What are the Benefits of Pursuing an MBA at UK Business Schools?
Due to the reputation of the UK education system, its business schools also provide the best quality education. Some of the benefits of pursuing an MBA in the United Kingdom are as follows:- Quality of Education
- Diverse Culture and Community
- Better Chances of Employment
- Shorter Length of MBA Programmes
- Strong Alumni Connections
Quality of Education
Due to the high-quality research and innovative approaches used by professors at UK business schools, MBA students are well-prepared to face the challenges of the corporate world. Furthermore, the standard of education allows the students to grow and create a unique vision for themselves over a year or so.Diverse Culture and Community
More than 50% of the campus population for MBA programs consists of international students. The diversity of cultures and nationalities exposes students to different environments around the world. Additionally, students studying in a diverse community tend to be more tolerant and adjust better to international business environments.Better Chances of Employment
The benefit of better employment opportunities is not only associated with studying in the UK but also with pursuing an MBA. MBA graduates mostly hold the highest-paying jobs. Not only that, the universities in the UK develop strong ties with many international and national business enterprises. These connections allow the graduates to get places in well-reputed businesses. Lastly, even if the universities do not offer a connection, international employers are aware of the quality of education provided in the UK.Shorter Length of MBA Programmes
Most MBA programmes in the UK last one year, so students graduate sooner. However, the short time does not mean a compromise on education. Offers like comprehensive and personalised support services provided by the universities further help MBA students.Strong Alumni Connections
You can become an alumnus by graduating from any of the UK business schools with an MBA degree. The alumni status has its perks like:- Placement in the elite Alumni Clun
- Networking opportunities through the extensive alumni network
- Many opportunities to increase resources and knowledge
What Are The Top 10 UK Business Schools for MBA?
The top 10 business schools in the United Kingdom where you should study MBA are:- London Business School
- Judge Business School, Cambridge University
- SaÏd Business School, Oxford University
- Imperial College London
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
- University of Edinburgh Business School
- Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University
- Bayes Business School, City University of London
- Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University
London Business School
With a global MBA ranking of 4, the London Business School is known best for its vibrant city life and diverse campus community. The school offers the following programmes:- MSc
- MBA
- EMBA
- Finance
- Management Science
- Operations
- Marketing
- Organisational Behaviour
Judge Business School, Cambridge University
Judge Business School, Cambridge University, has developed its reputation for its up-to-date methods. Studying for an MBA at the Judge Business School can help you through the following:- Academic learning via practical and innovative teaching methodologies
- Professional challenges and development via practice
- Theory-based learning
- Experimental and experiential learning
SaÏd Business School, Oxford University
Oxford University allows students to indulge in the business world via their SaÏd Business School. International students can experience their lives by studying in this exceptional school. SaÏd Business School provides students with all the given perks:- Theoretical Teachings
- Seminars
- Group Projects
Imperial College London
Two programmes offered by the Imperial College London are:- Advanced full-time MBA
- Part-time MBA
- Business
- Management
- Entrepreneurship
Warwick Business School, University of Warwick
MBA programme at Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, mainly focuses on:- Producing strong entrepreneurs
- Creating creative leaders
- Developing effective management skills in its students
Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
One of the oldest business schools to exist in the UK, Alliance Manchester Business School has proven its ability to withstand time and change. Furthermore, its status as part of the University of Manchester adds to its reputation. If you are pursuing an MBA programme at the Alliance Manchester Business School, you will:- Have to participate in leadership development plans
- Be able to develop your vision of your future
University of Edinburgh Business School
University of Edinburgh’s MBA programme has the key features:- Strategic leadership
- Professional development
- Personalised approach
Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University
Cranfield School of Management is continuously recognised for its following aspects:- Management Education
- Research
- Consultancy
- Work on their business and management practices
- Become high-performance dealers in business and management roles
- Change alongside the business world and practices
Bayes Business School, City University of London
Bayes Business School is a dream destination for many international students who want to pursue MBA programmes. To further add to its prestige, it is a part of the City University of London, one of the top universities in the UK. Studying for an MBA at Bayes Business School facilitates students' later stages of career development. Students are equipped with a sense of direction and the ability to have an innovative vision. Lastly, students who have already passed out can be an asset to the currently enrolled students. Their international business ventures and experiences can help you provide better insight and more connections. You can study MBA at Bayes Business School for better exposure to career development and lifelong learning.Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University
Lancaster University Management School enhances your exposure through its international, established, and diverse community. Experience the world culture of international business by studying with students from various countries and backgrounds. Some of the key features of the MBA programmes offered by Lancaster University Management School include:- Corporate Strategy
- Value for Money
| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||||
| General MBA Programme Features | |||||
| Business School | Location | University Type | QS Global MBA Ranking | Intake | Course Duration |
| London Business School | London | Public | 4 | August | 15 - 21 months |
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | Cambridge | Public | 9 | September | One Year |
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | Oxford | Public | 18 | September | One Year |
| Imperial College London | London | Public | 20 | September | One Year |
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | Coventry | Public | 36 | September | One Year |
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | Manchester | Public | 49 | August | 15 - 18 months |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | Edinburgh | Public | 64 | September | One Year |
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | Cranfield | Public | 82 | September | One Year |
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | London | Public | 101-110 | September | One Year |
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | Lancaster | Public | 121-130 | September | One Year |
What are the Admission Requirements for the Top UK Business Schools for MBA?
Here is a brief guide to what you need to do to secure admission to one of the top UK business schools for MBA programmes.- Undergraduate Degree
- English Language Proficiency
- Standardised Tests
- Work Experience
- Resume/CV
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
Undergraduate Degree
An undergraduate degree is a must to pursue an MBA at the top business schools in the UK. Most universities request a degree related to the business field to ensure that students grasp beginner-level concepts. The recommended GPA requirement for the top UK business school is around 3.5 or above. A high GPA will display your competency in both the academic and professional aspects of your life and help the admission committee judge your ability to successfully complete your MBA. The average GPA needed for MBA courses at each of the business schools is mentioned below.| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Academic Requirement (GPA) | |||
| Business School | Minimum GPA | ||
| London Business School | 3.3 | ||
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | 3.15 | ||
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | 3.5 | ||
| Imperial College London | 3.1 | ||
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | 3.25 | ||
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | 3.2 | ||
| University of Edinburgh Business School | 3.25 | ||
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | 3.0 | ||
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | 3.4 | ||
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | 3.3 | ||
English Language Proficiency
You can skip your English language proficiency test if:- English is your first language, i.e., you are a native speaker of English
- You have utilised the English language as a medium of instruction for two or more years.
- 6.5-7.0 for IELTS
- 90 or above for TOEFL iBT (centre-based)
- 60 or above for PTE
| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Average English Language Proficiency Test Score | |||
| Business School | IELTS | TOEFL (iBT) | PTE |
| London Business School | 7.5 | 110 | - |
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | 7.5 | 110 | - |
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | 7.5 | 110 | - |
| Imperial College London | 7.0 | 100 | - |
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | 7.0 | 100 | 70 |
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | 6.5 | 90 | 59 - 65 |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | 7.0 | 100 | 70 |
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | 7.0 | 100 | 68 |
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | 7.0 | 100 | 68 |
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | 7.0 | 94 | 65 |
Standardised Tests
Most of the top UK business schools require standardised tests, like the GRE and GMAT, for their MBA programmes. These test scores determine an individual’s business mindset, along with their overall potential and field knowledge. Note that standardised test scores are crucial for the admission process. Your academics only provide a general view of your competence. However, these test scores specifically reflect on your course suitability and chances of successfully graduating. Poor scores on these tests will indicate your inability to handle the business field and a need to change courses. The average GRE score to get admitted to the top UK business schools is 310 or above. Likewise, the average GMAT score to secure admission to top business schools in the UK is 650 or above. Listed below are the average GRE and GMAT scores to get into the top business schools in the UK for MBA programmes.| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | ||
| Average Standardised Test Score | ||
| Business School | GMAT | GRE |
| London Business School | 600 - 780 | - |
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | 630 - 740 | - |
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | 690 | 160 (Verbal) 160 (Quantitative) |
| Imperial College London | 600 | 156 (Verbal) 158 (Quantitative) |
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | 650 | - |
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | 550 - 700 | - |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | 600 | - |
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | 680 | - |
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | 600 | - |
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | 580 | - |
Work Experience
Work experience is crucial for admission to MBA programmes. The committee can be more critical of you if you fail to submit your work experience. Hence, your academic accomplishments and level of maturity can be deemed insufficient when opting for admission to MBA courses. The top business schools of the UK require you to submit at least three years of work experience in order to be considered. The provided work experience will help you prove your:- Level of responsibility
- Field knowledge and business advancement
| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Work Experience | |||
| Business School | Years of Work Experience Required | ||
| London Business School | Two years | ||
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | Two years | ||
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | Two years | ||
| Imperial College London | Two to three years | ||
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | Three years | ||
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | Three years | ||
| University of Edinburgh Business School | Three years of managerial experience | ||
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | Three years | ||
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | Three years | ||
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | Three years | ||
- Business accomplishments
- Leadership roles
- Most recent work experience relevant to a business career
- Results achieved as a team leader or project lead
- Contact Details: Provide your name, address, cell number, email address and links (portfolio)
- Work Experience: List the jobs you have recently taken and what you achieved during your tenure.
- Academic History: Mention degrees awarded alongside the majors and minors taken, as well as your total GPA, honours, or achievements during your educational years.
- Achievements and Extracurriculars: Discuss the extracurricular activities that underline your leadership skills and potential
- Essential Skills and Certificates: Create a bulleted list of all your basic skills from a business perspective.
Letter of Recommendation
Letter of recommendation submitted by MBA applicants can be both academic or professional. It is entirely up to you who you choose to write your letter of recommendation. Your teachers, mentors, or employers are some of the few people who can attest to your abilities by writing a recommendation for you. The recommendation should include:- Details of the recommender’s relationship with you and why they are qualified to write the recommendation.
- Reasons behind their recommendation include your achievements, potential, ethics, and abilities.
- A summary of everything previously mentioned and an emphasis on their recommendation for you.
- Conclusion of the recommendation with an offer to reach out in case of questions.
| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | |||
| Business School | Number of LOR | ||
| London Business School | One professional LOR | ||
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | One profession or academic LOR | ||
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | Two professional or academic LORs | ||
| Imperial College London | Two professional LORs | ||
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | Two professional LORs | ||
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | One profession or academic LOR | ||
| University of Edinburgh Business School | One profession or academic LOR | ||
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | Two professional LORs | ||
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | Two professional LORs | ||
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | Two professional or academic LOR | ||
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose for an MBA is also commonly known as the personal statement or goal statement. The purpose of writing a personal statement is to highlight your abilities, interests, and goals. The statement will, hence, help the admission committee see your genuine desire to pursue a career in the business field. The key themes that you can use to write a compelling statement are:- Overcoming Challenges: You can use a narrative that displays your ability to resist and overcome personal or professional challenges throughout your life. You can do so by highlighting some key issues that you have handled throughout your academic and professional years of experience.
- Career Advancement and Goals: In this theme, you can dwell on your past work experiences and how you excelled during those years. You can further discuss how these experiences motivated you to pursue an MBA programme and how you plan to use this degree in your career.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Discussions regarding your potential as a leader with examples are appreciated when following this theme.
- Unique Experiences: When following this theme, you should mention the experiences, both personal and professional, that have influenced your views on leadership and business.
- Authenticity and Self-Reflection: You can discuss your journey and genuinely reflect on it while demonstrating self-awareness and sincerity.
What are the Total Expenses for the Top UK Business Schools for MBA Programmes?
Pursuing an MBA as an international student can be quite expensive due to tuition fees and living expenses. The annual tuition fees and living costs for MBA programmes are mentioned below.| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Annual Tuition Fees (in GBP) | |||
| Business School | Full-Time MBA | Executive MBA | Living Cost |
| London Business School | £97,500 | £108,100 | £25,000 - £30,000 |
| Judge Business School, Cambridge University | £61,000 | £75,800 | £15,000 - £15,500 |
| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University | £63,442 | £98,590 | £16,140 - £23,460 |
| Imperial College London | £57,200 | £61,500 | £14,094 - £17,082 |
| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick | £45,950 | £49,900 | £12,276 |
| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | £46,000 | £39,500 | £14,476 |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | £35,900 | - | £11,040 - £27,084 |
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | £39,000 | £27,000 | £18,000 - £19,200 |
| Bayes Business School, City University of London | £47,000 | £52,000 | £16,980 - £30,240 |
| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University | £34,500 | £49,900 | £8,400 - £10,800 |
What are the Scholarships Offered by the Top UK Business Schools for MBA Programmes?
Since you have gotten an overview of the expenses you will have to manage, it is wise to apply for various scholarships. The table below discusses the scholarships offered by all of the top business schools in the UK for MBA programmes.| Top UK Business Schools for MBA | |||
| Scholarships Offered | |||
| Business School | Scholarships | ||
| London Business School |
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| Judge Business School, Cambridge University |
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| SaÏd Business School, Oxford University |
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| Imperial College London |
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| Warwick Business School, University of Warwick |
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| Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester |
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| University of Edinburgh Business School |
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| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University |
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| Bayes Business School, City University of London |
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| Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University |
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How do you pursue an MBA at the top UK business schools?
The process of securing admission to the top UK business schools for an MBA can seem challenging. All the requirements can catch up to you and make you feel burnt out and exhausted. To avoid feeling all these negative emotions and be well-prepared for your application process, consider hiring a counsellor. Through CounsellingX, you can find a counsellor who suits you best. What is CounsellingX? It is a platform committed to providing you with the best admission counsellors from around the world at one-fifth of the usual cost of counselling. Live your dreams now and study abroad by signing up for a free 15-minute counselling session with your preferred counsellors.Key Takeaways
- Pass your bachelor’s degree in a business field with a 3.5 or above GPA
- Work professionally for 2-3 years
- Have extracurricular activities that relate to your interests and highlight your leadership qualities
- Begin your research regarding the business schools that offer the best MBA programmes.
- Study the business school’s and their MBA’s objectives and see if they align with your goals.
- Start working on the admission requirements
- Concisely write your personal statement with all the crucial details
- Approach your professors or employers for a letter of recommendation
- Give your English language proficiency tests and score high grades
- If applicable, appear for the GMAT or GRE tests and prove your subject suitability and potential through good scores
- Work on your resume by adding your contact information, academic background, work history, and achievements
- Submit your application
- Arrange your finances or apply for scholarships
- Receive offers for an MBA at your preferred business school and apply for a UK visa.
