FAQs

Why should I choose the EMBA-Global?
What is the difference between the EMBA-Global and other Executive MBA programmes?
Should I apply to the EMBA-Global, a domestic Executive MBA or the full-time MBA?
What is the typical EMBA-Global student profile?

How is the EMBA-Global curriculum structured?
When does the programme start?
How many days will I need to take out of the office to undertake the programme?
Can I waive core courses if I have already studied particular subjects?
What are study groups? How are they put together?
How do the electives fit in the programme structure?
What is the international seminar?
What is the company project?
What else does the curriculum include?
Is it possible to do the EMBA-Global while living outside the UK or USA?
How much time will I need to spend studying outside the classroom?
How is continuity in teaching maintained between the two Schools and between modules?
How is the programme assessed?

How can I convince my employer to support me through the EMBA-Global?
Do I need to be financially sponsored by my employer to undertake the programme?

What level of work experience do I need to have?
Does my work experience need to be as a manager?
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree?
Is GMAT essential?
What is the minimum GMAT score required?
Do I need to take TOEFL/IELTS?

When is the application deadline?
How much is the application fee?
Who should my references be from?
Academic transcripts
What do you need from my employer?
How should I submit my application?
Once an application is submitted, what happens next?

What are the tuition fees for the programme?
What do the fees include?
When do the fees need to be paid?
What other costs should I budget for?
Do London and Columbia Business Schools offer a loan for undertaking the programme?
Are there other recommended sources of funding?

I have read the information on the website. How do I find out more about the programme?

Why should I choose the EMBA-Global?

EMBA-Global is a unique dual-MBA run jointly by two top ranking business Schools.  Students receive two MBA degrees from London Business School and Columbia Business School and are full members of both institutions.  The programme is taught by world renowned expert scholars, practitioners and teachers. It brings together diverse, high calibre, globally focused leaders from a wide variety of nationalities and industries who learn from each other as well as from faculty, all while continuing with their career.  Students are able to immediately apply what they are learning in the classroom to their workplace, while bringing their professional experience into the classroom.

Both Schools take advantage of their locations to draw upon the surrounding business community, attracting guest speakers and business leaders, in two major business capitals – London and New York.

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What is the difference between the EMBA-Global and other Executive MBA programmes?

EMBA-Global covers similar material in the first three terms to that covered in the first academic year of the London and Columbia domestic EMBA programmes.  However, since EMBA-Global is designed for people who have or will have significant trans-national responsibility, all courses reflect a greater proportion of trans-national material. 

The elective portfolios of both London and Columbia Business Schools are available to you.  You will share a class with an even more internationally experienced peer group. 

As an EMBA-Global participant, you will receive an MBA degree from each School and have full access – for life – to faculty members, students, resources and alumni networks from two top business Schools.

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Should I apply to the EMBA-Global, a domestic Executive MBA or the full-time MBA?

Participants in both the EMBA-Global and the domestic London and Columbia Executive MBA programmes have a similar level of experience, while full-time MBA students tend to have less experience.  The main difference is that EMBA-Global participants have an even more international orientation and a real commitment to a global career.

The EMBA-Global programme is taught in modular format and, for the first three terms, students alternate their course attendance between New York and London for four-day blocks each month.  Our domestic Executive MBA programmes are taught in Friday/Saturday format.

The main advantage of participating in an Executive MBA programme is that you remain in full-time employment while undertaking your studies and, therefore, do not interrupt your career path.

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What is the typical EMBA-Global student profile?

We aim for a diverse class in terms of nationality, academic background and work experience.   EMBA-Global students typically have about 5-14 years work experience and a global orientation.  Many have worked in several countries. 

The EMBA-Global May 2006 class profile*:

*This is a current profile only. Our admissions decisions are taken in accordance with best equal opportunities practice.

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The EMBA-Global is a five-term, 20-month programme.  During the first academic year, core courses take place in blocks that alternate between London and New York each month.  Two of the blocks are six days and the remainder are four days long.  During the second academic year, students choose electives from the portfolios of either/or both Schools.  The electives are offered in modular, block week or weekend formats, which allows you to set a schedule to suit your needs.

Download our programme schedule which illustrates the core course timetable for terms 1,2 and 3.

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When does the programme start?

The EMBA-Global programme starts once a year in May.  We recommend that candidates apply early to allow enough time to make arrangements before commencing the programme.

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How many days will I need to take out of the office to undertake the programme?

EMBA-Global students are required to attend 12 blocks of between four and six days for the core courses, which are offered in the first three terms.  These comprise a total of 50 days at both London and Columbia Business Schools, 38 days of which are week days.  Please note that this does not include any travel time you may need to attend the programme.

In the last two terms, students undertake electives and schedules will vary depending upon which courses you choose and which format they are offered in.

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Can I waive core courses if I have already studied particular subjects?

EMBA-Global students are not able to waive core courses as recognition of prior learning.  We do not accept credits from other educational institutions.  We believe it important for students to complete all core courses offered as part of the EMBA-Global curriculum to ensure continuity and consistency of learning.

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What are study groups? How are they put together?

You will be assigned to a group of approximately six people at the beginning of the programme, and you will work with them throughout the first three terms.  The study groups are put together based on a series of psychometric tests undertaken by students as part of pre-programme.  We also aim to make each group as diverse as possible in terms of nationality, and educational and professional backgrounds to ensure the learning experience is as enriched as possible.

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How do the electives fit in the programme structure?

Electives offer students the opportunity to focus on areas of special interest and deepen existing knowledge.  During the second academic year, students choose electives from the portfolios of either/or both Schools.

Typically, an elective is worth 1.0 credit at London Business School and 3.0 credits at Columbia Business School, but not all electives have the same credit value.

At London Business School, the electives are offered in the following formats:

At Columbia Business School, electives are offered in the following formats:

The international seminar and the company project are elective options.

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What is the international seminar?

EMBA-Global students are able to undertake the international seminar, a week visiting companies and meeting with top business leaders and government representatives in selected European, Asian and South American locations.  The international seminars are shared across Columbia's domestic Executive MBA programmes, allowing EMBA-Global students to learn with an even more diverse cohort.

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What is the company project?

The company project offers the opportunity to work with a faculty member and apply theory and test skills on a real life business problem.  Projects are usually in the form of consulting work, business planning or research, which must be of publication quality.  This can be done individually or in a team of up to four members.

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What else does the curriculum include?

The programme also includes Professional Development Workshops that focus on providing students with the information and skills necessary to help them develop their personal career strategy.

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Is it possible to do the EMBA-Global while living outside the UK or USA?

Yes.  EMBA-Global students live all over the world and travel to the UK and USA for the programme.  Those who commute to both Schools find it demanding but realise that the benefits from the programme far outweigh the inconvenience of extra travel.  However, candidates must be realistic about what is possible – commuting from Australia would be a tough call!

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How much time will I need to spend studying outside the classroom?

The time spent studying outside the classroom varies from student to student.  However, most students estimate they spend an average of 15 hours studying each week they are not attending classes.  Students get more out of the programme the more they put in, so the more time committed outside classroom hours leads to greater gains.

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How is continuity in teaching maintained between the two Schools and between modules?

London and Columbia Business Schools' faculty members plan the integration of their teaching.  Between sessions when they are away from campus, students and faculty are in constant communication exchanging information and ideas via a web-based courseware system.  Moreover, faculty members often travel with students for some courses.

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How is the programme assessed?

Each course on the EMBA-Global programme is assessed using some or all of the following tools: individual projects/essays/reports; group assignments/reports; and class presentations.

In order to successfully complete the degree, students must complete 13 core and required courses, and elective credits equal to 9.0 at London Business School or 25.5-27 at Columbia Business School.  Typically, an elective is worth 1.0 credit at London Business School and 3.0 credits at Columbia Business School, but not all electives have the same credit value.  The international seminar and the company project are part of the EMBA-Global elective portfolio.

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How can I convince my employer to support me through the EMBA-Global?

The EMBA-Global programme provides immediate payback.  Students can immediately apply the theory learned in the classroom to their job.  An organisation can use sponsorship as a way to recognise and reward exceptional performance and to announce that candidates are being targeted for advancement.  By presenting sponsorship as a reward, a firm can enhance loyalty among its best and brightest employees. It can also become associated (through the participant) with both Schools and benefit from the wide range of networks and events they encompass.

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Do I need to be financially sponsored by my employer to undertake the programme?

All students must be sponsored by their organisations in terms of time, but are not required to secure financial support.  However, the majority of EMBA-Global students are financially sponsored.

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What level of work experience do I need to have?

You need to be able to demonstrate experience in the management of projects, budgets, processes or people over a sustained period, which should include some international experience or exposure.  Students typically have 5-14 years full-time work experience.

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Does my work experience need to be as a manager?

Generally, EMBA-Global students have managerial experience in at least one of four areas – people management, project management, process management or budget management.  Not everyone leads large teams of people, but they usually manage in one of these key areas.  Students are required to be in these kinds of roles so that they can directly apply their classroom learning to their jobs.  This is one of the key benefits of the programme.

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Do I need to have an undergraduate degree?

EMBA-Global students are required to have an undergraduate degree granted by a recognised university, or equivalent professional qualifications.  Those without these qualifications will not be admitted to the programme.

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Is GMAT essential?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is one of the many criteria we use when assessing an applicant's suitability, since it provides useful information about quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities. It also gives us a useful benchmark to judge applicants across degree subject, academic institution and nationality.

All candidates for the programme are required to sit the GMAT.

GMAT reporting codes

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What is the minimum GMAT score required?

We do not set a minimum required GMAT score.  GMAT is an essential admissions criteria, but not the only thing we consider when assessing a candidate.  A high score does not guarantee admission and, equally, a below average score does not automatically discount your candidacy.

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Do I need to take TOEFL/IELTS?

All applicants whose native language is not English are encouraged to take the TOEFL, unless they have received a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.  The TOEFL requirement may be waived in consultation with admissions staff from the respective School.

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When is the application deadline?

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Admissions Teams at the appropriate School.

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How much is the application fee?

The application processing fee is USD$180. Cheques can be made payable to London Business School or Columbia University.

Download the EMBA-Global online application fee form

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Who should my references be from?

One of your letters of recommendation (reference) should be from your immediate supervisor; the other letter may come from anyone who can speak directly about your managerial ability and professional promise. 

You have two options for providing your letters of recommendation. If your referees have web access and an email address, they may provide their recommendations electronically through the online application site. Alternatively, you may download the online recommendation form and have your recommenders send in their completed forms.

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Academic transcripts

Candidates are required to submit the academic transcripts from their undergraduate or graduate educational institutions.  If the original transcripts are not in English, please also provide certified translated copies.

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What do you need from my employer?

A signed letter of support stating your sponsorship agreement with your organisation must be submitted with your application.  This may come from your department head, president, CEO or head of human resources.  Candidates may be self-sponsored; however, we still require a letter of support from your employer indicating their support in terms of time.

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How should I submit my application?

Candidates for the EMBA-Global programme must apply online.  Instructions and deadlines are included in the online application system.  Once you have submitted your application, you can check your application status through the same system.

Applications from candidates residing in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia are managed by Columbia Business School.  Applications from candidates residing in Europe and the rest of the world are managed by London Business School.

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Once an application is submitted, what happens next?

Columbia and London Business Schools operate a rolling admissions process with applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. 

You will receive an initial decision on your application within two weeks of submitting a completed application.  If successful, you will be invited to attend an interview with senior department representatives.  Following this interview, you should receive a final decision within two weeks.  The whole process generally takes six to eight weeks.

Once you have submitted your application, you are able to check your application status through the online application system by logging in using your username and password and following the "Application Status" link. 

What are the tuition fees for the programme?

The fees for the EMBA-Global programme commencing in May 2007 were USD$126,000. The fees for the May 2008 intake are currently under review and will be available shortly. An increase of 5-6% is anticipated.

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What do the fees include?

Fees for the EMBA-Global programme include: tuition, course materials, accommodation for residence periods in the first academic year (six periods in New York, six periods in London) and accommodation for the international seminar should you choose to participate.

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When do the fees need to be paid?

Students and their organisations will be billed for two instalments in years one and two respectively.

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What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget for travel costs for the duration of the programme.  EMBA-Global students attend 12 residencies in the first academic year (six in London and six in New York).  Participants in the international seminar will also need to budget for travel, but not accommodation.  Case studies and articles are provided, as are some, but not all, textbooks.

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Do London and Columbia Business Schools offer a loan for undertaking the programme?

There are a number of loan schemes that may be available to EMBA-Global students.  London Business School offers a loan scheme in partnership with HSBC Bank that is open to UK residents. The Federal Stafford Loan Programme is open to US citizens and US permanent residents.  MBA Private Loans are available for all students.  Further information is available on our Fees and Financing pages.

Are there other recommended sources of funding?

Candidates for the EMBA-Global programme may also seek funding through equity loans on real estate property, loans from credit unions, lines of credit from banks or brokerage institutions.  A free online scholarship notification service is also available at https://www.fastweb.com/

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We recommend you attend an on-campus information session in New York or London, or visit us at one of the many global sessions held by both Schools around the world.  For forthcoming sessions, please see our Information Sessions pages.

We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.  Email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

You may also find further insights in the EMBA-Global brochure.

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