The UK is known for great MBA programs, like Oxford, Cambridge, and London Business School. They teach business well. MBA colleges have different schedules: full-time (1-2 years, focused study) or part-time (flexible for working people). In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the top MBA colleges in UK, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, costs, job and placement prospects, average salaries, and conclude with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Top MBA colleges in UK
The United Kingdom boasts a rich academic tradition and is home to some of the world’s finest MBA colleges. Some of the top MBA colleges in UK include
London Business School
London Business School is a top global business school. Its MBA program has a strong reputation and alumni network. It focuses on leadership and innovation.
Oxford University – Saïd Business School
Saïd Business School at Oxford offers a renowned MBA program with academic excellence. It emphasizes entrepreneurship and social impact, benefiting from Oxford’s rich history and resources.
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
Cambridge’s Judge Business School is known for its hands-on MBA program. It blends practical learning with Cambridge’s academic strength and ecosystem.
University of Warwick – Warwick Business School
Warwick Business School offers an MBA program with modern business education, research, and innovation. It prepares students for leadership in a dynamic business world.
University |
Program duration |
Fees |
Avg. Salary |
London Business School |
15-21 months |
£109,700 |
£85,000 |
Oxford University – Saïd Business School |
1 year |
£71,440 |
£78,895 |
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School |
1 year |
£61,000 |
£67,000 |
University of Warwick – Warwick Business School |
1 year |
£45,950 |
£55,214 |
Eligibility
It’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements. Generally, MBA colleges in UK require candidates to have
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
2-3 years of work experience (for some programs).
A good GMAT or GRE score (for some programs).
An English language proficiency test score, like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
A resume/CV.
An application fee.
TEST |
MINIMUM SCORE |
GMAT |
650 – 750 or above |
GPA |
3.0 – 3.5 or above |
IELTS |
6.5 or above |
TOEFL |
90 – 100 or above |
Documents Required
When applying to MBA colleges in UK, you will need to submit a set of documents to support your application. These typically include:
Academic transcripts
Academic certificates and other earned certificates
Extra-curricular qualifications
Identification (such as passport and visa)
Photographs
Standardized test scores and English proficiency
Financial documents, like bank statements
Application fees
Cost
Studying in MBA colleges in UK requires knowing the costs. On average, MBA programs can be around £53,000 (approx. $92,600 USD) for a full-time course, making it relatively expensive.
Here are specific costs for some top UK universities:
London: £58,000 to £92,000
Oxford: £59,490
Cambridge: £60,000 to £72,000
Manchester: £41,000 to £45,000
Additionally, living expenses in the UK can vary, including accommodation, food, transport, and utilities. Here’s an estimate for MBA students:
Accommodation: £500 to £1,500 per month (varies by location and type)
Food: £200 to £400 per month
Transport: £100 to £150 per month
Utilities: £100 to £150 per month
Job and Placement Opportunities
Graduates from top MBA colleges in UK have excellent job prospects. According to the 2021 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, they earn an average salary of approximately $125,000, with a 90% job placement rate within three months of graduation.
Top recruiters for UK MBA graduates include consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group, as well as finance companies such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley. Technology, healthcare, and consumer goods are also popular industries for MBA graduates.
Common job profiles and their salary ranges in the UK:
Management Consultant: Advising businesses to improve performance. Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 per year.
Financial Manager: Managing company finances and strategies. Salary: £40,000 to £80,000 per year.
Marketing Manager: Developing marketing strategies. Salary: £35,000 to £60,000 per year.
Business Development Manager: Identifying growth opportunities. Salary: £30,000 to £70,000 per year.
Operations Manager: Overseeing daily company operations. Salary: £35,000 to £60,000 per year.
Average Salaries
MBA graduate salaries in the UK vary based on industry, location, and work experience. Graduates from top UK B-schools generally receive higher salaries. According to the 2021 Financial Times MBA Rankings, the average salaries for graduates from the top MBA colleges in UK ranged from £75,000 to £105,000 annually.
Factors influencing MBA graduate salaries include industry, work experience, and job location. Graduates in finance and consulting typically earn more than those in other fields. Additionally, individuals with prior work experience tend to receive higher salaries compared to fresh graduates.
Here are average salaries by job role, as per the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2021:
Consulting: £82,000
Finance: £78,000
General Management: £72,000
Marketing/Sales: £68,000
Operations/Logistics: £63,000
Keep in mind that these figures are averages, and individual circumstances can lead to significant variations in MBA salaries in the UK.
Conclusion
MBA colleges in UK can be a transformative experience for your career, but choosing the right college is essential. Research thoroughly, understand the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents meticulously, and be aware of the costs involved. Your job and placement opportunities will depend on your skills and networking efforts, and your potential earnings are promising.