The world’s leading business schools continue to launch new MBA degree programs. Expanding choice for prospective students, the supply of MBA programs continues to grow, even as applications to these degrees have fallen for the past two consecutive years. But business schools are not overly concerned.
London Business School’s One-Year MBA for MiM Graduates
For example, London Business School (LBS) is launching a One-Year MBA program specifically tailored for graduates who have completed a Masters in Management (MiM) or an equivalent qualification. This new MBA, set to begin in August 2025, is the first of its kind in Europe. LBS also offers a two-year MBA program, which is highly ranked.
The One-Year MBA will include a pre-program component to ensure all students are on the same page regarding the core concepts of study. Following this, candidates will engage in a series of short core courses, applying their learning to contemporary business issues.
This approach aims to address current trends and challenges in the business world, such as geopolitical fragmentation, sustainability and the evolving role of business in society.
Graham Hastie, associate dean of degree education at LBS, says: “The new program is an exciting way to meet the demand from top quality Masters in Management graduates for a one-year program, in a way that is complementary to our flagship two-year MBA.”
NYU Stern’s One-Year MBA in Abu Dhabi
The NYU Stern School of Business, in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), this year announced the launch of the Stern at NYUAD One-Year Full-Time MBA Program, delivered in both New York and Abu Dhabi.
Scheduled to welcome its first class of students in January 2025, this program adds to a growing stock of high-quality MBA programs in the Middle East region.
The program offers a comprehensive 54-credit curriculum, mirroring the traditional two-year MBA offered by Stern in New York but in a condensed format. This allows students to quickly re-enter the workforce with enhanced skills and knowledge, earning a quicker return on their investment.
“The introduction of this full-time MBA to the region is groundbreaking for students who want to earn an MBA from one of the world’s leading business schools in just one year and build a career in a region that is seeing exponential growth,” says Raghu Sundaram, dean emeritus at NYU Stern.
The curriculum includes internships and modules that provide hands-on learning experiences with local organizations, ensuring graduates can apply their learning in practice.
Key features of the program include spring and fall modules in Abu Dhabi, and summer modules in New York, providing students with strong international exposure.
Cambridge Judge Business School’s Part-time MBA
Cambridge Judge Business School, in the UK, is expanding its MBA offerings with the launch of the Global Executive MBA (Global EMBA) program. The part-time degree, which began with its first cohort in January 2024, offers a flexible structure combining week-long blocks of face-to-face teaching in Cambridge and other international locations, along with online learning components.
The first group of the Global EMBA cohort includes students from 22 nationalities, with an average of 14 years of work experience.
“We are delighted to kick off the new Global EMBA program with such a diverse cohort from around the world. We are confident that the Global EMBA program, like its EMBA counterpart, will go from strength to strength in the years ahead,” says Simon Taylor, director of the Global EMBA at Cambridge Judge, which also offers a traditional EMBA delivered in the UK.
This diverse group is gaining leadership insights from prominent industry figures, not just academics, such as Jacqueline Sutton, former chief customer officer at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, the British engineering giant.
Warwick Business School’s Accelerator MBA
Warwick Business School (WBS) has this year launched a new MBA program designed to help future business leaders accelerate their career progression. The Accelerator MBA, which kicked off in March 2024, blends face-to-face learning and networking opportunities at WBS London at The Shard skyscraper, with immersive online study.
This two-year program targets high-potential, early and mid-career professionals who want to develop their knowledge and skills without taking significant time out of work. They gain the tools needed to apply classroom ideas, theories and solutions directly into their organizations.
Dimitrios Spyridonidis, director of the course, says: “The world of work is evolving rapidly, and aspiring business leaders need a growing range of skills and knowledge to progress. Our blended, part-time Accelerator MBA program provides those in the early or middle stages of their career the tools to match their ambition and make an immediate impact.”
The majority of the coursework will be delivered in-person at The Shard in London, with 20 percent of the course completed online. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to study one module at one of Warwick’s international partner institutions.
