Explore the top 5 universities in London that might best suit your aspirations of pursuing an MBA.

An MBA degree gives an instant boost to your career. It has the potential to improve your job prospects and salary figures. This is why several students worldwide choose MBA programs overseas. An international degree is globally recognised and adds immense value to your resume too. The UK is an excellent choice for study-abroad programs. The capital city, London, houses several top-ranked universities for MBA programs. The city also offers brilliant career options for students after graduation. Let us look at the top 5 universities in London for MBA courses in the UK. 

Top Universities in London for an MBA

London is one of the most highly sought-after cities in the UK since the city attracts students from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Besides this, MBA courses in London are shorter in duration compared to the programs offered in other countries. Where an MBA is generally completed within 2 years, most London universities offer the same program for 1 year, thereby making room for an early job start. Listed below are the top 5 universities in London for MBA courses as per QS World University Rankings 2024:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/countries=gb&sort_by=rank&order_by=countries=gb&sort_by=rank&order_by=asc

  • City, University of London (City): One of the oldest and top universities in London for MBA courses, City has been in existence since as old as 1894. The university has grown to accept students from all parts of the world to its top-class infrastructure and faculty.

The most notable MBA courses that international students prefer to opt for at the university are Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Full-time MBA, and Global MBA (Online).

The entry requirements for most of the MBA programs at the City, University of London are as follows:

  • Academic criteria for an MBA program at City include an Indian equivalent qualification for an Undergraduate Honours degree with an upper second class from a recognised university

  • Prior work experience of at least 3 years full-time in a related or relevant domain after graduation

  • A GMAT score of at least 555 is required for some MBA programs and a GRE of a minimum 156 in the verbal section and 158 in the quantitative parts

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 7.0

Related Source: https://www.bayes.city.ac.uk/study/mba/full-time/application

Location

London

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

70

Popular Courses

Full-Time MBA

Executive MBA

Full-time MBA

Global MBA (Online)

Course Duration

1 year

Avg Tuition Fee

GBP 50,400 (indicative fee)

IELTS Test Score Required

7.0

Related Source: https://www.bayes.city.ac.uk/study/mba/full-time

Campus facilities in the city include a library, student centre, lecture theatres, student union, career and employment services, canteen, chaplain, and more.

The City campus is also home to various clubs and societies for student recreation, language study programs, cycling, and other sports (both indoor and outdoor), and cafes.

Accommodation options can also be found at the university, with subsidised rents for Undergraduate students. Both student halls and private accommodation options are available to suit varied student interests and budgets.

Some of the top jobs that you can expect to apply to after an MBA in London are:

  • Business Intelligence Analyst (GBP 52,214 per annum)

  • Marketing Manager (GBP 43,331 per annum)

  • Human Resources Manager (GBP 49,886 per annum)

Related Sources: https://uk.indeed.com/career/business-intelligence-analyst/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=careers_serp

https://uk.indeed.com/career/marketing-manager/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/human-resources-manager/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=top_sb

  • King’s College London: Among the top universities in London for MBA is King’s College, which has been in operation for over 200 years in London. The university has earned a considerable reputation for its top-notch learning and faculty.

Executive MBA is the most sought-after program at King’s Business School. Covered within 2 years, the course is offered part-time. It equips students with all the desired management and business skills required for their respective careers.

Executive MBA at King’s College London can be pursued by international students meeting the following criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree with an aggregate score of over 60% from a recognised university in India

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 7.5 and no band score less than 7.0 in each skillset

Related Source: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Location

London

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

97

Popular Courses

Executive MBA

Course Duration

2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

GBP 49,900 (indicative total fee)

IELTS Test Score Required

7.5

Related Source: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/executive-mba

Students can avail a variety of facilities on campus such as multiple libraries, sports and wellness centres, including gyms and sports grounds. Venues for student events are provided, such as for themed nights or career fairs where appropriate advice and guidance are offered to graduates.

Accommodation options at King’s College are available in the form of hostels and student housing facilities.

MBA graduates can apply to the following top job roles in London:

  • Marketing Director (GBP 78,346 per annum)

  • Finance Manager (GBP 55,841 per annum)

  • Operations Manager (GBP 44,605 per annum)

Related Sources: https://uk.indeed.com/career/director-of-marketing/salaries/London

https://uk.indeed.com/career/finance-manager/salaries/London?from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/operations-manager/salaries/London?from=top_sb

  • Brunel University London: Designed with the best student interests in mind, Brunel University offers top-class education and research facilities to students worldwide.

Among the many courses offered at the university, some of the top MBA programs preferred by international students are The Brunel MBA, The Brunel MBA (Healthcare Management), and The Brunel MBA (Digital Innovation Management).

Entry requirements at Brunel include:

  • Submission of high school transcripts or other academic records as proof of completion of secondary education (for all UG courses)

  • PG course applicants would need to submit proof of completion of a Bachelor’s degree as well as any prior work experience record (if applicable to a specific program)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall score between 6.0 and 7.0 overall

Related Source: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements

Location

London

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

301-350

Popular Courses

The Brunel MBA

The Brunel MBA (Healthcare Management)

The Brunel MBA (Digital Innovation Management)

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

GBP 32,900 (indicative total fee for full-time)

IELTS Test Score Required

6.0-7.0

Related Source: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/Business-Administration-MBA#:~:text=The%20Brunel%20MBA%20is%20a,more%20accomplished%20manager%20all%2Dround.

On-campus facilities for students at Brunel University are well-equipped laboratories, sports clubs, student societies, an indoor athletics centre, free Wifi, a basketball court, a gym, and badminton courts.

Brunel University has comfortable and affordable halls of residence that are well-equipped with the latest amenities for student convenience.

Some of the top MBA jobs in London after course completion from Brunel include:

  • Chief Financial Officer (GBP 115,758 per annum)

  • Chief Executive Officer (GBP 72,705 per annum)

  • Product Marketing Manager (GBP 45,994 per annum)

Related Sources: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Financial_Officer_(CFO)/Salary/b4e2e3ce/London

https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary

https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Product_Marketing_Manager/Salary

  • Kingston University London: Offering top-quality education and extensive research options to students around the world since 1899, Kingston University is a renowned name in London.

Its MBA programs are quite popular among international students. Some of the highly sought-after courses include the MBA, MBA Including Professional Placement, and MBA Cyber for Business Leaders.

International students opting for MBA programs at Kingston must meet the following criteria for admission:

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent from a recognised professional institution

  • At least 3 years of professional experience in a relevant work area (full-time)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 on the test. Additionally, less than 6.0 is not acceptable in any component of the test.

Related Source: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/master-business-administration-mba/

Location

London

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

301-350

Popular Courses

MBA

MBA Including Professional Placement

Cyber for Business Leaders (MBA)

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

GBP 25,000 (indicative total fee for full-time)

IELTS Test Score Required

6.5

Related Source: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/master-business-administration-mba/

The most popular facilities offered on campus at Kingston University are a technologically advanced gym with a toning zone, cardio floor, free weights, resistance machines, dance studio, and mirrored aerobics.

Students can also hang out at on-campus restaurants, cafes, and bars. For recreation, there are open tennis courts, outdoor fitness trails, and table tennis. Besides, there is 24-hour access to the library, event space, roof gardens, and a covered courtyard to hang out with friends after class.

International students can also find comfortable and affordable accommodation facilities on the campus of Kingston University in the form of residence halls. These halls have single-study bedrooms with self-catering kitchens. Private rented flats are also available quite close to the campus.

Graduates can opt for the following jobs in London after completing their MBA from Kingston University:

  • Leveraged Finance Associate (GBP 90,209 per annum)

  • Human Resources Manager (GBP 49,886 per annum)

  • Solutions Architect (GBP 80,865 per annum)

Related Sources: https://uk.indeed.com/career/finance-associate/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=careers_serp

https://uk.indeed.com/career/human-resources-manager/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/software-architect/salaries/London?salaryType=YEARLY&from=top_sb

  • Queen Mary University of London: Enjoying consistent top ranks as well as wide acclaim for its educational and research facilities, Queen Mary University is a particular favourite for MBA courses. The university has nearly 5 campus locations in all of London.

The top MBA course at the university is Global MBA which is offered in various disciplines as per student interest and preference. A few examples are Finance, Accountancy, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

The entry requirements for admission to Queen Mary University are:

  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Indian qualification with second-class honours from an acceptable Indian university

  • Minimum 3 years of management experience (at least within the last 5 years)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 on the test

Related Source: https://www.london.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate/global-mba

Location

London

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

301-350

Popular Courses

Global MBA

Course Duration

1-5 years (as per availability of module)

Avg Tuition Fee

GBP 11,747 (indicative full fee for MBA)

IELTS Test Score Required

6.5

Related Source: https://www.london.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate/global-mba#fees

Student facilities on campus include labs, lecture theatres, and 24-hour library access. Besides these, there are multiple restaurants, shops, bars, banks, and gyms on site for student convenience.

Accommodation facilities for international students are available at Queen Mary University in the form of large, spacious halls, and self-catered flats. Students are free to opt from any of the two choices as per their budget and comfort preferences.

The top jobs worth applying to in London after MBA graduation are:

  • Project Manager (GBP 53,064 per annum)

  • Human Resources Manager (GBP 39,596 per annum)

  • General Manager (GBP 40,429 per annum)

Related Sources: https://uk.indeed.com/career/project-manager/salaries/London

https://uk.indeed.com/career/business-development-manager/salaries?from=top_sb

https://uk.indeed.com/career/general-manager/salaries?from=top_sb

FAQs

1. How much does an MBA cost in London?

The actual fee structure of the course may vary from one university in London to another. However, the average cost of pursuing the course at a London university is likely to be GBP 11,747 (indicative full fee for MBA).

Related Source: https://www.london.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate/global-mba#fees

2. Which colleges offer an MBA in London for Indian students?

The top universities in London offering MBA courses to Indian and other international students are:

  • City, University of London

  • King’s College London

  • Brunel University London

  • Kingston University London

  • Queen Mary University of London

3. Is London good for an MBA?

Absolutely! London has several top-ranked MBA universities. The city also creates attractive employment prospects for MBA graduates from these universities.

4. What is the duration of an MBA program at London University?

The actual length of the course may vary between universities. However, the average duration of an MBA course at a London university may range between 1 and 2 years.

5. What is the minimum requirement for pursuing an MBA in London?

Indian and other international students applying for MBA courses must have completed a bachelor's degree either in a business discipline or a non-business related field. Some universities may require prior professional experience for admission. Applicants must also produce proof of English language proficiency through an English language test, such as IELTS.

6. Can a fresher get a job in the UK after an MBA?

Yes, freshers graduating with an MBA from a UK university can apply for relevant jobs in the UK industry.

7. What is the salary after an MBA in London?

The average salary of a manager in London who has completed an MBA degree is GBP 39,596 per annum. This is only indicative and may vary from one employer to another.

https://uk.indeed.com/career/business-development-manager/salaries?from=top_sb

8. Does London have a one-year MBA?

Yes, some MBA programs in London are complete within a year, while a few of them may last more than 1 year.

9. What is the average cost of living in London for international students?

International students are likely to spend an average of GBP 272 - GBP 508 per week on various expenses covered under the cost of living in London.

Related Source: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/international/the-cost-of-living-in-london/

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