Deciding to pursue an MBA is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, from program structure to financial commitments and career goals opportunities. Among the plethora of options available, Cambridge University’s Judge Business School stands out as an excellent choice, offering a comprehensive MBA experience that integrates academic rigor with practical learning and real-world impact.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the various facets of the Cambridge Judge MBA program, covering essential aspects such as the class profile, employment reports, admissions process, program structure & curriculum, fees, and scholarships. By exploring these key elements, you can gain valuable insights into what makes the Cambridge Judge MBA program unique and how it can propel your personal and professional growth to new heights.
Let’s uncover the details.
Cambridge Judge MBA Class Profile
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Students | 226 |
| Average Age | 29 |
| Female Students | 42% |
| GMAT Score (mean average) | 682 |
| Nationalities Represented | 45 |
| Average Work Experience (Years) | 6 |
The Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2023 comprises a diverse cohort of 226 students representing 45 nationalities, creating a dynamic and multicultural learning environment. With an average age of 29 and an average of 6 years of work experience, the class brings a wealth of professional insights and expertise to the table. Notably, 42% of the class are women, reflecting the school’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Educational Background
| Field | Percentage |
| STEM (Engineering) | 29% |
| STEM (Other) | 17% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Arts | 5% |
| Economics | 10% |
| Business / Accounting / Finance | 28% |
In terms of educational background, students come from various fields, with significant representation from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, including both engineering and other STEM areas. Additionally, students bring expertise from social sciences, arts, economics, and business-related fields, enriching classroom discussions with diverse perspectives.
Industry Background
| Industry | Percentage |
| Consulting | 18% |
| Finance | 24% |
| NGO / Not-for-Profit / Public Sector / Research / Education | 7% |
| Industry | 51% |
The class also boasts a diverse industry background, with a notable presence from the consulting, finance, and non-profit sectors. This blend of experiences ensures a rich exchange of ideas and fosters collaborative learning across different sectors.
Overall, the Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2023 embodies the school’s values of diversity, excellence, and innovation, poised to make significant contributions to the global business landscape.
Cambridge Judge MBA Employment Report 2023
The Cambridge Judge MBA Employment Report for the Class of 2023 reveals promising trends in post-MBA salary and employment outcomes, showcasing the program’s ability to equip graduates with the skills and opportunities for successful career transitions. Let’s delve into the data:
Upon completing their MBA journey, graduates from Cambridge Judge Business School embark on exciting career paths, with impressive salary packages awaiting them.
The post-MBA salary data, converted using purchasing power parity (PPP), showcases the financial rewards that come with earning a Cambridge Judge MBA:
| Metric | Amount (GBP) | Amount (USD) |
| Average Base Salary | £75,198 | $120,233 |
| Average Package | £92,501 | $149,634 |
These figures not only reflect the value of the MBA program but also highlight the competitive advantage it provides to graduates in the global job market. Here are a few other metrics related to Cambridge Judge MBA Employment 2023.
| Employment Metrics | Statistics |
| Graduates with Job Offers Three Months Out | 94% |
| Employed Three Months Out | 94% |
| Number of Countries where Jobs have been Taken | 24 |
| Students Switching Country, Function, or Industry | 97% |
| Students Switching Industry Sector | 86% |
| Students Switching Job Functions | 72% |
| Students Switching Country | 68% |
| Students Switching All Three | 42% |
- Employment Rate: With 94% of graduates securing job offers within three months post-MBA, the employment rate underscores the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market and connecting them with global career opportunities.
- Global Opportunities: The diversity of job locations is evident from the fact that graduates have secured positions in 24 different countries, reflecting the program’s international reputation and the global mobility of its alumni.
- Career Transitions: A significant proportion of students (97%) have undergone some form of career transition, whether it’s switching industry sectors, job functions, countries, or a combination of all three. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of Cambridge Judge MBA graduates in responding to evolving market demands and pursuing diverse career paths.
- Industry and Functional Mobility: The high percentages of students switching industry sectors (86%) and job functions (72%) indicate a willingness among graduates to explore new domains and expand their skill sets, showcasing their readiness to embrace challenges and pursue career growth.
- International Mobility: Nearly 68% of students have transitioned to roles in different countries, demonstrating their readiness to embrace diverse cultural and professional environments. This global mindset is a testament to the international exposure and cross-cultural competencies fostered within the Cambridge Judge MBA program.
- Comprehensive Career Changes: A notable 42% of students have undergone significant transformations by switching industries, job functions, and countries simultaneously. This underscores the program’s capacity to empower students with the skills and confidence to pursue ambitious career transitions and seize opportunities on a global scale.
Post-MBA Sector Employment
| Sector | Percentage |
| Consulting | 29% |
| Finance | 30% |
| Public Sector / NGO / Other | 4% |
| Industry – Internet / eCommerce | 8% |
| Industry – Technology | 10% |
| Industry – Consumer Products / FMCG | 6% |
| Industry – Other | 13% |
Salary Data (Mean and Highest)
| Sector | Mean Salary (£) | Highest Salary (£) | Mean Salary ($) | Highest Salary ($) |
| Consulting | £77,931 | £118,182 | $128,817 | $373,211 |
| Finance | £78,117 | £120,968 | $122,091 | $249,487 |
| Industry | £72,620 | £124,363 | $115,677 | $208,659 |
1. Post-MBA Sector Employment:
- Consulting and finance sectors continue to be the top choices for Cambridge Judge MBA graduates, with 29% and 30% of the cohort opting for careers in these fields, respectively.
- The technology sector also attracts a significant portion of graduates, with 10% opting for roles in this industry, reflecting the growing importance of technology-driven roles in today’s business landscape.
- While industries like the internet/eCommerce and consumer products/FMCG garner moderate representation, a noteworthy 13% of graduates venture into other industries, showcasing the diverse career interests of the cohort.
2. Salary Data:
- Across all sectors, MBA graduates command impressive salaries, with finance and consulting sectors offering the highest mean and highest salaries.
- The mean salaries in GBP (British Pound) for consulting and finance sectors are quite comparable, indicating competitive remuneration in both fields.
- However, when considering PPP-adjusted salaries in USD (United States Dollar), consulting roles emerge as particularly lucrative, with the highest salary in this sector surpassing other sectors significantly.
- While the industry sector offers slightly lower mean salaries compared to consulting and finance, it still provides attractive remuneration packages, especially considering the diverse array of roles within this category.
Post-MBA Job Function
| Job Function | Percentage |
| Business Development | 3% |
| Consultant | 33% |
| Corporate Planning/Strategy | 7% |
| Finance | 23% |
| General Management | 4% |
| Marketing/Sales | 6% |
| Operations | 6% |
| Other | 5% |
| Product Management | 5% |
| ESG/CSR Management | 3% |
| Programme Management | 2% |
| Project Management | 3% |
Observations and Inferences:
- Consultants form the largest cohort at 33%, indicating the strong analytical and problem-solving skills honed during the MBA program.
- Finance (23%) and Corporate Planning/Strategy (7%) roles reflect the emphasis on strategic thinking and financial acumen within the curriculum.
- The distribution across various functions underscores the versatility of Cambridge Judge graduates in adapting to different job roles post-MBA.
Post-MBA Job Locations
| Location | Percentage |
| United Kingdom | 64% |
| East Asia | 9% |
| South-East Asia | 8% |
| Europe (excl. UK) | 6% |
| North America | 7% |
| Middle East & North Africa | 1% |
| South Asia | 2% |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 3% |
Observations and Inferences:
- The majority of graduates (64%) secured employment within the United Kingdom, highlighting the strong network and opportunities available in the region.
- East Asia (9%) and South-East Asia (8%) collectively account for a significant portion, indicating the growing demand for MBA talent in these regions.
- North America (7%) and Europe (excl. UK) (6%) also attract a notable number of Cambridge Judge graduates, showcasing the program’s global appeal.
International Mobility
- Switched Country: 68% of graduates switched countries post-MBA, indicating the program’s ability to facilitate global career transitions.
- Switched to the UK: Among those who switched countries, 80% relocated to the United Kingdom, highlighting its attractiveness as a destination for career advancement and opportunities.
- Returned to Pre-MBA Country: Despite international mobility, 32% of graduates returned to their pre-MBA country, showcasing the program’s ability to facilitate both global mobility and career progression within one’s home country.
Cambridge Judge MBA Program Structure
Cambridge Judge MBA Program Structure and Curriculum: A Comprehensive Overview
Program Details
- Length: 1 year
- Start: September 2024
- Format: Full-time
- Location: Cambridge
Curriculum
At Cambridge Judge, the MBA program is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about tailoring your educational journey to match your aspirations and interests. Combining academic rigor with personalized learning experiences, the curriculum reflects the school’s commitment to excellence in global business education.
Academic Outline
| Term | Focus | Core Courses | Projects |
| Michaelmas Term (October to December) | Team building: project focus | EntrepreneurshipManagement ScienceCorporate FinanceFinancial Reporting and AnalysisMicroeconomicsOrganizational Behaviour & LeadershipOrganisations and Markets: Designs and IncentivesManagement Praxis IElectives – View the list of elective courses | Team project: Cambridge Venture Project (CVP) |
| Lent Term (January to March) | Team leading: organizational complexity | StrategyMarketingCorporate Governance: OrganisationsDigital BusinessManagement Praxis IIElectives: three (chosen in Michaelmas Term)Electives – View the list of elective courses | Team project: Global Consulting Project (GCP) |
| Easter Term (April to June) | Influence and Impact: global context | MacroeconomicsOperations ManagementBusiness and Sustainable DevelopmentAdvanced StrategyChoose 3 (chosen in Lent Term) View the list of elective courses | Team project: Concentration Project – Board ImpactConcentration – Choose one of the available thematic Concentrations (chosen in Lent Term) |
| Summer Term (June to September) | Application and relaunch | Choose one of the following:Individual projectWork placementResearch paperLean Six SigmaCase Writing WorkshopInternational Business Study Trip (IBST) |
Concentration
Students have the opportunity to choose from a range of thematic concentrations, which are selected during the Lent Term. These concentrations allow students to deepen their expertise in specific areas of interest. The available concentrations include:
- Culture, Arts and Media Management (CAM)
- Digital Transformation
- Energy and Environment
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Strategies
- Marketing
- Sustainable Business
- Strategy
Core Courses
The core courses lay the foundation for students’ MBA journey, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge essential for success in their careers. These core courses include:
- Microeconomics
- Organizational Behaviour
- Management Science
- Corporate Finance
- Organisations versus Markets: Designs and Incentives
- Entrepreneurship
- Management Praxis
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Digital Business
- Negotiations Lab
- Advanced Strategy
- Operations Management
- Macroeconomics
- Sustainable Business
Electives
In addition to core courses, students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of elective courses. These electives allow students to tailor their MBA experience to their specific career goals and interests. Some of the elective courses available include:
- Behavioural Finance
- Cases in Corporate Finance
- Consumer Behaviour
- Cost Management and Control
- Creative Arts and Media Management
- Customer Centricity: A Strategic Approach
- Digital Marketing
- Energy and Emissions Markets and Policies
- Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition – Becoming a CEO from an MBA
- International Business
- Introduction to Options, Futures and Other Derivatives
- Leadership in Organisations
- Leading Effective Projects
- Managing Innovation Strategically
- Marketing and Innovation in Emerging Economies
- Net Zero Entrepreneurship
- New Venture Finance
- Philosophy of Business
- Risk Management and Strategic Planning
- Social Impact Through Enterprise
- Strategic Pricing
- Thinking Strategically
- Topics in Financial Statement Analysis
- Decision Making for Leaders
- Design Sprint for Digital Innovation
- Digital Currency and Block Chains
- Disruptive Technology and Multisided Platforms
- Entrepreneurship: How to Start a Company
- Global Marketing
- Innovating Healthcare Services: How to Make High-Quality Healthcare Affordable for All
- International Finance
- Leadership and Strategy: The Role of the CEO
- Managing Big Data Analysis
- Managing for Sustainability
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Principles of Financial Regulation
- Private Equity
- Strategic Brand Management
- Strategies for Energy and Climate
- Supply Chain Strategy
- The Entertainment Industries
- The Purpose of Finance
- Topics in Investment Management
- Venture Capital and the Entrepreneurial World
Cambridge Judge MBA Fees and Living Cost
Pursuing an MBA entails not only intellectual investment but also financial planning. Understanding the costs associated with pursuing an MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School is essential for prospective students.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees and living expenses for the MBA Class of 2024/25:
Fees
| Description | Amount |
| Tuition Fee | £69,000 |
| Application Fee | £165 |
The tuition fee for the MBA Class of 2024/25 is £69,000. Additionally, there is an application fee of £165, which is a one-time payment required during the application process.
Living Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, you need to budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Here’s an estimated breakdown of basic living costs for a full-time student without dependents for the academic year 2024/25:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Basic Living Expenses | £18,625 |
| Setup Costs | Variable |
The estimated average basic living costs for a full-time MBA student without dependents for the academic year 2024/25 is £18,625. This includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal essentials.
In addition to basic living expenses, you should consider setup costs, which may include purchasing a laptop, mobile phone, or bike, as well as covering initial travel and utility bills.
Cambridge Judge MBA Scholarships
Pursuing an MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School is not only a prestigious academic endeavor but also an investment in your future. To support talented and deserving candidates in realizing their academic and professional aspirations, the school offers a wide range of scholarships.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the scholarships available for the MBA Class of 2024/25:
| Scholarship | Benefits | Number of Awards | Deadline | Eligibility |
| Vanessa Dekou Scholarship for Scientists | £25,000 | 1 | No fixed deadline | Candidates with a scientific background (priority given to Greek nationals and those in hardship) |
| Saïd Foundation Scholarship | Varies from part to full funding | Multiple | 31 October 2023 (17:00 GMT) | Open to Middle Eastern candidates with a focus on empowerment through education |
| Skye Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship | Variable value covering living and accommodation expenses | Multiple | 31 January 2024 | Established by Brian and Dorothy Zylstra, open to all |
| Chevening Scholarships | Varies from part to full funding | Multiple | 7 November 2023 (12:00 GMT) | Available to residents returning to their home country after completion of the program |
| CONACYT Scholarship | Tuition fees and living expenses | Multiple | Variable deadlines | Open to Mexican nationals |
| Cambridge Society Bombay Scholarship Fund | Up to Indian Rupees 250,000 | Multiple | Variable deadlines | Domiciled in Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa |
| Global-Asia Management Programme Scholarship | Tuition fees and monthly living allowance | Multiple | Rolling until awarded | Open to Singapore citizens |
| The Cambridge Judge Dean’s Scholarship | £15,000 | 3 | 08 January 2024 | Outstanding academic achievement in undergraduate studies |
| The Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Professional Diversity | 50% of tuition fees | 5 | 7 May 2024 | Professionals in arts, culture, media, energy, healthcare, social enterprise, NGOs, and non-profit sectors |
| The Cambridge MBA ROMBA Fellowship | 50% of tuition fees | 2 | Rolling until awarded | LGBTQ+ community leaders, personally or professionally |
| USA-UK Fulbright Scholarship | Tuition and maintenance | Multiple | October | US citizens |
| Colfuturo Scholarship/Loan | Up to USD $50,000 | Multiple | May | Colombian professionals |
| Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) | Tuition fees and various expenses | Multiple | December | Commonwealth citizens |
| Jean Monet – Entente Cordiale Scholarships | Up to £10,000 | Multiple | April | French nationals aiming at top management careers |
| The St Catharine’s Benavitch Scholarship | Up to £15,000 | 5 | 1 March 2024 (rounds 1 or 2) | Open to successful candidates wishing to join St Catharine’s College |
| The Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Regional Diversity | 50% of tuition fees | 5 | 7 May 2024 | Nationals of Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Caribbean, Africa, Central Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe |
| The Forté Foundation Fellowship | 50% of tuition fees | 5 | 11 March 2024 | Female applicants |
| The Cambridge MBA Professor Jochen Runde Scholarship | £15,000 | 1 | Rolling until awarded | South African nationals |
| The Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Military Veterans | £15,000 | 2 | Rolling until awarded | Military veterans |
| The Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Technology Advancement | £15,000 | 3 | 08 January 2024 | Technology industry experience |
| The Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Entrepreneurs | £15,000 | 3 | 08 January 2024 | Founders of a company or part of a founding team |
| The Cambridge MBA Professor Nick Oliver Scholarship for UK Nationals | Up to £15,000 | 1 | Rolling until awarded | UK nationals |
| General Sir Monash Awards | AU$75,000 | Multiple | August | Australian candidates |
| Lebanese International Finance Executives (LIFE) Scholarship | Up to USD $12,000 | Multiple | May | Lebanese candidates or of Lebanese descent |
| The Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship | Up to 75% of tuition fees + accommodation expenses | 1 | 15 May 2024 | Priority to Lebanese nationals |
| The Sidney Sussex Joyce Coutu Scholarship | £1,000 | 1 | 07 May 2024 | North American female students interested in entrepreneurship post-MBA |
| Khazanah Cambridge Scholarship | Full tuition, living expenses, return air passage, and other allowances | Multiple | 31 August 2023 | Malaysian citizens aiming at top management careers |
Cambridge Judge MBA Admissions
The Cambridge Judge MBA program is renowned for attracting ambitious and talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you’re considering applying for the MBA Class of 2024/25, here’s everything you need to know about the admissions process:
Who is the ideal candidate for Cambridge Judge MBA
The Cambridge MBA is ideal for candidates who possess:
- 2+ years of work experience with evidence of career progression
- A bachelor’s degree with academic excellence (equivalent to a high 2:1 on the UK scale)
- A valid GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE score
- Excellent English language abilities
- A learning mindset and strong interpersonal skills
- Confidence, resilience, ambition, and the ability to thrive under pressure
Application Key Dates
The admissions process operates within multiple rounds, offering applicants flexibility and ample opportunity to submit their applications. Here are the application deadlines for the upcoming intake:
| Round | Application Deadline | Interviews |
| Round 1 | 29 Aug 2023 | 2-13 Oct 2023 (On campus: 2 Oct 2023) |
| Round 2 | 3 Oct 2023 | 13-24 Nov 2023 (On campus: 13 Nov 2023) |
| Round 3 | 8 Jan 2024 | 26 Feb-15 Mar 2024 (On campus: 26 Feb 2024) |
| Round 4 | 11 Mar 2024 | 12-26 Apr 2024 |
| Round 5 | 7 May 2024 | 7-21 Jun 2024 |
Application Process
The application process for the Cambridge MBA is straightforward and applicant-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Create an account and start your application. Take your time to fill out the MBA application on our online portal, ensuring you have all the necessary supporting documents ready.
- Application Submission: Once your application is complete, submit it online. Ensure all required documents are attached, and pay the £165 application fee.
- Application Review: The Cambridge Admissions Committee will review your entire application to determine if you will be short-listed for an interview. You will be notified within 3 weeks if you’ve been short-listed.
- Interview: Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview, which may be conducted on-campus or virtually.
- Conditional Offer: Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer within 3 weeks of the interview. If you accept the offer, you’ll be required to pay a Commitment Fee of 15% of fees and provide a financial guarantee.
- Unconditional Offer: Once certain conditions are met, your offer will be converted to an unconditional offer, and you can officially accept it.
Minimum Application Requirements
Ensure your application meets the following requirements:
- Complete application and application fee (£165).
- Undergraduate degree equivalent to a good 2:1 Honours degree.
- Minimum of 2 years’ work experience.
- Valid GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE score (valid for 5 years).
- One reference from a supervisor.
- Essays addressing career objectives, professional mistakes, best team experience, and positive impact someone made on you.
- Fluency in English (English proficiency test required if English is not the first language).
- Ability to finance your MBA (consider financial planning early).
Final Thoughts
From the diverse and accomplished class profile to the extensive range of career opportunities showcased in the employment reports, the Cambridge MBA experience is designed to challenge, inspire, and propel you toward your goals.
Moreover, the transparent and robust admissions process ensures that every candidate is given a fair opportunity to showcase their potential, while the well-structured program curriculum equips students with the critical thinking, leadership, and strategic skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic business environment.
While the financial investment in tuition fees and living costs may seem daunting, the availability of scholarships and financial aid options underscores the school’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
As we conclude our exploration of the Cambridge Judge MBA journey, it becomes evident that this program offers far more than just academic learning. It fosters a vibrant and inclusive community where diversity thrives, ideas flourish, and connections are forged that last a lifetime.