For managers and executives looking to progress their careers or those in the industry who want to advance their business acumen
UK business schools offer MBA (Master of Business Administration) programmes that cater to students of every academic level, budgetary requirement and career aspiration, providing an international mix of students, teachers, and work opportunities that are unrivalled in many parts of the world.
The UK is host to some of the world’s best business schools in terms of quality of teaching and brand recognition, and students with strong first degrees and solid career starts will be able to take advantage of learning how business works whilst also building a network of contacts which will pay off in the future.
Effective leadership is key to the success of any business, and an MBA in the UK will transform you into a versatile leader with advanced knowledge of areas including strategy, marketing and change management. Additionally, a Master's in Business Management will equip you with a uniquely global perspective, widening your cultural and professional horizons.
Throughout your MBA, you will have access to our expert lecturers and a network of blue-chip corporate partners. So you will graduate with an up-to-date knowledge of the business world, as well as skills that will propel you to real career success. An MBA provides students with the opportunity to connect with other business professionals as well, including classmates, alumni, and professors and these connections can be invaluable for building a professional network and opening up new career opportunities.
A UK MBA also allows you to structure your learning around your career, so you will benefit from flexible study modes and can even work while you study.
Pursuing an MBA can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help students grow both personally and professionally. Students can learn from experienced professionals, work on real-world business challenges, and develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to succeed in any industry.
MBA Course Duration
The duration of an MBA in the UK is for 12-18 months, while a part-time MBA can last for 2-4 years. An Executive MBA, which is specifically designed for working professionals, usually last for 1-2 years and may have a more flexible structure to accommodate work schedules.
MBA Course Fees
The average cost of an MBA is around £19,000 per year for international students, but larger and more prestigious schools can charge upwards of £65,000. A number of UK business schools now offer low cost MBAs as well, enabling students of all backgrounds to study for an MBA. Elements that affect international tuition fees include location, UK university ranking, and global reputation. An MBA in London will generally be more expensive than an MBA in Scotland, Wales, or the north of England.
London Business School’s MBA, which is ranked the 5th best MBA in the world, is £109,000 per year for international applicants. The Durham Business School MBA, however, ranked 10th in the UK, is only £35,000. Below are the UK's top five MBA programmes and their international fees.
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
London Business School | £109,000 | |
University of Cambridge: Judge | £64,000 | |
University of Oxford: Saïd | £71,440 | |
Imperial College Business School | £61,500 | |
Alliance Manchester Business School | £47,000 |
MBA Scholarships
There are many MBA scholarships available in the UK for international students. Below is a small example; please enquire with an SI-UK consultant about which scholarships are available at your desired business school.
- The Skoll Scholarship: This is a scholarship offered by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
- The Imperial MBA Scholarship: Imperial College Business School offers several scholarships for MBA students, including the Forté Foundation scholarship, the Imperial Future Leaders Scholarship, and the Imperial MBA scholarship for women
- The Cambridge MBA Scholarship: The University of Cambridge Judge Business School offers several scholarships for MBA students, including the Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Outstanding Women, the Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Entrepreneurship, and the Cambridge MBA Scholarship for African Students
Types of MBA Courses
Full-Time MBA
A full-time MBA is delivered over the course of either one or two years. Students who enrol on full-time MBA are typically not working professionals who want to continue working while they earn their degree. Instead, full-time MBA programmes are best suited for recent UK university graduates or individuals who can take a break from their professional careers to pursue their education full-time.
A full-time MBA degree provides a range of business topics to study, including finance, accounting, marketing, management, and strategy. All modules are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the business world and to prepare them for leadership roles in a variety of industries.
Part-Time MBA
A part-time MBA allows students to take classes on a part-time basis, usually while continuing to work full-time. This type of MBA is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers or develop new skills but are unable to attend classes on a full-time basis. Part-time MBA degrees are structured to be flexible, with classes held in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate varied schedules.
Executive MBA
An Executive MBA is tailored for busy professionals who want to continue working while earning an advanced degree. Most executives joining an executive MBA finish in two years, while some take advantage of the fact that you can always pause and complete the full programme in up to five.
Online MBA
An online MBA can be earned entirely online, without the need for students to attend classes in person. The online MBA covers the same curriculum as a traditional on-campus MBA, but coursework is delivered through a virtual classroom platform.
Graduate MBA Careers
MBA graduates have a wide range of MBA job options available to them, depending on their interests, skills, and experience. Common career paths for MBA graduates include:
- Management Consulting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Operations Management
Average Salary for MBA Professionals
In 2020 the median base MBA salary in the UK was £70,000 (Graduate Management Admission Council). The sky is the limit for many MBA graduates because of the high esteem an MBA qualification carries globally. Salary benchmarking website Emolument stated that MBA graduates working in investment banking in London can earn salaries in excess of £120,000.
Graduate Employability Rate for a Marketing Degree
According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2023, the following five UK business schools have the best employability record for graduates.
- London Business School
- University of Cambridge: Judge Business School
- University of Oxford: Saïd Business School
- Imperial College Business School
- Warwick Business School
MBA UK Entry Requirements
Prospective MBA students will need at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent and a minimum of three (preferably five) years of full-time continuous work experience of a managerial nature. The amount of work experience required can vary depending on the type of MBA you are applying to, but it is usually at least two to three years.
As English is the language of instruction in most UK MBA degrees, applicants who are not native English speakers may need to demonstrate their proficiency in English through an approved language test. MBA applicants may be required to submit references, typically from supervisors or other professionals who can speak to their skills, experience, and potential.
MBA GMAT Requirements
In some cases, you will need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The test lasts three and a half hours, and the total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with a score of 600 needed to qualify for most MBA programmes. The GMAT consists of four sections and tests ability in Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal.
Where can I study for an MBA Degree in the UK?
To learn more about the best MBA courses in the UK, find details on the top-ranking UK MBA business schools in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2023below:
- London Business School
- University of Cambridge: Judge
- University of Oxford: Saïd
- Imperial College Business School
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- Warwick Business School
- Bayes Business School
- Lancaster University Management School
- Durham University Business School
- University of Portsmouth
Studying for an MBA Degree in the UK
If you are interested in studying an MBA at a UK business school, arrange yourfree consultation at SI-UK London today.
MBA FAQ
The eligibility requirements for a full-time MBA vary by institution, but generally, applicants will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, work experience, passing scores from the standardised tests such as the GMAT, proof of English language proficiency and letters of recommendation.
An MBA focuses specifically on business and management education, while other master's programmes cover a wider range of subjects. An MBA teaches students how to manage businesses and organisations, while a master's teaches students specialised knowledge in areas such as science, arts, or social sciences.
The cost of an MBA in the UK varies depending on the institution, type of MBA and duration of the course. On average, the tuition fees for an MBA in the UK range from £19,000 to £60,000 per year for international students.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a test that is commonly required for admission to MBA courses in the UK and around the world. It is computer-based and measures a range of skills that are important for success in business and management, including analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
An MBA will advance your career prospects by equipping graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various industries and functional areas. An MBA provides advanced networking, career advancement, entrepreneurship, and prestige.
Yes, you are required to show your English language proficiency as part of the entry requirements to study for an MBA.
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