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Top 10 UK Universities for MBA in 2024: Your Guide to the Best Business Administration Programs

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The premier UK universities for MBA, offering excellence in business education, entrepreneurship, and global exposure. Ranked high in QS World University & Business Rankings, these UK universities for MBA offer quality education, research, and practical training.

Explore the best universities in the UK for business administration, their rankings, fees, and requirements in this article.

UK Universities for MBA

The United Kingdom is renowned for its prestigious universities, innovative programs, and vast career prospects, specifically for aspirants willing to pursue MBA. Graduating from top MBA colleges in the UK opens doors to a world of excellence, leadership, and success.

Whether you seek to advance your career or venture into entrepreneurship, the UK’s MBA programs offer a dynamic and enriching experience to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Moving further let us list down the best universities for studying MBA in the UK.

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Top 10 Universities in the UK for MBA

UK’s MBA programs typically last 12-21 months, with tuition fees ranging from 31,450 to 87,900 GBP (approx. 29 Lakhs to 81 Lakhs INR). Over 130 business schools in the UK offer MBA programs, known for their accessibility compared to Canada and the USA.

*GBP: Great British Pound is the UK currency

So without further ado, let us explore the list of top MBA universities in the UK

1. London Business School

London Business School is among the prime destinations for best UK business schools and is among the best universities in the UK for MBA as per the QS Global MBA Ranking 2023.

LBS is known for its distinguished offerings of prestigious MSc, MBA, and EMBA programs in finance, management, marketing, and more. It stands as one of the premier destinations for MBA education in London.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the London Business School have been mentioned below:

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
15 – 21 months £109,700 The admission requirements include

  • Undergraduate academic transcripts or equivalent qualification.
  • GPA required: 3.3 or 86-87%.
  • English language proficiency: IELTS 7.5.
  • GMAT Score: 708.
  • Minimum 2 years of work experience.
  • 2 Essays, each limited to 500 words (1 optional).
  • One-page CV.
  • Two letters of reference: 1 from the employer and 1 from a coworker or client.
 £94,343

Additional Resources London Business School (LBS)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 25-28%

Employability Rate: 94% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

2. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the best universities in the UK for MBA and ranks 2nd best in the UK for MBA studies (QS Global MBA Rankings 2023). Cambridge Judge Business School is renowned for excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Cambridge have been mentioned below:

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
1 year £64,000 The Cambridge MBA is suitable if you have:

  • More than 2 years of work experience with a track record of career growth.
  • A bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance (equivalent to a high 2:1 on the UK scale).
  • A valid GMAT/GRE score (average around 690).
  • Excellent English language skills.
  • A growth-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities.
  • Confidence, resilience, ambition, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
 £75,198

Additional Resources University of Cambridge (Judge Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 33%

Employability Rate: 93% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

3. The University of Oxford

Oxford University has been ranked the 4th best university for MBA in the UK (as per the QS Global MBA ranking 2023) and the best under the MBA university ranking UK (World University Ranking 2023), while it is ranked 3rd as per the QS World Ranking 2024.

Its Saïd Business School caters to undergraduate and postgraduate students offering business, management, and finance courses.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Oxford have been mentioned below

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
1 year £71,440 The admission requirements include

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
  • A written supporting statement.
  • Completion of an online assessment.
  • Submission of either GMAT or GRE scores.
  • Minimum 2 years of professional work experience.
  • A clear understanding of your career goals.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Two references (professional or academic).
  • A one-page CV following the provided template as a guide.
 £70,409

Additional Information University of Oxford (Saïd Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-25%

Employability Rate: 91% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

4. Imperial College London

Being among the best MBA colleges in the UK, Imperial College London ranks 6th in the QS World Ranking 2024 and is also ranked 5th best MBA university in the UK (as per QS Global MBA ranking 2023.

Imperial College Business School provides exceptional full-time and part-time MBA programs. Its advanced curriculum paves the way for limitless opportunities in the realms of business, management, and entrepreneurship.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the Imperial College London have been mentioned below:

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
12 – 32 months (Based on the course chosen) £45,700 – £69,000 The admission requirements include
Work Experience:

  • Minimum requirement: 3 years of work experience.
  • Candidates with less than 3 years may be considered if they exhibit exceptional career growth and academic performance.
  • Average work experience: 7 years.

Academic Requirement:

  • At least a UK Second Class Honours or its international equivalent.
  • Alternatively, an acceptable professional qualification.

Standardized Test Scores:

  • Minimum GMAT score: 600.
  • Minimum GRE scores: 156 in the verbal and 158 in the quantitative sections.
 £83,000

Additional Information Imperial College London (Imperial College Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-25%

Employability Rate: 88% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

5. University of Warwick

University of Warwick holds the 6th rank among the best universities in the UK for MBA (QS Global MBA ranking 2023) and the 2nd best in the world as per the Better World MBA ranking 2022 and ranks 67th as per QS World Ranking 2024 respectively. The MBA program at Warwick Business School is designed to cultivate powerful, innovative, and impactful global leaders.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, the Warwick MBA acts as a catalyst, elevating and transforming your career.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Warwick have been mentioned below:

 

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
12 months £49,950 The admission requirements include

  • Preferably upper second class honors or equivalent.
  • Minimum 3 years’ post-graduation professional business experience.
  • GMAT (650+) or valid GRE score. Warwick Test may be considered for certain candidates.
  • English Language Proficiency Score: IELTS 7+, PTE 70, etc.
 £98,226

Additional Information University of Warwick (Warwick Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 25-30%

Employability Rate: 94% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

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6. University of Manchester

Alliance Manchester Business School is among the pioneer business schools and certainly among the best universities in the UK for MBA. Affiliated with the esteemed University of Manchester (Ranked 32 as per the QS World Ranking 2024).

Its MBA program emphasizes leadership development and empowers students to craft their vision for the future.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Manchester have been mentioned below:

 

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
15 – 24 months
(Based on the chosen Course)		 £30,000 – £47,000 The admission requirements include

  • Must have an Undergraduate Degree.
  • English Language Proficiency
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL (iBT): 90
  • PTE: 59-65
  • GMAT Score: 550 – 700.
  • Minimum 3 Years of Work Experience.
 £98,300

Additional Information University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 35-40%

Employability Rate: 89% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

7. University College London (UCL)

UCL ranks 9th globally (QS World Ranking 2024) and also carries a rich history of inclusivity. UCL School of Management offers various management programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive courses in management, entrepreneurship, information management for business, management science, and business analytics.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University College London (UCL) have been mentioned below:

 

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
16 – 60 months
(Based on the chosen Course)		 £12,500 – £42,500 The admission requirements include

  • A minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification.
  • At least 3 years of full-time work experience.
  • A GMAT or GRE, or an equivalent standardized test set by UCL and the NSD is mandatory, with a recommended minimum GMAT score of 600.
  • The program requires English language proficiency at Level 1.
 £75,000

Additional Resources University College London (UCL School of Management)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 30%

Employability Rate: 85% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

8. The University of Edinburgh

Ranked 22nd in the QS World Rankings 2024, the University of Edinburgh (UoE) stands as the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

The University of Edinburgh Business School offers a comprehensive range of programs in business and management, catering to undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Edinburgh have been mentioned below:

 

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
12 – 33 months
(Based on the chosen Course)		 £10,470 – £38,500 The admission requirements include

  • Minimum of 3 years’ work experience
  • English Language Proficiency
  • UK 2:1 honors degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification. Exceptions may apply:
  • Consideration with professional qualifications and substantial work experience.
  • Evaluation based on a strong employment record displaying significant responsibility.
  • GMAT Not compulsory, but if the minimum academic requirement is not met, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for MBA qualification
 £121,000

Additional Resources University of Edinburgh (Business School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 35-40%

Employability Rate: 87% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

9. Cranfield University

Renowned as a global leader in management education, research, and consultancy, Cranfield School of Management is an integral part of Cranfield University.

The MBA program is dedicated to enhancing business and management practices, nurturing high-performance leaders, and inspiring adaptability to ever-evolving business landscapes.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at Cranfield University have been mentioned below:

 

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
12 months £44,195 The admission requirements include

  • UK first or second-class honors degree in a relevant subject area.
  • An equivalent international qualification (visit the International Student page for qualification assessment).
  • Relevant work experience in combination with a degree below second-class honors.
  • English Language Requirements
 £98,000

Additional Resources Cranfield University (School of Management)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 30-35%

Employability Rate: 92% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

10. Lancaster University

Lancaster University is ranked 122nd globally (QS World Ranking 2024) yet the 12th best university for MBA in the UK (QS Global MBA Ranking 2023) with a state-of-the-art campus in North West England, easily reachable from London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Lancaster University Management School holds quadruple accreditation and consistently ranks in the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK for various disciplines.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at Lancaster University have been mentioned below:

Duration Tuition Fee Requirements Average Salary Post-MBA
12 months £36,000 The admission requirements include

  • 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any subject.
  • Minimum 3 years of work experience since graduation, with a detailed CV showcasing achievements and managerial responsibilities.
  • 2 good references: one from the current employer and another assessing academic ability.
  • A detailed personal statement (minimum 500 words).
  • Interview with Lancaster’s admissions team.
  • English Language Proficiency (IELTS (Academic) Score of at least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each element
 £85,000

Additional Resources Lancaster University (Management School)

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 40%

Employability Rate: 86% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

List of Best MBA Courses in the UK

The UK offers a diverse range of high-quality MBA programs tailored to various interests and career goals. Top business schools in the UK provide flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs.

These programs typically cover core business subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, strategy, and organizational behavior. Popular MBA specializations in the UK include:

  • MBA in Finance
  • MBA in Marketing
  • MBA in Entrepreneurship
  • MBA in International Business
  • MBA in Innovation Management
  • MBA in Sustainability and Social Impact

The duration of a full-time MBA in the UK ranges from 12 to 24 months, while part-time MBA programs can be completed in 2 to 4 years.

Quick Reads:

Why Study an MBA in the UK?

Studying for an MBA in the UK is a popular choice for many students worldwide due to various compelling reasons supported by statistical data. Here are the top 5 reasons:

 

Why Study MBA in the UK?

1. Reputation and Quality of Education

According to the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023, four UK business schools are in the top 30, with London Business School ranked as the second best in the world.

2. Strong Employment Outcomes

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, 87% of UK employers planned to hire MBA graduates, with an average starting salary of £79,000.

3. Diverse International Student Body

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), in 2022, 57% of MBA students in the UK were international, coming from over 100 different countries.

4. Shorter Program Duration

According to the Association of MBAs (AMBA), 78% of MBA programs in the UK can be completed in 1 year.

5. Access to a Thriving Business Environment

The City of London Corporation reported in 2023 that the UK attracted £1.6 billion in financial services investments, emphasizing the thriving business landscape.

Work Permit After Completing MBA in the UK

The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing their studies to seek employment. This applies to graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

Once the PSW visa expires, those wishing to stay longer in the UK must apply for a Skilled Worker visa or a General UK Work visa (Tier 2 visa). To qualify for a Tier 2 visa, candidates generally need to earn a minimum of £30,000 per year, although this threshold can vary depending on the specific job.

Quick Read:

MBA Scholarships for the UK

Pursuing an MBA in the UK can be a significant investment, but numerous scholarships are available to help offset the costs. These scholarships to study in UK are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

International students aiming to pursue an MBA in the UK can apply for numerous scholarships. Some of the prominent MBA scholarships available for studying in the UK:

  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • University-specific Scholarships
  • Corporate and Foundation Scholarships
  • Merit-based and Need-based Scholarships

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