MBA Application and Selection Process

Making your application for the MBA

Recommended application deadlines

Entry to the Lancaster MBA is very competitive and the deadline for submission of applications is 31 July 2013. We run a rolling admissions process: however, we strongly advise applicants to apply as early as possible in the admissions cycle to allow for application processing time and, if successful, enough time to complete the necessary requirements for student visas, accommodation, etc.

In addition, given the intense competition for our scholarships, we strongly advise you to apply by the dates below if you wish to be considered for one of our scholarships:

Region	Latest Application Date
The Subcontinent	31 March 2013
Asia Pacific	15 April 2013
Africa & the Middle East	30 April 2013
The Americas	15 May 2013
Europe	31 May 2013

If we receive your application after the deadline, then it may be possible to add you to a waiting list while we process all other applications. If places are still available we will consider applications on the waiting list. However, this cannot be guaranteed as places are limited. You should also be aware that late applications may not be eligible for our scholarships, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

MBA students in cafe

Completing your application

Applications are submitted via the University's online application system.

When you apply online, you will be able to track the progress of your application after submission. As part of your application, you have to nominate two referees who can comment on your suitability for the programme. The referees should be people who are able to comment on your academic ability and your professional experience.

If you left University several years ago and are unable to submit an academic reference, then two professional references will be acceptable. Your referees will be contacted via our system to provide a reference, if you have not already supplied them.

Application checklist

Please ensure you upload the following to your online application:

a detailed CV
degree certificate
degree transcript
GMAT score report (if applicable)
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score report (if applicable)
two references (at least one professional), unless you have requested us to contact your referees
personal statement incorporating two pre-course essay questions (500 word maximum)

If you do not have all the required documentation you should indicate when these will become available.

Essay questions

As part of the application and pre-course work, we require you to answer two essay questions within your personal statement -

What is your aspiration and what are you trying to achieve?

It may help to consider these questions in your response – who am I? Where am I going? Why am I going there?

Answers should be broader than just careers, but specific information about your career ambitions must be included.

Why did you choose a MBA and, more specifically, why the Lancaster MBA?

What elements of the Lancaster MBA will enable you to achieve your purpose and ambition?

Answers should demonstrate an informed understanding of The Lancaster MBA and thoughtfully relate elements of the course to your ambitions.

Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a scholarship you will also need to include:

a relevant paragraph in your personal statement (for the Lancaster MBA Regional Scholarship)
a PowerPoint presentation (for the Lancaster MBA Open and High Potential Scholarships)

Selection process

Application review

Once we have received your application and evaluated all essential supporting documents and test scores, a decision will be made regarding whether to shortlist you for interview. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

Interview

If we shortlist you for interview we aim to offer you an interview slot within two to three weeks.

Applicants based in the UK: we require all UK-based applicants to attend for interview at Lancaster. This also enables you to meet faculty members and current students, hear more about the programme, and tour the Management School and University. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you will normally be required to make a short presentation during the interview.

Applicants based outside the UK: we interview all suitable applicants who are based outside the UK, either face-to-face (if our MBA team are attending a recruitment fair locally) or by telephone/Skype. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you will normally be required to make a short presentation during the interview.

Offers of a place

We aim to notify you of our final decision within 48 hours of the interview. If we offer you a place, we ask that you respond within three weeks of receiving your formal offer. On acceptance we will require a deposit of £2,000. An offer is only valid while there are still places available on the programme.

Information and advice from former students

You can consult former Lancaster MBA students and get their inside view of life on the Lancaster MBA or take a look at some of our MBA graduate profiles, in which they talk about their experience on the Lancaster MBA.