Are you keen on learning the ins and outs of the business world? Do you want to be immersed in a dynamic and exciting business environment? Are you interested in living, studying and working in an English-speaking country? Then studying business in the UK may be the choice for you! Below, EDUopinions will cover the best UK cities to study business, providing details on the cities themselves and some top-notch universities to check out.
What are the benefits of studying in the UK?
Especially for international students, studying in the UK is a vibrant and inspiring experience. With thousands of students from around the world attending universities in the UK, the country’s top student cities cater to their young populations with affordable venues, plenty of events and many student-exclusive discounts.
Studying business in one of the cities on this list will certainly lead to a great few years getting to know your new home and the quirks of British life. That said, another benefit of studying in the UK is being able to explore the rest of what the country has to offer. All the cities on this list have direct trains to London, the capital of the UK and a global business hub. In addition, the UK is chalked-full of beautiful outdoor spaces, great for hiking, camping and time away from city and student life.
Why is the UK good for business study programmes?
The United Kingdom is one of the world’s top student destinations, especially for business. With nearly half a million students undertaking business degrees, the UK has a strong tradition of providing high-quality and in-depth business education. The country is home to some of the world’s biggest corporations, and among students, the capital city of London is known for its plentiful internship and employment opportunities.
Especially for those keen on improving their English, the UK is a great place to study business. While there are thousands of business programmes offered in English across Europe, there is something to be said for not only learning in English, but living in an English-speaking country. Even small things like chatting to your local shopkeeper can benefit your future career in English, providing you with a personal connection and experiences in another language.
EDUopinion’s list of the best UK cities to study business
Oxford (4.52 stars)
Known around the world for the University of Oxford, the city has many other high-quality educational institutions as well. For students, life in Oxford is comfortable, quaint and well-supported. The city’s centuries-long tradition of education means that students are a vital part of the culture in Oxford. If you are looking to spend time in a bigger city, Oxford is still a strong option to consider. Only 55 minutes by train to London, it is the nearest city on this list to the capital and the two cities are closely connected in business, education and culture as well.
Saïd Business School, attached to the University of Oxford, is an exceptional institution, priding itself on its innovative response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Courses at Saïd are delivered via the quintessential Oxford style of learning, with one tutor being assigned just a few students to support their learning through highly-interactive sessions. This approach will continue and additionally be supplemented with high-quality digital learning.
With both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, the Saïd Business School offers some unique programmes designed to empower change-makers for the world’s toughest problems. Their MSc in Major Programme Management provides students with a strong core in business knowledge, bolstered by an emphasis on systems thinking, problem-solving and research methods. Similarly, the MBA at Saïd is a highly-respected programme. One MBA student said, Saïd Business School is ‘well-armed to educate, with superb teaching facilities and great teaching staff. Living in Oxford was a dream and a whole different thing altogether.”
Another excellent university to consider is Oxford Brookes. An advantage of programmes at this university is their flexibility. Offering options to study part-time and/or remotely, Oxford Brookes is a smart choice for those who may be working at the same time as their education. Whichever university in Oxford you may choose to attend, you can be sure to live in one of the best UK cities to study business.
Cambridge (4.50 stars)
Like its Oxbridge counterpart, Cambridge is known for its esteemed history of education. Home to countless research institutes, the city is steeped in academia and learning.
For business students interested in research and innovation, Cambridge is a great place for you. The city’s numerous medical innovation companies, research laboratories and engineering institutions make for a powerful and hands-on learning environment. In addition, the city itself is beautiful and quaint, where students quickly fall in love with their new magical home.
The Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge is a high-powered institution, preparing students for life in administration, marketing and the like. Offering degrees from undergraduate to doctorate levels, the Judge business school has something for everyone. Their MPhil in technology policy and MSt in Social Innovation are great examples of the kind of unique and ground-breaking programmes offered at the business school. In the words of one student, “Cambridge is a magical place to be, [with] lots of opportunities to develop yourself, meet people, contribute, and learn from the rich academic powerhouse. [The city] will always be in my heart.”
Cambridge is a magical place to be, lots of opportunities to develop yourself, meet people, contribute, and learn from the rich academic powerhouse. The collegiate system also provides a rich environment to meet, socialize, share ideas, and learn new things. I am happy I made the choice to come here. Cambridge will always be in my heart even after I must have left here.
Also located in Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cumbria offer incredible business programmes. Anglia Ruskin takes a unique approach with their business students, believing that there is no one-size-fits-all style of education. Instead, they work with their students to provide them with work-study internships in preparation for life after university.
Lancaster (4.49 stars)
Located in the north of England near the coast, Lancaster is another one of the best UK cities to study business. The smallest city on this list, Lancaster provides students with a more locally-based daily life. That said, the university attracts students from across the globe and provides an international learning environment within a manageable, close-knit city.
The Lancaster University Management School – LUMS is an incredible place to be for business students. Ranked the ‘most research intensive business school in the UK,’ students can be sure to receive a thorough and academically insightful education. To complement this emphasis on theoretical knowledge, the university works closely with businesses to harness the real impacts of their research. This connection to the business world benefits students too, who gain access to a powerful network of contacts and experience opportunities during their studies.
With dozens and dozens of different programmes within LUMS, students can choose a degree specifically-suited to their interests and career goals. Ranging from a BSc in Economics to an MSc in Mechanical Engineering with Project Management to a PhD in management science, Lancaster University Management School offers a plethora of different courses. A student at LUMS explained that the university “provides opportunities to think beyond, helps students understand entrepreneurship and shape up students’ employability skills.”
Lancaster University provides a lot of good opportunities to think beyond.There Entrepreneurship in residence program helps students to meet and seek guidance about entrepreneurship and the challenges.Their Work in progress program help to fabricate your startup idea and further to pitch to the potential investors.Apart from that there are lot of programs like Enactus, guest lectures and guidance from seniors to help and shape your career needs.
They provide lot of opportunities to shape up your employability skills.
Apart from the business school, Lancaster University can be a great place for students considering a future career in business, but not 100% certain. The university’s many different undergraduate programmes are a great way to test the waters and see what you like to do. In addition, Lancaster University has incredible student support services, so you can trust someone will be there for you when it is time to make decisions about your future.
Nottingham (4.48 stars)
Another very popular student destination, Nottingham easily ranks as one of the best UK cities to study business. A nice medium-sized city, Nottingham offers all the benefits of urban life without many downsides. Home to some of the oldest pubs in England, there is no shortage of places to go out. What’s more, the city is easily navigable on foot and by public transport, meaning you will never be far from its dynamic and quirky centre.
For those interested in business, the Nottingham University Business School – NUBS is a strong option to consider. One of the top departments of its kind, Nottingham Business School prides itself on its highly international programming. Bringing in students from 150 different countries and offering the option to study abroad, students can be sure to benefit from a global education at Nottingham.
Offering honours undergraduate degrees in fields like accountancy, finance, international management and industrial economics, the university has a range of courses at all levels of study. With nearly 20 different master’s programmes, postgraduate students have ample space to specialise. All these options are supported by dedicated advisors, who aid students in making decisions about their future careers.
The words of one third-year undergraduate at the Nottingham Business School, sum up what makes the university so great; “during my course I was given the opportunity to work with many people of different cultural backgrounds because of the university’s high level of internationality! The facilities as well as the location of the university are great. The student union aids you and provides you with many unique chances and experiences to socialise.”
I am currently a 3rd year student at the University of Nottingham and during my course I was given the opportunity to work with many people of different cultural backgrounds because of the university’s high level of internationality! The facilities as well as the location of the university are great. The student union aids you and provides you with many unique chances and experiences to socialise.
Located in the heart of the city, Nottingham Trent University – NTU is another excellent option for those interested in business studies. Emphasising the potential for positive social impact through business, Nottingham Trent students graduate with a particularly strong sense of responsibility and ethics, preparing them for change-making work in the business world.
Leeds (4.45 stars)
The last on our list of the best UK cities to study business is Leeds. Also located in northern England, the city is a very exciting and fast-paced student hub. Known for its diverse music scene, nearly every genre can be found in the city’s countless pubs and clubs. Part of what the city is known for is its high concentration of young people, with students counting for half the city centre’s population. In short, life in Leeds is thrilling for students.
The University of Leeds is top-notch institution to study business in the city. Ranked in the top ten of UK universities for all business subjects and for research quality, the Leeds University Business School is guaranteed to provide students with an excellent education and a plethora of options after graduation. The Business School’s work placement programme allows students to spend a year in industry in a full-time paid position. In addition, the university provides several services to help students find work, including a peer-assisted study scheme, the university’s Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and even by bringing employers to campus.
A master’s student at the University of Leeds explained: “exposure to the nuances of marketing, public relations and communication is one of the prerequisites for achieving my goals in this chaotic and competitive global media industry, which I am gaining currently from the University of Leeds. My academic background and my work experience have combined to give me a discerning view about my future career development, and I resonate with various aspects of the curriculum and the teaching methodology of my course.”
I am the current postgraduate student ambassador for the University of Leeds and I completely understand the importance of this job.
I believe that international exposure to the nuances of marketing, public relations and communication is one of the prerequisites for achieving my goals in this chaotic and competitive global media industry, which I am gaining currently from the University of Leeds. My academic background and my work experience have combined to give me a discerning view about my future career development, and I resonate with various aspects of the curriculum and the teaching methodology of the MA Corporate Communications, Marketing
Another great business school to consider is the one at Leeds Beckett University. Located in the financial and business district of the city, Leeds Beckett provides students with space for “business co-creation, not just business education,” taking advantage of their network of neighbouring companies so that students gain real-world experience during their degree. The university’s modern facilities and technology-driven approach to learning help equip students for work in a hyper-connected world. All in all, both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University are excellent options, which is why Leeds is one of the best UK cities to study business.
Hopefully, this article will help you decide where to study and set you on the right path for future success. Ultimately, Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster, Nottingham and Leeds are some of the best UK cities to study business according to EDUopinion’s research, but maybe the perfect place for you is in another city or country. Interested to learn more? Read about the best MBA in the UK or the 5 best business schools in the UK based on EDUopinion’s student reviews!
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