Learning methods
The London Business School MBA programme uses a variety of teaching methods to help you develop the skills you need to become an effective global business leader. whilst our London location forms a key backdrop your programme experience.
During the first year of the programme you will gain competence in core areas, with the three terms being structured around the key themes 'Tools and Techniques', 'Managing the Organisation' and 'Engaging with the World'. The second year allows you a great deal of choice and flexibility. You will differentiate yourself according to your strengths and preferences, and improve on your weaknesses.
Lectures and discussions
Most teaching takes the form of structured lectures and case discussions, sometimes in conjunction with tutorials or workshops.
Lectures frequently incorporate case analysis and discussions. We expect you to use your pre-MBA work experience to contribute to class discussion, to learn from others and to help them learn from you.
Depending on the aims of the individual course, teaching methods may also include:
- computer and other simulations
- role-playing or video learning
- field visits
- London based talks and business experiences.
Group work
The ability to work in a team is essential in today's workplace. When you arrive at London Business School, you will be assigned to a study group of six or seven people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. You will work with them throughout the first year and achieve around 30 per cent of your first year grade together.
In the second year you will gain experience in forming groups. During the electives you build teams with fellow MBAs and participants from other London Business School degree programmes.
A typical MBA study group
Throw together an ex-professional NFL player from the US, a female Portuguese Management Consultant from A.T.Kearney in London, a Korean Corporate Planner from South Korean Cars, a Venezuelan Strategy Consultant from Deloitte, an Indian Entrepreneur and a Portuguese Media Consultant, then ask them to work together to produce 50% of their first year grade.
Tough? Yes. Life-changing? Yes. A typical London Business School study group? Yes.
Meet study group B9, class of MBA2013
Assessment and award of the degree
Part of the assessment for all courses is group and project based. Study groups or self-selected teams work together for a shared grade.
All courses also include an individual element which may include:
- a formal exam
- a case write-up
- a take-home exam
- class participation.
In order to successfully complete the MBA, you must:
- pass all core courses
- pass 10-12 electives
- complete a Global Business Experience
- complete the Language Exit Requirement.
Beyond the classroom
What you learn in the classroom is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your London Business School experience. Find your voice on campus - and beyond - by engaging with the wider school community.
From conferences and forums to lectures, summits and speaker series - the list of events on campus is endless. Our reputation and location bring some of the most inspirational and thought-provoking leaders in the work though our doors. Our students and alumni listen to, learn from and are challenged by speakers from industry, government, finance and media.
Learning from leaders
Some of the speakers that have recently visited the School include:
- David Cameron, Shadow Prime Minister, UK
- Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, Vodafone
- John Connolly, Global Chairman, Deloitte
- Anshu Jain, Head of Global Markets, Deutsche Bank
- Ravi Kant, Vice Chair, Tata Motors
- George Soros, Investor, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
- Peter Voser, CEO, Shell
- Tony Wheeler, Co Founder, Lonely Planet
- Jasmine Whitbread, CEO, Save the Children
- Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline
- Ranulph Fiennes, Explorer and Author
*Please note, speaker titles reflect positions at the time of their London Business School visit.
Student clubs
Student clubs are at the heart and soul of our community; they cover professional, sporting, social and regional groups and are an excellent way for you to further develop areas of particular interest. They also offer superb leadership opportunities and are increasingly linked with alumni and events.
Recent club-related highlights include:
• Entrepreneurial Leadership Series
• Sailing in Thailand
• Los Angeles Media trek
• MBA Tournament for European Business Schools
In addition to speaker events, the many active student clubs and associations offer some of the most memorable, interestng and enjoyable aspects of the student experience. The clubs allow you to pursue your professional and personal interests outside of the classroom, and there are over 70 student-run professional, cultural and sporting clubs to choose from.
Next steps
Events for prospective students
Discover more about the London Business School MBA Programme.