Interactive, data-centric, and future-focused. This is what the University College London’s MBA program is all about.
Students connect and study from all around the globe, and though it has online in the name, the UCL MBA is really a hybrid program. They recently began offering a few in person modules on top of their established immersions.
At UCL there’s a strong focus on analytics, and they ensure students not only learn how to acquire and use data across all business functions but also master the art of effective communication on critical topics.
MOST COMPELLING REASONS TO CHOOSE UCL
Classes are small at UCL, with a maximum of 18 students in each. From Ontario, Derek Pan says he chose UCL because “the focus on data analytics is paramount.”
“UCL’s emphasis on tools like Power BI, Tableau and its comprehensive curriculum have elevated my expertise to a new level. Now, I can confidently present data, create meaningful graphs, and make informed decisions supported by calculated data analysis.”
The other reason Pan chose this school is because of their flexible modules and program completion timeline.
“Balancing full-time work, starting a new business, and caring for two young children, aged 6 and 2, presents significant time constraints for skill improvement at a prestigious institution,” he says. “However, UCL’s flexibility allows me to prioritize spending time with my children and excelling at work, while also enhancing my knowledge and Skills.”
UCL MBAs can start in either September or April, and complete their degree in as few as 24 months or as many as 60 months depending on their needs.
From Germany, Harvard graduate Hoang Son Luu chose the program for its engaging nature. “All students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions,” he says. “I realized that while I am comfortable engaging in scientific discussions, I need to improve my participation in business and economic conversations.”
Luu also chose the program because of the opportunity to build up his international network. “Engaging with people from diverse geographical regions has reinforced the importance of networking, epitomized by the adage ‘Your network is your net worth,’” he adds. “Each connection contributes to a unique journey of success, making these relationships incredibly valuable.”
There are an uncountable number of chances to connect, and as Luu had anticipated, his classmates are quite diverse. This year’s Class of 2025 consists of students from 33 nationalities and 27 countries, with almost half the class being female at 46%.
MOST EXCITING COURSES, CLUBS & OFFERINGS
In their first year, MBAs take six core modules, and of the many esteemed professors at UCL, this year UCL’s professor Ersin Korpeoglu secured his place in our Poets&Quants 40- Under-40 Best MBA Professors of 2024 for the fourth year in a row.
Luu was most excited to take the ‘Decision & Risk Analysis’ course, taught in the winter of 2024. “I had been looking forward to this course ever since I started my MBA at UCL. It particularly stood out to me because it equipped me with skills to navigate uncertainties and devise strategies for maximizing revenue,” says Luu.
The University College of London campus. UCL photo
Originally from Colombia, Sebastian Varela-Garcia is a sustainability strategist, avid golfer and mental health advocate. When he’s not busy working as the Sustainability Manager for BIP UK, he can be found taking part in UCL’s Karting and Golf clubs. “Competing against UK universities is particularly gratifying, even in snow or ice—here, there are no excuses,” he says.
Born and raised in the UK, local Charlotte Taylor has most enjoyed UCL’s immersions, diving deeper into key themes and connecting peers in person. “The orientation is three days, while immersions span four days,” she says. For those who don’t have the flexibility to attend in person, it is not a problem, as UCL’s in person events are all optional.
Currently all in-person gatherings take place in London, but there are plans to switch things up and meet in destinations like New York, Dubai and Hong Kong.
MUST SEE, READ & WATCH
When it comes to media that could enhance an MBA experience, Taylor recommends that others read Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. She says it is a “Great read for negotiation skills in real world examples, strategic thinking and psychological insights, all packaged up from the lens of a former hostage negotiator and super relevant for day-to-day life.”
Former Team Leader Risk Management and Assurance at Kuwait Petroleum International, Fadi Bastaki highly recommends the book Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of Rocket Scientist John Whiteside Parsons, by George Pendle.
“It chronicles the life of an eccentric and innovative individual who played a pivotal role in the birth of NASA,” he says. “This book is a testament to how ground-breaking advancements often stem from unconventional minds. It serves as a reminder to keep your creative side open and expanding, as it can lead to extraordinary achievements in any field.”
Wendy Kent from Wisconsin recommends others listen to Steven Bartlett’s podcast, Diary of a CEO. “The variety of interviews covers a breadth of industries and subjects. There are some great nuggets of information on leadership and how to lead global teams,” she says.
| UCL MBA Class of 2025 Industries | |
|---|---|
| Consulting/Professional Services | 23% |
| Pharma/Biotech/Healthcare | 17% |
| Banking/Finance | 13% |
| Government/Public Sector/Education | 13% |
| Media/Entertainment/Tourism | 10% |
| IT/Tech/Telecoms | 8% |
| Manufacturing/Industrial/Engineering | 8% |
| Energy | 4% |
| Consumer/Retail/E-Commerce | 4% |
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST UNEXPECTED
Kent has learned a thing or two having helped a small to medium-sized enterprise grow, from generating £2 million in turnover to £50 million. Surprising to her, “The impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on traditional business models and ‘old-school’ industries, especially with the rise of ChatGPT in the years that I have been in the MBA program.”
On a non-academic level, she says, “Even though the students are from many different countries, cultures and have roles across various industries, we are all very much the same in our goals.”
From London but currently working and living in Switzerland, Charlotte Rutherford says, “My academic learning that has surprised me so far is that Accounting & Finance isn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be!”
Outside of academics, Rutherford has been surprised to learn that she must be even more organized than she anticipated.
“I thought I was pretty adept at time management, but adding the MBA program on top of my full time role in which I also travel a lot, has pushed me to leverage time management tools and be much more efficient with my time than I had anticipated!”
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR
Of course each student is unique, in different stages of their careers with varying years of experience, from a variety of different industries. Rutherford falls into the 10% of the MBAs in Media/Entertainment/Tourism, working as the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications.
Thus far, Rutherford says her greatest accomplishment has been leading communications for Aman hotels, and securing feature press coverage in leading global publications including The Financial Times, Bloomberg, New York Times, Architectural Digest and Wall Street Journal.
Co-founder of Thrive Consulting, Matt Gascoigne says “I’ve had many career highs and successes, but leaving the security of the corporate world to set up my own consultancy focusing on people strategy tops them all.”
ADVICE TO FUTURE UCL MBAS
Gascoigne has a few words of wisdom for those to follow after him. “You must think about what you want to get out of the MBA experience, beyond the learning, as the MBA opportunity is way more than that,” he advises.
“I knew I wanted to commit to my MBA not just because of the opportunities it would open in my career but, perhaps most importantly, because it provided an inspiration to my children that no matter how old or established you are, you never stop learning!”
From Toronto, Canada, nature enthusiast Charlotte Drache-Lambert offers her input “When you are applying for the MBA at UCL, let your unique background and experience tell a story about who you are,” she advises.
Next Page: An interview with Dr. Jim Berry, director of the UCL MBA
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