunity to test and apply skills outside your own organisation in a country and culture outside of your immediate experience, and enhance your cross-cultural experience and understanding.
What is the management report?
The management report, supervised by faculty, is a major project in which Executive MBA students must produce a piece of around 7,500 words. It provides the opportunity to explore a particular business problem facing an organisation of your choice. It also allows you to provide a substantial, tangible benefit to your sponsor, alongside the ongoing benefits of applying the knowledge acquired from the programme to responsibilities at work.
Can Executive MBA students go on exchange?
Yes. There are two exchange schemes in which Executive MBA students can participate:
1.The London Business School International Exchange, run by the full-time MBA Programme Office, is open to Executive MBA students. Students study full-time for one term at one of over 30 partner schools. EMBA students usually take approximately three months of extended leave from work to participate in this scheme. Click here for more information on the International Exchange Scheme.
2. The Executive MBA International Exchange Programme is a special arrangement between London and Columbia Business Schools. It is specifically designed for EMBA students, to allow them to work and study in New York for the period of one academic term.
Please note: EMBA students are not eligible to apply for a full-time place at Columbia through the School-wide International Exchange Programme. For more information, please email emba-office@london.edu
Is it possible to do the Executive MBA living outside the UK?
Approximately 30% of Executive MBA students live outside the UK while undertaking the programme and commute to London for classes. While those commuting find the experience demanding, they realise the benefits from the programme far outweigh the inconvenience of the travel.
Watch our 'Commuting to London Business School' video:
How much time will I need to study outside the classroom?
The time spent studying outside the classroom varies from student to student. However, most students estimate they spend an average of 15-20 hours studying each week they are not attending classes. Students get more out of the programme the more they put in, so the more time committed outside classroom hours leads to greater gains.
How is the programme assessed?
Each course on the Executive MBA will be assessed using some or all of the following tools: individual projects/essays/reports; group assignments/reports; examinations and class presentations.
In order to successfully complete the degree students must complete the following:
| Core courses: | 14 credits |
| Elective courses: | 6-8 credits |
| International assignment: | 1 credit |
| Management report: | 2 credits |
| Minimum credits to graduate: | 23 credits |
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Employer support
How can I convince my employer to support me through an Executive MBA?
The Executive MBA provides immediate benefits to sponsoring organisations. Students can immediately apply the theory learned in the classroom to their job and are able to tailor elective aspects of the programme to the specific knowledge requirements of their business. Sponsoring organisations also become part of the wide and diverse London Business School network.
London Business School hosts an annual Employers Event for sponsors of Executive MBA students.
Read more about employers and the Executive MBA
Do I need to be financially sponsored by my employer to undertake the programme?
All students must be sponsored by their organisations in terms of time but are not required to secure financial support. A number of Executive MBA students fund their own studies. Company funding can be granted in a variety of forms, ranging from full payment of tuition fees and expenses to expenses only. Students who are funded often sign an agreement to stay with their company for a stated length of time after completion of the programme.
Admissions
What level of work experience do I need to have?
You need to be able to demonstrate experience in the management of projects, budgets, processes or people over a sustained period. Students typically have between four and 20 years managerial experience.
Does my work experience need to be as a manager?
Generally, Executive MBA students have managerial experience in at least one of four areas – people management, project management, process management or budget management. Not everyone leads large teams of people, but they usually manage in one of these key areas. Students are required to be in these kinds of roles so that they can directly apply their classroom learning to their jobs. This is one of the key benefits of the programme.
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree?
Executive MBA students normally have an undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
We accept one or two exceptional non-graduates each year. We would expect such candidates to have alternative professional qualifications and/or outstanding work experience. We would also look at the GMAT more closely as an indicator of academic ability. It is often useful to have sat the GMAT before applying if you are a non-graduate.
Yes. Every applicant must sit the test before receiving a confirmed decision on their application and there are no exceptions to this.
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is one of the many criteria we use when assessing an applicant's suitability, since it provides useful information about quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities. It also gives us a useful benchmark to judge applicants across degree subject, academic institution and nationality.
| London Business School Executive MBA GMAT reporting code: Z11-J7-23 |
What is the minimum GMAT score required?
The average GMAT score for Executive MBA classes is usually between 650 and 660. We do not set a minimum required GMAT score. However, the Admissions Committee usually expect a strong candidate to gain a score of at least 600, with at least 50 in the quantitative and verbal percentiles.
GMAT is an essential part of the admissions criteria but not the only thing we consider when assessing a candidate. A high score does not guarantee admission, and equally, a below average score does not automatically discount your candidacy.
For further information about the GMAT, please visit the GMAT website.
Do I need to take TOEFL/IELTS?
All applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS unless they have received a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction or have lived or worked in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of two years.
Application process
We operate a rolling admissions process, which means the sooner you apply, the sooner you receive a decision. In most cases, you will receive a final decision within eight weeks of submitting your completed application.
Once the class is full, we will operate a waiting list, with priority given according to the order in which applications are received. Many waitlisted applicants are successful in getting a place in their chosen intake. If no place becomes available, there is an automatic transfer of admission to the next intake. Click here for more information on when to apply. Click here for more information on when to apply.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is £120. The fee may be paid online as part of an online application or by downloading the Application Fee Payment Form.
Can I waive the application fee?
London Business School offers free application to graduates of fellow University of London colleges and graduates of our partner institutions Columbia University and the University of Hong Kong. You must request that we waive the fee at the time of application and provide a copy of your college transcript.
Candidates recommended by a London Business School alumnus / alumna may also be exempt from the application fee. Alumni wishing to recommend a candidate should email emba-office@london.edu stating their relationship with the candidate and their reasons for the recommendation. Recommendations must be received before the application is submitted.
Who should my references be from?
Two references should be submitted as part of an Executive MBA application.
One should be from your immediate line manager, the other may come from someone you have reported to who can comment directly on your academic or managerial ability.
What do you need from my employer?
A signed letter from an authorised sponsor stating the sponsorship agreement from the company must be submitted with your application. Candidates may be self-sponsored financially, but their employers are still required to support them in terms of time. Applicants must submit complete information in terms of sponsorship with the appropriate signature from an authorised sponsor. This may be the department head, president, CEO or human resources executive.
Candidates are required to submit academic transcripts from their undergraduate or graduate educational institutions. If the original transcripts are not in English, you must also provide certified translated copies.
How should I submit my application?
Our preferred format for receiving applications is via our online system at http://interact.london.edu/ . However, if you need to, you may submit a paper application. Please contact us if you need to use this method to apply: +44 (0)20 7000 7475 or emba-office@london.edu
Once an application is submitted, what happens?
We operate a rolling admissions process, which means the earlier you apply the earlier you receive a decision.
An application will be reviewed within two weeks of submission. If you are successful, you will be invited to attend a selection day where you will be interviewed by Executive MBA alumni and/or senior Admissions staff and meet other applicants to the programme.
If you submit a complete application, you will receive a final decision within six to eight weeks of submission.
Fees and financing
What are the tuition fees for the programme?
Executive MBA tuition fees for the programme commencing in September 2008 are as follows:
| Terms 1-3 | £27,540 |
| Terms 4-5 | £18,360 |
| Total | £45,900 |
Fees for the Executive MBA programme include: course materials and required core course textbooks, hotel accommodation for the compulsory international assignment, hotel accommodation for the residential leadership skills block week and Students Association (SA) subscription.
Does London Business School offer a loan for undertaking the programme?
London Business School offers a loan scheme in partnership with HSBC Bank, which is available to participants on degree programmes, including Executive MBA students who are resident in and work in the UK. The loan is designed to cover up to 80% of tuition fees and students are expected to hold their main bank account with HSBC for the duration of the loan.
Does London Business School offer any scholarships for the Executive MBA?
Each year we offer two scholarships to self-sponsored women. The scholarships cover 50% of the tuition fees. Candidates must apply for the programme first and, if offered a place, then apply for the scholarships.
The scholarships are awarded to appropriate women candidates on the basis of future professional and leadership potential as demonstrated by the quality of the essay submitted in support of the application, and a proven track record of success, i.e. educational and professional background. Financial need may also be taken into consideration.Are there other recommended sources of funding?
Other funding options include:
- the Association of MBAs loan scheme, which is administered by NatWest Bank (UK residents)
- Career Development Loans (available to all EU Nationals)
- the Federal Stafford Loan Programme (open to US residents)
For further information, visit the Fees and financing page
| Finding Out More |
I have read the information on the website. How do I find out more about the programme?
Once you have explored the website and reviewed the brochure, one of the best ways to learn more about the Executive MBA is to attend one of our information sessions. London Business School holds regular information sessions on campus as well as a portfolio of global sessions.
We are happy to arrange for you to sit in on an Executive MBA core course lecture to give you a real taste of the learning experience. Please contact the EMBA team for further details.
Email us at emba-office@london.edu if you have any additional questions.
We realise it is difficult for some people to attend one of our campus-based information sessions and there are several alternatives for meeting or speaking with London Business School representatives.
If attending a campus information session is not possible for you:
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the School holds an extensive portfolio of overseas information sessions and we would be delighted if you could attend one of these. To see a listing of the cities we visit, and to reserve a place at an event, please visit our Global information sessions web page
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we are happy to schedule a telephone conversation with you. Please email us with a preferred contact number and we will be pleased to telephone you and answer any questions you may have about the programme and London Business School: emba-office@london.edu
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we can put you in touch with current students or alumni. If you would like to speak directly with students or alumni, please send your CV to emba-office@london.edu so that we can match you with a suitable contact. We are unable to put you in touch without viewing your CV
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email us at emba-office@london.edu with any questions you have about the Executive MBA programme or London Business School.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Attend an Executive MBA Information Session
Meet current students and alumni and sample learning on the Executive MBA
