The MBA student experience

An MBA and more

At Cambridge Judge, we’re more than just a stand-alone business school.  

As a student here, you’ll become part of one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world – and benefit from all the perks that come with it. 

You’ll get the chance to live in one of 31 Colleges, mixing with ambitious people from across the world. You’ll have access to University-wide societies and networks, meet students from across a multitude of subjects and get a taste of the traditions that have embellished the Cambridge experience for hundreds of years – from ‘formal halls’ to May balls. 

At the end of it, you’ll come away with a masters degree from this world-leading University – alongside a new perspective, a new mindset and a new circle of curious, collaborative friends at the forefront of their subject areas.  

It was one year of transformation. You’re coming out as a different person, personally and also professionally.
This will change you.
This will change you.
This will change you.
Change you.
Change you.
Change you.
This will change you.
The MBA pushes you to try new things, and it’s trying those new things that really change you as a person.
I like that everyone does come here with at relatively different story. I wanted to just be one of a larger group of people coming from all over the place.
I wanted to be able to interact and learn from a diverse cohort of individuals who’ve obviously accomplished quite a bit already.
The best thing about the Cambridge MBA is the people you meet. I’ve met some incredible, kind people who I can see myself just connecting with throughout the years.
You have such a strong community. There’s so much you can do within the ecosystem, and that was what really attracted me from the other side of the world to come to Cambridge.
I’ve now got this great network that I can call upon in many countries, many sectors.
There are people who’ve been able to create an impact, and I know that I can do it, too. And that’s very inspiring and quite motivating for me.
The Cambridge MBA changed me, in terms of the outlook of my career and life.
It really validated me as a leader and who I am and what I’m capable for.
If I were to start my Cambridge MBA year all over again, I would try to be even more mindful of every moment because it flies by.
Beyond academics, it’s also that rich college life that we are part of that cultivated my ability to move away from comfort zones.
I think the Cambridge MBA has really taught me resilience.
One big reason that I chose the Cambridge MBA was to be able to come here and live here and be here. It is like a dream.

 

View video with transcript

The College experience

When you’re accepted onto the MBA programme, you’re guaranteed College membership. Upon acceptance of your offer, let us know if you have any special needs, are intending to bring your family or have a strong preference for a particular College. The Admissions team will advise on what we consider to be the most appropriate and will manage the application process for you. 

You’ll normally be offered accommodation either on site or at one of the College’s off-site house, although some students choose to live in privately rented accommodation. In some cases, Colleges may be unable to offer accommodation. Demand often outstrips supply, especially for partner or family housing. You may also prefer to rent your own flat or house. The University Accommodation Service is at your disposal, along with many rental agencies in the city.

While your teaching and MBA cohort will mix at Cambridge Judge, your College is where you’ll get the chance to meet different people, broaden your horizons and find a ‘home from home’. Whether you live in College or not, you’ll become part of a community of powerful minds, and find opportunities to get involved in a number of student-run clubs, events and societies. 

Event at a Cambridge College.

Facilities and events

Each College has its own facilities; from libraries and sports facilities to bars and even theatres. You might find yourself watching a live student band, attending a ‘bop’ (basically a fancy-dress party), or joining ‘formal hall’, when you’re invited to don a gown and dine in one of the Colleges’ historic chambers. Most Colleges also have a May Ball every year or two.

Dinner at a Cambridge College.

Clubs and societies

Colleges run their own clubs and societies – from rowing to Wine and Cheese clubs – adding to those on offer at the wider University. They also offer an MCR (or Middle Common Room); a postgraduate student body for College members to get involved with, with associated shared spaces postgrads can use.

Students outside a Cambridge College.

Pastoral support and administration

Colleges operate as independent institutions and are responsible for arranging formal processes such as inductions, matriculation (when you start the programme) and graduation. They can also offer pastoral and academic support, as well as financial assistance and advice.

Choosing the right College

Each College has its own identity – some are modern, with new ensuite bathrooms and other mod-cons; others are more traditional, embracing the quirks and customs that have made Cambridge such a unique place to study over the centuries.  

Some are mixed (for both undergraduates and postgraduates), while some are for postgrads only, so it’s worth thinking about the kind of environment you want to be in.  

If you want to be with other MBA students, Colleges such as Hughes, Darwin and Queens’ have a bigger contingency. Others have more of a mix, giving you the chance to meet students from other subject areas and get downtime away from your course.   

If you’re coming with a partner or family, it’s worth noting some Colleges (such as Churchill) are better equipped than others; please note not every College will be able to offer accommodation to students coming with partners and children.  We recommend applying early if you’d like to apply for partner or family accommodation.

Your community

Our MBA cohorts are diverse. In 2024, we welcomed 244
students from 49 different nationalities, with backgrounds spanning finance, business, engineering, the arts, social sciences and beyond. Hear from some of our students below.

View student profiles

The faculty at CJBS is made up of around 70 members, covering a wide range of research areas. Many are leaders in their field, combining professional experience with academic rigour to deliver transformational programmes designed to challenge, stimulate and inspire.

View our faculty

We collaborate with a wide range of corporate partners to deliver best-in-class programmes, from companies hosting projects to business coaches, mentors and speakers. Partnerships are also crucial to our research, and we work with leading recruiters to help our students secure future career opportunities.
View past recruiters

Formed and run by MBA and MFin students, Special Interest Groups – or SIGs – are an integral part of the CJBS experience. They offer a chance to network and share ideas around a particular area; current examples range from Finance and Entrepreneurship to Sustainability and Social Impact. Many SIGs arrange their own conferences and talks, and offer opportunities to take on key leadership roles.

View SIGs

Beyond College clubs and SIGs at the Business School, you’ll find more than 400 societies across the wider University of Cambridge. They range from sports clubs and arts groups to consulting networks and entrepreneurial societies, providing a chance to network with ambitious, likeminded people from across Cambridge. You can learn more at the yearly Freshers’ Fair, held at the start of the academic year (and not just for freshers!)

View University of Cambridge societies

When you graduate from CJBS, you’ll become a member of our alumni community – a global network of influential minds covering a huge variety of sectors. There are currently more than 400 alumni groups spread across 40 countries, offering a lifelong support network that can open doors and shed light on new opportunities.

View our alumni page

Beyond academics

Studying at Cambridge Judge Business School isn’t only about the work. You’ll find an active social scene here, with a number of events organised by CBSC – the Business School’s social club.  

They range from our annual participation in the MBAT sports competition near Paris to the Cambridge Judge May Ball, plus frequent socials for students and local alumni.  

Many of our MBA students also take part in venture competitions to win funding for business ideas, providing further opportunities to network with fellow MBA students.

You’ll also get invited on treks – trips to destinations in the UK and overseas to learn more about local businesses, run by our students.

Multi-day treks take place outside of term time. 

Past trek locations

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London | New York | Singapore | UAE | Israel | Lebanon | Silicon Valley | Johannesburg | Berlin | Japan | China | Rwanda| India.

Cambridge life

Learn more about what it’s like to live and study in this iconic city.

Virtual tour

Check out our facilities with a virtual tour of the Business School.

Entrepreneurship at Cambridge Judge

At Cambridge Judge Business School, we’re united by our entrepreneurial spirit – find out more.

EDI

As part of the University of Cambridge, we are an international community that has been at the forefront of new discoveries that have changed thinking over centuries. We believe inclusion encourages the innovation that makes change happen. Our faculty, students and staff are from all over the world, providing a global perspective to your interactions and learning. We strive for a better world through sustainable, equitable, diverse, and inclusive business practices that allow every individual to flourish.

Learn more

Cambridge news and stories

Extraordinary students, extraordinary stories. Find out what we've been up to on the Cambridge MBA.

Dimitris Tsikopoulos visits Cambridge Judge Business School.

Cambridge Judge hosted a visit by Cambridge MBA graduate Dimitris Tsikopoulos (MBA 1994) to mark his £750,000 donation to help masters students at the Business School.

Tate Lavitt.

With COP29, held this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, MBA alumnus Tate Lavitt tells us how the Risk Prize inspired a recently published ‘Climate Policy’ research paper on green finance. He also shares how the Cambridge MBA shaped his career path, as well as giving his top tips for students keen to pursue a career in ESG or biotech.

Tabitha Mwangi, Gishan Dissanaike, Orobosa Isokpan, Manaz Javaid and Lord Woolley of Woodford.

Black History Month panel discussion at Cambridge Judge Business School focuses on changing stereotypes, dealing with injustice, and building a better future.

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