Entry requirements
Tell us your story, and together we can challenge business as usual
When reviewing applications for the UCL MBA programme, we take a holistic look at your academic history, professional experience, personal statement, references and admissions interview. Our entry requirements provide the UCL Admissions Committee with information that is pivotal for choosing the best candidates for the programme.
“You can also request a preliminary CV review from our dedicated admissions team before submitting your application. Your admissions advisor will provide feedback — from areas to emphasize in your personal statement, to opportunities to highlight in your interview — before you submit your application.
Start dates and deadlines
The UCL MBA offers various start dates and corresponding application deadlines throughout the year to accommodate your personal and professional timeline.
| Cohort | Final Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
October 2023 | 4 August 2023 |
The UCL admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. The earlier you submit your application, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision. Learn more about entry requirements.
Programme eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply to the UCL MBA programme, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic experience
Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class bachelor’s degree (2:1) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants who do not meet this criteria will be required to demonstrate their suitability via their professional experience (see below).
Professional experience
Applicants who meet the required academic experience criteria must have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience. Applicants who do not meet the required academic experience criteria must have a minimum of seven years of work experience, with at least two years of senior executive leadership experience. Our current students bring an average of 14 years of work experience to their cohorts.1
UCL will also consider applicants who do not meet the above requirements on a case-by-case basis.
“I have absolutely loved every moment of this MBA. It’s by far been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career… It gives me an enthusiasm and excitement and confidence in where I know I can go in the future.”
Jessica Cooke, Student, the UCL MBA
Application materials
The following materials are required to complete your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Personal statement
Help us to understand your personal and professional goals by including the following information in your personal statement:
- Essay 1: Tell us what characteristics of the UCL MBA programme are attractive to you and why UCL should admit you.
- Essay 2: What are your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals, and how will the UCL MBA help you to achieve your goals?
- Essay 3: Describe your experiences dealing with uncertainty and data in the workplace. Tell us how you believe uncertainty or data could impact your industry/business sector and your personal role (current or intended post-MBA industry/business sector and role).
- Optional essay: Do you have unique experiences, skills or goals that are not captured in the rest of the application?
Upload your personal statement to the online application.
References
Provide two references that corroborate your qualifications, skills and dedication:
- one reference from a mentor or supervisor
- one reference from a peer or coworker
References must come from an institutional or corporate email address and will not be accepted from personal email accounts.
Resume/CV
Upload a current resume or CV to the online application.
Test scores and English proficiency
Our programme is delivered in English, and an advanced level of English is required for students. This level of proficiency is determined by:
- English being your native language or
- Achieving an “advanced” level of English in any English language qualification or test recognised by UCL.
Additional information on this requirement can be found here.
This programme does not require results from a GMAT, GRE or equivalent standardised test. Applicants who have taken a test are encouraged to submit their results if they feel their score will strengthen their application.
Transcripts
Transcripts from all degree-granting higher education institutions are required, and applicants must submit complete academic transcripts and their degree certificates.
- Transcripts must be recent and signed or stamped by an appropriate authority.
- Transcripts should include individual modules taken and/or completed and grades and credits earned.
Please upload your transcripts to the online application.
Video interview
You must complete a video interview with a member of the UCL Admissions Committee. You should be prepared to discuss why you are interested in the UCL MBA, what motivated you to apply to the programme and how an MBA will help you achieve your career goals.
Interviews last approximately 10–15 minutes and will be recorded.
Application fee
Include the application fee of £150 prior to finalising your application. This fee can be submitted via the online application.
Ready for 21st-century learning?
If you are admitted into the program, you will be responsible for connecting to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Zoom, to participate in live class sessions.
The UCL Information Services Division is not able to assist with navigating country-specific VoIP access limitations. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please reach out to your admissions advisor.
“The UCL MBA brings the UCL classroom online to you.”
James Berry, Director, the UCL MBA
Break from the status quo
To learn more about the UCL MBA, request more information and select your communication preferences.
If you opt into email or phone communications, an admissions advisor will contact you via the channels you have selected to answer your questions, provide admissions support and walk you through the application process.
1 This data is self-reported by the UCL MBA programme and is current as of 1 April 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference