Top MBA Programmes in the UK

The United Kingdom has a long tradition of offering high-quality education, and its universities have earned a reputation for distinction. MBA programmes in the United Kingdom are well acclaimed and recognized around the world. Many of the UK’s business schools are frequently ranked among the best in the world. This reputation draws a wide pool of students from all over the world, resulting in a multicultural and enriching academic environment.

MBA programmes offered by UK universities frequently provide a thorough and demanding curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Typically, the programmes include a wide range of business disciplines and provide specialization options to fit individual interests and professional aspirations. Students at the UK’s business schools have several opportunities to network with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. Additionally, the UK’s proximity to Europe’s business centers and strong ties with international companies offer further networking possibilities.

TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM – 

1. London Business School (LBS)

The MBA program at London Business School is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded business programs globally. It has #5 worldwide ranking for MBA, and #2 ranking in Europe, as per 2023 QS Ranking. LBS was founded in 1964 and joined the University of London in 1965. The institute provides a full-time MBA programme with a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that lasts 15 to 21 months, depending on the chosen pathway. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to personalize their MBA experience to their specific goals and interests. 

LBS provides a wide range of foreign opportunities where they can participate in global immersion experiences such as Global Business Experiences (GBEs) and foreign exchange programmes at partner institutions throughout the world. These encounters expose them to various corporate cultures, industries, and markets. LBS has quite an influential alumni network which provides valuable connections and opportunities for career advancement. Some of the most prestigious alumni of the school are Cyrus Mistry (famous Indian-Irish Businessman, and former chairman of the Tata Group), Umair Haque (a well-known British economist), and Gillian Keegan (a British politician and current Secretary of State for Education), etc.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 5yrs of full-time work experience is required.

• There are two essay questions which require you to talk about your post-MBA goals, and any other relevant information you would like to share in the application. 

• A one page resume with all the professional achievements, and significant work that you have done so far, including any major accomplishments during your undergraduation.

• One letter of recommendation (LOR) from your current employer/supervisor or a former employer/long standing client. 

• Submit your GMAT/GRE score (avg GMAT score is 709 (min 590) and a balanced score of 316 in GRE).

• English Proficiency Test scores are also compulsory – you can submit IELTS, TOEFL etc.

• Transcripts of your undergraduation, and any other degree you have achieved after grade XII. 

2. Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS)

Cambridge Judge Business School was founded in 1990 as the Judge Institute of Management, and is ranked at #6 in Europe as per QS 2023 Ranking. It empowers future leaders to reshape global business and society. During the 1-year programme students will gain a world-class Cambridge master’s degree, and immerse in a rigorous curriculum, tailorable to their interests and goals. It is an intensive program designed to provide a comprehensive business education. The Cambridge MBA program maintains a relatively small class size, which fosters a close-knit and collaborative learning environment.

The program incorporates experiential learning opportunities to bridge theory and practice. CJBS’s students benefit from the university’s rich academic and cultural tradition since they are part of it. They have access to world-class libraries, research centers, and chances for cross-disciplinary collaboration. To name a few most famous alumni from CJBS are Badr Jafar (an Emirati businessperson & philanthropist), Nancy Zhang (Chief Fashion Advisor of a Chinese luxury brand JD.com), and Victoria Valentine (English journalist, & television presenter at BBC), etc.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 2.5yrs of work experience is required (avg. work experience is 6yrs).

• Transcripts of the Undergraduation and any other degree pursued after grade XII.

• Submit a valid GMAT/GRE score (avg GMAT score of 690, and avg GRE score of 162 in verbal & 160 in quantitative).

• English language proficiency tests are required – IELTS/TOEFL.

• One letter of recommendation from the current employer (no academic references needed).

• One statement of purpose, and 3 short essays are also required.

• Proofs to finance your MBA.

3. Oxford Said Business School

Oxford Said Business School was founded in 1996, and is ranked at #6 in Europe as per QS 2023 Ranking. The MBA curriculum at Said Business School builds on the heritage of generating great leaders by providing its students with a firm foundation in key business principles as well as a broader mindset and awareness of the role of business in society. It is a 12 months full-time programme. Students will be challenged to delve deeply into their interested fields and obtain the strategic skills and knowledge needed to conduct a successful, purposeful career.

The school welcomes experts from a variety of industries, including banking, consulting, technology, and healthcare. The Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School offers a holistic and transformative educational experience, combining rigorous academics, personal development, global exposure, and entrepreneurship. The program aims to develop leaders who are equipped with a deep understanding of business and societal challenges, and who are committed to making a positive impact in their careers and communities. Some of the most notable alumni from Said Business School include Patrick Grant (a famous Scottish fashion designer & businessman), Chirag Jain aka Papa CJ (a well-known stand-up Indian comedian), and Christer Holloman (founder & CEO of Divido), etc. 

Requirements:

• Transcripts of your undergraduate degree.

• A minimum of 2 years of work experience is required.

• GMAT or GRE score (>650 in GMAT, and at least 160 in each section of GRE).

• A statement of purpose talking about your significant achievements, career goals, etc., and 2 essay questions.

• Online assessment – 4 questions.

• 2 letters of recommendation (preferably professional, but can be 1 professional and 1 academic).

• English proficiency test scores are compulsory (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL).

• A one page professional resume. 

4. Imperial College Business School

The Imperial College Business School was founded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, and is ranked at #9 in Europe as per the QS 2023 Ranking. The rigorous analysis, collaborative culture, and expert use of technology enable IC Business School to educate innovative and conscientious leaders who have a valuable impact on global business and society. Through consulting assignments, innovation initiatives, internships, and our industry-sponsored research centers, as an Imperial MBA student, you will acquire significant exposure to established business executives. 

The Imperial MBA programme is designed to give students a thorough understanding of business principles, leadership abilities, and practical knowledge required for success in today’s global business world. The school typically looks for candidates with a strong academic background, professional work experience, leadership potential, and a clear motivation for pursuing an MBA. To name a few notable alumni from this prestigious business school would be Rajen Ruparell (founder of Endy – E Commercial company, & Co-founder of Groupon International), Adaeze Oreh (Sr. Medical Officer at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health), and Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani (Qatari businessman, politician and member of royal family Al Thani), etc. 

Requirements:

• A minimum of 3yrs of full-time work experience.

• A recognized undergraduate degree and transcripts.

• GMAT or GRE score is compulsory, with a min of 600 in GMAT and at least 158 in each section of GRE.

• English proficiency test scores – IELTS/TOEFL.

• A Statement of Purpose is mandatory.

• Professional resume of 1 page.

• One or two letters of recommendation (professional).

Students have a variety of business schools to choose from for their MBA. The above mentioned are some of the top MBA institutions in the UK. If you are interested in one of these schools, it is important to devote time to Finance, Mathematics and Marketing etc. during undergraduate studies, and to achieve an excellent GMAT/GRE score. Your dream MBA in the United Kingdom isn’t so far off then.