A cadre of leading European business schools has climbed upwards in the newest 2015 global MBA rankings.
Most European business schools have in times past played second-fiddle to the dominance of North America’s MBA programs in most league tables and rankings.But a cadre of leading European business schools has climbed upwards in 2015’s global MBA rankings, released this week by the Financial Times. London Business School and INSEAD made further gains within the top-10 of the table, and IESE Business School maintained its spot at 7.
Europe is once again riding the tailwinds of a shift in preference to the one-year MBA format, as wage growth remains weak and economies struggle to achieve growth.
Stronger career progress, international experience, alumni recommendation and value for money have helped European business schools edge upwards this year.
Spain’s IE Business School moved from 13 to 12 in the rankings, and ESADE Business School rose from 22 to 19. HEC Paris of France climbed from 21 to 16 in the table.
The UK has the largest regional collection of highly-ranked schools outside of the US. Cambridge’s Judge Business School is the second-highest ranked after LBS and 13th in the world.
Imperial College Business School climbed 15 places to 34 in the rankings. It joins Cass Business School, ranked 45th globally, as one of London’s best management institutes.
Elsewhere in the UK, Lancaster University Management School rose from 77 to 50 and Durham University Business School climbed from 97 to 79.
For Switzerland, the University of St Gallen rose an impressive 21 places and is ranked 67th in the world in 2015. IMD, its main competitor in Switzerland, is ranked 20th.
SDA Bocconi of Italy rose from 31 to 26 in the rankings in 2015, and Vlerick Business School of Belgium climbed six places to be ranked 94th globally this year.
Two business schools from the Netherlands are also ranked in the top-100 – Tias Business School and the Rotterdam School of Management, at 97 and 45 in the table respectively.
Germany, which has a growing MBA market, also features two business schools – Mannheim Business School (55) and the European School of Management and Technology (63).
The FT assesses MBA programs according to career progression of alumni, business schools’ idea generation, and the diversity of students and faculty, to form an overall rank.
But for other measures, such as salary increases, the highly-ranked US business schools, such as Harvard, which came first globally this year, and MIT: Sloan, which came 8th, languish behind.
For salary increase, schools from Spain, China and other parts of Asia are ahead of the US. IESE Business School is the highest ranked in Europe, coming 7th overall. Its alumni earn $144,992 on average, a 121% increase on pre-MBA pay.
When it comes to value for money, European business schools also dominate the table. Portugal's Lisbon MBA is ranked 3rd; Germany's ESMT is 4th; and the UK’s Cambridge Judge came 5th.
Europe also comes ahead of other regions for some diversity measures, such as for percentage of international students.
Tias Business School in the Netherlands came first under this measure, with 100% of the MBA class from overseas, according to the rankings. The top-15 business schools in this category are all from Europe.
Overall, average alumni salary three years after graduation is $133,000, an increase of 93% on salaries prior to business school.
MBA students’ main motivations are to increase their earnings, along with learning about general management and to network.
To see the full 2015 rankings, click here.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
