What is the duration of the programme?
We offer two Executive MBA programmes; the Cambridge Executive MBA and the Global Executive MBA. Each programme lasts 20 months. The Cambridge EMBA takes place over 16 weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, plus one Orientation Week at the start of the programme. The Global EMBA takes place over 4 week-long blocks (including Orientation Week), in Cambridge and 2 weeks in separate overseas locations. The Global EMBA also has 33 live online sessions. Both programmes include an International Business Studies Trip and an Electives week.
When does the programme start?
The Cambridge Executive MBA starts in September each year. The Global Executive MBA starts in January each year.
Can you send me a prospectus?
You will get access to the online brochure when you register interest in the programme. You can do this via our Executive MBA programmes homepage.
How can I be sure that the Executive MBA qualification is recognised by the business community?
The Executive MBA programmes lead to the same University of Cambridge degree qualification as the full-time MBA programme.
It is also accredited by EQUIS, an independent auditor who assesses the quality of MBA programmes around the world.
How many hours of study are required each week?
A minimum of 15 hours of study each week is recommended. You will be fully supported through our online learning environment.
What specialisations do you offer?
The Executive MBA programmes are general management programmes. However, you can tailor the programmes to meet your own needs and employment aims through two electives and two practical projects.
From this you can gain all the basic general management skills, before choosing to specialise. We do, of course, have recognised strengths in entrepreneurship, innovation and technological development.
Do I have to find host companies for my consulting projects?
A member of our team can help you find a suitable project. However, most Executive MBA participants like to find their own team consulting project, allowing them to work on something they’re particularly passionate about.
Projects can be located anywhere in the world, there are no restrictions on who you can do your project for. Some participants choose to do their project within their own organisations. For your Individual Project we expect you to work with your own organisation.
What is the structure of the International Buiness Study Trip?
International Business is a key module of our Executive MBA programmes. For the Executive MBA this course will be taught in situ; you will travel with faculty, take your courses abroad and visit a series of organisations and industries. The exact location is carefully selected based on current economic situations around the world and the relevance of that location to the current Executive MBA class.
How are EMBA participants assessed?
Programme modules are mainly assessed through written assignments. In addition, there are four modules in three exam slots. To ensure maximum benefit, you will be asked to focus on your own organisation and apply your newfound knowledge to existing challenges.
What career support is available?
During your time at Cambridge Judge Business School, you will develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to accelerate your career. You can find out more about the careers support offered in our video from Margaret O’Neill, Head of CJBS Careers.
Does Cambridge Judge hold any other business lectures or networking events?
A huge range of business-related events take place every week in Cambridge, and as an EMBA student you are more than welcome to join them. The best way to find out what’s going on is to log into your online learning environment and check your mail for Business School and College news.
Do you have a staged application process?
Yes. All our application deadlines can be found on our Apply page.
Can I be considered for both an Executive MBA and the full-time MBA?
You can, but these programmes are intended for two very distinct groups of candidates. Executive MBA participants must be fully employed during the period of their programme. Full-time MBA participants need to devote all 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.
See whether the Executive MBA or MBA is right for you
Do you require work experience?
Successful applicants to our EMBA programmes are typically established senior executives within their organisation and have management responsibilities (teams, resources, budgets, and/or projects). They have strong leadership potential and clear motivations for applying to an executive programme.
Do part-time jobs count towards the minimum work experience requirements?
Not in most cases. If you are applying for 2023 entry you must have established senior executive experience within your organisation.
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 programme?
Management experience or related qualifications and goals will be important for candidates who are successful in joining the programme. We would expect candidates to have experience in managing both projects and people.
Is there an application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of £150 will be charged when you submit your application.
Do you offer any application fee waivers?
We offer an application fee waiver for candidates from countries receiving overseas development aid. If you would like to request an application fee waiver, please contact the Admissions Team before submitting your application.
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?
Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree of a First or good 2:1, which is the equivalent of a GPA of at least 3.5. Potential candidates who hold a senior position but did not achieve a First or 2:1 in their undergraduate degree, will need to take the GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) for their application to be considered.
In some situations a professional qualification may be considered instead of an undergraduate degree. Please consult with the Admissions Team to discuss whether your professional qualification would be considered to meet our academic requirements.
See our full admissions requirements on the apply page.
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 checklist have been received.
If you have forgotten to submit an item as part of your application, documents can be emailed to the Admissions Team.
Is the GMAT or EA compulsory?
The GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) demonstrates your preparedness for re-entering an academic environment.
If you feel that the skills covered by the GMAT or EA can be demonstrated by your academic achievements and work experience then you may complete the GMAT waiver on the application. GMAT or EA waivers can only be granted by the Programme Director after interview.
If you did not achieve a First or 2:1 in your undergraduate degree, but hold a senior professional position, you will need to take the GMAT or EA and submit your score within your application for it to be considered.
What GMAT or EA score do I need to qualify?
We look for balanced scores between the sections of the test. As a guide, we would expect scores of 50th percentile in the quantitative and verbal reasoning subsections (GMAT or EA) to strengthen a case that does not meet the minimum requirement (Bachelor’s (Hons) degree with grade of 2:1 in the UK system or international equivalent). For the Executive Assessment, 50th percentile scores will usually mean a raw score around 10 or 11 in each section.
I have more than one GMAT or EA score, which one will you consider?
If you have taken the GMAT or EA more than once, please report your two best scores.
How do my extracurricular activities strengthen my application?
Your suitability for our programmes is likely to be enhanced by evidence of participation in your community or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capability for strong communication and teamworking skills.
Do you have an upper age limit?
No.
How do I know you have received my application and references?
When you submit your application online you will receive an email to acknowledge it has been sent to the Admissions Team.
It is your responsibility to ensure all supporting documents and references are received on time.
When will I hear if my application has been successful?
Approximately one week after each application deadline, we will send you an email notification as to the status of your application.
Can I appeal if I am unsuccessful?
The Admissions Office cannot give reasons for not offering admission, nor advise you how to improve your application. However, an admissions appeal can be made if you believe:
- There has been an administrative error
- You have been treated unfairly because of bias or prejudice
- There are circumstances unknown to us which might have affected the decision
Learn more about admissions appeals and complaints
What happens after the interview?
We usually notify applicants if they have been successful within one week of the interview.
What is the relationship between Executive MBA participants and the Cambridge Colleges?
Every Cambridge student becomes a member of a College for life, including Executive MBA participants. Your College formally welcomes you to the University through a matriculation ceremony.
This entitles you to use of your College’s facilities. The Business School is working closely with Colleges to ensure you benefit from membership even when away from Cambridge.
Learn more about the College system
Which College am I likely to join?
As soon as candidates have completed the required enrolment conditions, they will be considered for a College place. Be aware, some Colleges are more supportive of EMBA students than others. Allocation can take some weeks.
If you have a particular connection with a College, for example as an alumnus, let us know. We will make every effort to enable you to re-join your College during your Executive MBA studies, should you wish to.
Do I need a visa to visit or study at Cambridge?
All nationals from outside the UK and Ireland can be supported in entering the UK to attend the residential sessions for the programme as a visitor. Visit the University’s short period of study visa webpage for more information.
Please note the University does not provide visa sponsorship for the EMBA programme.
What is the cost of the Executive MBA programme?
The fees for the Cambridge EMBA starting in September 2023 are £78,800. The fees for the Global EMBA starting in January 2024 are £86,600.
Is there a fee to apply?
A non-refundable application fee of £150 will be charged as part of your online submission.
If I am successful in applying, is there a reservation fee?
If you wish to accept a conditional offer, you are expected to pay a deposit of £10,000 to secure your place.
Are the fees different for overseas students?
No, fees for all Executive MBA participants are the same.
What forms of financial support exist?
Details of corporate support, bursaries and loans are on our funding page.
How do I get to Cambridge, and where can I find Cambridge Judge Business School?
Details of reaching us by road, train, or plane are on our contact page.
Do you hold events outside of Cambridge?
Yes. We have scheduled regular information sessions and networking events around the world and online.