UCL School of Management

UCL MBA FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the UCL MBA.

Can't see an answer to your question? Reach out to our admissions team who can provide you with answers.

How does online learning work?

Our programme is designed to deliver the UCL classroom to you, with the same stimulating conversations and outstanding academics that you’ll find in our on-campus modules – the only difference is the flexible mode of delivery.

  • Real-time discussions: You will be required to participate in weekly live classroom sessions hosted on the Zoom HD video conferencing platform. You will engage in dynamic discussions with other students and academics, share what you learned from required asynchronous work and learn from one another’s diverse business experiences and perspectives.
  • Collaborative classroom features: In addition to lively discussions, students may use chat, breakout rooms and presentation-sharing options to communicate with others while mastering important concepts.
  • Recorded content: Most live sessions are recorded, which means you can review concepts and discussion points at length after class has ended.
Will I attend classes or will everything just be available online?

Yes, you will be expected to attend compulsory weekly live sessions for each of your modules. Live sessions are the best way to contextualise module information into actionable knowledge. By interacting with your peers and academics in a dynamic classroom, you are learning how the concepts taught in the programme apply across a broad range of industries and cultures. Attending classes also helps you broaden your personal and professional network-building relationships with your cohort.

These live classes are delivered via the Zoom video conferencing platform. The sessions are 90 minutes in length and are offered Monday through Thursday evenings (UK time).

How big are the classes?
Class sizes are limited to 20 students but typically range between 12 and 18 students. This allows for a variety of perspectives to be represented in the live seminar while maintaining an environment small enough for individual attention from academics.
Where can I see details for each of the modules?

You can view a complete breakdown of modules on our programme structure page. 

Will I have access to the UCL facilities?
Yes, as a student taking our online MBA, you will be entitled to the same services offered to all on-campus students, which includes 18 libraries and learning spaces located across London, as well as a series of museums and collections. You are eligible for a student ID card, which can be obtained during your first campus visit. You will also have access to a wealth of remote tools, such as IT support and our e-library which provides additional access to journals, newspapers, databases and more.
What if I miss a live class session?
Live sessions are compulsory, but we also understand that life happens. There may be a time when you are unable to attend your live session due to unforeseen circumstances or work commitments. With a small number of students in each live session, we would expect you to communicate directly with academics, as well as your student success advisor, to help you catch up on materials. If you know you will be missing a live seminar, it is helpful to let the modules seminar leader know in advance if possible. The sessions are recorded so you will have the opportunity to view the valuable insights shared in the live session. 
What types of learning materials will I use?

The programme consists of asynchronous and synchronous learning materials.

Synchronous materials include required weekly live sessions for each of your modules. This is a great way to interact face-to-face with academics and peers in real-time, building a solid foundation for networking with your peers.

These live classes are delivered via Zoom, a video conferencing platform. The sessions are 90 minutes in length and are offered Monday through Thursday evenings (UK time).

Asynchronous materials include content and classwork that is available via our digital learning platform for you to study when it’s convenient for you. This content includes prerecorded/guided video lectures, interactive videos, presentations, module notes, discussion forums and written assignments.

I don't live in the UK. Will I be required to visit as part of the programme?

No, the programme is offered entirely online and you are not required to come to London. That said, all enrolled students are actively encouraged to join our optional on-campus orientation and immersions.

Note: Due to the flexible nature of the programme, University College London is not able to sponsor UCL MBA students for entry to the UK on a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

How many credits comprise the programme?
The UCL MBA is a 210-credit programme: 120 credits of core modules, 60 credits of advanced electives and one 30-credit capstone project. Explore the programme structure
How long does it take to complete the programme?
The UCL MBA is flexible in nature and can be completed in as little as 24 months or up to 60 months, depending on your time frame. Each year is broken up into four 10-week terms where you can take one to two modules. During each module, you can expect to complete 90 minutes of synchronous work and up to 12 hours of self-paced, asynchronous classwork per week.
Who are the faculty members?
The UCL MBA is designed and delivered by the same esteemed academics who teach on campus at UCL. They come from around the world, bringing firsthand leadership experience, culturally rich backgrounds and top research skills to the classroom. Learn more about programme faculty
How do I balance my career and studies?

We designed our MBA programme for working professionals so you can continue working and earning your salary while advancing your knowledge. Learning takes place at a time and place most convenient for working professionals based in the UK. Our 90-minute live seminars are offered Monday through Thursday evenings between 6pm and 11pm UK time. 

Modules are designed specifically for an online audience, allowing you to further develop the relationships and knowledge established during live sessions. Modules and assignments are easily accessible via mobile, tablet or desktop devices.

Between live sessions, you may create online meetings for group work, form social groups with peers who share your personal and professional interests or schedule one-on-one meetings with academics. 

You can also use the platform to complete work at times that complement your schedule, using a range of activities including videos, online quizzes and readings, and discussion forums.

More than 60% of our students to date have managed to achieve promotions in their roles whilst studying this programme. So, with the right determination and careful planning, you can make your education and career a success at the same time.

Are there any scheduled campus weeks?
The programme does not have academic weeks on campus, but we do offer a series of optional immersions in London. These immersions are typically between three and five days and occur over a weekend. Learn more about orientations and immersions.
What support structures are in place?

You’ll have access to bespoke, on-demand support through three main channels, that will provide you:

  • admissions advice: Upon requesting information, you will be assigned an admissions advisor who will help you learn more about the programme, assist in compiling your application materials and provide personalised guidance to help you make the right choices.
  • academic planning: Once enrolled, you will be assigned a dedicated student success advisor who will help you to get the most out of the programme by tracking your progress, coordinating modules and ensuring you are meeting the requirements for graduation.
  • technical support: The programme offers 24/7 technical cover for IT queries. You will be able to chat to a support team member through phone, email or online features.
How do the elective modules work?

As part of the programme you will have the option to select four electives from a list of advanced core modules. 

Advanced core modules include: 

  • Managerial Finance
  • Issues in Corporate Reporting
  • Corporate Strategy and M&A
  • Negotiations and Leadership Decision Making
  • Leading Global Teams
  • Engaging Digital Customers: Advanced Marketing

Bundled, optional focal tracks include: 

  • Innovation Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Analytics 

Focal tracks are comprised of four of the elective modules listed above that focus on these key areas of interest.

Can i work in a group for the capstone project?

Yes, you will be able to do a group capstone project, which would consist of a maximum of four participants.

The capstone projects focus on a specific industry and are designed to enable you to utilise the skills, methods and techniques learned from your coursework to analyse and forecast growth potential for the focal industry. You will engage with faculty and peer learning groups in live class sessions. Faculty will also provide individualised group feedback at set points throughout your project development. 

When are you getting AACSB accreditation?
There are plans to pursue AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is, however, something that does take time. We are proud to be an AMBA-accredited (Association of MBAs) programme.
What is your alumni network like?

UCL has a global alumni community of more than 300,000 former students. The UCL School of Management (SoM) is keen to maintain strong ties with its alumni community and hosts a number of opportunities to attend events at SoM and interact with other alumni, staff and students.

UCL School of Management alumni can now join our exclusive online community at www.uclmgmtnetwork.com, which allows you to receive news and share your own news, catch up on what your fellow alumni are doing and connect with other alumni and current students as either mentors or mentees.

How does UCL work with industry?
Working closely with a broad range of employers from all sectors, we organise a programme of activities designed to maximise opportunities for you to network and build strong connections with employers. You’re able to participate in activities that allow you to develop a highly competitive skill set and strong and current commercial awareness.

UCL MBA students and academics have also collaborated to develop the UCL Sustainability lab, which provides pro-bono consultancy to organisations of all sizes on tackling sustainable challenges. 

Do you offer career services?
Yes, the UCL School of Management offers a number of career services available to all students taking the UCL MBA. To find out more visit our careers page.
Last updated Monday, 5 June 2023