Coronavirus (COVID-19) key information

General FAQs

Can I gain access to Business School buildings?

Although teaching and research operations continue, all Business School buildings and spaces are currently closed. Imperial College London will continue to follow UK government policy as government begins to ease some of its restrictions.

What steps is Imperial College Business School taking to protect student health and safety?

Imperial has a health and safety plan in place that is led at the highest level and is being continually reviewed in line with guidance from Public Health England and the NHS to ensure Imperial is a safe place to work and study. The latest updates and guidance can be found on the Imperial COVID-19 site.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our priority and any decisions taken to change our teaching arrangements will be made with the health and safety of our students as the principal concern. Specific information is available on the Imperial COVID-19 site for students, and student applicants and offer holders.

How are current students being taught and assessed?

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, all current programmes have switched to remote teaching and assessment. There is a fixed schedule with regular classes with faculty and classmates taking place via Zoom. Teaching emulates the in-classroom experience with faculty lecturing and leading discussion. Learning is enhanced by our online learning platform, the Hub, but it is not the focal point of students' experience. Different methods will be utilised to connect and collaborate – from study groups to events. The quality of teaching remains the same.

For students on our online programmes, learning consists of a fixed timetable but with the ability for students to shape their study around other commitments (as online students usually work full time). Engagement with classmates and faculty is through virtual working groups and online discussions. Everything is taught on our online learning platform, the Hub, and our online programmes are purpose-built to be delivered on this platform.

Our expertise and experience in online learning is reflected through our ranking positions and award-winning Edtech Lab.

How will the programmes be delivered in September?

For Master’s programmes commencing in September 2020, we are preparing for all possible scenarios and whether these are delivered in London, online or a combination of both, we are exceptionally well prepared to deliver an outstanding student experience across all formats.

Students will have access to the full complement of careers support across all formats of delivery. Our current students are engaging with careers coaches and employers virtually, and we are increasing our provision of online careers activity for the incoming classes.

Our vibrant student community has adapted to the current situation; the clubs and societies are engaging virtually and continuing to support one another to offer engaging activities for all.

Speak to a current MSc or MBA student ambassador to find out more about their current experience.

Can I still attend upcoming Imperial College Business School events?

We are hosting a variety of online events designed to provide engagement opportunities for prospective and admitted students. These include virtual information sessions, webinars and drop-ins, as well as live Q&As. While we cannot deliver international in-person activities, we are attending virtual fairs and forums to continue to meet prospective candidates. A full list of our upcoming events is available here.

Is Summer School 2020 going ahead?

Regrettably, due to the closure of our London campuses and international travel restrictions, we have decided to postpone our Summer School planned for June and July 2020. This difficult decision has been taken with the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students as our top priority. Stay up to date with future Summer School announcements by signing up for email updates.

Admissions FAQs

All of our current programmes have now switched to remote teaching and assessment. We are proud to be global leaders in delivering online education, and of the work our staff and faculty are doing to ensure our students are not missing out on their education in this difficult period. Helping you continue with your intended programme of study is of the utmost importance to us.

Online applications from prospective students are being accepted as usual. The entire application process is delivered online, so there is no interruption in your ability to apply to join us in the future.

If you have questions about applying, you can contact our Recruitment team. They will be happy to discuss your application and individual circumstances with you. There is additional guidance here on the Imperial College London site for applicants and admitted students.

Will travel restrictions affect my interview?

If an interview is part of the admissions process for your programme, this will always be an online video interview or conducted via Skype. Your interview will therefore not be affected by any travel restrictions that are currently in place or may come into place in the future.

I can’t take an English language test as the test centres are closed – what should I do?

We understand English language testing centres have been closed in many regions, delaying applicant’s ability to schedule a test date. We recommend applicants review the information on our Imperial College London COVID-19 FAQs on how to meet our English requirement.

I can’t take a GMAT/GRE test as the centres are closed – what should I do?

Strong GMAT/GRE scores can strengthen your application and are advised if your degree is in a non-quantitative subject.

For candidates to the MBA or MSc International Management, if you meet our standard academic requirements, you don’t need to include a GMAT or GRE score in your application but it would be a condition of any offer made. We recommend you do not delay your application.

If you do not meet our standard academic requirements, you would need to provide a GMAT or GRE score at application to be considered for a place. Please contact us and we will discuss timelines and options with you.

GMAC and GRE are now offering alternative testing options for candidates.

• GMAT Online
  GMAC is now offering the GMAT Online, an interim alternative to the test centre GMAT exam. Imperial College Business School will be accepting these scores as completely equivalent to the in-person test centre GMAT. For more information and to register, visit the GMAT Online website.


• GRE General Test at Home
  ETS is temporarily offering a GRE General Test at home option in selected areas. Imperial College Business School will be accepting these scores as completely equivalent to the in-person GRE test. For more information, visit the ETS website.

My university is closed, what should I do?

With many universities across the world closing, we understand there may be confusion or concern as to how that will impact your application. Please get in touch with the Recruitment team and we can support you with next steps and further guidance.

• I can't get supporting documents for my application
  We don't need hard copies or original documents when you first apply, so please do not delay your application. If you are offered a place on one our programmes, we will need the official degree transcripts or certificates to complete the conditions of the offer.


• I can't get references for my application
  For references, you need to provide valid, academic or professional email addresses of two referees. Do reach out to your referees in advance and email the relevant Admissions team once you submit an application if your referees have been unable to provide a valid email address.

If I'm not able to meet the conditions of my offer due to the impact of COVID-19, will I be able to get a deposit refund?

If you cannot take an English, GMAT or GRE test or receive your degree award in time to meet the conditions of your offer due to the impact of COVID-19, you will be able to get a deposit refund. Read more about Imperial College London's application deposit policy here. 

If you have further questions about submitting a deposit refund request, please get in touch with the Recruitment team.

Careers FAQs

How is the employment market changing graduates' opportunities?

The current situation is having an impact on the recruitment market in a variety of ways depending on the sector and company. We are seeing disruption in recruitment, with some companies putting their plans on hold while they focus on business-critical activities at this challenging time, while others push ahead with their recruitment. Some companies are decreasing the number of opportunities they will offer this year while others are actively increasing them. We have seen demand grow in industries such as technology, e-commerce, online platforms and healthcare, and an increase in opportunities in roles including logistics, e-payments and digitalisation. We continue to share opportunities with students via the Symplicity jobs board.

We are also observing variation across regions. For example, in mainland China spring recruitment has been very strong, and we have been sharing suitable internship opportunities with our students.

Imperial College Business School Careers is closely monitoring the situation as it evolves; we are working closely with employers as well as the Institute of Student Employers and other relevant institutions to keep students updated on the latest news.

How can I prepare for the recruitment process?

Most of the recruitment process has been moved online, including assessment centres and interviews, as companies adapt to social distancing measures.

Students should continue to use the resources available via Careers to prepare for every step of the recruitment process. Resources include access to the Careers Primer, industry-specific courses on the Hub, a range of online resources such as VMock (to help with your CV and LinkedIn profile), Wall Street Prep (for financial modelling support) and PrepLounge (to help with case study interviews).

Students also have access to our online mock interview module via Symplicity, which provides them with the opportunity to practice video interviews. We have set up mock interviews tailored to each key industry sector and there is a strength-based interview available too.

Finally, students can continue to access full support from our career consultants remotely, including 1-2-1 appointments, mock interviews, workshops and webinars. You can sign up for these, and access our online resources, via Symplicity.

How is Imperial College Business School Careers supporting students at this time?

We have created a series of webinars to help students understand how the current situation may affect their job search, to highlight opportunities, and to remind them of the support available.

For MSc students, our COVID-19 webinar series is sector-focused and looks at how the current situation changes the recruitment process, how students can stand out virtually and prepare for an online interview, and what the impact of the situation might mean for their sector of choice.

For MBA students, the COVID-19 webinar series covers a range of topics, including:

• Impact on your job/internship search
• Opportunities in this "new market"
• Mastering virtual interviews
• Refocusing your job search virtually

Students continue to have full access to Careers' support, which is now being delivered remotely. Students can sign up for 1-2-1 appointments, workshops and webinars via Symplicity and continue to have access to a range of online resources and Careers modules via Symplicity and the Hub.

General FAQs

I’m a current student, where can I find more information on how the Business School is responding to COVID-19?

Relevant information for current students is available on the Hub.

Can I gain access to Business School buildings?

Although teaching and research operations continue, all Business School buildings and spaces are currently closed. Imperial College London will continue to follow UK government policy as government begins to ease some of its restrictions.

What steps is the College taking to protect student health and safety?

The College has a health and safety plan in place that is led at the highest level within College and is being continually reviewed in line with guidance from Public Health England and the NHS to ensure Imperial is a safe place to work and study. The latest updates and guidance can be found on the College's COVID-19 site.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our first priority and any decisions taken to change our teaching arrangements will be made with the health and safety of our students as the principal concern. Specific information is available on the College's COVID-19 site for students, and student applicants and offer holders.

Recruiter FAQs

Imperial College Business School Careers is still here to support you as employers in these uncertain times. Imperial College London and the Business School have moved all teaching for the summer term to remote delivery, and our Careers service is also operating remotely. The Business School already delivers online and blended programmes and is supported by an award winning Edtech Lab, so is well placed for remote delivery.

We continue to work closely with employers to support recruitment activities and provide a wide range of opportunities to engage with our students and alumni online during the current pandemic. Further information can be found on this webpage.

We have collated some FAQs below, but please do get in touch with our Employer Relations team should you have any queries or wish to discuss your specific resourcing and talent pipeline needs.

How can employers engage with students via Careers at Imperial College Business School during the pandemic?

We have a wide range of opportunities to support your recruitment plans online:

• Recruit online via our jobs board
• Host virtual events, webinars or share video content
• Share your roles directly with our students and let us target your search

For further information, please contact our Employer Relations team.

How can employers learn more about opportunities to engage with students and the Business School’s plans for the next academic year?

Our Employer Relations team are always accessible to discuss your recruitment plans and how you can engage students.

Join our Employer Forum on 19 May via Zoom to know more about our plans for the new academic year, to find out the latest about student visas, and to get guidance on delivering remotely.

Can we advertise vacancies during the pandemic?

Yes. The first step would be registering for the Business School’s Jobs Board and posting is free of charge. It is very simple, and the board is viewable by not only our students, but also job-seeking alumni. You can find the link and all instructions on this webpage.

Can we deliver a company presentation during the pandemic?

Yes. We can arrange for you to deliver online presentations and direct students to a platform of your choice. We have experience of supporting companies with the practicalities of delivering a presentation and engaging with our students online and can assist you with this if it would be helpful. Please contact our Employer Relations team for further details.

Are students currently looking for job opportunities?

Yes. We have MSc and MBA students looking for internships, graduate programs and full-time roles (experienced and entry level).

What is happening with student exams and graduation?

The Business School, and Imperial more widely, is operating online exams so students can complete their studies on the planned timeframe and graduate as expected. Further information can be found on the College's COVID-19 webpage.

Where can I find the latest updates and guidance from Imperial on COVID-19?

You can read the latest research and insights from our academics on the impact on business on IB Knowledge. You can read the latest news, advice and guidelines from Imperial College London on the College's website, including what our researchers are doing to tackle COVID-19 and how our staff and students are responding.

Corporate partner FAQs

Are you continuing to develop industry partnerships and how can we contact you?

We remain active and the Business School welcomes the opportunity to discuss new partnerships. Please contact Julian Sikondari, Director of Industry Partnerships & Commercialisation. Further information can be found at on our Corporate Relations pages and the College's Enterprise pages.

We are a current corporate partner, how do we find out if the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our current projects?

We are continuing to progress work and have contacted partners where we feel there may be delays. However, please contact Julian Sikondari to discuss your specific project further.

Where can I find the latest updates and guidance from Imperial on COVID-19?

You can read the latest research and insights from our academics on the impact on business on IB Knowledge.

You can read the latest news, advice and guidelines from Imperial College London on the College's website, including what our researchers are doing to tackle COVID-19 and how our staff and students are responding.

Executive Education FAQs

Can I gain access to Business School buildings?

Although teaching and research operations continue, all Business School buildings and spaces are currently closed. Imperial College London will continue to follow UK government policy as government begins to ease some of its restrictions.

Are you still running programmes?

As a result of the social distancing measures put in place and to preserve the safety of our faculty, contributors and participants, we made the decision to cancel all on-campus programmes between April and September 2020. To replace these, we have launched a suite of virtual programmes that deliver the same content through live video sessions and other interactive online activities.

We are also continuing to develop and roll out our online programme offering and more information on these programmes can be found on this webpage. We hope to be able to run scheduled on-campus programmes later in the year.

How do on-campus, virtual and online programmes differ?

Within Executive Education, we have three established learning modes: on-campus, virtual and online.

• On-campus programmes are our “traditional” short programmes held at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus and between two and five full days in length.


• Virtual programmes deliver the same content and learning objectives as on-campus programmes but interaction between participants and faculty occurs digitally (over video and online activities) rather than face-to-face. We acknowledge spending too much time in front of a screen can be difficult for most people, so the learning is spread out over one to two weeks.


• Online programmes consist mostly of pre-recorded material that participants can work through in their own time, usually over a period of six to eight weeks. Regardless of how you choose to learn with us, you will still follow the same Imperial learning journey methodology and receive access to the same benefits once you complete your programme, including a verified certificate, access to an alumni network and invitations to Imperial events.

Regardless of how you choose to learn with us, you will still follow the same Imperial learning journey methodology and receive access to the same benefits once you complete your programme, including a verified certificate, access to an alumni network and invitations to Imperial events.

General FAQs

Are any upcoming alumni events still scheduled?

Alumni can connect and network through various online opportunities. Our alumni platform Plexus offers a great way to connect with alumni virtually and stay in touch with Imperial College London and the Business School. Live Q&A sessions with alumni are also hosted there.

While our in-person events have been postponed for the foreseeable future, we are developing opportunities to engage online such as professional development webinars. Please check our website for updates.

Our Executive Education team are still running programmes remotely; if you are interested in further professional development take a look at the courses on offer.

What Careers support is available to alumni?

Imperial College Business School alumni continue to have access to Careers’ support. Alumni can request a 1-2-1 appointment with a careers consultant to discuss their career planning and next steps, or to benefit from a mock interview. Alumni can also register to receive our fortnightly alumni Careers bulletin, which includes information about job opportunities that may be of interest.

For more details or to request an appointment, contact our Careers team.

How can I help?

• Support the Imperial COVID-19 Response Fund
  Imperial researchers are moving quickly to respond to the crisis, channelling their expertise to develop new vaccines and therapies, improve diagnostic tests, and strengthen epidemiology. You can support them today.


• Volunteer to support our students
  Our students are coming towards the end of their studies and thinking about their next steps. Your advice and guidance are needed more than ever and can make a difference. Can you spare 15 minutes for a phone conversation, or can you reply via email to answer any industry or company-specific questions from students? Or might you be willing to sit on a virtual alumni panel for students? If you want to support our students please get in touch or visit this webpage for more information.


• Hire our students and alumni
  If you are recruiting, then please consider hiring from our student or alumni pool. You can advertise jobs to students through our online portal, Jobs Board. And jobs for alumni can be posted on our online alumni portal, Plexus.

This is a great opportunity to support our students as they enter the job market in such uncertain times, and your business will be gaining high-calibre talent.

How I can share my experiences?

We know the alumni community has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so why not share it with the wider Imperial community? How has the current situation affected your industry? What positive changes do you think will come out of this? What is your advice on job hunting in a difficult climate? Think you have some useful insights to share, then why not write a blog post for us and share your advice?

Please share your story of how you are making a difference in your community during the pandemic. We would love to share your stories with the Imperial community. 

How can I thank #OurImperial community during the pandemic?

Who would you like to thank during this difficult time? Does someone stand out from the Imperial community for making a real difference? Tell us about someone who has helped you or others and we’ll share your stories about the #OurImperial community.

How can I stay connected and network with other alumni?

You can connect with our Imperial alumni network via our online alumni portal, Plexus. This platform is a great way to network with alumni across the globe and share your news, stories and advice.

You can also connect via our social media channels:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter

These platforms are also a good way to stay up to date on the latest news from the School and College. You can follow all the latest news, as well as sharing your own updates, using #ImperialMeansBusiness

Where can I find the latest updates and guidance from Imperial on COVID-19?

You can read the latest research and insights from our academics on the impact on business on IB Knowledge.

You can read the latest news, advice and guidelines from Imperial College London on the College's website, including what our researchers are doing to tackle COVID-19 and how our staff and students are responding.

General information

All Business School staff have access to the Business School Hub on Teams, which you may find particularly helpful during this time. The Hub contains information for faculty and professional staff, as well as general information about the School and top tips for remote working. We have also set up an IB Clubs & Activities site on Teams. Please join this for information about social events, fitness and health, and the Parent Network. You should also receive regular email updates from the College and from the Dean.

The College's COVID-19 webpage is updated regularly and contains key information for staff, students and applicants. For staff, you will find guidance on:

• Health and wellbeing
• Remote working
• HR policies
• Travel, visas and immigration
• Research support
• Support for postdoctoral staff and fellows
• Volunteering
• Campus operations

Staff can find information on COVID-19-related HR policies, including recruitment, on the HR policies page.

Information for faculty about online teaching

Imperial College Business School’s Resources for Remote & Online Teaching module provides the best source of information for faculty members teaching remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to frequently asked questions about teaching in a virtual environment, the module includes tips and materials on how to use Zoom effectively and how to self-record high-quality video content. There is also a chat feature for faculty to share their experiences.

The Edtech Lab is running an Introductory Zoom training session every Tuesday and an Advanced Zoom Training session every Thursday. To sign up for a session, please complete this form. 

With the shift to using the new platform, the Edtech Lab is also offering 1-2-1 consultations with faculty to discuss their preferred teaching approach; it is also running weekly design sessions every Wednesday, showcasing how to enhance delivery and make the most of the features the new platform has to offer. To register your interest in setting up a consultation, please contact Sarah Grant.

Information for all staff about hosting online events

For day-to-day meetings between colleagues, Microsoft Teams should be used wherever possible.

School events can be hosted on Zoom, by using the Webinar or Meeting function:

• Zoom Webinar should be used for large, multisession events where there is limited interaction between the audience and the panellists/host. For example, a conference or staff address.


• Zoom Meeting can be used for more intimate events where engagement between the audience and the panellists/host is needed. For example, a workshop or seminar.

To register for a training session or to request a Zoom background for teaching or events, please email Megan Taylor-Silva . You can also join the Virtual Event Managers Teams group.

Other FAQs

Can I gain access to Business School buildings?

Although teaching and research operations continue, all Business School buildings and spaces are currently closed. Imperial College will continue to follow UK government policy as government begins to ease some of its restrictions.

What steps is the College taking to protect staff health and safety?

The College has a health and safety plan in place which is led at the highest level within College and is being continually reviewed in line with guidance from Public Health England and the NHS to ensure Imperial is a safe place to work and study. The health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our first priority and the latest updates and guidance for staff can be found on the College COVID-19 site.

What is happening to post and deliveries during the pandemic?

Post is being held in the South Kensington central post room and not being distributed; there is no access allowed to post and therefore nothing can be retrieved until the College is open again.

Parcel deliveries are still being accepted and stored; as with post, you cannot access any parcel deliveries until the College is open again.

Can I purchase ICT equipment to support with home working?

Orders for any equipment that is needed for home working, and where you have your own budget to cover this, can be placed by the usual nominated representative who has access, using the relevant budget code. Equipment should be sourced and bought through the College’s preferred suppliers and delivered to your home address. Please note, purchases over £250 cannot be submitted via expense claims.

What advice is available for working from home?

Please follow advice set out by the College Occupational Health team and follow the guidance here to check your working from home setup.

Contacts

If you have further questions, please get in touch with the most relevant contact:

• Business School EdTech COVID19 for questions regarding resources for remote and online teaching
• Laura Nicholson for questions about the Business School Teams site or communications
• Faculty Services for details on how to order computer equipment for working at home
• Dipen Mandalia for ICT-related questions such as remote tools training and improving your internet connection
• Megan Taylor-Silva for advice and assistance in running events online
• Siobhain Griffin and Lisa Phillips for HR policies and procedures

General FAQs

How do I find a suitable expert for a story I'm preparing about COVID-19?

If you need an academic expert who can discuss the business or economic aspects of COVID-19, please contact Laura Singleton, Media & PR Manager at Imperial College Business School, who will put you in touch with a relevant commentator (phone: +44 (0)20 7594 6127).

If you're looking to speak to a scientist from the main College, such as a member of the MRC Gida team (e.g. Professor Neil Ferguson) or Professor Robin Shattock (vaccine research) then please get in touch with Imperial's news and media team.

On which areas of COVID-19 can Imperial College Business School comment?

Imperial College Business School can provide experts to discuss the coronavirus pandemic in relation to:

• Business and economics
• Public health (including the impact on the NHS)
• Climate change and sustainability
• Small businesses
• The future of work
• Leadership and management
• Developing countries/economies, and teaching and learning.

You can find examples of our thought leadership on IB Knowledge and the College website.

Where can I find out about the latest work Imperial is doing on COVID-19?

You can find full details of Imperial’s latest work, including disease modelling and vaccine research, on the Imperial College London website .