Bayes Modular Executive MBA Class of 2027
In March we welcomed the latest cohort of the Modular Executive MBA to Bayes.
Reflecting London’s status as one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet, the group consists of 11 different nationalities based in London, the wider UK, Europe, and beyond. They will primarily be based at our Finsbury Square campus for their in-person teaching over the next two years.
Every year, we work hard to build a diverse group of students in terms of gender, nationality, industry, and role. This year is no exception, as we welcome a highly diverse group of senior professionals from industries such as aviation, finance, IT/telecoms, consulting, pharma/healthcare, and engineering. Organisations represented in the class include major multinational firms and public sector institutions, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
Beyond their professional expertise, this cohort is full of multi-talented individuals. A few of the students have unique hobbies, including performing music, playing tennis and basketball, and even a qualified chef among them. These diverse interests contribute to the dynamic and engaging environment of the programme.
This year’s class consists of students with an average age of 38 and an average of 13 years of work experience. A third of the class are female, and 20% of the students are based outside of the UK, travelling from locations such as Kanagawa, Japan, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Gothenburg, Sweden. Bayes’ excellent transport links, including proximity to the Elizabeth Line and major airports, make the Modular Executive MBA accessible to those commuting internationally for their studies.
Meet the Modular Executive MBA Students
Name: Yoshihiro Yamaguchi
Job Role: Senior Manager
Company: PwC Consulting
Nationality: Japanese
What attracted you to Bayes and the Modular Executive MBA?
When considering an MBA, factors like location, diversity, alumni network, and recruitment credentials are crucial. Bayes stands out with its industry range, global alumni network, and diverse cohort. I prefer to be among familiar groups while also gaining broader perspectives. Bayes fits all these criteria perfectly.
The Modular Executive MBA format was ideal for me. I’m experienced in business and don’t need a full-time MBA. Instead, I wanted to refine my knowledge and focus on specific areas. The Modular Executive MBA offers that flexibility while allowing me to continue my professional career seamlessly.
How do you plan to manage work and study commitments?
My unique profile involves working in Tokyo while flying in and out for study in London. The time zone differences, and long flights allow me to use non-business hours for studying and discussions with my cohort.
I utilise transition time to complete work and focus on my studies and assignments.
Name: Azza El Arabi
Job role: UX Writing Manager
Company: Booking.com
Nationality: Dutch, Sudanese
What attracted you to Bayes and the Modular Executive MBA?
When deciding to pursue an MBA, I wanted a programme that would help accelerate my career growth. After researching and speaking to a member of the recruitment team, I felt that the Modular Executive MBA at Bayes offered the best combination of core and elective modules delivered through experiential learning. However, what really convinced me to join Bayes were two factors:
- The strong career and professional development resources
- The highly impressive alumni community.
During induction, I was exposed to Bayes’ professional development and career support resources, such as executive coaching and the "Achieving Your Potential" weekend. It quickly became clear that Bayes places a significant focus on tailored professional development.
Additionally, hearing from alumni about how the programme transformed their careers truly inspired and energised me.
What do you hope to gain from the programme?
By the end of the programme, I want to have deepened my existing skills and gained new ones—particularly in strategic leadership and entrepreneurship. I envision myself emerging as a well-rounded leader, ready for the next chapter of my career. I also look forward to learning from my cohort, who collectively bring a wealth of knowledge across various sectors. Expanding my network is another important goal, especially given the school’s large and diverse alumni body and strong connections to industry.
The Modular Executive MBA at Bayes continues to attract ambitious and diverse professionals seeking to elevate their careers. We look forward to seeing what this year’s cohort will achieve.
Name: Rishi Kumar 
Job Role: Pre-Sales Specialist
Company: Worldline SA
Nationality: British, Indian
What attracted you to Bayes and the Modular EMBA?
Honestly, it was a combination of things. Bayes' reputation speaks for itself, especially for its practical approach to learning. Plus, its location in the heart of the city is an added bonus. It provides a unique learning environment, seamlessly blended with the business hub and global connections.
The Modular EMBA format is perfect for me. I needed something that would allow me to keep working while developing my skills. The modular format really helps to balance work, life, and study. That one long weekend every 4-6 weeks is surprisingly manageable and easy to plan around. It's such an immersive way of learning! You can really dive deep into the modules over that extended weekend. It also gives you a chance to spend quality time with the cohort, especially those who have travelled from all over the world to be here. It's such a diverse group, and I'm already learning so much from their different perspectives.
But it's not just the structure, the people here are incredible. The staff are so welcoming and supportive, making the whole process from initial enquiry to induction completely seamless. They were always on hand to answer any questions I had. The taster lessons from the world-renowned faculty made the choice even easier. Also, the alumni community is so widespread, and everyone was so open and honest about the program and their experiences. You can tell there's a real sense of community here.
Ultimately, Bayes felt like the perfect place to not only gain the knowledge and skills I need but also to build valuable connections and grow both professionally and personally in the heart of London. It just felt like the right fit for me, and I'm absolutely thrilled about it!
What aspects of the Modular EMBA are you most looking forward to?
I'm honestly really excited about the whole Modular EMBA journey. I'm hoping to gain a deeper understanding of business principles and develop a strategic mindset that I can immediately apply to my role at Worldline, and beyond.
I'm also super keen to build meaningful connections with my classmates and the faculty. It's such a diverse group, and I know I'll learn just as much from them as I do from the lectures. I believe the relationships I form here will be invaluable, both personally and professionally.
Ultimately, I want to enjoy the process, learn along the way, and come out of the EMBA with a broader perspective and a stronger network. It's all about personal and professional growth, and I'm really eager to see where this experience takes me.