MBA in UK
Studying an MBA in the UK will place you in a community filled with academic brilliance, original, rigorous research, and a curriculum that not only challenges but also shapes modern business practice. In addition, MBA programs in the UK will take you out of your comfort zone and will teach you how to manage effectively and think strategically.
Why Study MBA in UK
The UK has been attracting thousands of future leaders with its faculties, staff members, students, and not only. A few of the many benefits of pursuing an MBA in the UK include receiving world-class learning and developing your leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
Whatsmore, international students pursuing an MBA in the UK are part of the most desirable employees in leading organizations around the world. Your MBA studies in the UK will definitely give you a unique and transformative experience — an experience that will be nothing short of challenging, but highly rewarding at the end.
MBA Programs in UK
Some of the best MBA programs in the UK can be found in the schools below:
- London Business School (LBS)
- Oxford Saïd Business School
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- Imperial College Business School
- Warwick Business School (WBS)
- Alliance Manchester Business School
- Edinburgh Business School
- Cass Business School
- Cranfield School of Management
- Durham Business School
MBA in UK Program Types
MBA programs in the UK are designed in a way that each student can attend. Apart from the traditional full-time MBA program, UK universities offer evening classes for students who want to attend university part-time. You can also pursue your MBA studies online and follow your lectures remotely.
Whichever MBA program you choose to pursue, you will receive an uncompromised commitment from your lecturers.
Here are the different types of MBA in the UK:
| MBA Program Types in UK | Duration |
|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA Program | 1- 2 Years |
| Part-Time MBA Program | 3+ Years |
| Online MBA Program | 2+ Years |
| Executive MBA | 2 Years |
Top MBA Specializations in UK
Some of the best MBA specializations in the UK include:
- MBA in General Management
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Business Strategy
- MBA in Human Resources
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA in Consulting
- MBA in Operations Management
MBA in UK Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to an MBA program in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Requirements. UK universities will require all prospective students to submit a degree with a 2:1 qualification equivalent.
- Work Experience. Work experience is one of the main requirements for pursuing an MBA. UK universities require at least a minimum of 2 years of work experience.
- Essay. UK universities may require that you submit an essay that states why you have chosen your MBA program, describing your work experience, your short and long-term career goals, and how this program will prepare you for your future.
- Visa. As an international student, you will have to apply for a student visa in order to pursue an MBA in the UK. You can start with the application process as soon as you receive your admissions letter. You can apply through the British Embassy in your home country or the consulate that has jurisdiction over your home country.
- Proof of Financial Stability. In order to be able to get a visa and pursue an MBA in the UK, you must provide proof of financial stability. This means that you will need to have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK.
MBA in UK Cost
Pursuing an MBA in the United Kingdom does not come cheap. Compared to non-anglosphere countries, the cost of studying in the UK is significantly higher. Yet, when compared to the U.S. for example, MBA programs may be cheaper. Generally, the cost of pursuing an MBA in the United Kingdom depends on a number of factors.
If you choose to study in London, for example, rent in the capital would be higher, thus increasing the cost of living. The cost of an MBA in the UK also depends on your country of origin. International students may have to pay higher tuition fees when enrolling in MBA programs in the UK.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MBA programs in the UK range from £17,000 ($23,140) to £87,900 ($119,638) per year. The cost of an MBA in the UK might seem quite high when compared to countries that are not as developed as the UK. However, with the cost, comes an education that is of the highest quality. Note that there are a few factors that might impact the cost of an MBA program in the UK.
These include your nationality (international students might be charged with higher tuition fees), the city in which your university is located, and the type of business school you choose to attend. Although the cost of an MBA might seem pricey, the benefits of obtaining an MBA degree in one of the UK’s universities will be worth the price.
Living Costs
Living costs in the UK might be considerably higher than in most other countries in the world. Considering that the UK offers excellent living conditions to its residents, it is understandable that the cost of living will be high. In the UK, London is the most expensive city, it also ranks among the top 10 most expensive countries in the whole world. As a foreign student in a new country, preparing beforehand for the cost of living in your destination country is crucial.
Accommodation will add the most to your living costs while you complete your MBA studies in the UK. Usually, the cost of accommodation depends on the place in which you choose to reside. Larger cities tend to have higher rent costs, while smaller cities or villages charge lower fees for accommodation.
Here is the average cost of living in the UK:
| Expenses | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £440 ($600) – £1,730 ($2,355) |
| Food/Groceries | £160 ($216) – £200 ($270) |
| Leisure Activities | £10 ($13) – £120 ($162) |
| Transport | £46 ($62) – £154 ($209) |
MBA in UK Careers
Partnerships are at the core of UK universities. As a student in one of these universities, you get to be part of various internships, business projects, and placements. So, your MBA career starts way before you earn your degree. Besides gaining work experience during your studies, your MBA also offers plenty of work opportunities after graduation.
MBA graduates from UK universities are highly respected by employers around the world. Currently, the UK is 14th on the list of best countries for starting a business. Its capital, London, is an important international financial center, and considering how well-regarded business schools in the UK are, your MBA will offer you a wealth of opportunities.
Some career outcomes after MBA completion include the following:
- Finance Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Product Specialist
- Communications and Marketing
- Medical Sales
- Business Development Representative
- Pricing Analyst
- Research Analyst
Average Salary in UK for MBA
The UK belongs to the group of countries that pay MBA graduates with the highest salaries. Salaries of MBA graduates in the UK can go up to £271,000 ($368,855) per year.
UK universities are among the best universities in the world. Therefore, UK graduates are welcomed not only by organizations within the country but also by organizations and institutions worldwide. The depth of expertise you will get by obtaining an MBA in the UK will show future employers how you can contribute to their organization in a unique way.
You can find below some MBA careers and their annual salary range:
| Career | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Finance Manager | £34,000 ($46,262) — £67,000 ($91,165) |
| Finance Director | £50,000 ($68,034) — £110,000 ($149,686) |
| Executive Director | £35,000 ($47,627) — £79,000 ($107,497) |
| Sales Director | £52,000 ($70,747) — £135,000 ($183,672) |
| Project Manager | £31,000 ($42,171) — £74,000 ($100,671) |
| Operations Manager | £28,000 ($38,091) — £97,000 ($131,961) |
| Management Consultant | £45,000 ($61,219) — £113,000 ($153,715) |
| Human Resources Manager | £26,000 ($35,368) — £50,000 ($68,025) |
| Senior Business Analyst | £38,000 ($51,692) — £78,000 ($106,119) |
| Accountant | £21,000 ($28,566) — £69,000 ($93,875) |
| Financial Analyst | £23,000 ($31,287) — £53,000 ($72,106) |
| Management Accountant | £24,000 ($32,652 — £44,000 ($59,858) |
Can I Study MBA in UK Without GMAT?
International students can pursue an MBA in the UK without entering the GMAT exam. Instead of GMAT scores, UK universities will look into other elements of your application and decide whether you are eligible for admission. These elements usually include your academic qualifications, work experience, letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency.
In order to secure yourself a seat at a UK university, you must build a strong application that impresses the admissions committee. Some universities list GRE scores as an additional option to GMAT scores, giving you the option to submit scores of one or the other exam. Some universities may prefer GRE scores over GMAT scores or vice versa.
Some universities that accept MBA applicants without GMAT scores are:
- Durham University Business School
- Lancaster University Management School
- Birmingham City Business School
- Middlesex University
- Anglia Ruskin University
Can I Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience?
The vast majority of UK universities enlist work experience as the main requirement. But there are certain business schools and universities that offer MBA programs to students without work experience. Be aware that without work experience, your MBA application to UK universities should stand out in other ways.
Factors that would secure you a place in an MBA program without work experience include having an exceptional GPA, high scores in the GMAT or GRE exam, high English language proficiency, outstanding letters of recommendation, etc. The admissions committee will look into your application to find out what makes you a successful prospective MBA student.
Usually, universities require work experience because they are interested in seeing how you, as a prospective student, work in leadership roles, how you deal with financial responsibilities, and the like. If you manage to prove your business skills through activities other than work experience, you will be able to pursue your MBA studies at a UK university.
