Top 10 MBA Programmes in the UK

An MBA is a globally recognised postgraduate degree which develops business and management careers and is highly valued by employers all over the world. It will open up many different networking opportunities and, in most instances, means a much higher salary.

If you are considering an MBA in the UK, the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking is one of the most esteemed rankings of MBA programmes and business schools in the world. Schools are judged across a wide variety of categories in the FT global ranking, including average salary after graduation and value for money.

Learn more about the best MBA programmes in the UK below (FT MBA 2023 ranking) and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application.

Top 10 MBA Business Schools in the UK

1. London Business School

London Business School has been ranked the number one business school in Europe for the last four years (Financial Times) and offers graduate business programmes in finance and administration, in addition to MBA and Executive MBA.

• What they say: "Benefit from London Business School's outstanding reputation in thought leadership and be challenged by a host of different experiences. Enjoy a curriculum that can be tailored specifically to support your career path and choose whether to finish the programme in 15, 18 or 21 months."
• Course to consider: London Business School MBA
• International fees: £109,700
• Entry requirements: Valid GMAT or GRE score.
• Duration: 15-21 Months
• Scholarships: 

• • Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
  • Sir Edward Youde Memorial Scholarships for Overseas Studies
  • BK Birla Scholars programme
  • Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

2. University of Cambridge: Judge Business School

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world and it offers a wide range of business masters programmes ranked in the world's top 20 through the Cambridge Judge Business School.

• What they say: "The University of Cambridge MBA is a consistently highly ranked and regarded MBA from a business school and university renowned around the world. It is a programme focused on experiential learning, with two live client projects and is proven to enable global and cross-sector career mobility for graduates."
• Course to consider: Cambridge Judge Business School MBA
• International fees: £64,000
• Entry requirements: A good 2:1 Honours degree on the UK grading scale or equivalent standard from an overseas institution.
• Duration: One Year
• Scholarships: 

• • The Wider Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Regional Diversity: Up to £32,000
  • The Wider Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Professional Diversity: Up to £32,000
  • The Forté Foundation Fellows Scholarship (women only): Up to £32,000
  • The ROMBA Fellowship for the LGBTQIA+ Community: Up to £32,000
  • The Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship (awarded once every two years): 75% of tuition fees

3. University of Oxford: Saïd Business School

Saïd Business School is part of the University of Oxford and offers an MBA and other business masters courses in finance, law, financial economics and management study.

• What they say: "The University of Oxford MBA exposes you to a globally connected network, a diverse student group and career opportunities, thought leaders and a rigorous academic experience. The diverse and vibrant Saïd Business School and wider Oxford community is here to support you through every step of your Oxford MBA journey."
• Course to consider: Saïd Business School MBA
• International fees: £71,440
• Entry requirements: A recognised undergraduate degree and at least two years of full-time work experience.
• Duration: One Year
• Scholarships:

• • Academic Futures Scholarships
  • Adara Foundation Scholarships
  • Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarships
  • Forté Fellowships for Women
  • Leo Tong Chen Scholarships

4. Imperial College Business School

Imperial College Business School is a department at Imperial College London, a top UK university located in the centre of London. The full-time MBA programme at Imperial College Business School is ranked in the top 10 in Europe, whilst Imperial is considered one of the best universities in the world for business.

• What they say: "The Imperial MBA is truly transformational, developing you into a global leader who makes an immediate impact in business. An inspirational teaching and innovative culture will give you the skills, aptitude and vision you need to start or grow your own business."
• Course to consider: Imperial MBA
• International fees: £61,500
• Entry requirements: A valid GMAT or GRE score and English language test score (if applicable).
• Duration: One Year
• Scholarships:

• • Advisory Board Scholarship
  • Africa Regional Scholarship
  • Black Future Leader Award
  • Dean’s Impact Scholarship
  • Forté Fellowships for women

5. Alliance Manchester Business School

Alliance Manchester Business School offers a range of triple-accredited and flexible MBA programmes which include full-time, part-time and online MBAs. Alliance MBS produces world-class research and is ranked third in the UK for research power, as per the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

• What they say: "The Manchester Alliance Full-time MBA is one of the world's most practical MBAs. You will gain unbeatable experience for your CV by taking on three consultancy projects with real clients. It doesn't get more hands-on than that."
• Course to consider: Alliance Manchester MBA
• International fees: £47,000
• Entry requirements: Good undergraduate degree or international equivalent. Satisfactory GMAT® or GRE® or MAT score. Minimum of three years post-graduation work experience with strong, consistent career progression and achievement
• Duration: 18 or 15 months
• Scholarships:

• • Manchester Merit scholarships
  • Inspirational Leaders scholarships
  • Joseph Wright Scholarships

6. Warwick Business School

Warwick Business School in Coventry ranks 15th in Europe according to QS 2023 rankings. It offers a prestigious MBA programme that prepares students for success in the global business world. With personalised career support and a strong focus on academic excellence, the programme covers key areas like finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour, and strategy. 

• What they say: “Experience WBS’ rigorous 12-month programme designed to foster personal and academic growth. Through international travel, limitless coaching, and deep engagement with prominent companies, participants collaborate with a diverse peer group from various industries and cultures.”
• Course to consider: Full-time MBA
• International fees: £49,950
• Entry requirements: An upper second class honours at the undergraduate level and a minimum of three years of professional business experience.
• Duration: One year
• Scholarships:

• • Change Maker - Personal Impact in Your Society Scholarship
  • Championing Diversity - Black in Business Scholarship
  • Inspiring Females Scholarship
  • Championing Diversity - LGBTQUA+ Scholarship

7. Bayes Business School

Bayes Business School offers a comprehensive full-time MBA programme that aims to enrich students' expertise, capabilities, effectiveness, and creative thinking. This programme empowers participants to enhance their managerial aptitude and propel their professional journeys forward. 

• What they say: "In the vibrant tapestry of knowledge, BBS’ curriculum weaves a symphony of mastery in management, leadership, and entrepreneurial acumen. The course shapes minds and forge leaders, empowering the change-makers of tomorrow to harmonise success and innovation with every step they take."
• Course to consider: Full-time MBA programme
• International fees: £48,000
• Entry requirements: Applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience gained after graduation.
• Duration: One year
• Scholarships:

• • Academic Distinction Scholarship
  • Bayes Business School Impact Scholarship
  • Global Women's Leadership Scholarship
  • Professional Excellence Scholarship

8. Durham University Business School

The Full-time MBA programme at Durham University Business School enhances core business and leadership skills through rigorous academic training and practical-based exercises. Tailored to individual career aspirations, the programme prepares students to succeed in the rapidly evolving global business landscape. It offers a challenging yet motivating journey, guiding participants toward achieving their professional goals.

• What they say: “The Durham MBA is designed to revolutionise your career, elevating your essential business and leadership skills and empowering you to thrive in a dynamic global business landscape.”
• Course to consider: The Durham MBA 
• International fees: £35,000
• Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a First or Upper Second Class Bachelor's Degree, or its international equivalent.
• Duration: One year
• Scholarships: The Durham MBA (Full-time) Scholarships (upto £17,500)

9. Cranfield Business School

Cranfield Business School, ranked 28th in Europe, offers two MBA programmes: the Transformation MBA (ranked #5 in the world for innovation) and Executive MBA. Founded in 1965, the school combines theoretical and practical education to foster holistic student growth. The curriculum covers essential topics like finance, organisational behaviour, and business management, preparing graduates for success in diverse and ever-evolving business environments.

• What they say: “Cranfield School of Management is dedicated to building successful careers and empowering individuals. Their transformative approach not only shapes lives but also influences the trajectories of their students.”
• Course to consider: The Transformation MBA 
• International fees: £44,195
• Entry requirements: Applicants must possess a minimum of three years of post-qualification work experience.
• Duration: One year
• Scholarships:

• • Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Professional Distinction Scholarship
  • The Antony and Amanda Jenkins MBA Scholarship for Women Leaders
  • Inspiring Diversity Scholarship

10. Birmingham Business School

Birmingham Business School's renowned MBA International Business programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes key subjects like strategy development, operations management, and business analytics. Students can customise their studies with optional modules such as entrepreneurial finance, global marketing leadership, and international business experience. 

• What they say: “The MBA in International Business at Birmingham Business School holds prestigious triple-crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, highlighting its exceptional quality and adherence to high standards.”
• Course to consider: MBA International Business 
• International fees: £32,580
• Entry requirements: A good Honours degree (or equivalent), or equivalent professional qualification and five years of work experience.
• Duration: One year
• Scholarships:

• • Rest of the World MBA Scholarship
  • Indian MBA Scholarship
  • African MBA Scholarship

MBA Job Opportunities

MBA graduates have a wide range of job opportunities across multiple industries and sectors. Their comprehensive business administration and management principles knowledge makes them highly sought after, and they can excel in roles such as management consulting, finance, marketing, operations and supply chain management, entrepreneurship, technology and IT management, healthcare management, human resources, nonprofit and social impact, and general management. 

The international recognition of an MBA degree allows graduates to explore job prospects worldwide and collaborate with multinational corporations. With relevant work experience and strong networking skills, MBA graduates have a competitive edge in the job market.

MBA Salary

The average annual salary for MBA graduates in the UK is £38,487. In London, UK, the average additional cash compensation for an MBA is £2,116, ranging from £637 to £7,029. These figures are based on data from Glassdoor.

Study for an MBA in the UK

Are you interested in learning more about what is required to study for an MBA in the UK? Visit SI-UK for a free consultation.