Best MBA programmes in the UK

The UK is a world leader in MBA education, making it a smart choice for your business degree. Consider 10 of it's best institutions

10. University of Edinburgh Business School

Within three months of graduating 90% of students secure employment. The intensive programme focuses on core business areas like strategy and leadership, while also honing your crucial soft skills.

If you're looking to expand your horizons, the school partners with universities worldwide, offering year-long international exchange programmes in destinations like Australia, Canada, and China.

Choose from a full-time programme that can be completed in one year, at a cost of £40,900, or the online MBA spanning two years and nine months and costing £34,005.

Learn more about the University of Edinburgh Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 92nd, QS: 64th

9. Cranfield School of Management

With graduates experiencing a 75% increase in salaries after graduation and 84% finding employment within three months, it's no surprise that the Financial Times ranks Cranfield's MBA programmes in the top 20 globally for value.

The redesigned Transformation MBA focuses on building strong professional networks for its students and personalising their learning experience. The one-year programme costs £46,405.

Cranfield's Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA is a 28-month programme designed for collaboration. Employers can contribute to the £27,000 tuition fee, making it a valuable option for both you and your organisation.

Learn more about Cranfield University.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 80th, QS: 82nd

8. Durham University Business School

Durham MBA graduates see an impressive 89% salary increase on average after graduation, positioning the programme 16th globally for career progression according to the Financial Times.

You'll develop a strong foundation with core modules like accounting, finance, leadership, and their practical 'boardroom exercises'. Then, you'll deepen your expertise by choosing a specialised pathway like consultancy, entrepreneurship, or technology.

The intensive full-time MBA programme can be completed in one year, with tuition fees of £37,500 for all students, regardless of nationality.

Learn more about Durham University Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 78th

7. City, University of London: Bayes Business School

Ranking second in the UK for entrepreneurship, Bayes' graduates experience a significant 75% salary increase post-MBA.

Bayes offers a variety of MBA options to fit your needs. Choose from a full-time programme lasting 12 months for £50,400 or opt for one of their two-year Executive MBAs that you can take as an evening or modular course - at £55,700.

Find out more about City, University of London: Bayes Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 68th

6. Warwick Business School

Boasting one of the world's most highly qualified faculties, an impressive 95% of Warwick MBA graduates secure employment within three months.

The intensive full-time MBA equips you with the skills and knowledge to advance your career in one year, for £53,750. The two-year Executive MBA, costing £53,200, allows you to gain valuable insights while managing your professional commitments.

The Global MBA offers a flexible distance learning format for £45,450, ideal for those looking to study without interrupting their current schedule. The Accelerator MBA provides a unique blend of online learning and in-person modules over two years, for £59,220.

Find out more about Warwick Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 60th, QS: 36th

5. Alliance Manchester Business School

After finishing a general MBA, the university reports an impressive 108% salary increase within three years. The programme focuses on practical learning and offers MBA courses tailored to individual ambitions.

In addition to the full-time MBA, the university also offers a flexible Global MBA programme. This programme spans 18 months and costs £32,000, offering opportunities for workshops and options to study in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore.

For experienced professionals, the university recommends the Global Executive MBA, a 24-month programme priced at £42,250. It includes four core workshop residencies in international locations, providing invaluable exposure to diverse global business cultures.

Find out more about Alliance Manchester Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 46th, QS: 49th

4. Imperial College Business School

Imperial College's MBA programme provides a range of over 40 optional modules, allowing you to tailor your learning to align with your specific career aspirations. Additionally, the programme offers five options which enable further specialisation in areas such as analytics, finance, or digital strategy. The full-time MBA programme spans 12 months and is priced at £67,500.

The Weekend MBA, which takes 23 months to complete, is priced at £61,000. For more seasoned professionals, there's the Executive MBA, which costs £76,500. The Global Online MBA, priced at £50,500, offers a flexible completion window of 21 to 32 months.

Find out more about Imperial College Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 39th, QS: 20th

3. University of Cambridge: Judge Business School

An impressive 94% of Cambridge MBA graduates are employed within three months of graduation, and they can expect to take home an average salary of £90,000.

The programme itself takes one year to complete and costs £69,000. In terms of the curriculum, you'll delve into modules like corporate finance, management science, financial reporting and analysis, and sustainable business.

Find out more about the University of Cambridge: Judge Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 29th, QS: 9th

2. University of Oxford: Saïd Business School

With some of the highest employment prospects of any business school, graduates of the Oxford MBA achieve average salaries of almost £100,000.

You'll gain exposure to a global network, diverse classmates and thought leaders, and real-world business skills like teamwork, leadership, and negotiation. The course costs £78,510 for the year, and plenty of scholarships are available.

The Oxford MBA programme offers two alternative options. The unique 1+1 MBA combines a one-year Masters degree in your chosen field with a subsequent year-long MBA. Alternatively, the Executive MBA programme can be completed part time over 24 months, with a total programme cost of £117,080.

Find out more about the University of Oxford: Saïd Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 26th, QS: 18th

1. London Business School (LBS)

According to the Financial Times, London Business School graduates tend to increase their salary by more than double, with nine out of ten finding employment within three months.

You'll start year one of your course taking core subjects such as finance, marketing and business, then customise your programme in year two with niche subjects including design-led innovation and business analytics.

The MBA takes 15 to 21 months to complete, with a course fee of £115,000. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships.

Find out more about London Business School.

Global rankings: Financial Times: 8th, QS: 4th

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