Are you considering an MBA in the UK? If so, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of options available today. Hundreds of institutions in the United Kingdom offer MBA programmes, meaning it can be difficult to find the perfect course for your needs. Thankfully, EDUopinions can help point you in the right direction. In this article, we will outline the ten best masters of business administration in the UK, according to Prospects UK, with EDUopinions’ verified student reviews thrown in to give you an even better idea of what makes these programmes so great.
Is it worth studying an MBA?
Whether or not you should study an MBA depends on many factors like your educational and career background as well as your goals for the future. If your undergraduate degree was in a business-related subject and you have some years of experience working in industry, you may be in a place to advance your career without the need for an MBA. That said, one thing is certain: getting your MBA can never hurt. The degree signals your commitment and qualification to employers, so dedicating a year or two for an MBA can really pay off.
How much can you make with a masters in business administration?
Another advantage of undertaking an MBA is that it can have a positive impact on your salary. In London, the average salary of a business professional with an MBA is £57,000, with more experiences professionals earning over £80,000 per year. Of course, these figures depend on your level of experience and where exactly you work, but as a general rule, having an MBA makes a positive difference in terms of pay.
What are the benefits of studying in the UK?
The UK is one of the best countries in the world to study business. English is the international language of business and what better place to sharpen your language skills than in the UK. In addition, London is the world’s second-largest business hub, only behind New York. This means that during your studies there will be plenty of opportunities for internships and that finding a job after graduation will be much easier than in other places. Finally, the UK is an exciting and dynamic place to live with people from around the world, making for an enriching personal experience too.
list of the best masters of business administration in the UK:
London Business School – LBS
First on Prospect’s list of the best masters of business administration in the UK is the MBA offered by London Business School (LBS). Ranked as the number two business school in Europe by the Financial Times, London Business School is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality and flexible MBA. Students benefit from being able to customise their degrees with flexible exit points, adaptable core modules and over 80 electives to choose from. Another advantage of this programme is its location in London—studying in the UK’s capital city means you have the opportunity to broaden your network of contacts in one of the world’s largest business hubs. Check out what great things this student had to say about LBS:
London Business School is a world-leading institution with unparalleled opportunities available to its students. Expect to be surrounded by some of the brightest minds and immersed in an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity. A truly global business education for those who wish to pursue one.
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
Next, University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School offers another one of the best masters of business administration in the UK. Teaching at Judge Business School is different than at other business schools—borrowing from the University of Cambridge tradition of tutorial pedagogy, students at Judge Business School have considerable contact with their tutors and regularly engage in class discussions and debates. This type of learning is perfect for the business world, where professionals are expected to be able to convincingly back-up their ideas. Further, students and alumni have highly positive things to say about their experiences at Cambridge; read what this graduate thought about their degree programme:
Saïd Business School – SBS
Another highly prestigious institution, Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford offers an excellent selection of MBA programmes. Prospective students can choose from a one-year full-time MBA, a 21-month part-time executive MBA or a tailored 1+1 MBA programme. Each of these courses provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in the business world and are tailored to professionals differing levels of experience. In addition, Saïd Business School prides itself on its intentionally diverse student body, which is 92% international and represents 67 nationalities. According to Daniel, a former student at Saïd, their experience was unforgettable and life-changing:
I was for a one year MBA at the SBS Business School in Oxford.
Of course the program was top (as one can also see from the MBA rankings).
But on top being part of a College (Magdalen) and the overall community (Oxford Union, Oxford Wine Circle, …) added much more. Truly one of the best years in my life!
Warwick Business School – WBS
Warwick Business School at University of Warwick is the next institution providing one of the best masters of business administration in the UK. Offering five different MBA programmes, Warwick Business School provides study options for students and professionals at different stages in their careers. In all these programmes, however, students can expect an quick-paced and dynamic course chalked full of international travel, work placements and real-world group projects to complement their classroom learning. Warwick Business School places a large emphasis on real-world learning so that students graduate with valuable skills, helping their employability after graduation. In the words of one former student: “WBS provides amazing opportunities in terms of career and learning:”
WBS provides amazing opportunities in terms of career and learning. There is a wide range of modules to choose from in the management course and one can even specialise in one thing, such as management with finance, entrepreneurship or marketing. Furthermore, there are lots of learning spaces like learning grids and rooms one can book and even a great cafe with lots of cuisines. The Warwick campus is really fun to be in and there are lots of cycles one can drop and go.
Imperial College Business School
Next up, Imperial College Business School in London offers another one of the best masters in business administration in the UK. Time and time again, this business school is ranked in the top ten of all European business schools, and it is no wonder why: Imperial College offers a highly-tailored education, building on each student’s previous educational and work experiences. Students at Imperial can customise their study experience by selecting from a range of electives to complement their core modules on business basics like accounting, organisational behaviour and strategic problem solving. Something that alumni of Imperial College Business School often mention is how engaging and interactive their learning content is:
Imperial college business school has amazing facilities, amazing staff. I particularly like the business school cafe although it would be nice if they added a few more power sockets in the open space and heating for winter.
The course is really good too. Very interactive classes and highly diverse environment.
Alliance Manchester Business School
Another one of the best masters in business administration is offered by Alliance Manchester Business School. Their global part-time MBA is an excellent option for those looking for a flexible yet highly engaging degree. This programme takes place mostly online but offers six workshop summits over the course of the degree, bringing students to Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. What’s more, students can choose from two different start dates (January and July) as well as two different course lengths (18 and 24 months) depending on their needs and work intentions while studying. Another great thing about Alliance Manchester is the support it offers students; just read what one student had to say:
I would 100% recommend this university! Throughout my 4 years there I received endless guidance and support from the amazing staff; both professors and student support teams. A particular highlight was the insightful guest lectures, networking employability events and career meetings, these significantly helped in preparing me for my future career.
Durham University
Boasting a rare triple accreditation, the University of Durham Business School offers another top-notch MBA worth considering. Something that sets this programme apart from others is that it allows students to choose from three different concentration tracks in entrepreneurship, consultancy and technology. Specialising in an area of interest during your MBA can be a great way to plan for your career, especially with the support of your university. Another exciting aspect of this programme is the strategic business project, which is an opportunity for students to enhance their research skills and delve into the business world even before graduation. Seeing all that Durham has to offer, one student called it the “best studying environment ever:”
Durham’s collegiate system gives a strong, intimate sense of community to incoming students, and also allows for a collective sense of connection to Durham as an active and personally accessible entity across all of its students. Sporting and extracurricular opportunities are both plentiful and leveled from amateur all the way to, in many cases, professional. Furthermore, many of Durham’s student led clubs offer trips around the country and the world that several other UK universities can’t conjure up due to their lower prestige. ____In terms of the academic and educational opportunities afforded to students, Durham is second to none. The library is great, and the lecturers are generally very well read and passionate about their disciplines. In terms of location, Durham is tiny: it’ll take you half an hour to walk from one end of the town to the other. Although a lot of city goers find it too small, very few deny Durham’s archaic charm. Durham is teeming with riverside walks and lush vegetation, so if you’re a nature lover Durham’s countryside feel should genuinely factor into your decision. Now, on to the big catch with Durham: if diversity was a rainbow, Durham would be grey-scale at best. Expect posh, southern elitism to permeate a lot of social circles. NOW, there is nothing wrong with rich kids who enjoy each others company, and if that’s your cup of tea then by all means sip away. BUT, if you’re from a lower socio-economic standing in the UK understand that social barriers and cliques run rampant in Durham, and you may fell categorized, and then ostracized seconds after hello. However, in my experience, I found that this makes making like-minded friends much easier, and if you can get past its lack of diversity and size, you should have more than enough to keep your time at Durham spontaneous, educational and enjoyable.
CASS Business School
With over fifty years of business education, CASS Business School and its alumni have an impressive history of success. Their MBA programme is designed to create the next generation of leaders in the business world through expert-taught classes as well as experiential learning. During the course of this one-year degree, students learn via lectures, workshops, international consultancy projects and global exchanges. As well, thanks to its location in the heart of London’s business district, CASS Business School is a great place for students to make connects and expand their networks. Check out what one student had to say about what makes CASS such a great option:
One of the best choices, as it combines what a student needs: high level of academic professionals, access to up-to-date knowledge, fellow students of high calibre, strong career services and social events that motivate students and offers a great student life.
Kent Business School
The Kent MBA delivers practical and applicable knowledge that enables students to develop an innovative mindset and responsible management skills which can be used for the advancement of local and global communities. The transformational leadership skills allow students to make a significant contribution to any organisation or support their ambitions to start their own business and enhance the scope and potential of their future career. The Kent MBA attracts a diverse range of local and international students with a wealth of experience and a global perspective, which ensures many interesting discussions and lifelong connections.
The city in which the university is is really beautiful. The campus is one of the best I’ve visited so far, with an important amount of vegetation and a very large range of sports facilities as well as fully equipped modern buildings. I’ve chosen this university for various different reasons but surely because of its well renowned business school. My experience has been awesome so far, there is a complete combination of good accommodation, decent lifestyle, large sports possibilities.
This university had everything I was looking for as an International student
Cranfield University School of Management
Another institution with a long history of top-notch business education, Cranfield University School of Management offers a 13-month MBA which is another one of the best masters of business administration in the UK. Cranfield’s MBA focuses on experiential education, meaning that students learn about business theories and techniques through real-world, industry-specific situations. This type of education is especially valuable today, as employers increasingly look for professionals with industry know-how rather than just a theoretical understanding of the business world. What’s more, Cranfield’s career development team works hard to connect students with employers, providing plenty of support for your career ambitions.
I did my PhD at Cranfield University and I think it is a great university to study at. The level of education is very high, students have access to many educational and accommodation facilities, the University is constantly developing and offers a variety of interesting courses/projects. The University has many societies/clubs and being a member of such is a great opportunity to socialise, improve your skills and simply make friends. I think that the atmosphere at Cranfield is friendly and warm. I would recommend it to anyone, who is looking to do a postgraduate course.
The University of Edinburgh
Last but not least, the University of Edinburgh Business School offers a unique MBA programme, perfect for those looking for the next step in their business careers. The three pillars of the Edinburgh MBA are professional development (with a focus on soft skills and public speaking), strategic leadership and personal connection through a tight-knit network of entrepreneurs and business professionals in Scotland. This programme is highly collaborative and helps introduce students to the budding start-up community in Edinburgh. What’s more, students rave about the supportive atmosphere at the University of Edinburgh; just see what one alum wrote:
The general atmosphere of support provided by the professors and the staff at the university made my experience much smoother. Everyone was incredibly helpful and understanding of our needs and requests.
Henley Business School
With a focus on self-development, Henley’s Executive MBA – Global programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve both your personal and your professional goals. Our distinct practice-oriented approach enables students to apply learning to their own careers and companies as well as international business issues at large. With immersive overseas study trips, an international cohort, and an alumni network of over 80,000 people around the world, Henley’s Executive MBA is a truly global MBA.
Studying at Henley Business School was definitely a good experience. During my time here I have not only learned theories and practices but I have also applied those into practical tests. The hands-on experience has definitely improved my learning journey.
University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield MBA has an overarching focus on responsible leadership, which engenders the need to take a multiple stakeholder perspective. The course aims to develop an integrated and critically aware understanding of responsible management and organisations, as well as the necessary skills to succeed in effective roles within organisations. The MBA at Huddersfield Business School offers four areas of knowledge and skill development: Professional developments to be a responsible leader, Responsible leadership and people management in an organisation, Responsible leadership in a changing environmental and societal context and Strategy development and innovation for fulfilling value propositions.
The Campus’s helpful staff that are present to help you out in any walk of your life!there’s on-campus employment hub, various societies and on top of all and there are teachers to talk to if you’re going thru something. The library is great and the service is really efficient. The student union is a friendly hub offered by students to students which allows us to resolve a variety of issues with their help. The student central is a great building to grab a bite or a cup of coffee while rushing through the lectures. As with the course the content is always relevant with lecture handouts provided. The teachers in my foundation year were really helpful and were ready to provide help outside of the hours as well!
Conclusion about the best masters of business administration in the UK:
We at EDUopinions hope this list has helped you understand the market for MBAs in the UK and clued you into what real students think about these programmes. If you have questions about any of these business schools, or need help finding other options, never hesitate to reach out to EDUopinions for free, personalised advice!
Check out these related articles on the 9 best masters in international business in the UK and the 10 most affordable masters in international business in the UK.
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