Entry requirements for Global Master's in Management

• first or upper second class bachelor's degree or international equivalent in any discipline. See international entry requirements
• prior formal study of quantitative subjects is not required, but students must come prepared to engage with quantitative topics such as statistics, accounting and finance.
• work experience is not required, however students with experience (anything from 3 months to more than 5 years) are welcome. Please detail any relevant experience in your application.
• GMAT or GRE is required for applicants without a UK undergraduate or graduate degree. The average GMAT score of students on the programme is 680. Students with a score below 600 are very unlikely to be offered a place on the programme. More about GRE or GMAT
• English language requirements. Unfortunately, we do not provide any language waivers.

Please note successful applicants will receive an offer for the two-year Global Master’s in Management. Switching to the one-year Master’s in Management will not be possible once you begin this programme at LSE. Therefore, please ensure you choose the programme you apply for carefully, as there will not be any opportunity to transfer.

Your application will be considered on its academic merits. An offer of a place may be conditional on attending additional courses and/or passing qualifying examinations at a suitable standard, in addition to your degree. You should note that there are always many more applications than places available at LSE and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee that you will be offered admission. It is therefore in your interests to apply as early as possible.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose (see requirements below)
- two references
- GMAT/GRE (where required)
- CV

See further information on supporting documents

Academic statement of purpose requirements

If you are applying for this programme, please note the following specific requirements for your academic statement of purpose:

Write a short academic statement of purpose (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you will bring to the cohort, and what are your particular strengths.

Also, you should answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 300 words each):

1.  Explain, in your own words, the main things that managers do.

2.  How will studying management theory help you to understand management practice?

3.  What do you hope to gain by studying management at the LSE?

The total length of your academic statement of purpose – including the answers to the above questions - should therefore be between 1,000 & 1,500 words.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below on this page for more details. 

Apply now >

Curriculum overview

We are ranked #3 in the world for social science and management, and the Global Master's in Management programme is founded in LSE’s tradition for academic excellence. A curriculum of carefully designed compulsory core courses will explore a variety of perspectives on markets and organisations drawn from various disciplines including economics, economic sociology, and business psychology.

With this foundation, you will develop your critical and analytical skills to deal with all types of challenges facing managers today in the complex international business environment, from people management and cross-cultural working to strategic business innovation and responsible leadership.

International options

You will gain a unique exposure to the socio-economic environment of real business throughout the programme, learning alongside a diverse cohort of classmates from around the world. You will gain perspectives on today's international business challenges in core courses and have the opportunity to consolidate your global business experience with our prestigious international options, the CEMS double degree and the MBA exchange term. 

Introductory course

Introduction to studying for the Global Master's in Management (GMiM)
Students are required to undertake an introductory course starting early September, before the beginning of the first academic term. This provides essential skills in accounting, statistics, quantitative analysis and writing which will be required throughout the programme.

First year: foundation

This first year will provide an in-depth training in the core foundations of general management, covering the same topics as a traditional MBA programme, but taking a more critical and rigorous approach to those topics. Following Year 1, the summer vacation offers time to undertake an internship. Although not compulsory, it is strongly encouraged to help apply learning and gain practical experience.

First year compulsory core courses:

(* denotes a half unit)

Foundations of Management I* and Foundations of Management II* 
Gives a basic grounding in the key management disciplines which will be taught chronologically. Students will therefore be provided with an overview of the development of management disciplines and will develop an understanding of the disciplinary anchors in sociology, psychology and economics.

Managerial Economics*
Provides an introduction to the central issues in managerial economics. This course will analyse the foundations for applying economic thinking to management.

One of the following courses:

a) Introduction to Quantitative Analysis*
An intensive introduction to quantitative data analysis in the social sciences. The course is intended for students with no previous experience of quantitative methods or statistics. It covers the foundations of descriptive statistics and statistical estimation and inference. At the end of the course students should be able to carry out and interpret a range of univariate and bivariate data analysis techniques from univariate descriptives to multiple linear regression. The seminars and computer exercises give 'hands-on' training in the application of statistical techniques to real social science research problems using the R computer package (no prior knowledge of R is necessary).

or

b) Intermediate Quantitative Analysis*
The course is intended for students with some (even if limited) previous experience of quantitative methods or statistics. Using examples from psychological research, it covers first a review of the foundations of descriptive statistics and statistical inference, in the context of the analysis of two-way contingency tables and comparisons of means between two groups. The main topic of the course is linear regression modelling and related methods, including scatterplots, correlation, simple and multiple linear regression, and analysis of variance and covariance. An introduction to binary logistic regression modelling is also included. The computer classes give hands-on training in the application of these statistical techniques.

or

c) Applied Regression Analysis*
The course is designed for students with a good working knowledge of elementary descriptive statistics; sampling distributions; one and two sample tests for means and proportions; correlation and the linear regression model with one or more predictor variables. The course is concerned with deepening the understanding of the generalized linear model and its application to social science data. The main topics covered are linear regression modelling and binary, multinomial and ordinal logistic regression.

Marketing Management*
Provides a rigorous examination of the key analytical frameworks, technical tools, and concepts that are essential in building an effective marketing strategy.
Students exempted from taking Marketing Management will be free to take one elective course*, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

Organisational Behaviour* 
Seeks to understand individual attitudes and behaviour in an organisational context. Students will review psychological theories as they apply to organisations, demonstrating the contribution of a psychological perspective to understanding human behaviour at work, and critically evaluating the empirical evidence.
Students exempted from taking Organisation Behaviour will be free to take one elective course*, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

GMiM Capstone Course - Management in Action - (non-assessed)
The first part of a course that runs throughout both years of the Global Master's in Management programme, and builds connections between management theory and practice to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in their managerial careers.

Second year: concentration

Second year compulsory core courses:

(* denotes a half unit)

Foundations of Management III: Business Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Leadership*
Provides a critical understanding of the key ideas in business ethics, corporate governance and leadership. The courses introduces historical and theoretical approaches to prepare students for future leadership roles in global organisations.

GMiM Capstone Course - Management in Action (including Business Project)*
Builds connections between management theory and practice to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in their managerial careers. Students apply the theoretical knowledge and business management skills gained in the first year by working on a business project with an external client. Teams of students work with a sponsor company over the course of a term to develop a solution to a real business problem.

Management Dissertation* 
For students studying on the LSE track in year 2 only. Provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research in a topic of their choice. Research questions are agreed with assigned dissertation supervisors in year 2. 

Extended Essay*
For students studying on the CEMS Master's in International Management double degree and the MBA exchange only.
An individual extended essay based on a research question which students are required to agree with the teacher responsible during Winter Term in Year 2.

Building on the core foundation from Year 1, Year 2 will provide the opportunity to develop concentrated knowledge and experience in your own field of interest, according to your career goals. You will have the option to concentrate your learning in global management with either:

• CEMS Master's in International Management double degree
• MBA Exchange term in a leading MBA classroom
• A specialist elective title attached to your degree certificate 

Companies who have sponsored business project in the past include: AstraZeneca; Barclays; Benchmark Sport; Coca Cola; Daymon; Ecofact; Deloitte; Google; Heidrick and Struggles; HSBC; Markit; Mars; Merlin Entertainment; Morgan Stanley; MYBA; Nokia; Oliver Wyman; PwC; Studio Canal; Tesco, and Thomson Reuters.

Students can also undertake the international CEMS or MBA exchange options in year 2. For CEMS students, additional core courses will be included in year 2.

If you choose to remain at LSE in your second year, you will have access to a wide range of specialised elective courses from departments across our leading social science institution, ranging from finance to psychological and behavioural science. (See the full list of specialised electives).

You may choose to concentrate your electives in a certain topic area, which would be recognised in the degree title you are awarded with. You can find the most up-to-date list of elective titles courses in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

Optional elective courses

You can tailor the programme to your own interests and specialise your knowledge with optional elective courses.

Any of the elective courses listed may be taken, subject to pre-requisites and course availability, by any GMiM student. However, students who wish to have a concentration recognised on their degree certificate should choose from within the appropriate sub-list the number of courses that will satisfy the unit requirement for that concentration. The following concentrations are available: Accounting and Finance; Accounting; Finance; Human Resource Management; Information Systems and Digital Business; Marketing and Consumer Behaviour; Strategy and International Business. 

Please note: If you choose to undertake the CEMS or MBA exchange options in year 2, the number of LSE electives will be reduced to accommodate a term abroad, plus additional courses for CEMS. 

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

WATCH VIDEO >

CEMS is a global alliance of leading business schools in 34 countries, partnering with multinational companies and NGOs to offer the prestigious CEMS Master’s in International Management degree programme.

LSE is the only UK member school in the CEMS Alliance, and we are proud that the LSE Global Master's in Management is the only programme in the UK to offer the CEMS Master’s in International Management (CEMS MIM) as a double degree.

The CEMS Master's in International Management programme at LSE

The CEMS MIM is a one-year programme which LSE Global Master's in Management students have the opportunity to join in their second year of study. The programme gives a unique opportunity to join a cohort of high calibre, internationally minded, multilingual students enrolled at leading business schools across the world. The programme takes a focus on global citizenship, with a particular emphasis on ethical standards, cultural diversity, respect and empathy, and responsibility and accountability to society. 

During the CEMS year (Year 2 of the LSE GMiM), students will enjoy an international exchange term at a leading CEMS school, along with exclusive CEMS core courses in Global Management, skills seminars, block seminars, and an international internship.

You will graduate from both the LSE GMiM degree, and from the CEMS Master’s in International Management degree, giving you a double degree qualification. 

CEMS has a genuine ethos of community at its heart, and joining the programme gives students lifelong access to a strong and active global network of likeminded peers and friends across the world. In addition, the CEMS offers an unrivalled professional network with unique access to job opportunities and connections with top employers worldwide. CEMS graduates are highly sought after by employers around the world, and are regularly recruited by CEMS corporate and social partners. 

Full details of the CEMS curriculum and activities can be found in our CEMS Information Sheet.

Selection process and entry requirements

Students can apply for the CEMS programme in October/November of the first year in the LSE GMiM programme, and will be accepted via an interview process. Students must meet the CEMS entry requirements below in order to apply. 

Over 99% of students who choose to apply will be offered a place on CEMS, and individual support is provided at every stage of the application and interview process to ensure students are fully prepared to meet the requirements. 

Note: applicants are unable to have their exchange term abroad take place in their country of origin. 

CEMS entry requirements:                                 

• Background in management/business related subjects: it is a prerequisite that selected students will have studied management/business related subjects – this requirement will be covered by the first year of study on the two-year Global Master's in Management at LSE. If selected for the CEMS programme, candidates must pass the first year of the GMiM programme in order to take up a place on the CEMS MiM programme, in the second year.

• Languages: The CEMS MiM Programme is designed to give future international managers the skills they need to succeed in global markets. All CEMS MIM students are required to speak three languages, one of which must be English and two additional languages (please see further details below). l. There is also the special option for students who currently only speak two languages to take up a beginners level Modern Foreign Language course at LSE (this will be both sufficient for meeting the entry requirements and also the graduation requirements). The CEMS language requirements are listed below:

1. English: (at an advance level)
2. Second language: See information on the second language level required.
3. Third language: See information on the third language level required. If students do not already speak a third language, they can take up a new language at beginner’s level by signing up for a Modern Foreign Language Course at LSE.

Note: The language of instruction at all the CEMS schools is English. Students are not required to speak the language of the country of their term abroad school.

WATCH VIDEO >

Students can apply to spend a term abroad in their second year of the LSE Global Master’s in Management at one of 10 leading partner business schools in the US and Asia. Students will join an MBA class at their chosen school, and take a choice of optional elective courses offered by the school.

The exchange term provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an environment that differs from LSE both culturally and academically, by joining a programme that applies a more practice-based approach to learning. The exchange term provides a contrast to the more academically theoretical programme at LSE, and the chance to specialise in international management with a wider breadth of international knowledge and experience.

Exchange partner schools

• Cornell University - Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management
• University of Chicago - Booth School Of Business
• University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business
• Emory University - Goizueta Business School
• University of Michigan - Ross School of Business
• Yale University - School of Management
• Duke University - Fuqua School of Business
• Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business
• Peking University - Guanghua School of Management
• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

Selection process and entry requirements

Students can apply for the MBA exchange term in January of the first year in the LSE GMiM programme, and will be accepted via an interview process assessing the following competencies and aptitudes:

• academic attainment
• work experience (minimum of 12 months)
• personal effectiveness
• ability to work effectively with other people
• ability to work with people from other cultures
• motivation to undertake the MBA exchange

Note: applicants are unable to have their exchange term abroad take place in their country of origin. 

Students must have a minimum of 12 months’ previous work experience in order to apply, as they will be joining an MBA classroom.

This requirement reflects the fact that LSE students participating in an exchange program with a US school will be studying alongside students with substantial work experience and in an environment which encourages very active participation and sharing of this experience. The 12-month work experience should take place during or after university undergraduate study and can consist of either one consecutive year or comprised of an accumulation of work experience or paid internships, each with at least an 8 week duration.

Students applying for the MBA exchange must demonstrate to the GMiM programme office that they meet the relevant work experience requirement through a certification process taking place in October/November of the first year of the GMiM programme. Once this has been certified, students will be permitted to apply. Applications will be due in October/November during your first year on the programme.

Over 99 percent of students who choose to apply will be offered a place on the MBA exchange term, and individual support is provided at every stage of the application and interview process to ensure students are fully prepared to meet the requirements.

The LSE learning experience

The curriculum is designed to challenge your view of the world, and of management as a discipline. You will be asked to read the latest research to understand the underlying reasons why today’s business world exists as it does, and the practical implications for your future career as a manager. You will critically assess trends, conflicts and patterns in management and business practice, and form your own opinions to defend and debate with your classmates in seminars. You will learn how to develop and communicate well-reasoned arguments, and to tackle complex decisions and problems in the context of the real socioeconomic and geo-political architecture in which businesses operate across the globe.

Teaching and assessment

Courses are taught in lecture and class or seminar format. Lectures introduce the core theoretical and technical concepts whilst their associated classes allow students to discuss and apply these concepts through exercises and in-depth study. Seminars allow for the focused study of key concepts in a more informal style and often involve presentations by students on selected course materials. Many teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods to deliver their courses such as class exercises, team presentations, individual or group work, or case study discussions.

Given the high level of academic performance expected from students, a significant amount of independent study and preparation is required to get the most out of the programme.

All full-unit courses are assessed by three hour unseen examinations in the Spring Term. Half-unit courses can be assessed by two hour unseen examinations, coursework assignments, class participation or group/individual project work.

You can view indicative details of hours and assessment for all courses listed in the online Programme Regulations.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Programme Director

Dr Rebecca Campbell 
Programme Director

CEMS and MBA Exchange Academic Director

Dr Christine Cote
Senior Lecturer in Practice

Career development with the Global Master's in Management

WATCH VIDEO >

LSE is ranked #5 in the world for its reputation with employers, and our graduates are in high demand by employers. The Global Master's in Management programme will develop your intellectual and practical skills as a talented and well-rounded manager, with the ability to thrive and innovate with challenges in today’s complex and fast-moving business world.

With a strong foundation in the core pillars of management developed in Year 1 of the programme, to match with other top business school graduates, plus your own additional chosen specialism in Year 2, you will graduate with a unique and well-rounded portfolio of skills and knowledge to set you apart in the job market.

Your practical and professional management skills will be developed and polished during the programme, including communication and presentation skills, team working, cultural intelligence gained from close collaboration with classmates from around the world, and client management experience from a practical business project in the Capstone Course.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers will provide tailored individual support with your professional development and job search throughout the programme. They offer one-to-one Career Consultant sessions, access to employers with career fairs, seminars and workshops, a vast database of employment opportunities via the LSE Career Hub, and help with job hunting, CVs/resumes and interviews.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates are in high demand by employers, and GMiM graduates have taken roles across a wide variety of sectors, in companies across the globe. A popular career path is management consulting, with graduates taking up roles in firms such as BCG, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, McKinsey and Accenture. However opportunities are extremely broad, and MiM graduates have also gone on to excel in careers in finance, marketing, advertising, communications, and start-ups, as well as third-sector charities and NGOs.

Here are some examples of the organisations our graduates have joined:

• Barclays
• Benchmark Sport
• Coca Cola
• Daymon
• Ecofact
• Deloitte
• Google 
• HSBC
• Markit
• Mars
• Merlin Entertainment
• Morgan Stanley
• MYBA
• Oliver Wyman
• PwC
• Studio Canal
• Tesco
• Thomson Reuters

Student profiles

Marnix, Netherlands

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Payal, India

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Vineet, India

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Yiming, China

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Class profile

The Global Master's in Management programme attracts a diverse range of students, and each year we carefully select a vibrant cohort from a wide variety of backgrounds and international locations.

A core part of the learning experience is the exposure to a wide variety of cultures and international perspectives, as well as diverse expertise from our students’ wide ranging academic and employment backgrounds. The programme is well suited to both early-career graduates and mid-career professionals with experience to share. 

Read more about the LSE student experience on our student blog, The Student Lens >

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2023/24 for Global Master's in Management

Home students, first year: £34,480 (2023/24) 
Overseas students, first year: £35,128 (2023/24) 
Home students, second year: £34,824 (2024/25) - provisional
Overseas students, second year: £35,496 (2024/25) - provisional

Table of fees

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education. 

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 27 April 2023.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Programme and admissions enquiries

With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions page.

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the Programme and Admissions Team:

Email: dom.msc.admissions@lse.ac.uk