LBS MBA Review

Key Takeaways

Program Overview: The London Business School (LBS) MBA is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strategic location in London. It prepares students for leadership roles in a global business environment.

Class Profile: LBS boasts a diverse student body from over 60 countries, with an average GMAT score of 700. The average student has 6 years of work experience and an average age of 29.

Salary: Graduates from the LBS MBA program enjoy an average starting salary of £90,789. Many secure positions in top firms across consulting, finance, and technology sectors.

Tuition Fees: The tuition fee for the LBS MBA program is £115,000. Additional fees include a Student Association Fee of £360 and an application fee of £200. LBS offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students.

Employment: LBS MBA graduates have a strong employment rate, with 94% receiving job offers within three months of graduation. The program's extensive industry connections and dedicated career services significantly contribute to this success.

Introduction

Are you planning for the world of London Business School? The LBS MBA program is renowned for academic excellence, experiential learning programs, London's location as a Finance hub of Europe and much more.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the intricacies of the program experience. From its prestigious reputation to its unique global perspective, we'll explore why LBS is a top choice for aspiring business leaders.

Discover what sets the London Business School apart from others, with insights into its diverse student body, cutting-edge curriculum, and the invaluable opportunities it offers in the heart of London.

Whether you're considering pursuing an LBS MBA program or simply curious about the same, you need insights that can guide your decision-making process.

Class Profile of LBS MBA

Boasting one of the most diverse student bodies globally, with students from all over the world, the class profile of LBS MBA is diverse and filled with students from all backgrounds. The gender balance at London Business School is also one of its significance.

Check- LBS MBA GMAT Score & Class Profile

The LBS MBA student experience-

LBS MBA Rankings

The MBA by LBS ranks #4 on QS Global MBA Ranking 2024, marking a steady progression from its previous standings, rising from 6th in 2022 to 5th in 2023. Not to mention the remarkable scores in employability, boasting an impressive 98.3%, and thought leadership, standing strong at 96.3%.

Program & Curriculum of LBS MBA

The LBS MBA program content is a dynamic two-year journey, offering a unique blend of structure and flexibility. In the first year, students follow a defined academic calendar, while the second year is entirely customizable, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.

1. PRE-TERM (Online Presentation): Accounting, Finance, Statistics
2. TERM ONE (August-December): spanning from August to December, introduces students to the core principles of business. They delve into subjects like strategy, marketing, and operations management, laying a strong foundation.
3. TERM TWO (January-March): students continue to build their business acumen with an emphasis on core coursework. Here, they can personalize their learning experience further through the "tailored core" component.
4. TERM THREE (April-June): marks the culmination of the first year's core curriculum, solidifying students' understanding of fundamental business concepts.

What truly sets the London Business School MBA apart is the second year. This phase is entirely customizable, giving students the freedom to shape their LBS MBA experience. It's a unique feature that allows students to choose from a rich array of elective courses. With over 80 courses available, students can explore subjects ranging from Accounting to Organisational Behavior, ensuring that their MBA aligns perfectly with their career aspirations.

Electives

LBS MBA elective options are updated annually. Offering over 100 electives with 12 core courses, students can choose to tailor their learning to best fit their career goals. (Faculty and program materials are subject to change)

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Management Science and Operations
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour
• Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Experiential learning programs

• London Projects. Students get to experience the dynamic London business scene through LondonCAP, LondonLAB, and Business Challenge Week courses while collaborating with leading companies like the BBC, Nike, and McLaren F1.
• Global Experiences. Led by expert faculty, students engage with corporations, micro-entrepreneurs, and alumni for a comprehensive understanding of international business practices.
• Entrepreneurship Summer School. Students learn to innovate, finance, and assess new ventures while discussing ideas with peers, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs.
• Digital for Impact. Created during the pandemic to connect LBS students virtually with SMEs in emerging economies like Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. In this cross-program elective, students partner with clients to tackle business challenges, offering innovative solutions to help them stay competitive and aid local economic recovery.

International study programs

The Global Business Experience Program at LBS allows students to blend real-world business experience with an international component. Available destinations include South Africa, Israel, India, Hong Kong, Peru, Myanmar, and Brazil. During these immersive one-week trips, students participate in workshops, panels, and company visits, gaining invaluable insights into global business practices

Research centers

London Business School offers six research centers and institutes: AQR Asset Management Institute, Center for Corporate Governance, Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Leadership Institute, Private Equity at LBS, and Wheeler Institute for Business and Development. 

Into London Business School MBA program-

Fees & Financing

Note that the fees are exclusive of any program-related travel expenses. This gets you to tailor your experience and associated costs with flexibility. For instance, as LBS mentions: the different Global Experiences incur varying travel and accommodation costs depending on which location you choose. The school offers a variety of scholarships & loans tailored specifically for Indian students pursuing LBS MBA.

NOTE: The tuition fee of LBS MBA program covers the full length of the 15-21 month program and is not affected by your chosen exit point. To know more, check out: LBS MBA Fees & Expenses

Employment Upon Graduation

The London Business School MBA program has a strong track record of facilitating exceptional employment opportunities for its graduates. Through robust career services and a vast network of global connections, the school consistently places its students in prestigious roles across diverse industries and offers great salary & job prospectus for LBS MBA graduates. The graduates secure positions in leading companies worldwide, making the LBS MBA a gateway to success.

Know more at: Career Impact | London Business School

LBS MBA Application: Essays & Interview

It is essential to understand the type of application that suits the school's expectations. London Business School MBA seeks candidates who not only have impressive academic and professional backgrounds but also exhibit a strong sense of purpose and a genuine alignment with the values and culture of the school.

Essays

LBS MBA essays are the canvas where applicants paint their unique stories, showcasing not just their qualifications but also their aspirations and cultural perspectives.

Essay 1

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these? (500 words)

Essay 2 (Optional)

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

Application questions for LBS MBA program

Apart from these 2 essays, there are application questions as well. There are a total of 8 of these questions that you must learn to answer. Keep in mind these can make or break your admission chances to get into LBS for their MBA program.

1. What learning outcomes are you aiming to achieve as part of your Master in Management program? What challenge(s) might you encounter? (500 words)
2. During your time as a Master in Management student, how will you contribute to the school community? (400 words)
   If applicable, please explain any reasons for academic underperformance. Have you ever received formal disciplinary action from an academic institution or been forced to withdraw from a course of study? If so, you must declare the information here.
3. Please detail your plans from now to the start of the program, detailing any further work experience, travel, and/or further qualifications
4. In 300 words or less, please describe your post-Programme career goals, telling us your ideal sector, role, and function; and your motivation for this goal.
5. In 300 words or less, please describe your alternative career goals, telling us how you would respond in a challenging job market and how you would expand your job search to other roles and locations if your primary goal is unsuccessful.
6. In 150 words or less, tell us about your hobby or main interest.
7. In 300 words or less, please tell us how will your previous experience(s) enable you to thrive within our school’s diverse and international community.

Interview Questions

LBS MBA interview is your opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and aspirations that align with the school values of London Business School and its objectives. Approach each question with authenticity and a forward-thinking mindset, emphasizing your potential contributions to the dynamic LBS community.

Who attends the LBS MBA program:

• You’re ambitious and driven, with a global outlook
• You want a new challenge in a new industry, function, or country
• You want an enhanced global skill set to accelerate your career
• You want to develop your start-up idea or build a family business
• You have a strong track record of achievement and success
• Five years of work experience on average

Why LBS is Unique?

Still wondering is LBS MBA worth it?

London Business School (LBS) distinguishes itself through a combination of collaborative culture, student-driven impact, global perspective, adaptable learning, and strong partnerships, making it an exceptional institution in the world of business education.

• Collaborative Culture: LBS fosters a collaborative, not competitive environment. Students support each other in various aspects, reflecting the school's emphasis on teamwork and collective achievement.
• Partnership with Students: LBS views the relationship between students and the institution as a partnership, creating a sense of shared ownership in the educational experience.
• Student-Led Impact: LBS empowers students to drive impactful initiatives, encouraging innovation and leadership. This commitment to student-led initiatives enables a dynamic learning environment.
• Flexibility in Learning: LBS offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their educational journey. This adaptability accommodates personal and professional commitments, fostering a diverse set of experiences.
• Global Perspective: Despite its London location, LBS emphasizes a global mindset. The school leverages its location as a springboard for international thinking, ensuring graduates are equipped to make an impact worldwide.

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Conclusion

As one of the best MBA colleges in UK, LBS seeks candidates who are passionate about their program and exhibit self-awareness. Admissions aims to discern your potential contributions to the global classroom and your visions. The LBS MBA alumni-led interview is typically conversational, varying with the interviewer's personality and profession.