By Tino Matienga, One-year MBA Student Recruitment Manager
Our new One-year MBA programme at London Business School (LBS) is designed for graduates with a Masters in Management or equivalent. This prerequisite is in place to build on your pre-existing knowledge to ensure that you will be able to complete an MBA in a year.
This is an intensive programme that gives you everything you would expect from an MBA, in a shorter timeframe to our traditional 15-21-month MBA programme. From the beginning of the programme, you will dive deep into the course element of the programme, which will build and deepen your understanding of general management concepts, which is then followed by a wide range of electives you can choose from, that let you shape your learning and career goals.
Developed by LBS faculty with experience across a range of global industries, the structure of the programme is highly practical and relevant. Combine this with the diverse experience the cohort will bring, and you have the perfect environment for thought-provoking discussions and learning. As a result, the programme has been structured around three key themes.
The first theme, Navigating the Business Environment, explores the complexities of today’s global markets. Courses within this theme look at topics covering Deglobalisation of Business, Data Science and Consumer Behaviour within the lens of sustainability.
The second theme; Rethinking Corporate Purpose looks at the evolving role of businesses within society. By covering Applied Corporate Finance, Strategy within the Data Era and Business Ethics, this theme explores how business leaders can create value, maintain transparency, operate effectively and strategically in an ever-changing business environment.
Finally, the last theme, Individual Agency and Entrepreneurship; has more of a personal and reflective focus. It has been designed to help you reflect on your leadership style and entrepreneurial mindset. You will explore a range of concepts and frameworks to help you innovate and lead with purpose in any context.
These themes form the foundation of the curriculum and lead into the elective part of the curriculum. With over 80 electives to choose from our 7 subject areas, including Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Strategy & Entrepreneurship to name a few – you will have plenty of options to shape your MBA around your goals.
Why are electives a key part of the programme? They give you the flexibility to choose subject areas that matter to you and work around your schedule – giving you the ultimate freedom to build an MBA experience that will allow you to switch industries, build on your entrepreneurial goal or accelerate within your current industry!
Spotlight on Electives
Electives are designed to let you shape your MBA experience around your career goals. Our elective portfolio spans more than 100 electives, drawn across a variety of subject areas, and are open to degree students, which gives you the chance to network with across programmes.
The selection process for an elective works like an open market, where you will use the LBS bidding system to choose your preferences. Most electives run weekly over 10-weeks, but you can also opt for evening classes, shorter 5-week formats, or intensive block weeks – where you complete the entire elective in just one week – which is perfect if you are looking to front load your electives. All options are subject to availability.
We will highlight some of our electives that give you an insight into various areas that span the elective portfolio.
1. Digital Strategy
In today’s evolving tech landscape, understanding how digital tools and platforms shape business is essential.
Our Digital Strategy elective explores how companies can harness digital innovation to gain a competitive edge. From platform-based business models to the impact of AI and data analytics, you will learn how to lead digital transformation in any industry.
2. Path to Power
Designed for future leaders, the Path to Power elective explores the dynamics of power, leadership strategies and effective ways of navigating complex organisational structures in today’s climate.
Developed through research in psychology and sociology this popular elective will combine case studies, simulations and reflective exercises to give you the tools to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics – all necessary for students looking to advance into more senior positions.
3. Managing & Marketing Luxury Brands
Ever wondered what it takes to build and sustain a luxury brand?
This elective dives into the unique strategies behind some of the world’s most iconic names. You will explore branding, consumer psychology, and the global luxury market. This is ideal if you are looking to enter or pivot into the high-end fashion, hospitality, or lifestyle sectors.
Whichever career path you decide to go down, whether that is stepping into a leadership role, pivoting into consulting or starting your entrepreneurial journey; you can be assured that there will be an elective here at LBS that will support this move. With electives spanning strategy, finance, marketing, tech and more, our electives provide you with a foundation which you can build on to support your career goals.