Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the course?

The Cambridge Executive MBA programme lasts for 20 months, and takes place in Cambridge once a month on Fridays (beginning at 12:30) and Saturdays. In addition to weekend sessions, there is an Orientation Week in early September, a ten-day International Business Trip, and a week-long Group Project. Find out more »

When does the course start?

The Cambridge Executive MBA programme starts in September each year. We do not have a January intake.

How many students will you be admitting this year?

We expect 40-60 participants to enter the programme this year.

Can you send me a prospectus?

We do not have a hard copy prospectus to send out to candidates. You can download our prospectus from the website.

How can I be sure that the Cambridge Executive MBA qualification is recognised by the business community?

The Cambridge Executive MBA programme leads to the same Cambridge University degree qualification as the full-time programme. In addition, Cambridge Judge Business School is accredited by EQUIS, an independent auditor of business schools worldwide.

Where will I stay during orientation week?

We arrange accommodation for all Executive MBA participants in a nearby Cambridge college. Participants will stay in hotel-standard rooms, with ensuite bathrooms, internet access and flat-screen TVs. Breakfast in the college dining hall is included, and the cost of this accommodation is included in your fees.

How many hours a week of study is required?

A minimum of 15 hours' study a week is required. Between your study periods in Cambridge you will be fully supported through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

What specialisations do you offer?

The Executive MBA is a general management programme. However, you can tailor the programme to meet your own needs and post-EMBA employment aims through two electives and two projects. In this way you are able to gain all the basic general management skills and specialise in areas of management important for your current and future goals. We do, of course, have recognised strengths in the area of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological development. Find out more »

Do I have to find host companies for my consulting projects?

No: our Projects Office is responsible for gathering group project proposals from the host companies. Once you and your group have decided which company you would like to work with, you will then develop the project brief with that company. Of course, individual groups may choose outside of these offerings, including organisations that might be represented in the programme. For your Individual project (IP) we expect you to work with your own organisation.

What is the structure of the International Business Trip?

International Business is a key module of the Cambridge MBA programme. For the Executive MBA this course will be taught 'in situ', so you will travel with faculty, take your courses abroad and visit a series of organisations and industries. The exact location will be tailored to the requirements of class participants.

How are EMBA participants assessed?

Programme modules are mainly assessed through written assignments; in addition to this, there are three compulsory exams. To ensure maximum benefit, you will be asked to focus on your own organisation and apply your new-found knowledge to existing challenges.

Are there any business lectures or networking events during the week?

A huge range of business-related talks, symposia and events take place every week in Cambridge, and as an EMBA student you are more than welcome to join these. The best way to find out what's going on is to log into your Virtual learning Environment and check your mail for School and college news.

When can I apply for the September 2012 programme?

Admissions for September 2012 will be open from mid-September 2011.

What's the application deadline for the September 2012 programme?

We operate a staged application process. Submitted applications will be considered on various dates throughout the year. For a list of application deadlines and corresponding interview days please visit the apply section of this website.

Do you have a staged application process?

Yes. All our application deadlines and related interview day schedule can be found on the Applying webpage.

Can I be considered for both the Executive MBA and the full-time MBA?

You can, but you should be aware that these programmes are intended for two very distinct groups of candidates. Executive MBA students must be fully employed during the period of their programme, while full-time MBA participants need to devote all of their energies to that programme, which is taught over fewer months in a more concentrated format. The admissions processes are entirely distinct, so two separate and complete applications would have to be submitted.

Do you require work experience?

Yes. Applicants can only be considered if they meet the requirement of a minimum of seven years' post-graduation work experience. We anticipate that successful candidates will have closer to ten years' experience.

Do part-time jobs count towards the minimum work experience requirements?

In most cases no; for example, if you are applying for 2011 entry you must expect to have at least five years of full-time, post-graduation work experience by September 2011. However please tell us if there are extenuating circumstances which mean that you have only been able to work part-time or on temporary contracts.

Do undergraduate internships count towards the minimum work experience requirement?

No; all work experience must be post-graduation.

Do I need management experience to qualify for the course?

Management experience or related qualifications and goals will be important for candidates who are successful in gaining entry into the programme. We would expect candidates to have experience in managing both projects and people.

Is there an application fee?

No, we are one of the few Executive MBA programmes that do not charge an application fee. We believe that anyone with the ability, intellectual curiosity and determination to succeed should apply.

I have my own company. How do I choose my referees?

You can ask a client, supplier or professional adviser to act as your referee.

Will you consider my application if I do not have a degree?

Our programme is intellectually demanding and the training received at the undergraduate level is considered appropriate preparation for masters' level academic study. We can consider applicants with special circumstances on an individual basis, but you will need to provide evidence of sufficient academic ability and a high level of professional experience to cope with the intellectual and applied demands of the programme. A recent GMAT score will be essential for any applicant without a degree, regardless of work experience.

Can I submit further documents after I have submitted my application?

Your application will only be considered complete once all the items on the application check list have been received.

If you have forgotten to submit an item as part of your application then this can be emailed to the Executive MBA Admissions Team.

Is the GMAT compulsory?

The GMAT demonstrates your preparedness for re-entering an academic environment. By taking the test you are helping the Admissions Committee make an informed decision about your current academic ability to undertake the programme. If you feel that the skills covered by the GMAT can be demonstrated elsewhere in your application (through previous qualifications or work experience) then you may request a waiver; this may be granted at the discretion of the Executive MBA Director.

Do I have to take the GMAT before applying?

If you feel you can demonstrate the skills shown in a GMAT through work experience or previous qualifications then you may request a GMAT waiver and do not need to sit the GMAT prior to applying for the programme.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree or have a degree below the minimum entry requirement then it is advisable to consider taking the GMAT prior to applying for the programme, as this will help demonstrate your current academic ability to the Admissions Committee.

What GMAT score do I need to qualify?

We do not specify a minimum GMAT score - it is just one of the many criteria we consider in the selection process. However, the average score of this year's full-time MBA class is 690, and we look for balanced scores between the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the test.

I have more than one GMAT score, which one will you consider?

If you have taken the GMAT more than once, please report your two best scores.

Do I have to take an English language proficiency test?

Fluency in English is a pre-requisite for the Cambridge Executive MBA. If English is not your first language, you must have taken the TOEFL in the two years before September 2011. We may, at our discretion, waive this requirement if you can provide clear evidence that your English is fluent (e.g. you have mainly been educated in English and your principal working language is English).

How do my extracurricular activities strengthen my application?

Your suitability for the course is likely to be enhanced by demonstrable evidence of participation in your community or extra curricular activities that demonstrate your capability for strong communication and team-working skills.

Do I have to come to Cambridge for an interview?

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview in Cambridge. Should this prove impossible alternative arrangements will be made on an individual basis.

Do you have an upper age limit?

No.

How do I know that you have received my application and supporting documents such as GMAT score and language proficiency results?

We will contact you by email when we receive your application documents and also periodically if we have received your application but are still awaiting any supporting documents.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

Approximately two weeks after each application deadline, we will send you an email notification as to the status of your application.

What happens after the interview?

We usually notify applicants if they have been successful within a week of the interview.

What is the relationship between Executive MBA students and the Cambridge colleges?

Every Cambridge student becomes a member of a college, including Executive MBA participants. Your college formally welcomes you to the University through a 'matriculation' ceremony, and you will remain a college member for life. As such you will be entitled to book guest rooms and use the dining and bar facilities, internet and computer resources and library. The School is working closely with colleges to ensure that you benefit from college activities and networking opportunities even when away from Cambridge. Find out more about the collegiate system and access individual college websites »

Which college am I likely to join?

As soon as a conditional offer of an Executive MBA place has been made candidates will be considered for a college place. The admissions team works closely with colleges to secure places for EMBA students, but you should be aware that some colleges are more supportive of MBA students than others. Due to the nature of the Cambridge system, college allocation can take some weeks; we ask for your patience during this period. If you have a particular connection with a college, for example as an alumni, please do let us know.

I'm already a member of the University; can I be enrolled at my old college?

If you are a Cambridge alumnus/a, we will make every effort to enable you to rejoin your college during your Executive MBA studies, should you wish to.

Do I need a visa to visit/study at Cambridge?

We advise you to check with your government or with the UK Border Agency as to whether you require a visa. General guidelines follow:

EEA/Swiss Nationals
As you will only be visiting the UK for short periods of time, EEA nationals and Swiss students should not need student visas to study on the Executive MBA; however we advise all non-UK applicants to consult their nearest British Embassy or Consulate for confirmation that this is the case for your particular country.

Non-EEA/Non-Swiss Nationals
Unfortunately it is not possible for non-EEA/Swiss nationals to obtain a student visa for a part-time programme. However if you are already in the UK on a work visa that is valid for the 20-month duration of the Executive MBA, it may be possible for you to also study part-time - please contact the UK Border Agency to find out more.

What is the cost of the Executive MBA programme?

The fees for September 2012 are £52,000. Find out more »

Is there a commitment fee?

If you wish to accept a conditional offer that has been made, you are expected to pay a 10% reservation fee to secure your place on the programme.

Are the fees different for overseas students?

No, fees for all Executive MBA students are the same.

What forms of financial support exist?

You can find details of corporate support, bursaries and loans on our webpages. Find out more »

Can I visit the School?

Yes; the Executive MBA team will be happy to meet you and answer your questions about the programme and the admissions process. Please contact the EMBA Admissions Office to arrange your visit. Please note that we are unable to meet with visitors without a pre-arranged appointment.

How do I get to Cambridge, and where can I find Cambridge Judge Business School?

Visit the Location webpage in the "About Us" section for information on how to reach us by road, train or plane, including a map of our location within the city of Cambridge.

Do you hold events outside of Cambridge?

Yes; we have scheduled regular information sessions and can also be found at a number of QS World MBA Tour fairs. Find out more »

How can I contact the Executive MBA Office?

Visit the Contact Us webpage for our contact details.