London Business School (LBS) MBA Program 2025 – A Complete Overview

By Arvind Kumar

Whether you’re at the starting line of your MBA journey or navigating the admissions process, this article is your compass to understanding the holistic LBS MBA experience.

Explore the intricate details of the London Business School MBA program, including class demographics, industry backgrounds, and the mosaic of nationalities that make up this vibrant community. Delve into employment statistics, witness career switches, and uncover the average salary expectations. Unravel the dynamic curriculum structure, from the foundational first year to the personalized second year with core and elective courses. Gain insights into the cost of attendance, available scholarships, and crucial deadlines. 

London Business School Class Profile

The LBS MBA Class of 2026 comprises 431 students with a diverse international representation. Women make up 45% of the class, and there are 65 nationalities represented. The average  work experience of 5.5 years.

Here is a snapshot of the LBS MBA class profile for the Class of 2026:

London Business School Class Profile Infographic

Industry Background

In terms of industry background, the class exhibits a varied mix, with consulting being the dominant sector at 34%, followed by finance/accounting at 21%.

Here is the distribution for the Industry Background of LBS MBA Class of 2026:

Nationalities

The nationalities of the class are distributed across the globe, with North America leading at 18%, followed by Central/South America (17%), and Europe excluding UK (14%). 

Here is the detailed geographic distribution for the LBS MBA Class of 2025:


LBS MBA Deadlines

LBS MBA Deadlines for the MBA August 2026 intake 

RoundApplication deadlineInterview decision sent onInterview periodAdmission decision sent on
Round 1Friday 5 September 2025Thursday 9 October 2025Mid-October to early-November 2025Thursday 27 November 2025
Round 2Tuesday 6 January 2026Tuesday 10 February 2026Early February to early March 2026Wednesday 1 April 2026
Round 3Monday 23 March 2026Thursday 16 April 2026End of April to mid-May 2026Thursday 4 June 2026

Source: LBS MBA Application Deadlines

Note:

  • All application deadlines are 17:00 UK time.
  • All Admissions Committee decisions are communicated via email and will be sent by 23:30 UK time on the relevant deadline day.

LBS MBA Admissions

The London Business School (LBS) MBA application process is streamlined and comprehensive, ensuring that candidates have the opportunity to present a well-rounded picture of their qualifications and aspirations. To initiate the application, candidates are required to submit a completed online application form, which includes two essential essays.

Essays

The essay questions for LBS MBA programme are:

  1. What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)
  2. What makes you unique? (200 words)
  3. Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

In addition to these long essays, the following are the essay prompts for the short/medium essays as part of the LBS MBA application:

  1. What’s your organisation’s main area of activity?
  2. Tell us about your responsibilities. Describe your day-to-day role, details of any clients you work with/for, the level/title of the person you report to, the size of budget for which you are directly responsible and the number of people in your team. (400 words max)
  3. Reason for taking on this role
  4. If you’ve now left this job, please tell us why
  5. If you are currently not working, or if you plan to leave your current employer more than three months before the programme starts, please explain your activities between leaving your last role and the start of the programme (max 300 words)
  6. Is your employer willing to support you? In what way – time, tuition, or both?
  7. What was your organisation’s main area of activity?, Your responsibilities, Reason for taking on this role, Reason for leaving this job
  8. List any academic honours, award, or scholarships previously received
  9. Do you feel that your academic performance so far gives an accurate indication of your potential for success on the programme? If so, why? If not, why not?
  10. Have you ever received formal disciplinary action from an academic institution, been forced to withdraw from a course of study, or failed to graduate? If so, you must declare that information here.
  11. Please outline your experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment. Do you plan to take further English language tuition before the programme starts? (300 words max)
  12. Please tell us your most significant international experiences to date. (100 words max)*
  13. Tell us about your main interests and activities in your free time. (300 words max)
  14. How did you first hear about London Business School? (Max 200 characters)
  15. How did you hear about this programme? (Max 100 characters)
  16. Have you attended an event on or off campus, or online where you met with representatives from the school? If yes, please tell us when, where and who you met (100 words max).
  17. We encourage applicants to take into consideration the impact of study on family and friends. Who have you discussed your plans with and what was the response? (300 words max)
  18. If you know any London Business School Alumni or Students, please give their names, graduating class and tell us how you know them. (300 words max)

Other Application Requirements

Alongside the essays, applicants are required to submit a one-page CV, undergraduate degree transcripts, and test scores from either the GMAT, GRE, or GMAT Focus. Proficiency in English is a crucial component of the application, and candidates can demonstrate this through recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE, or PTE.

A vital part of the application is a single reference, which provides insights into the candidate’s qualifications and potential for success in the LBS MBA program.

 You need to ask someone to act as your referee; this person could be either of the following:

  • Your current employer (if you don’t want to ask your employer to be a referee, a colleague is acceptable)
  • Someone else who knows you well in a work context, for example, a former employer or long-standing client.

The application process is designed to be thorough yet accessible, allowing candidates to present their credentials, articulate their goals, and highlight any additional information they deem relevant for a comprehensive evaluation by the Admissions Committee. The combination of essays, academic records, test scores, and references ensures that LBS gets a holistic view of each applicant, facilitating a fair and thorough selection process for the MBA program.

Check out Saurabh’s success story : who earned an interview invite from LBS and admits from NTU & HKUST.


LBS MBA Employment Statistics Class of 2024

The success of the London Business School (LBS) MBA program is mirrored in its robust employment statistics for the Class of 2024. A noteworthy 510 companies eagerly hired LBS MBA graduates for post-MBA positions, underscoring the program’s strong industry connections. An impressive 86% of students accepted job offers within three months of graduation, and a remarkable 87% received offers within the same timeframe. Notably, 83% of those who accepted offers received additional compensation or bonuses, showcasing the competitiveness and value of an LBS MBA.

LBS MBA Employment Statistics Class of 2024

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving at LBS, with 22 graduates opting for the path of entrepreneurship by becoming self-employed or starting their own businesses.

Here is a snapshot of the employment statistics:

MetricValue
Total Hiring Companies510
Received an Offer (within 3 months of graduation)87%
Accepted an Offer (within 3 months of graduation)86%
Graduates Receiving Bonuses/Other Compensation83%
Average Salary Increase33%
Graduates Pursuing Entrepreneurship22

Source: LBS MBA Employment Report 2024

Average Salary

In terms of remuneration, the LBS MBA Class of 2024 commanded an impressive average salary. The mean salary stood at £92,228.

UK POUNDSUS DOLLARS
MeanMaxMinMeanMaxMin
£92,228 £192,000£24,200$116,465 $243,456$30,576

Source: LBS MBA Employment Report 2024

Career Switches

LBS MBA graduates are adept at navigating change, as evidenced by the employment statistics. A significant 35% of graduates chose to switch locations upon graduation, while 52% made a sector transition. Notably, a daring 21% embarked on both location and sector switches, illustrating the versatility and adaptability fostered by the LBS MBA experience.

In short,

  • 35% switched location upon graduation
  • 52% switched sectors upon graduation
  • 21% switched location and sector upon graduation

Employment by Industry

The LBS MBA Class of 2024 witnessed an array of career paths, with 42% venturing into Consulting, 26% into Finance, and 21% into the dynamic Technology sector. 

More information in this table:

Industry% LBS Class of 2024 hired
Consulting 45
Finance 26
Investment Banking7
Investment Management4
Private Equity8
Venture Capital3
Central Banks/Ministries/Regulation/ Public Finance2
Other 1
Technology21
Information Technology and Services7
Climate Tech1
Internet/E-Commerce 2
FinTech6
EdTech1
Other3
Diversified 11
Energy2
Industrials4
Consumer & Retail3
Healthcare1
Other1

Source: LBS MBA Employment Report 2024

Salary by Industry

In terms of compensation, the mean overall salary stood at £92,228, showcasing the financial rewards of an LBS MBA. 

Consulting and Finance led the way with £99,866 and £92,758 mean salaries, respectively. The Technology sector followed closely with a mean of £80,180. These figures signify the lucrative opportunities that LBS graduates command across diverse industries.

Here are more details:

Scroll horizontally to see the full table.

IndustryUK Pounds – MeanUK Pounds – MaxUK Pounds – MinUS Dollars – MeanUS Dollars – MaxUS Dollars – MinInternational Dollars – MeanInternational Dollars – MaxInternational Dollars – Min
OVERALL£92,228£192,000£24,000$116,465$243,456$30,576$163,883$589,649$36,858
Other compensation£42,124£300,000£1,184$52,981$383,865$1,500$77,849$466,312$3,063
CONSULTING£99,866£192,000£32,159$125,064$243,456$40,818$190,531$589,649$62,440
Other compensation£47,930£121,550£5,000$59,969$147,998$6,475$99,413$466,312$7,805
FINANCE£92,758£172,000£24,000$117,760$210,750$30,576$154,817$410,298$36,858
Other compensation£52,923£300,000£2,800$67,057$383,865$3,575$85,700$462,730$4,310
Private Equity£79,560£125,000£32,000$100,726$153,958$40,858$145,010$256,819$49,252
Other compensation£54,034£125,000£2,800$68,461$153,958$3,575$89,102$185,589$4,310
Investment Banking£102,260£172,000£28,755$129,007$210,750$36,576$165,970$410,298$94,533
Other compensation£48,269£83,000£7,189$60,728$103,608$9,144$75,744$124,894$17,904
Investment Management£109,902£156,584£24,000$139,485$198,516$30,576$174,067$386,479$36,858
Other compensation£78,321£300,000£10,000$99,558$383,865$12,686$123,156$462,730$15,292
Venture Capital£92,722£132,500£65,000$120,051$173,511$85,252$145,097$209,158$102,767
Other compensation£24,450£39,750£20,000$31,619$52,053$25,404$38,115$62,748$30,623
Real Estate£90,675£119,675£66,812$114,724$150,000$85,020$148,274$165,554$120,929
Other compensation£24,644£45,000£13,919$31,116$56,429$17,713$43,672$68,022$28,502
Finance – Other¹£77,595£98,456£54,218$98,618$124,960$70,454$152,358$236,065$94,389
Other compensation£42,858£68,500£9,000$54,105$86,056$11,459$85,537$139,063$13,813
TECHNOLOGY£80,180£161,672£25,750$102,129$211,293$33,620$136,339$391,997$40,528
Other compensation£23,215£75,710£1,184$29,405$96,000$1,500$35,320$96,000$3,063
Fintech£76,328£102,564£44,490$96,839$130,800$58,909$121,893$207,156$91,598
Other compensation£21,125£45,000£2,000$26,790$57,016$2,541$33,148$68,730$3,063
Information Technology£93,994£161,672£60,000$119,392$205,000$79,447$135,906$205,000$95,769
Other compensation£31,051£75,710£5,000$39,228$96,000$6,384$43,754$96,000$7,696
Internet/E-Commerce£62,633£88,000£30,000$81,035$114,140$39,309$103,821$137,590$58,330
Other compensation£9,922£14,800£4,890$12,784$18,799$6,449$16,969$22,661$10,362
Healthtech£58,945£82,000£36,000$74,801$104,265$45,623$166,184$244,909$107,738
Other compensation***
Edtech£59,959£75,000£37,877$76,969$97,716$48,000$129,424$167,786$102,695
Other compensation***
Technology – Other²£72,192£160,000£8,200$93,261$211,293$10,238$125,685$254,703$12,341
Other compensation£62,319£112,700£25,750$79,416$140,000$33,620$196,226$391,997$40,528
DIVERSIFIED£90,318£155,000£45,000$114,492$207,226$59,498$147,381$261,210$71,722
Other compensation£27,826£69,438£2,240$34,876$86,750$2,853$43,738$111,003$4,519
Consumer & Retail£76,734£121,516£45,000$97,131$148,214$59,498$143,303$261,210$71,722
Other compensation£24,512£69,438£4,500$30,730$84,693$5,950$43,291$111,003$7,172
Industrials£95,952£133,811£64,000$121,776$170,000$81,517$151,464$181,033$111,255
Other compensation£22,659£46,598£2,240$28,753$59,153$2,853$34,335$73,596$4,519
Healthcare£97,248£115,000£77,135$120,621$145,719$97,472$135,614$175,657$105,464
Other compensation£37,704£59,250£17,998$46,469$72,652$22,743$52,489$87,578$24,608
Diversified – Other³£102,462£155,000£50,000$132,098$207,226$62,426$159,238

Source: LBS MBA Employment Report 2024

  • * Conversion rates as per date of offer.
  • ** Purchasing power parity (PPP) included due to the high number of students who have salaries in non-US dollar currencies. The World Bank’s implied PPP rate of exchange was used to equalise the purchasing power across economies.
  • *** Insufficient data points to report.
  • Other compensation includes sign-on and end-of-year bonus where we have sufficient data.
  • 1 Technology – Other: Includes Edtech, Electronics, Foodtech, Healthtech, Media – Publishing, Mobility, Telecommunications.
  • 2 Finance – Other: Includes Real Estate and Services & Products.
  • 3 Diversified – Other: Includes Healthcare, Education/Training, Law/Legal Services, Leisure/Travel/Tourism, Sports, Social Impact. Salary data does not include sponsored or self-employed students, in accordance with MBA CSEA guidelines. 

Top Employers

Boston Consulting Group, Amazon, and Morgan Stanley emerged as top employers, demonstrating the strong corporate ties fostered by LBS. These renowned entities recruited significantly from the MBA class, affirming the program’s reputation for producing top-tier talent sought after by industry leaders.

IndustryCompanyNumber of Hires
ConsultingMcKinsey & Company42
ConsultingBoston Consulting Group45
ConsultingBain & Company22
ConsultingDeloitte5
ConsultingKearney8
ConsultingAccenture8
ConsultingStrategy&16
ConsultingL.E.K. Consulting2
ConsultingEY-Parthenon2
ConsultingMatrix Consulting5
ConsultingFTI Consulting2
ConsultingEY2
FinanceMorgan Stanley4
FinanceBritish International Investment3
FinancePIMCO3
FinanceAntler2
FinanceAstorg2
FinanceCiti2
FinanceENuveen Investment2
TechnologyAmazon9
TechnologyWipro3
TechnologyMastercard3
TechnologyAmerican Express8
TechnologyMastercard Advisors2
TechnologyTikTok2
TechnologyUber2
DiversifiedSumitomo Corporation3
DiversifiedEli Lilly and Company2
DiversifiedMitsubishi Corporation2

Source: LBS MBA Employment Report 2024


LBS MBA Curriculum

The London Business School’s MBA program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering students the option to tailor the duration according to their needs and career objectives. The program spans a duration of 15 to 21 months, providing three flexible exit points at 15, 18, and 21 months

Click on the tabs below to explore the different components of the curriculum.

In the first year of the London Business School MBA program, the curriculum is structured into three terms, each covering essential business fundamentals and allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. 

Year 1 (August–June) starts with a Pre-term period focused on online preparation and pre-programme modules that build a solid grounding in Business Fundamentals. During this stage, all students complete core courses such as Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Data Analytics for Managers, Global Leadership Assessment for Managers, Perspectives in Business Ethics, and Understanding General Management. 

Term One (August–December) deepens this foundation with subjects like Finance I, Macroeconomics for Managers, Marketplaces, Strategy, The Science of People in Organisations, Marketing, and Operations Management.

In Terms Two and Three (January–June), the focus shifts to a Tailored Core, where students can select courses that best suit their interests and professional goals. Options include Business Analytics, Finance II, Financial Reporting for Today’s Economy, Performance-Driven Strategy Execution, LondonCAP, Developing Entrepreneurial Opportunities, and Digital Strategy, along with advanced modules such as Design Led Innovation, Financial Reporting Analytics, and Innovation and Technology Strategy.

Alongside these academic components, the year also includes opportunities to take electives, participate in Skills for the Future sessions, work closely with the Career Management team, and engage in a Language Programme that supports global learning and communication.

This comprehensive and flexible curriculum ensures that students acquire a solid foundation in business fundamentals while tailoring their studies to align with their specific interests and career objectives.

The second year of the London Business School MBA program offers students a highly personalized and flexible curriculum designed to cater to their individual career aspirations and academic interests.

The Summer term (July–August) offers students the chance to apply their learning in real-world settings through either an internship or the Entrepreneurship Summer School, where they can explore and test new venture ideas.

Year 2 (September–July) is designed to be highly flexible and personalized, allowing students to tailor their experience based on their career goals and interests. They can choose from flexible exit points at 15, 18, or 21 months, depending on their academic and professional plans. The year includes a range of experiential and academic opportunities such as the Global Experience, Business Project, Internships, and International Exchange, culminating in a final Capstone and Congregation. Students also have access to a wide selection of electives, continued Career Management support, and the Language Programme to further enhance their global and professional development.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in an International Exchange, explore a range of Electives, receive dedicated support through Career Management services, and enhance their language skills through the Language Programme. 

This comprehensive and flexible second-year curriculum ensures that students not only deepen their expertise in their chosen areas but also gain a well-rounded, global perspective to excel in the dynamic world of business.

London Business School’s MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum comprising core courses and a diverse range of electives.

The Business Fundamentals core, spanning the first two terms, equips students with a robust business toolkit and the cultural sensitivities necessary for global success. This dynamic introduction covers essential management and global leadership tools, crucial for securing summer internships. Core courses include Understanding General Management, Global Leadership Assessment for Managers (GLAM), Data Analytics for Managers, Perspectives in Business Ethics, Finance I, Strategy, Marketplaces, Accounting, Marketing, The Science of People in Organizations, Operations Management, and Macroeconomics for Managers.

From the second term onward, the MBA gives you the freedom to shape your learning journey through a range of tailored core courses that reflect your personal interests and career goals. You can choose to deepen your expertise in areas like Business Analytics, Finance II, or ESG Reporting for Today’s Economy, or explore new and emerging fields such as Digital Strategy, Innovation and Technology Strategy, and Information in the Modern Economy. The programme also offers several hands-on options, including LondonCAP, Developing Entrepreneurial Opportunities, and Performance-Driven Strategy Execution, which allow you to apply what you’ve learned to real business challenges. Other courses—such as Customer and Market Insights, Marketing Planning Under Competition, Pricing, Design Led Innovation, Value Chain Management, and Global Economic Analysis—help you build a well-rounded skill set while tailoring the MBA to your aspirations.

On the elective front, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and energy by completing between 10 and 12 electives. These can be tailored to areas of special interest, broadening business perspectives, or preparing for specific career moves. Elective courses are offered in various formats, allowing students to choose from weekday, evening, weekend, and intensive block week schedules. With over 100 electives to choose from, the program covers diverse subjects. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of ten electives.

Elective concentrations offer a more focused study path, allowing students to specialize in specific areas. Concentrations available include Change Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Private Capital, Strategy, Economics, Technology and Analytics, and Sustainability. Successfully completing electives within a concentration provides official recognition of the specialization, enhancing the MBA experience and preparing graduates for success in their chosen fields.


London Business School – Cost of Attendance

The MBA tuition fees amount to £119,950, covering the entire 15-21 month program, regardless of the chosen exit point. These fees exclude program-related travel expenses, offering flexibility for students to customize their experiences and associated costs. 

Various Global Experiences involve different travel and accommodation expenses depending on the chosen location. Additionally, there is a Student Association Fee of £380, encompassing the Student Association (SA) subscription and facilitating active participation in the vibrant student community.

Source : LBS MBA Fees


LBS MBA Scholarships

London Business School (LBS) is committed to fostering a diverse and talented community, and to support this commitment, a range of scholarships is available for MBA students. Admitted students are automatically considered for all awards, streamlining the process for financial aid. In total, there are 91 scholarships specifically allocated for LBS MBA students. To explore eligibility and find the scholarships suitable for you, you can use this dedicated online scholarship tool provided by LBS.

This tool allows you to navigate and discover the various scholarship opportunities tailored to your specific circumstances and goals. This comprehensive approach ensures that deserving candidates have access to financial support, enhancing the accessibility and diversity of the MBA program at LBS.

Source : LBS MBA Scholarships


Further Reading


FAQs – London Business School Guide

What is the duration of the London Business School MBA program?

London Business School offers two distinct MBA formats. The flagship program is a flexible 15 to 21-month full-time MBA, allowing students to tailor the length based on their career goals. For experienced professionals, LBS also offers an accelerated 11-month One-Year MBA

How much does the LBS MBA cost for 2025?

The MBA tuition fees amount to £119,950, covering the entire 15-21 month program, regardless of the chosen exit point. These fees exclude program-related travel expenses, offering flexibility for students to customize their experiences and associated costs. 

What is the difference between the LBS Two-Year MBA and the One-Year MBA?

The core difference lies in the structure and target audience. The Two-Year MBA is designed for career switchers; its flexibility allows for summer internships, international exchanges, and extensive customization through electives. The One-Year MBA is an intensive program for professionals with more experience (3-10 years) who aim to accelerate their current career path and typically have a prior business-related master’s degree.

Does the LBS MBA curriculum include international exposure?

Yes, global immersion is a cornerstone of the LBS experience. Students in the two-year MBA can participate in a renowned International Exchange program with over 30 partner schools worldwide. Both programs also offer Global Business Experiences, which are short, faculty-led trips to explore business landscapes in other countries.

What is the average salary for a London Business School MBA graduate?

Based on the most recent official employment report, the average base salary for an LBS MBA graduate is $116,465 (approximately £95,000). It’s important to note that this is the base salary, and a significant 83% of graduates also receive additional compensation in the form of signing and performance bonuses.

Here is a breakdown of average salaries by the top industries for LBS graduates:

Consulting: $125,064
Financial Services: $117,760
Technology: $102,129


Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this overview, you’ll have a holistic understanding of the London Business School MBA program. Whether you’re contemplating a career switch, aiming for a salary boost, or seeking a globally recognized education, LBS might just be the launchpad you need. 

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