Top 10 Most Affordable MBA Programs In The UK

Looking for the best value MBA? We list our top 10 affordable MBA programs in the UK, which cost less than £45,000 but don’t skimp on quality

The United Kingdom is famed globally for its high level of education in many fields, not least business. UK business schools are often more affordable than those in the US and other regions, in part because UK MBAs are typically delivered as one-year courses, which mean lower costs and faster return on investment.

The UK is popular with all kinds of students thanks to its world-class universities and globally recognized degrees, as well as for its multicultural environment.

Studying in the UK also provides an excellent opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment, sharpening their language skills and furthering improve their career prospects.

Tuition fee range for UK MBAs

In total, 11 of the top 100 MBA programs ranked by the Financial Times are based in the UK. While cheaper than the likes of Harvard and Wharton, these leading programs can still come at a high price.

A one-year MBA at University of Cambridge Judge Business School costs £74,000. At London Business School, the 15 to 21-month program, ranked best in the UK by the FT and widely regarded as one of the best business schools in the UK, costs £119,950.

At the same time, the UK is home to some of the cheapest MBA programs you can find. An MBA at the University of Worcester costs UK-based students £9,450 in fees, and internationals £17,900.

Meanwhile at the University of Suffolk, an MBA costs £15,660 for UK students in fees, and £19,100 for internationals. Plymouth University prices its full-time MBA at £11,950 for UK students, and £18,950 for international students. In the beautiful and historic city of Bath, the University of Bath School of Management MBA comes in at £37,500.

Best UK MBA programs for value for money

Applicants need to strike a balance between cost and quality. Lesser-known MBA programs without globally recognized accreditation may be looked upon less favorably by prospective employers.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most affordable MBA (full-time) programs in the UK, all of which cost under £45,000 (approx. US $60,000) but don’t skimp on quality or accreditation. Each of these programs boasts a gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.

Among these, the University of Liverpool School of Management offers a one-year MBA program costing just £26,500 for UK students, and £33,500 (approx. US $45,000) for internationals.

Based in the UK’s second largest city with a lively cultural scene, Birmingham University’s MBA emphasizes career development and a hands-on approach with opportunities such as the Deloitte Consultancy Challenge. While this is the most expensive school on our list, with fees of £37,800, it is still a reasonable price considering its elite triple accreditation.

If you’re interested in hands-on, experiential study that doesn’t break the bank, you might consider Loughborough University Business School—which costs £32,000—or Nottingham University Business School—which costs £32,400. Both programs, give students the chance to extend their course by 12 months and do a placement year or internship.

The UK schools charging the lowest prices for UK students while still holding a triple accreditation are Nottingham (Trent) Business School and Aston Business School—based in Birmingham. Both schools price their full-time MBA at £24,500 for UK students, however Aston University’s MBA is £30,000 for international students.

Outside the top 10 we've listed below, you can also find the likes of Cranfield School of Management which offers an MBA priced at £47,335; Warwick Business School’s MBA, meanwhile, currently costs £57,500.

Studying in the diverse commercial hub of London will generally come at a higher price. While they are not in the top 10 most affordable, if you’re looking to study in the UK’s capital city, more affordable MBA programs in London include those offered by City University's Bayes Business School, at £50,400, and Imperial College Business School, at £73,000.