Top 10 MBA Programmes in the UK

An MBA is a globally recognised postgraduate degree that develops business and management careers and is highly valued by employers worldwide. 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 worldwide. Schools are judged across various 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 2024 ranking) and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application.

Top 10 MBA Degrees in the UK

1. London Business School

London Business School is one of the world’s most reputed business and management studies schools. It is ranked third globally in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2022 and is placed 2nd in the QS Global MBA Rankings: Europe 2023. Apart from MBA, the institute offers a range of world-class programmes in various disciplines, including financial accounting, corporate finance, and business analytics. LBS also has a secondary campus in Dubai dedicated to offering academic excellence in executive education and EMBA.

• 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 Oxford: Saïd Business School

Saïd Business School is part of the University of Oxford and is the seventh-best business school in Europe (QS Global MBA Rankings: Europe 2023). Home to world-class infrastructure, the University of Oxford’s B-school offers a state-of-the-art MBA programme that provides a strong grounding in essential business concepts and cultivates a broader perspective and comprehension of the significance of business within society. Established in 1965, Saïd allows you to connect with a global network of business professionals and thought leaders for a rigorous academic experience.

• 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

3. University of Cambridge: Judge Business School

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. It offers a wide range of business masters programmes ranked in the world's top 20 through the Cambridge Judge Business School. JBS's MBA program equips you with the essential management skills and fundamental business principles necessary for a successful career. Along with cultivating crucial interpersonal abilities, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their areas of expertise through team projects and special interest groups.

• 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 from an overseas institution on the UK grading scale or equivalent standard.
• 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

4. Imperial College Business School

Imperial College Business School is a department at Imperial College London, a top UK university 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. Their full-time MBA aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in leadership roles in the business sector. This 12-month course fosters analytical and strategic abilities, teamwork and leadership qualities, and a firm grasp of global business trends.

With a focus on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, students are exposed to a diverse range of industries throughout the course of their studies.

• 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 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, including full-time, part-time and online MBAs. Alliance Manchester Business School is ranked 19th in Europe (QS 2023) and is home to one of the world’s most practical MBA programmes. Industry professionals design the course curriculum and cover key subjects like business accounting, operations & marketing, and managing in a global environment. The business school aims to prepare students for challenging roles in the professional world through applied learning that includes not-for-profit consultancy projects and international business consultancy projects.

• 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, located in the beautiful city of Coventry,  is ranked 15th in Europe (QS 2023). It offers a prestigious MBA 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. The MBA curriculum at Warwick Business School covers various topics, including financial management, innovation & strategic 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 to enrich students' expertise, capabilities, effectiveness, and creative thinking. This programme allows you to develop your managerial skills and advance your career. The curriculum inspires students to master management, leadership and entrepreneurship skills. It includes core modules such as accounting and financial reporting, business analytics, and organisational behaviour.

• 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 at least 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 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 (up to £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 the 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 at least 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. Edinburgh Business School

Edinburgh 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: “Learn from world-class faculty who bring practical and research-led coursework into the classroom and will help you understand organisations holistically, think strategically and manage effectively.”
• Course to consider: MBA
• International fees: £40.900
• Entry requirements: You should have at least three years of work experience in a managerial role. Experience can be from any industry, including the public sector, charitable organisations, or the arts. You will need a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification.
• Duration: One year

MBA Job Opportunities

MBA graduates have many 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 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.