Top UK Universities For A Master’s Degree In Business

Looking to level up your career with a master’s degree in business? This guide explores a range of UK business schools and MBA programmes across specialisations like marketing, finance, management, and business analytics. Whether you want to lead teams, build an enterprise, or switch industries, you’ll find insights on course types, rankings, how to choose the right MBA, and answers to common questions.

master's degree in business

Table of Contents

What Is A Master's Degree In Business? (MBA)

A Master’s in Business, commonly known as an MBA (Master of Business Administration), is a postgraduate degree designed to develop leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. It covers core areas like finance, marketing, operations, and management, equipping you to handle real-world business challenges. Whether you’re aiming to accelerate your current career or pivot into a new role, an MBA provides the tools, network, and credentials to make it happen.

Why Study An MBA In The UK?

Home to some of the world’s most respected business schools, the UK offers internationally recognised degrees in a compact one-year format. This means faster graduation, quicker returns on investment, and less time out of the workforce. Courses combine theory with practical case studies, giving you the skills to lead and adapt in real-world settings. With a global student base, UK classrooms offer diverse perspectives, perfect for building international networks and preparing for cross-border careers.

Types of Business Master’s Degrees

Not all business master’s degrees are the same. An MBA is designed for professionals with work experience who want to advance into leadership roles. It covers broad management topics and strategic decision-making. In contrast, degrees like the MSc in Management or MSc in Finance are ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals. These programmes go deeper into specific areas: think operations, analytics, or investment. Choosing the right path depends on your goals, background, and how specialised you want your studies to be.

Top UK Universities Offering MBAs

Here you can find the top ranked business schools for different types of MBA specialisations in the UK.

1) Marketing MBAs

QS RankUK Business School / University
6Imperial College Business School
7Warwick Business School
11Manchester (Alliance)
16University of Edinburgh Business School
22Cranfield School of Management
25Leeds University Business School
35Durham University Business School
41Lancaster University Management School
42Bath School of Management
44Bayes Business School
45Aston Business School
47Strathclyde Business School
50Birmingham Business School
51-60Exeter Business School
51-60Glasgow (Adam Smith)
51-60Liverpool Management School
51-60Nottingham University Business School
51-60Sheffield University Management School
61-70Newcastle University Business School
71-80Loughborough School of Business and Economics
81-90Kent Business School
81-90University of Bristol
91-100Southampton Business School
91-100The University of Sussex Business School

2) Management MBAs

QS RankUK Business School / University
4London Business School
15Imperial College Business School
20London School of Economics
22Warwick Business School
25Manchester (Alliance)
33University of Edinburgh Business School
34Cranfield School of Management
50Durham University Business School
59University of Bristol
63Bath School of Management
65Leeds University Business School
70Lancaster University Management School
81Birmingham Business School
87Nottingham University Business School
88Sheffield University Management School
90Strathclyde Business School
98Bayes Business School
100Henley Business School

3) Business Analytics MBAs

QS RankingUK Business School / University
5London Business School
8Imperial College Business School
17Warwick Business School
20Manchester (Alliance)
25University of Edinburgh Business School
51-60Durham University Business School
51-60Leeds University Business School
61-70Bath School of Management
61-70Glasgow (Adam Smith)
71-80Lancaster University Management School
71-80Nottingham University Business School
81-90Bayes Business School
81-90Liverpool Management School
91-100Aston Business School
91-100Southampton Business School

4) Finance MBAs

QS RankingUK Business School / University
1Oxford (Said)
4London Business School
5Cambridge (Judge)
9London School of Economics
14Imperial College Business School
21Warwick Business School
27Manchester (Alliance)
31Leeds University Business School
33University of Edinburgh Business School
56Cranfield School of Management
60Durham University Business School
65Lancaster University Management School
77Bayes Business School
82Bath School of Management
85Henley Business School

Ranking Methodology

The academic rankings are based on QS world rankings, which assess institutions based on several key indicators:

  • Academic Reputation
  • Employer Reputation
  • Faculty Student Ratio
  • Citations per Faculty
  • International Faculty Ratio
  • International Student Ratio
  • International Research Network
  • Employment Outcomes
  • Sustainability

These indicators evaluate aspects such as scholarly esteem, employer perceptions, teaching capacity, research impact, international diversity, global collaboration, graduate employability, and commitment to sustainable practices.

How To Choose An MBA?

When choosing an MBA, focus on the aspects that align with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term career path. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision:

Career goals: Clarify what you want from the MBA: whether it’s a career switch, promotion, launching a business, or building specific skills. Choose a programme with strengths that match your ambitions.

Reputation and ranking: Global rankings (like QS or Financial Times) can be useful, but also consider subject-specific reputation, employer connections, and alumni outcomes.

Curriculum and specialisations: Evaluate whether the core courses and electives align with your interests. Some programmes offer concentrations, dual degrees, or hands-on projects like consulting or simulations.

Mode of study: Choose between full-time, part-time, executive (EMBA), or online formats based on your career stage, income needs, and availability.

Location and culture: Consider studying in a region with strong industry ties or future job opportunities. Look at the teaching style, class diversity, and whether the school culture fits your personality and values.

Network and alumni: A strong network can shape your career. Review alumni achievements, mentorship options, and how active the alumni community is in your region or industry.

Cost and ROI: Include tuition, living costs, travel, and potential lost income in your budget. Research scholarships and estimate post-MBA salaries to gauge return on investment.

Admissions criteria: Check requirements like GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, essays, and interviews. Some schools prioritise leadership and impact over test scores.

Internships and career services: Investigate the availability of internships, job placements, career coaching, and employer access. Review the school’s employment reports.

Global exposure: Look for international modules, exchange programmes, and global cohorts. Exposure to diverse markets and cultures adds value beyond the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

MBA programmes can cost anywhere from £30,000 to over £100,000 depending on the institution, country, and format. Top-tier schools in the US and UK tend to be the most expensive, while programmes in Europe or Asia may offer more competitive pricing. Costs also include living expenses, travel, study materials, and the opportunity cost of leaving work if you’re studying full-time. Many schools offer scholarships, loans, and employer sponsorships to help manage the cost.

The duration of an MBA depends on the format. Full-time MBAs in the UK and Europe typically last one year, while programmes in the US usually take two years. Part-time, online, or modular MBAs often take between two and three years to complete. Executive MBAs (EMBAs), designed for experienced professionals, generally run for 18 to 24 months and are structured to allow continued full-time work.

Most MBA programmes require applicants to have professional work experience. For full-time MBAs, schools generally expect two to five years of experience. Executive MBA programmes usually require eight to ten years, often with some time in leadership or managerial roles. A few schools offer deferred admission or early-career MBAs for students who apply in their final year of university and begin the programme after gaining a few years of experience.

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