“The Cambridge MBA is probably one of the most experiential MBA programs. Students get lots of opportunity throughout the year to apply their classroom learnings to real life scenarios.”

Emily Brierley, Head of Cambridge MBA Recruitment and Admissions at Cambridge Judge Business School, discusses what makes the Cambridge MBA unique, the school’s admissions process, career opportunities and more.

Program Highlights (2:30) | Admissions (17:30) | Financing & Scholarships (28:30) | Careers (36:45)

About Our Guest

Emily Brierley is Head of Cambridge MBA Recruitment and Admissions at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, where she has worked for over 5 years. Emily graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a Bachelors in American Studies.

What is unique about the Cambridge MBA? What are its key advantages?

• The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, ranked 5th globally by Times Higher Education (2022)
• Each Cambridge MBA belongs to 1 of 31 colleges affiliated with the University, which could include undergraduates and masters/PhD students studying different disciplines
• Requires 3 team projects over the year that emphasize real world, experiential learning
• Admissions is looking for academic achievement, clear career progression and ambition, international experience and global outlook, and strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Interviews are conducted by Cambridge Judge Business School faculty members
• Students can specialize in 10 concentrations
• The area surrounding Cambridge is known as ‘Silicon Fen;’ 900 high tech firms operate within 50 miles of the city
• Cambridge attracts the largest investment per capita in Europe, five times that of London. The total amount of capital (including VC) invested in Cambridge startups is £600 million.
• International MBA graduates can remain in UK for employment for 2 years under new post-study work visa

Touch MBA’s Cambridge MBA Fast Facts

last updated October 2021

Program Highlights (2:30)

• 1 intake/year in September
• Length: 12 months
• ~200 participants/intake
• ~45 nationalities/intake; ~85% international; class is ~40% female
• Judge Business School has 70 professors
• Program structure: 18 core classes during months 1-9, 6 electives in months 3-9, internship/personal project/research paper during months 10-12
• Requires 3 team projects: 1) Cambridge Venture Project 2) Global Consulting Project 3) Concentration Project
• Offers 10 Concentrations: 1) Culture, Arts and Media Management 2) Digital Transformation 3) Energy & Environment 4) Entrepreneurship 5) Finance 6) Health strategies 7) Global business 8) Marketing 9) social innovation 10) Strategies
• Rankings: #16 Financial Times 2021
• Accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS

Admissions (17:30)

• 5 deadlines from September to April
• Applicants get decision back within 6 weeks of admissions deadline (interview offers go out 3 weeks after deadline)
• Avg GMAT: 690 (mid 80% range 640-740), GMAT or GRE required
• Avg age: 30, Avg work experience: 6, 2 years of work experience required
• 1 recommendation required
• 4 essay questions
• Interviews are conducted by Judge Business School faculty who are assessing applicants for fit
• English proficiency requirements: TOEFL (110 iBT), IELTS (7.5)

Financing & Scholarships (28:30)

• Full-time MBA Tuition: £61,000
• Estimated expenses: £1,400/month
• 16 types of scholarships up to £30,000/student available, awarded for academic achievement, sector of work experience, women, nationality, LGTBQ, and CJBS Bursaries up to full tuition available 

Careers (36:45)

• Full-time placement report? Yes
• 85% of graduates employed within 3 months
• Average base salary is £67,000; average renumeration package $158,000 USD (converted using PPP)
• Top Industries: 49% Industry (33% of which enter high tech + e-commerce), 30% Finance, 17% Consulting, 4% Public Sector/NGO
• Top Functions: 21% Finance, 18% Consulting, 10% Business Development, 8% Marketing/Sales, 7% Product Management, 6% Corporate Strategy, 6% Project Management 
• Top Geographies: 40% UK, 16% North America, 14% SouthEast Asia, 12% East Asia, 7% Western Europe 
• International MBA graduates can remain in UK for employment for 2 years under new post-study work visa
• Alumni statistics: 8,500+ Cambridge business school alumni in 40 countries (418 volunteer led alumni groups)

Cambridge Judge Business School

Show Notes

• Cambridge MBA
• Check to see if you meet Cambridge’s academic requirements

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