The growing emphasis on social impact reflects a broader recognition that businesses play a significant role in shaping the world beyond their immediate financial interests. Companies that integrate social responsibility into their core strategies not only contribute to positive societal change but also position themselves for long-term success in a world where stakeholders increasingly prioritise ethical and sustainable business practices.
The Executive MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship (EMSBE) programme is hugely beneficial to your organisation. Upon completion of the programme, your company can expect a substantial return on investment in the form of a highly skilled and uniquely talented employee, poised to propel growth, success and innovation within your organisation.
5 reasons why your organisation should choose EMSBE as part of your professional development offering.
#1 Reimagined MBA
We have designed this unique Masters programme as LSE’s cutting-edge alternative to an MBA, providing an optimum balance between intelligent critical thinking and real-world practice. Our EMSBE programme enables your organisation to combine entrepreneurialism and business rigour with a commitment to public benefit, and conversely bring a social focus to your business.
Currently the only programme of its kind in the world, EMSBE takes a fresh approach to MBA topics, offering a more impact-focused learning experience, with broad real-world perspectives and deep critical thinking.
#2 Immediate impact
Our course is delivered in a flexible modular format that allows your employees to continue to work anywhere in the world full-time while studying. Your delegates can immediately apply their newly gained knowledge, skills and networks in the workplace such as impact measurement, resource mobilisation and entrepreneurial strategy.
#3 Real-world learning
Our bespoke Altruistic Entrepreneur Project applies students learning in real-world contexts. Working in groups and guided by expert faculty, students create an entrepreneurial proposal that will create an explicit social benefit. Students develop skills in strategy, design thinking, market development, financing, organisational design, leadership and communication. The project culminates in a pitch to external experts on presentation day. Students graduate with the enthusiasm and experience required to kick-start real change in their organisations.
#4 Global perspectives and networks
The EMSBE programme is designed to bring a variety of global perspectives to the classroom. We welcome students from a broad mix of backgrounds, including corporate business leaders, from the public and non-profit sectors, entrepreneurs wishing to launch or scale up their own socially focused business venture and impact investors. Your employees will join a vibrant community, studying alongside like-minded peers from a variety of sectors across the world, enabling them to build a network from day one and enhance their employer’s global mobility and reach.
The Marshall Institute is a global hub of socially conscious leaders. We are creating a community which shares common values and visions of a better future by reshaping traditional business practices. By choosing to support your colleague to study with us, you will gain access to this community, enabling you to learn from public and private sector advocates and make meaningful connections to help you shape and develop your organisation.
#5 Developing talent
Sponsoring students on our Executive MSc signals a strong interest in developing staff within your organisation. Such a commitment to nurture talent will increase motivation and loyalty, in addition to strengthening the leadership of your organisation.
LSE enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s leading universities in the social sciences. Supporting employees to earn degrees from LSE can enhance your image and make your organisation more attractive to top-tier talent. This can be a powerful tool, helping your company to stand out in a competitive job market.
Prior to enrolling on the programme, former students were working in leading organisations such as Accenture, Acumen, Bloomberg, Colgate Palmolive, Deloitte, Google, IFC, KPMG, Proctor & Gamble, The Red Cross, UBS, Unilever, United Nations and Visa.
Employee Advice
Employer sponsorship helps you pay for your programme while you are working and provides official backing from your employer to upskill and further your career.
We encourage you to discuss the programme directly with your employer and make a case for their financial sponsorship if this is appropriate. We understand that this can be daunting, so here is our step-by-step advice on how to become a sponsored student.
Your organisation may not always offer a training and development package, or at the very least, it may be limited. The more you consider the reasons why you want to study the course the more clearly you present these to your organisation, the more buy-in you will receive.
You should include the total cost of the programme, how long it will take you and the period you’ll need study sponsorship for, what they need to do as your employer and address any potential questions they may have.
Clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) for your employer. Demonstrate how the enhanced skills and knowledge gained from the programme will directly contribute to the company’s success and compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, corporate social responsibility and Social Responsible Investment (SRI).
Express your commitment to balancing work and study responsibilities. Assure your employer that you have considered the potential challenges and have a plan to manage your workload effectively. We suggest you propose a flexible study schedule that minimises disruption to your work responsibilities.
Show how the knowledge gained from the programme can be immediately applied to current projects or challenges within the company. This helps to demonstrate the benefits of your education will be realised in the short term.
If possible, suggest cost-sharing solutions such as exploring whether the company can cover a portion of the tuition or provide financial assistance. Be open to negotiation and discuss the potential long-term benefits to the organisation and your career development.
Remember to tailor your approach to the specific culture and priorities of your employer. Communication is key. Demonstrating the mutual benefits of the Executive MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship programme for both you and your company will increase the likelihood of securing employer sponsorship.
Scholarship Scheme
If you are unable to secure employer sponsorship for the Executive MSc and cost remains a barrier, have you considered applying for our EMSBE Scholarship scheme? Eligible applicants will receive financial help to cover full or part of their tuition fees.
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As an alternative to the Executive MSc, consider:
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Social Entrepreneurship Online Certificate Course. This eight-week online course enables you to gain a firm understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in developing an ethical organisation and how to measure the impact and value created by your organisation. Fees are set at £1,800, which may be a more affordable option.
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Purpose and Profit: The Essentials of Social Business course. This five-day intensive programme gives you the expert understanding, insights and practical toolkit to steer your company towards a more pro-social orientation. Priced at £6,950 with a shorter in-class period, you may receive more support from your employer.