Programme content

Programme content FAQs

• What are the programme's objectives?

  Everyone who joins the MBA has different goals, pressures and learning styles while studying. Our intensely experiential programme balances theory and practice with a structure you can tailor to meet your leadership and development needs.

  Year One gives you a rigorous and analytical grounding in the techniques and frameworks of global general management. Our Business Fundamentals core and Tailored core enable you to create a programme to suit your goals and development needs.

  In Year Two you continue developing your goals. Diverse elective choice reflects the breadth of our faculty's thought leadership. Deepen expertise in a specific area, or broaden your learning. You extend your global focus, engaging with leading companies around the world on a Global Experience, or studying with one of our 30+ academic partners on International Exchange. Many students take more internships and demonstrate their commercial acumen working on a real-world commercial challenges in our Business Project elective.

  Throughout your MBA experience, you will encounter different career options, potential employers and world-class recruiters. To help you nail that key position after you complete your MBA, the Career Centre offers one-to-one, group and online training and guidance to help you develop your skills.

• How does the flexible completion date work?

  The MBA programme has 15, 18, and 21-month exit points. These time frames capture the amount of study you are expected to undertake. I.e. if you start in August 2024, you may be permitted to take your last class in December 2025.
  
  In order to graduate from the programme at one of our early exit points, you will need to have met all programme requirements: pass your Business Fundamentals, Tailored Core and a minimum of 10 elective courses, and complete experiential programme elements like Leadership Launch and the Global Experience.
  
  Please note that, by choosing an early exit, you may limit your choice of available electives. Those going on International Exchange will not be able to exit the programme at 15 months.

• Do I have to study a language?

  We do recommend competency in at least one language other than English by graduation, particularly if you want to work in a specific region or country.

  Language classes are offered based on demand; please note, some restrictions may apply.

• Are there any course exemptions?

  Students with a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification, gained within the last 10 years, may be able to obtain a waiver from certain core courses. In addition, students with significant and demonstrable experience in certain professional areas may also be considered for a waiver from the relevant core course through passing a qualifying test or examination.

  MBA2025 students were able to apply for waivers from the following subjects:  Data Analytics for Managers, Marketplaces, Macroeconomics for Managers. Please note: all waivers are reviewed annually.

• Do I have to be on campus to study the programme?

  All programme components are delivered in person and we expect students to fully attend on campus whether in London or in Dubai if you are taking electives there.

• Who will be teaching on the programme?

  The programme is taught by members of London Business School faculty, with language teaching conducted by specialists from the Modern Language Centre at King's College, London. King's College, like LBS, is part of the University of London. For some skills teaching, LBS faculty are assisted by external specialists in management skills development. 

• Does the teaching have a practical orientation?

  As well as pursuing research in their own fields of interest, members of faculty often act as consultants and advisers to industry and government. Many hold directorships in a range of organisations or in some cases run their own businesses.

  These activities help to maintain the practical relevance of the School's teaching and research. 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 are the term dates? When will I be studying?

  The programme begins in early August each year with an Orientation week. This includes vital pre-course activities, supporting your transition into the programme, as you learn to work successfully with your study group and begin identifying your goals.

  This is following by three study periods: Autumn Term (August to December), Spring Term (January to March), and Summer Term (April to July). Exams take place throughout your first year, and these may be scheduled over weekends.

  Core courses run Monday - Friday and you will also spend time throughout the week in a variety of classes, tutorials and personal and professional development sessions. In addition, a number of block weeks, covering various electives, run outside term time. Students are also required to complete a range of exams, assignments and project work over the break periods.

  We recommend you see your study at London Business School as a continuous period of education from August through to June each year, with vacations involving consolidation, preparation and project work, as well as completing your summer internship in the main summer break.