Is LSE or LBS better for MBA?

Question

T Mehta · Accepted Answer

LBS is the better pick if someone wants a proper MBA&mdash;it offers a full-time MBA that lasts 15&ndash;21 months, includes a summer internship, and leads to strong consulting, finance, and tech placements. Companies like Bain, Amazon, and HSBC actively hire from the campus.
LSE doesn&rsquo;t offer a full MBA. What it does offer is the Executive Global Master&rsquo;s in Management (EGMiM), a part-time program designed for working professionals with 5+ years of experience. It lasts 17 months and includes short teaching blocks in London and overseas.
While LBS is more focused on structured post-MBA hiring, LSE&rsquo;s strength lies in economics, government, and international affairs. People from policy, development, and academic sectors often choose LSE to grow in leadership without leaving their jobs.
Someone looking to change careers or join top firms post-MBA will get more support at LBS. But for experienced professionals in global or policy-facing roles, LSE offers strong academic depth and flexibility.
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Jayant M · Answer

They serve different purposes,  and one isn&rsquo;t a direct substitute for the other.

LBS offers a traditional MBA that&rsquo;s globally recognized, especially in consulting, finance, and leadership roles.
LSE doesn&rsquo;t have an MBA program. It offers master&rsquo;s degrees in management, economics, and public policy, which are great academically but don&rsquo;t provide the same MBA-level career services or post-MBA recruiting access.
If the goal is to make a career switch, boost leadership opportunities, or enter MBB or top-tier firms, LBS is structured for that.
LSE&rsquo;s strength lies in analytics, economics, and policy research &mdash; ideal for specialized or academic careers, not general management.
Employers view LBS as an MBA brand; LSE is seen as a top academic institution, but not for MBA hiring.

So if someone is debating between the two for an MBA, LBS is the one that actually offers it &mdash; and with strong outcomes.

Divakshi Arora · Answer

If the plan is to do a full-time MBA, LBS is the only one offering it&mdash;LSE doesn&rsquo;t, but it offers the Executive Global Master&rsquo;s in Management (EGMiM) for working professionals. Both have strengths, depending on career goals.
Here&rsquo;s a quick comparison:
LBS MBA

Full-time, 15&ndash;21 months
For candidates with 2+ years of work experience
Includes internships, electives, and global exchanges
Average post-MBA salary is around $115K&ndash;$120K
Large, diverse student group from 60+ countries

LSE EGMiM

Part-time, 17 months, taught in short blocks
Requires 5+ years of work experience
Focuses on global leadership, strategy, and critical thinking
No fixed salary jump&mdash;most use it to move into higher roles within their field
Smaller class with senior professionals from policy, corporate, and nonprofit backgrounds

LBS is ideal for career switchers with access to on-campus recruiters. LSE suits professionals looking to grow within their industry while gaining a globally respected degree without pausing their career

Mohit C · Answer

LBS is the better option if someone&rsquo;s looking for a full-fledged MBA experience. LSE doesn&rsquo;t actually offer a traditional MBA &mdash; instead, it has management-focused master&rsquo;s degrees like the Executive Global Master&rsquo;s in Management or MSc programs. These are academically strong but cater to different career stages and goals.
LBS offers a globally ranked MBA with strong consulting, finance, and tech outcomes. The 15&ndash;21 month format allows time for internships, exchanges, and career switching. Major recruiters like McKinsey, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs actively hire from LBS each year.
So if the goal is a traditional MBA with global recognition, career services, and full-time recruiting support, LBS is the clear choice. LSE is more research-oriented and best suited for those early in their career or interested in academia, policy, or economics-focused roles.