Oxford MBA Review

The Oxford MBA Program is an intensive one-year full-time program that provides a stimulating and thought-provoking curriculum. Throughout the program, you will engage in a series of challenging courses designed to expand your business knowledge and skills.

One unique aspect of the program is the Global Opportunities and Threats course, which aims to develop your ability to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape. This course will provide you with valuable insights into emerging trends, geopolitical factors, and global economic forces that can impact businesses and industries.

The Oxford MBA program takes a holistic approach to education by integrating different functional areas of business through three integrative modules: Entrepreneurship, Responsible Business and Global Rules of the Game. These modules will deepen your understanding of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the global business environment, allowing you to develop a well-rounded perspective.

In addition to coursework, the program offers hands-on learning experiences through the Entrepreneurship and Strategic Consulting projects. These projects provide practical opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world business challenges, giving you a taste of what it's like to be a business leader.

Throughout your journey, the program provides robust support for your career development. The Career Development Centre is dedicated to helping you define, articulate, and execute your career vision. They offer guidance, support, and inspiration at every step of the way, ensuring that you are well-prepared to pursue your professional goals.

A range of perspectives, expertise, and a willingness to exchange ideas and concepts are reflected in MBA class profile. It includes professionals from finance to consulting, and tech to healthcare. Oxford’s vibrant community helps students navigate through every step of their journey regardless of their background. The Oxford MBA class profile is diverse and highly accomplished, with an average of 5 years of work experience and representation from over 60 countries. The class is composed of individuals from various industries, including consulting, finance, technology and more bringing a wealth of knowledge and perspectives to the program. Oxford is one of the most famous and prestigious schools for an MBA in UK. 

The Oxford MBA program is a highly competitive program that attracts applicants from all over the world. The acceptance rate for the Oxford MBA is around 11%, which means that only a small percentage of applicants are admitted each year. The acceptance rate for the MBA is competitive, but with a strong application and a clear vision for your future goals, you can increase your chances of being admitted to this prestigious program.

Acceptance Rate: 11%

 The pursuit of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a pivotal decision in one's professional journey, and the University of Oxford, with its rich history and global prestige, offers an MBA program that stands out. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Oxford MBA program and curriculum, providing you with valuable insights into the academic rigor, unique features, and potential opportunities that await prospective students. 

Core courses

Electives

Clubs & associations

• Entrepreneurship Club: This club is designed for students who are interested in starting their own businesses. It provides resources and support to help students develop their entrepreneurial skills.
• Finance Club: This club is for students who are interested in finance and investment banking. It provides networking opportunities and career development resources.
• Consulting Club: This club is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in consulting. It provides case interview practice and networking opportunities with consulting firms.
• Social Impact Club: This club is for students who are interested in making a positive social impact. It provides opportunities to work on projects related to sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility.
• Women's Leadership Oxford: This club is dedicated to empowering women in business. It provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources to help women advance their careers.
• Sports Club: This club provides opportunities for students to participate in various sports and fitness activities.

Extra activities at Oxford MBA program

• Entrepreneurship Project: The program offers a chance to work on a project with an entrepreneur or startup, providing students with practical experience.
• Social Impact Lab: Students can take part in the Social Impact Lab, which offers workshops and seminars focused on social entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Consulting Projects: Students can participate in consulting projects for real-world clients, providing valuable experience in solving complex business problems.
• Oxford Union Debates: The Oxford Union offers students the opportunity to take part in debates and discussions on a wide range of topics.
• Sports: The program has a range of sports teams and clubs, offering students the chance to participate in various activities.
• Student-led Clubs: There are numerous student-led clubs at Oxford MBA, ranging from finance and consulting to entrepreneurship and social impact.
• Cultural Events: The program offers various cultural events and activities, such as the Oxford International Festival and the Oxford Literary Festival.

Scholarships

The Oxford MBA program, offered by the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and diverse student body. To be eligible for the program, applicants are required to have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent, demonstrating academic excellence. While there is no strict requirement for specific undergraduate disciplines, candidates are expected to possess a strong academic foundation. 

Application documents

• Full academic transcripts
• A one-page CV that must contain the relevant professional experience
• GRE/GMAT score report
• English test (if required)
• Two professional/academic references
• Supporting statement
• Online assessment
• The application fee for the direct application is £150.

GPA

For individuals aspiring to join the Oxford MBA program at the Saïd Business School, maintaining a strong academic track record is essential. While the program does not explicitly state a minimum MBA GPA requirement, a GPA of at least 3.5 or its equivalent is generally recommended to ensure a competitive application. The admissions process takes into account various factors, including academic achievements, professional experience, and leadership potential. 

GMAT

Attaining a competitive Oxford MBA GMAT score is a vital component of the application process for the  MBA program at the Saïd Business School. While the program does not set a strict cutoff, a GMAT score of 650 or above is generally recommended to enhance one's chances of admission. 

GRE

Achieving a GRE verbal score of 160 or above is indicative of a strong aptitude for communication and critical thinking, essential qualities for success in the program's rigorous academic environment. While the program does not specify a strict minimum score, a GRE verbal score of 160 highlights an applicant's proficiency in interpreting complex information and articulating ideas effectively. 

Average work-experience

The Oxford MBA program at the Saïd Business School highly values the depth and diversity of professional experience that candidates bring to the cohort. With an average of five years of work experience, the program seeks individuals who have developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in their respective fields. This collective experience enriches classroom discussions, group projects, and networking opportunities by fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights from various industries and roles. 

English language proficiency test scores

A minimum overall IELTS score of 7.5 is a requisite benchmark for individuals seeking admission to the Oxford MBA program at the Saïd Business School. This requirement underscores the program's dedication to fostering a diverse and globally-minded student body that can effectively engage with the program's international curriculum. Achieving an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher demonstrates a strong command of the English language, a crucial asset for thriving in the academic and collaborative environment of the Oxford university MBA. 

To apply for the Oxford MBA, you must submit an online application form that meets the requirements of the program. The admissions committee will then review and decide if you are a short-list candidate for an interview. The interview decision will be made based on the information received from the application. After conducting the interviews, the admissions committee will then decide which candidates will be invited to join the program. The deadline has four Rounds, which are given below:

Admission process

• Admissions for the Oxford MBA start in September and the final deadline is in April of the following year.
• The application process consists of submitting an online application along with supporting documents such as transcripts, test scores, and a personal statement. There is also a video essay component.
• After the initial review of applications, shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which can be conducted in person or online.
• The interview typically lasts for around 45 minutes and focuses on the applicant's motivations for pursuing an MBA, career goals, and past experiences.
• Admissions decisions are communicated to applicants within two to three weeks of the interview.

When do the admissions start?

The admissions process for the Oxford MBA application typically starts in September each year. However, it is recommended to check the official website of the University of Oxford for the most up-to-date information regarding application deadlines.

The Oxford MBA is a prestigious degree, with graduates often securing top-tier positions and lucrative employment opportunities. Recent statistics reveal that 90% of students are typically employed within three months of graduation, with 50% receiving job offers prior to commencement; these figures demonstrate the unprecedented level of success experienced by recent students. MBA graduates have made impressive progress towards attaining high-level positions within the business world, with alumni from this prestigious program finding employment at companies including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group - to name a few.

Average starting salary

The average Oxford MBA salary of a graduate is around £82,000 per year. However, the salary may vary depending on the industry, location, and the individual's work experience and skills. The MBA program at Oxford University provides its students with excellent networking opportunities, which can also play a crucial role in securing high-paying jobs after graduation.

Employment report

The employment & placement Report provides data on the employment outcomes of Oxford MBA graduates, including their job functions, industries, salaries, and geographic locations. The most recent report shows that the vast majority of MBA graduates (93%) are employed within three months of graduation, with a median base salary of £82,000. The most popular industries for MBA graduates are consulting (36%), finance (25%), and technology (14%).

The most common job functions are strategy and general management (38%), consulting (30%), and finance (19%). The report also includes information on the geographic locations of Oxford MBA graduates, with the majority of graduates (45%) working in the United Kingdom, followed by Europe (25%) and Asia (14%). Overall, the report demonstrates that the MBA provides graduates with strong employment prospects and a diverse range of career opportunities.

The Oxford MBA program is highly regarded by top employers around the world, making it an attractive option for students seeking to advance their careers. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of industries, ranging from consulting and finance to technology and healthcare. In this context, it is important to note that some sectors tend to hire more MBA graduates than others, reflecting the strengths of the program and the skills of its students. 

Companies recruiting from Oxford MBA

The Oxford Univerisity MBA program has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled and adaptable graduates who are attractive to employers across a range of industries. Oxford MBA graduates are highly sought after by many of the world’s top companies, including consulting firms, financial institutions, technology companies, and more. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market, and the university's strong global network of alumni and industry connections also helps graduates secure exciting career opportunities.

The Oxford MBA (OMBA) program boasts a sizable, transnational alumni community comprising over 22,000 graduates from across the globe. OMBA alums are recognized for their leadership and ingenuity in fields ranging from finance to technology and beyond; they have a profound impact on the industries in which they operate.

The Oxford MBA alumni network enables graduates to tap into a wealth of professional and personal opportunities. Alumni gatherings are held in cities across the globe, providing access for alums to build meaningful connections with each other and maintain ongoing learning opportunities. In addition, the Oxford Business Alumni (OBA) Association provides both an exclusive platform for alumni to stay connected with their alma mater as well as an invaluable resource for continued development throughout careers-long trajectories.

Some famous alumni

Oxford MBA Essays tries to learn about who you are as an individual and how you intend to participate to their program through essays. They seek applicants from a wide range of businesses, ethnicities, customs, and life experiences.

Essay 1
How do you fit with Oxford Said's mission? (Maximum 500 words)

This essay prompt asks applicants to elucidate how their objectives, hopes and aspirations align with the avowed mission of Oxford Said Business School, which is to cultivate leaders who foster positive transformations in our world. Applicants should provide thoughtful elaborations as to how they have exemplified this goal throughout their lives and career pursuits; be sure that these assertions are supported by specific instances.

Essay 2
What is your response to the following statement? "Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the admissions committee to know about you." (Maximum 250 words)

Applicants are granted a chance to expand upon any aspect of their application that has not been discussed in other components. Utilizing this opportunity, applicants should elucidate novel facets of their background or personality traits they feel possess value for the admissions committee in its decision-making process.

As a student considering applying to the Oxford MBA, essays are an indispensable element of application. They provide applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude for aligning with the school's mission and ideals as well as showcasing their inherent strengths and perspectives. Applicants should take care when crafting these powerful pieces; ensure that they remain concise, eloquent and worthy of recognition.

The Oxford MBA program demands that applicants provide two letters of recommendation for an MBA as a part of their application. 

To find the most qualified candidates for admission to Oxford, you should opt for individuals who can provide an impartial assessment of your performance and potential. This could include current or former supervisors, and colleagues in their fields like clients or professors from academia. The letters of recommendation should offer examples of how your skills have distinguished strengths that are aligned with our mission: to produce leaders capable of shaping positive change in the world.

During the application process, it is crucial to reach out to prospective letter writers early and request if they are willing to pen a resounding endorsement for your candidacy. Allow ample time for them to write their letters and provide all relevant details about the Oxford MBA course and its requirements. Once submitted, applicants should simply follow any provided instructions in order that their certificates of recommendation may be processed within an expeditious timeframe

Letters of recommendation are an integral part of the application and provide admissions officers with additional insight into applicants' strengths, accomplishments, and potential as future leaders. Applicants must ensure that their selections for letter writers are carefully considered; provide them with specific instructions; and expeditiously submit all letters by the deadlines.

The Oxford Univerisity MBA program employs an interrogative inquiry during its admissions screening process, The Oxford MBA interview questions representative provides applicants the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and demonstrate their aptitude for successfully completing an Oxford MBA degree. Undoubtedly, applicants should be prepared with well-reasoned responses to any queries they may have in mind as well as a sufficient number of illustrative examples that can support those answers.

Interviewees typically find themselves conversing with a team member, and their session can extend to forty-five minutes or even more. Common inquiries applicants may be confronted with are outlined below:

Set 1
Q: Why do you want to pursue an MBA, and why do you want to attend Oxford Saïd in particular?
Q: Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership.
Q: How would your colleagues describe you?
Q: What are your career goals, and how do you think an MBA will help you achieve them?
Q: Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge, and how you overcame it.
Q: How do you plan to contribute to the Oxford Saïd community?

Set 2
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement, and why?
Q: Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision, and how you went about making that decision?
Q: What do you think are your greatest strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses in the Oxford MBA program?
Q: Tell me about a time when you had to work with a diverse team to achieve a goal. What did you learn from that experience?
Q: How do you stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry or field, and what trends do you see emerging in the near future?
Q: What role do you see technology playing in the business world, and how do you think businesses can stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape?

Is Oxford MBA worth it? There are several factors that make the Oxford MBA program unique:

• Global Perspective: Oxford University MBA program is highly focused on globalism, boasting a diverse student body that represents over 60 countries. In addition to providing students with an extensive curriculum and opportunities for cross-cultural communication and exchange, the program has established itself as one of the most international in the world.
• Entrepreneurship: MBA students have numerous opportunities to develop and pitch business ideas, with a dedicated entrepreneurship center offering mentoring and assistance as well as competitions like the Entrepreneurial Challenge in order to foster creativity within their peers.
• Personalized Learning: Students benefit from a highly personalized learning experience, marked by small class sizes, individual coaching and feedback, and the ability to customize their course of study according to career objectives.
• Social Impact: The Oxford Uniersity MBA program represents a notable investment in social impact, providing students with numerous opportunities to become involved in projects and initiatives that seek to solve pressing global issues such as climate change, healthcare access, and the alleviation of poverty.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Oxford's MBA program is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from fields such as psychology, philosophy, and political science to provide a more holistic understanding of business and its impact on society.
• Oxford MBA program stands out due to its singular preoccupation with a global outlook, entrepreneurial spirit, customizable learning model, social gain, and interdisciplinary education. This combination of advantages has attracted undergraduates who seek a comprehensive business education that leaves an impact on their professional lives.

The Oxford MBA program is recognized as one of the most prestigious MBA colleges in UK. Delivering an interdisciplinary curriculum with personal attention, emphasizing entrepreneurship, social impact and career advancement; it is distinguished from other MBAs both in its structure and content. Students are provided with a transformative learning experience that equips them not only for success within today's volatile business context but also ready to take on any future challenges they may face.