The UK’s business schools offer prestigious MBA courses that are highly valued by business employers all over the world. Boasting providing a unique learning and networking environment, the UK ensures the career progression of MBA students achieving outstanding success in a full range of business sectors.
An MBA in the UK can be studied at general, executive and specialist levels, thus creating a transformational experience for the students, enabling them to be highly employable and make a positive difference in the world and their lives.
The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking provides a comparative tool for future students to evaluate business schools that can provide them with high satisfaction levels with their MBA. As an MBA is expensive, students are advised to research thoroughly considering the relevance, tuition fees, program duration and their necessity before applying.
Learn more about the best MBA universities in the UK below and begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India.
Top 10 UK Business Schools for MBA
1. London Business School
London Business School (LBS) is one of the world’s most reputed business and management studies schools. It is ranked third globally in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2022 and is placed 2nd in the QS Global MBA Rankings: Europe 2023. Apart from MBA, the institute offers a range of world-class programmes in various disciplines, including financial accounting, corporate finance, and business analytics. LBS also has a secondary campus in Dubai dedicated to offering academic excellence in executive education and EMBA.
- Course: Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
- Entry requirements: Applicants are usually required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
- International fees: £109,700
2. University of Cambridge: Judge Business School
Cambridge University’s Judge Business School (JBS) constantly ranks among the world’s top ten business and management institutes. It is currently ranked eighth globally in the QS World University Rankings 2022. JBS's MBA program equips you with the essential management skills and fundamental business principles necessary for a successful career. Along with cultivating crucial interpersonal abilities, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their areas of expertise through team projects and special interest groups.
- Course: Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
- Entry requirements: A good 2:1 Honours degree from an overseas institution on the UK grading scale or equivalent standard.
- International fees: £64,000
3. University of Oxford: Saïd Business School
Saïd Business School is the seventh-best business school in Europe (QS Global MBA Rankings: Europe 2023). Home to world-class infrastructure, the University of Oxford’s B-school offers a state-of-the-art MBA programme that provides a strong grounding in essential business concepts and cultivates a broader perspective and comprehension of the significance of business within society. Established in 1965, Saïd allows you to connect with a global network of business professionals and thought leaders for a rigorous academic experience.
- Course: Oxford MBA
- Entry requirements: A recognised undergraduate degree and at least two years of full-time work experience.
- International fees: £71,440
4. Imperial College Business School
Imperial College Business School, founded in 2004, is widely recognised as one of the top institutions for business studies in the United Kingdom. Their full-time MBA program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in leadership roles in the business sector. This 12-month program fosters analytical and strategic abilities, teamwork and leadership qualities, and a firm grasp of global business trends. With a focus on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, students are exposed to a diverse range of industries throughout the course of their studies.
- Course: Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements: A good undergraduate degree from a recognised university – typically at least a UK Second Class Honours or the international equivalent or an acceptable professional qualification.
- International fees: £61,500
5. Alliance Manchester Business School
Alliance Manchester Business School is ranked 19th in Europe (QS 2023) and is home to one of the world’s most practical MBA programmes. Industry professionals design the course curriculum and covers key subjects like business accounting, operations & marketing, and managing in a global environment. The business school aims to prepare students for challenging roles in the professional world through applied learning that includes not-for-profit consultancy projects and international business consultancy projects.
- Course: The Manchester Full-time MBA Degree
- Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree or international equivalent. Minimum of three years post-graduation work experience with strong, consistent career progression and achievement.
- International fees: £47,000
6. Warwick Business School
located in the beautiful city of Coventry, Warwick Business School is ranked 15th in Europe (QS 2023). It offers a highly respected MBA programme that is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's global business environment through personalised career guidance and in-depth academic excellence. The MBA curriculum at Warwick Business School covers various topics, including financial management, innovation & strategic entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour, and strategy.
- Course: Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements: An upper second class honours at the undergraduate level. You must have at least three years’ of post-graduation professional business experience.
- International fees: £49,950
7. Bayes Business School
The business schools of City, University of London, and Bayes Business School offer a full-time MBA programme that is designed to increase students’ knowledge, skills, performance, and ability to think innovatively. It allows you to develop your managerial skills and advance your career. The curriculum inspires students to master management, leadership and entrepreneurship skills. It includes core modules such as accounting and financial reporting, business analytics, and organisational behaviour.
- Course: Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements: At least three years of full-time professional experience gained after graduation.
- International fees: £48,000
8. Durham University Business School
The Full-time MBA programme at Durham University Business School betters your core business and leadership skills through rigorous academic and practice-based training. It prepares you to succeed in the rapidly evolving global business landscape by tailoring your unique career aspirations. The programme is a challenging yet motivating journey, guiding you towards achieving your professional goals.
- Course: The Durham MBA
- Entry requirements: First or Upper Second Class Bachelors Degree or international equivalent.
- International fees: £35,000
9. Cranfield Business School
Cranfield Business School is ranked 28th in Europe and offers two MBA programmes: the Transformation and Executive MBA. Founded in 1965, the school promotes an amalgamation of theoretical and practical teachings to ensure the all-round development of students. It prepares students for successfully executing management roles in broad, diverse, ever-changing, and challenging environments. The curriculum covers key topics, such as finance, organisational behaviour, and business management.
- Course: The Transformation MBA
- Entry requirements: A minimum of three years post-qualification work experience
- International fees: £44,195
10. Birmingham Business School
Birmingham Business School is popular for its MBA International Business programme that covers a range of important subjects, including strategy development, operations management, and business analytics. Students can choose study several optional modules, from entrepreneurial finance, global marketing leadership, and international business experience. The programme holds triple-crown accreditation from the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
- Course: MBA International Business
Job Prospects for an MBA Graduate
An MBA is among the most popular and high-yielding programmes worldwide. Thanks to the ever-rising demand for business and management professionals, MBA courses are rated highly by students and universities alike. MBA graduates play a huge role in the development and expansion of an organisation since they possess managerial, decision-making, and entrepreneurial skills. MBA jobs in the UK include work as Business Development Managers, Marketing Managers, Analytics Managers, Data Processing executives, etc.
- Expected Salary
The average MBA salary in the UK is £38,487 per year. The average additional cash compensation for an MBA in London, United Kingdom, is £2,116, ranging from £637 - £7,029. (Source: Glassdoor)
- UK MBA Fees
The cost of an MBA in the UK can vary massively depending on the institution, location, and duration. However, according to recent data from the Financial Times, the average cost of an MBA in the UK is around £52,100 ($68,000) for a one-year course and £61,000 ($79,400) for a two-year programme. It's worth noting that these figures are just averages and that some MBA programs may cost more or less than this amount. Additionally, some schools may offer specific MBA scholarships or financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition.
MBA with Placement in the UK
Many MBA courses in the UK offer placement or career services to help students find employment opportunities after graduation. Some schools may have stronger relationships with specific industries or companies, so considering which courses offer the best opportunities for your desired career path is worth considering.
Some MBA degrees may require students to complete a mandatory internship or consulting project as part of their coursework, which can provide valuable hands-on experience and help build professional connections in the field.
Study MBA in the UK
If you want to learn more about top business schools in the UK, arrange a free consultation today. Our expert international consultants can help you study in the UK.