Language learning
We believe the experience of learning a second language is a vital part of becoming a truly global business leader. Managers who are fluent in one or more languages are an increasingly important asset to their companies.
Language exit requirement
Every London Business School MBA student must achieve competency in one language other than English by graduation.
If you do not have competency in one of the 15 qualifying languages upon entry, it is a requirement that you reach Level 2 in a second language by graduation (Level 1 is Basic, Level 5 is fluent). Qualifying languages are: Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. These 15 languages are based on the average demographic profile of the MBA class.
To get to this level you can:
- study one of the languages offered at London Business School
- study independently
- combine a School course and independent study.
If you're already competent in another language when you start the MBA, you can still study a language as part of your programme. Many of our students choose to study a third, fourth or fifth language.
The Language Learning Programme is provided by the Modern Language Centre at King's College London. King's College is one of the largest colleges of the University of London. It has enjoyed an outstanding reputation in modern languages education since its establishment in 1829.
Why learn a language?
Being able to speak the language of a client or business counterpart has several benefits:
- enhanced awareness of cultural diversity
- better social relationships with your counterparts and clients
- the ability to gain unique insights, both into the foreign country in question and the way its companies do business.
Next steps
Events for prospective students
Discover more about the London Business School MBA Programme.