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15 Best Business Schools In The UK

Where should you study in the UK? Here’s the best business schools in the UK for MBA and business master’s programs

Mon Jun 28 2021

BusinessBecause

The UK is one of the world’s most popular study destinations, with thousands of MBA and business master’s students graduating from UK business schools each year.

You may be attracted to study in the UK due to its historic reputation for education, strong business and finance sector, booming startup scene, and exciting career opportunities.

While the UK doesn’t make our list of the easiest countries to get a work visa, the Graduate Route is a new UK post-study work visa which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation to find employment.

There are top business schools and MBA and master’s programs in the UK capital, London, and many more affordable UK MBA programs outside London too.

But what are the best business schools in the UK? Here’s our selection of 15 top business schools in the UK based on their performance across MBA and Master in Management rankings.


Best UK Business Schools


15. Lancaster University Management School

Financial Times MBA rank: 96

Financial Times Master in Management (MiM) rank: 58

Nestled in the heart of the Lancashire countryside, Lancaster University Management School offers students a close-knit community and great value for money. 

At just £33,000 ($47,000) for the full 12-month course, the MBA ranks ninth in the world for value for money by the Financial Times, and its alumni placed it first in the UK for how likely they would be to recommend it to a friend.


14. Birmingham Business School

Economist MBA rank: 69

If you prefer a city campus, why not consider a degree in the UK’s second city? Birmingham Business School’s MBA offers students flexibility: on the MBA in International business, you can select from course lengths of 12, 21, or 24 months.

Whatever length you choose, your career prospects will be strong. The school boasts connections to top companies including IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, and HSBC, and MBAs are invited to complete a three-month work-based project after completing their degrees.


13. University of Exeter Business School

Economist MBA rank: 65

Located on England’s south coast, the Exeter MBA has a strong emphasis on responsible leadership, with students taking part in field trips focused on sustainability. In 2019, MBAs took part in a week-long module with the World Fair Trade Organization in Lima, Peru, and all MBAs take part in domestic trips to visit business partners across the country. 


Read: What Does Brexit Mean For UK Business School Students?

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12. Cranfield School of Management

Economist MBA rank: 60

Financial Times MiM rank: 78

Cranfield University is the only university in the UK with its own airport, thanks to its history as an RAF base, and the business school’s student population is just as globetrotting.

After the Cranfield MBA, 63% of MBA students get a job in a new location, with 74% becoming employed in the UK after graduation—great news for international students looking to stay in the UK


11. Durham University Business School

Financial Times MBA rank: 74

Financial Times MiM rank: 63

Durham University is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, so it’s no surprise that its programs feature prominently across world rankings.

The school offers a suite of Master’s in Management options, including focuses in entrepreneurship, finance, international business, and supply chain logistics.

If you’re looking for an MBA but want to retain this specialized focus, Durham may still be what you’re looking for: the MBA offers three specialist pathways, allowing students to focus their learning in entrepreneurship, consultancy, or tech.


10. Leeds University Business School

Economist MBA rank: 61

Financial Times MiM rank: 68

Leeds is one of Northern England’s most bustling cities, and Leeds University Business School offers students a fast-paced learning environment. For MBAs, Live Challenge projects encourage them to apply their learning in a practical context, for instance the New Venture Challenge, in which students work in teams to create a new product or service proposition and develop a business plan.

Likewise, the MSc in Management from Leeds includes a Management in Practice module, to give early-career businesspeople an understanding of how their learning works in context.


9. University of Edinburgh Business School

Economist MBA rank: 59

The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s oldest cities, with beautiful architecture and a fascinating history to explore just a train ride away from the famous Scottish Highlands.

If this isn’t enough to convince you to study there, the Edinburgh MBA program’s career stats might. The school is particularly strong at placing students into jobs in IT, healthcare, and finance, with 21% of the class of 2018 going into the sector.


8. Nottingham University Business School

Economist MBA rank: 55

At just £25,000 ($35,000) for the one-year MBA program, the MBA at Nottingham University is a great-value option if you’re looking to study in the UK.

Students are likely to see this investment pay off in a big way: the average salary uplifts for graduates between 2015 and 2018 ranged from 40% to 64%, and the Economist ranked the school first in the UK for salary increase.


7. Alliance Manchester Business School

Financial Times MBA rank: 30

Financial Times MiM rank: 79

Manchester made its name as one of the UK’s key industrial hubs, and it is still a great place to learn about business both domestic and international. 

MBAs from Alliance Manchester emerge from their degrees with three client consultancy projects under their belts, in addition to an optional internship or business simulation. They are also able to expand their learning globally: in addition to their central Manchester campus, Alliance Manchester Business School also have centers in Dubai, Hong Kong, Sao Paolo, Shanghai and Singapore.


Check out: Best Business Schools In The World | Financial Times MBA Ranking

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6. Bayes Business School, City University of London

Financial Times MBA rank: 61

Financial Times MiM rank: 43

Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) is part of City, University of London, and its campus is ideally-located if you’re itching to get experience in tech or entrepreneurship. As a student, you would take classes close to Old Street Station, otherwise known as ‘Silicon Roundabout’ for the number of tech startups that are clustered around it.

The school is also a great place to explore opportunities in finance. Bayes has a campus in the Dubai International Financial Centre, a leading global financial hub, and is the only global business school to have a research center dedicated to mergers and acquisitions.


Check out the top 5 business schools in the UK on page 2


Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

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.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

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.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

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

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

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.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

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

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

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.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

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.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

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.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

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

Chen

Verified

5/10/2024

Blended

Unlocking My Potential at City University London

My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.

Elora

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Rather interesting

The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.

Barbara

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Urban campus life

At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities

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