FAQs
Who should apply to the London Business School MBA?
- What kind of people is the Programme aimed at?
- What kind of careers does the MBA prepare you for?
- Do I need work experience, or will London Business School admit graduates straight from university?
- Does my work experience need to be as a manager in a business?
- What are the characteristics of the typical participant?
- Should I apply for the MBA or the Masters in Finance?
- Should I apply for the MBA or the Sloan Fellowship?
- How much does the MBA cost?
- What do I have to pay, and when?
- Can I pay in instalments?
- How much can I expect to earn during the Programme?
- What sources of funding are available to me?
Admissions and selection criteria
- Am I eligible for admission?
- What GMAT score is acceptable? What is the average score?
- I have taken the GMAT more than once, which score do you use?
- Do I need to take TOEFL / IELTS?
- I have just graduated with my first degree - will you consider me?
- What undergraduate degree subject should I have?
- I have no degree. Will you consider me?
- I have three years (or more) work experience but I obtained this while studying for my degree. Will you still consider me?
- Can I reapply for the Programme?
- Do you count military service as work experience?
The application process for the MBA Programme
- How much is the application fee? How do I pay?
- Can I waive the application fee?
- Who should I use as my two referees?
- Must I use official envelopes to submit my references and transcript?
- Do you have an official transcript request form?
- How should I submit my application form and other documents?
- When is the application deadline?
Course structure, curriculum and assessment
- What are the Programme objectives?
- What are the key strengths of the MBA Programme, and of London Business School in general?
- What are the term dates? When will I be studying?
- What is the purpose of the core courses?
- What is the Shadowing Project?
- Do I have to study a language?
- How are the elective courses structured?
- What is the Second Year Project and management report?
- Are there any exemptions from courses?
- How are the study groups selected?
- How is the Programme assessed?
- Who will be teaching on the Programme?
- Do students have an opportunity to learn about the external consulting projects and research activities under taken by faculty?
- How accessible are the Faculty to the students?
- Does the teaching have a practical orientation?
- What form does the teaching take?
- How many hours a week will I need to study?
- Do I need a computer?
- Will I need to buy books?
Who should apply to the London Business School MBA?
What kind of people is the Programme aimed at?
The MBA is aimed at people who normally have some experience in the world of work, but who are at a relatively early stage in their career. The Programme is suitable for people who want to increase their knowledge of business and management either to:
- enhance their existing career and accelerate their promotion prospects or
- change career by changing function, or industry
- start their own business
The highly international nature of the Programme also makes it suitable for people who want international mobility. Above all, it is a preparation for general management with a global outlook rather than US-centric or Euro-centric.
What kind of careers does the MBA prepare you for?
This is a general management Programme. This means it is a good preparation for any job which requires general management competence.
The Programme is of particular interest to people working in, or planning to work in finance and consultancy, manufacturing and service industries. In addition, a growing number of people have used the London Business School MBA training to help them establish their own business or return to help run a family firm.
Do I need work experience, or will London Business School admit graduates straight from university?
Admission may be granted to candidates with less than three years work experience, who present superior academic credentials and truly outstanding evidence of leadership through professional and personal experiences.
Does my work experience need to be as a manager in a business?
No. The Programme is suitable for people who come from technical backgrounds (for example engineering, IT) as well as for people who have worked in finance or consultancy or run their own business. We also welcome applications from people who have worked in the public sector/government. Moreover, each year we admit some students with atypical backgrounds, for example doctors, vets. We have even had a show jumper, an opera singer and a theatre director.
Finally, your work experience does not necessarily need to include experience as a manager.
What are the characteristics of the typical participant?
The average work experience is 5-6 years. (Participants from some countries usually have less work experience than the average since their undergraduate study may be longer than others and/or national service has meant they started work later than others).
A key feature of the MBA is the stimulating and varied international participant mix. Each year approximately 15% of the class are from the UK. The remaining 85% is made up with participants from 50-60 different countries. Many of our participants come to London Business School with their partners and family.
MBA or the Masters in Finance?
You should consider the ten-month Masters in Finance as well as the MBA if you are absolutely sure you want to pursue a career in finance. The ten-month Masters in Finance provides a diet of pure finance. The 15-21 month MBA covers all aspects of general management as well as providing the opportunity to specialise in finance. The London Business School elective portfolio is common to all London Business School degree Programmes, so if you choose to specialise in finance on the MBA you will study alongside Masters in Finance participants.
Sloan is a ten-month general management Programme for experienced managers in mid-career. It is full time and highly intensive. The average age of Sloan fellows is 38, so if you fit this profile, have a successful career behind you and now wish to either move from a functional role to general and strategic management, or take up a position of leadership, you may wish to find out more about Sloan.
The total fees for entry onto the MBA beginning August 2008 are £44,490. This figure covers the full 21 months of tuition and course materials. Click here for further information.
What do I have to pay, and when?
If you are made an offer of a place on the Programme, the initial payment is a 'Commitment Fee'. If you choose to accept your offer, this payment reserves your place on the class. This is normally due 3-4 weeks after receiving your offer letter. This fee is deducted from your total fees. The second payment is the Reservation Fee, which is made in June before the class begins in September. These payments are non-refundable. All deadlines are subject to change on an annual basis.
Yes. The First Year Fees can be paid in three instalments at the beginning of each term. Alternatively, you can pay in full for your first year when you start the Programme in September. Please be aware that if you pay in instalments, a small additional charge is added.
How much can I expect to earn during the Programme?
When researching the cost of the MBA Programme, you should take into account the substantial earning opportunities that students have while on the Programme. In 2006, summer internship salaries averaged £939 per week, and the top earnings were £2,000 per week. Students also earned an average of £3,400 for their Second Year Project.
What sources of funding are available to me?
London Business School encourages candidates to explore all scholarship and financing opportunities available to them in their home country or country of residence.
Depending on nationality a variety of loans and scholarships are available to students including US Federal and Stafford Loans, AMBA loans, the UK Career Development Loan and the HSBC Bank & London Business School Loan Scheme.
Click here for further information on financing your MBA.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Click here for admission requirements.
What GMAT score is acceptable? What is the average score?
Our average for the 2006 intake is 690. However, the GMAT is just one of several admission criteria. Just as a high score does not guarantee admission, a below average score does not eliminate a candidate.
I have taken the GMAT more than once. Which score do you use?
We will use your highest score, and we accept GMAT scores that are up to five years old.
Do I need to take TOEFL / IELTS?
Yes - if your mother tongue is not English and your degree (minimum two year duration) was not conducted exclusively in English or you have not lived or worked in an English speaking country for at least two years since graduation. Our TOEFL institution code is 0898.
I have just graduated with my first degree - will you consider me?
Admission may be granted to candidates with less than three years work experience, who present superior academic credentials and truly outstanding evidence of leadership through professional and personal experiences. We insist on students having good work experience as our collaborative style of learning from the diversity and excellence of peers is a key feature of our MBA Programme.
What undergraduate degree subject should I have?
We have no particular preference. We welcome applications from arts, languages and philosophy graduates as well as those from the pure sciences, engineering, maths and the social sciences, including business and economics.
I do not have a degree, will you still consider me?
Yes. Candidates who have an excellent career record, and have taken the GMAT.
We will consider you, but the strength of your case will depend on the quality as well as the length of your work experience.
Can I reapply for the Programme?
Yes, anyone can reapply.
However, you should take a look at your last application and check if you have made significant changes in your profile before submitting a new application. We sometimes specifically ask applicants to reapply in the future, often after gaining more work experience, or improving their GMAT score.
To reapply, you will need to complete a whole new application, with essays and application fee. We hold unsuccessful applications for one year only.You will need to send new undergraduate transcripts and references if you originally applied more than one year ago.
Do you count military service as work experience?
Yes. As many countries require you to undertake military service, we recognise the benefits of experience gained.
How much is the application fee? And how do I pay?
A non-refundable application fee of £145 is required and payable online by credit card upon submission of your online application. Your application will remain incomplete until the correct fee is received.
Can I waive the application fee?
Application to the MBA Programme is free to graduates of our partner institutions, the University of London, Columbia University and the University of Hong Kong. To qualify, you must provide a copy of your degree transcript at the time of application.
Who should I give as my referees?
We would like references from people who know you well. Don't just look for a well-known individual or the CEO of your company. Our preference is for a reference from your current employer (or a colleague if you do not want to use your line manager at this time). The other referee could be from a former employer; a client; or peer. You should only choose someone who taught you at university if you have remained in close contact. Whoever you chose, they must know you in a professional capacity.
Must I use official envelopes to submit my transcript(s)?
No. You may use any envelope for the submission of these documents. However, the transcripts must remain unopened, and signed/stamped by the university.
Do you have an official transcript request form?
Yes. This form can be used to request your transcripts from your university. You can download a copy here. (PDF format)
Note: The transcript request form is intended to help you in obtaining your transcript, and is not required by the admissions committee.
How should I submit my paper documents?
Supplemental documents can be delivered personally to the MBA Programme Office, or sent via courier or registered mail. We do not advise documents to be sent via standard mail. London Business School Staff are unable to accept applications offered them at overseas events.
When is the application deadline?
We employ a four stage admissions process. The deadline for each stage is 17.00 (London time) on the date specified. Applications postmarked before this time, but not received will be reviewed in the following stage. Staged admission dates.
Course structure, curriculum and assessment
What are the Programme objectives?
The principal objectives of the London Business School MBA are:
- to help participants develop as leaders
- to build participants´ global business capabilities
- to help participants, and therefore the organisations that employ them, to extend and enhance their managerial effectiveness
The Programme aims to achieve these by providing you with a strong foundation in the disciplines and functions of management thereby providing the opportunity for you to develop a broad range of knowledge and business skills. In addition, through the elective portfolio, the Programme provides you with the opportunity to follow areas of interest in depth.
Particular emphasis is put on helping you develop the personal management, career and leadership skills needed to be a successful international manager.
What are the key strengths of the MBA Programme, and of London Business School in general?
The School has expertise across all subject areas. We are particularly strong in strategy, finance and entrepreneurship and of course in international management.
We have recently introduced 'Elective Concentrations'. If students take five out of their 9-12 electives in one subject area, they will be able to inform employers that they have a formal specialisation. Details of the different Elective Concentrations are shown in the section on Elective Courses further down the page.
What are the term dates? When will I be studying?
The Programme begins in late August each year with an Orientation period and Leadership Module running throughout September. This is followed by three study periods known as 'terms'. Autumn Term (October to December), Spring Term(January to March), and Summer Term(April to July).
In addition, a number of block weeks run outside of term time, in which various electives are offered. Students are also required to complete a range of exams, assignments and project work over the break periods. It is best to view your study at London Business School as a continuous period of education from September through June each year, with vacations involving consolidation, preparation and project work, as well as in the main summer break, your summer internship.
What is the purpose of the core courses?
The core courses are the compulsory element of the Programme. They cover all the key management disciplines and functions and serve as a foundation for the elective courses and a preparation for the summer internship.
The core courses are usually taught in three-hour periods (including a short intermission) once a week for 10 weeks.
The core courses begin with a leadership module, which introduces you to issues and concerns in global general management. The rest of the core courses cover different business functions and disciplines with care taken to help you 'make the link' between the different perspectives covered. The courses are sequenced so that there is a logical progression between subjects preparing you for summer internship interviews, especially in finance and consulting, which typically take place in January, some time before other internship interviews.
What is the Shadowing Project?
Our unique Shadowing Project gives students the opportunity to "shadow" a manager in his or her daily activities, observing their challenges, and reflecting upon their own style of leadership. More information.
Do I have to study a language?
To graduate from the Programme you must be competent in a language other than English. Many of our students understand several languages when they enter the Programme and do not need to study another language - although an increasing number choose to study another language.
If you need to develop your language skills you can join one of the language electives taught at London Business School. Subject to demand, we offer French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. If you prefer, or if there is insufficient demand for an elective you can study a language independently. The important thing is that you are able to demonstrate the required level of competence by the time you graduate.
If your only language is English, you are strongly advised to begin studying another language before joining the Programme. For MBA 2009 we aim to offer a range of language taster courses prior to the start of the Programme for those who are unsure which language to study.
How are the elective courses structured?
In your first year you may take between one and four business or language electives. By the time you graduate you must have completed a minimum of nine and a maximum of 12 electives. The majority of your elective study is in the second year.
You will be asked to choose your second year electives towards the end of the first year summer term, and to confirm (or change) these choices before you return to London Business School at the beginning of the second year. You will choose from a portfolio of 70+ electives drawn from all subject areas. View our current elective portfolio. However you will be able to make changes within agreed deadlines throughout the second year to allow you to react to your experiences and tailor your study accordingly.
You can structure your choice of electives in any way you want, for example selecting courses by subject area or how they support your career path. To help in this, from this year you will be able to follow an Elective Concentration. Concentrations on offer to the current class are:
- Change Management
- Entrepreneurial Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Technology Management
- International Business
- Private Equity
The elective portfolio is open to all London Business School degree students and so you will study alongside students following the Masters in Finance, the Executive MBA and the Sloan Fellowship. Students from our 30 or so exchange schools and our partner institutions Columbia and Hong Kong University will also be studying the electives.
Electives are usually taught in 3 hour lessons (with a short break) once a week, over 10 weeks. There are also a number of intensive week-long 'block' electives taught outside term time as well as evening and weekend classes.
What is the Second Year Project and management report?
The Second Year Project is a major assignment which contributes two credits towards your degree. Usually in pairs, participants undertake a project for an organisation. This is 'real time' work for which participants are paid.
As well as producing a report for the company employing them, participants are required to complete an individual London Business School report. This reflects on the project, drawing on learning throughout the MBA. In addition, participants are asked to re-visit and update their Personal Management Statement.
You may be able to obtain an exemption (or waiver) from the core courses in Managerial Economics and Financial Accounting. You will need to have a Masters degree in Economics for the Economics waiver and hold a CPA or equivalent qualification for the waiver in Accounting. Exemption from Business Statistics and IT for Business Value will be by test.
However, even if eligible, it will be your choice whether to take a waiver. You should consider that our method of teaching is more international than anything else you may have experienced and your classmates´ contributions will be of the highest standard, and so there is still a lot to learn.
What is involved in the groups?
In the first year you will be allocated to a study group of six or seven people and you will work with them throughout the year. The group will be a microcosm of the class with people from several nationalities and different professional and undergraduate backgrounds.
In the second year you will have the chance to form your own study groups, choosing partners from across all the programmes.
Successful group working is at the heart of the London Business School experience. Up to 50% of your marks on a given course can be for group performance. It is therefore very important to make your group work well. There is plenty of emphasis on techniques for successful group work in GLAM and through the various skills courses.
How is the Programme assessed?
We have a duty to you, our alumni and future students to maintain the integrity and standard of the degrees we award through a rigorous assessment system. However, the purpose of the various assignments and examinations we ask you to complete is not simply for assessment. They are also intended to help you to structure your learning and provide you with feedback to help you gauge your progress through the programme.
The assessment system has the following elements:
- course assignments and class participation
- examinations
- simulations
- the Second Year Project
- You must also demonstrate competence in a language other than English to qualify for the degree.
In order to pass the core courses you must pass the individual assessment component of each course (usually but not always an examination). You will be graded in a scale of A+ to C- the top 10% of each course gaining an A grade; the next 40% receive an A and so on. There is, however, no 'forced failure'. The decision whether you pass or fail being a matter of judgement not a 'forced curve'. You must complete all the specified credits to qualify for the degree, pass all core courses and complete 9-12 elective credits. Regarding electives we operate a 'two strikes and out' rule. This means you can 'carry' up to one failed elective and still qualify for the degree.
You will be expected to prepare for and attend class and participate actively in discussion in class and in your group. The precise assessment model for each course will be clear to you at the beginning of the course - for example whether class participation and oral report presentations count towards your final grade. You should ensure that the learning and assessment 'contract' with the course teacher is clear on both sides from the start of the course.
Who will be teaching on the Programme?
The Programme will be taught by members of London Business School Faculty, with languages teaching from language specialists from the Language and Communications Centre at King's College, London. King's College is a sister college and, like London Business School is part of the University of London. For some skills teaching, the London Business School Faculty is assisted by external specialists in management skills development.
London Business School faculty have an international reputation. Their teaching and research work is regularly assessed and accredited by bodies such as the British government funding agency, the Higher Education Funding Council for England which gave us top ratings for both teaching and research; the Association of MBA´s, and the European Foundation for Management Development 'Equis' accreditation as well as the AACSB.
Yes. Many of their consulting/research activities are brought into the class in the form of case studies, and faculty frequently share their latest thinking in their electives as well as through occasional lectures. They keep you up to date with the business world, as well as covering the required theoretical aspects of the Programme.In addition, a small number of students may have the opportunity to work on a research project with a member of faculty as one of their electives.
How accessible are the Faculty to the students?
Teaching faculty are there to support you. It is up to the student to contact them to make an appointment to discuss a particular issue. All students will have a faculty supervisor for the Second Year Project.
Does the teaching have a practical orientation?
The Programme is vocational and career oriented. It is designed for people who want to get things done. Teaching at London Business School is renowned for its twin emphasis on rigorous scholarship and real world relevance. As well as pursuing research in their own fields of interest, members of faculty also act as consultants and advisers to industry and government, and hold directorships in a range of organisations or in some cases help run their own businesses. These activities help to maintain the practical relevance of the School's teaching and research.
Our faculty are a highly international group. Over 55% come from outside the UK and as a result much of their work has an international orientation. Much of the School's research is supported in some form by donor organisations with whom the School maintains especially close relationships. For example, in the finance and accounting area these include BAA, Bank of England, Barclays, Citibank, Credit Suisse, Solomon Brothers International, Tokai Bank and SG Warburg Group.
What form does the teaching take?
The bulk of the teaching is in the form of structured lectures and case studies. The style is participatory and classes frequently include case analysis and discussions. There are also many projects and much group work, field investigations and visits, as well as individual research and simulations.
How many hours a week will I need to study?
You will usually take four or five courses per term. Typically these will involve a three hour class weekly. You can expect to spend at least the same amount of time in private study with group meetings and group work in addition to this.
It is not sensible to attempt to work during the first year of the programme but it is possible to do so in the second year.
Yes. You must have access to a PC and printer. We strongly recommend that you buy a lap top (notebook) which fits the School's configuration specifications. If you do we will configure your machine for you free of charge. A detailed PC specification will be sent to you once you have been offered a place on the Programme. We also have a wireless LAN in the School, enabling students to work in and around the Campus.
We provide you with comprehensive course materials, included in the fee. You will need to buy some core texts and you will probably want to buy additional books to help you read around the subject. You should allow between GBP 250-500 (US$375-750) per year for books.
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