Top Business Schools in the UK 2024

Are you looking to pursue business at reputed universities in the UK? Worry not! We have done our best research and are bringing you the best business schools in the UK. Career advancement, employment rate, faculty quality, internationalization, and alumni weighted wage at three years out are all considered when ranking UK business schools. The United Kingdom’s business schools have earned international renown for their dedication to academic excellence, providing students with unparalleled access to the business world, and their commitment to cultivating an environment that values originality and creativity.

These are the top British business schools, as ranked by The Financial Times, widely regarded as the most reliable quality indicator of business schools worldwide. You are just one step closer to achieving your dream of getting accepted into the best business university. Keep reading to learn about the top business schools in the UK and every university in detail.

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Here are the top Business Schools in the UK:

1. London Business School
2. Warwick Business School
3. Strathclyde Business School
4. Alliance Manchester Business School
5. Hult International Business School
6. Lancaster University Management School
7. Cranfield School Of Management
8. University Of Edinburgh Business School
9. Durham University Business School
10. Birmingham Business School
11. University Of Exeter Business School
12. Adam Smith Business School
13. Imperial College Business School
14. City, University Of London: Bayes
15. Henley Business School

London Business School

The programmes at London Business School (LBS) are consistently ranked among the best in the world by publications like Bloomberg Business Week and the Financial Times, and the school boasts a faculty lauded for its academic excellence and industry experience as well as a student body comprised of people from every continent.

The programmes offered by LBS, both before and after an internship, are flexible enough to accommodate professionals at any point in their careers. Full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Finance (MFin) programmes are among those offered as part of the Mid-Career Plan (full-time or part-time).

London Business School at a Glance-

• 3rd for Masters in Finance in QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2023
• 2nd for Masters in Management in QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2023
• 1st for the Masters in Finance post-experience programme by Financial Times Ranking for 2022
• 5th for the Combined Executive Education programmes by Financial Times for 2022
• 47,000+ Alumni from 155 Countries
• 12,000+ Participants Every Year
• £22m Scholarship Awarded
• 75+ Clubs (From Private Equity to Rugby)

Each year, the School’s Executive Education Team serves over 10,000 professionals through open and personalised programmes, including more than 2,000 graduates from over 130 countries.

Warwick Business School

The renowned University of Warwick is home to the renowned Warwick Business School (WBS). Originally established in 1967 as the Warwick School of Industrial and Business Studies, the school is home to more than 10 bachelor’s degree programmes, fifteen master’s degree programmes, a full-time Master in Business Administration programme, and a doctoral programme.

WBS expanded into London’s tallest building, The Shard Tower, in September 2014 to offer its Master of Science in Finance and Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations degrees.

Warwick Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Coventry, England
• Established- 1967
• Famous Courses- Warwick MBA, Finance, Management
• 7th in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 12th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 19th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 20th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 12th in Full-time Master in Finance pre-experience for 2022
• 27th in Full-time Master in Management for 2022
• 1st in Online MBA for 2022
• 57th in Full-time Global MBA for 2022
• 34th in EMBA for 2022
• 34th in Executive Education for the Customised Programmes for 2022

Strathclyde Business School

Part of the University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde Business School (SBS) is a forerunner in the educational world, earning global acclaim for its role in moulding and preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Since 1948, SBS is one of the few global business schools to hold triple certification from worldwide business groups.

To add to its impressive list of accolades, SBS is one of only five UK business schools to receive the Small Business Charter Gold Award, given to institutions that provide exceptional assistance to small and medium-sized Scottish businesses to help them grow. Times Higher Education placed SBS in the top 3 UK business schools for research impact and ranked first in Scotland for research.

Strathclyde Business School at a glance-

• Location- Glasgow, Scotland
• Established- 1948
• International Students- 17%
• Famous Courses- MBA, World Leading Research
• 45th in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 78th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 81-90th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 101-110th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 91st in the Executive MBA programme in 2022
• 72nd in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

Alliance Manchester Business School 

Located on the University of Manchester campus, Alliance Manchester Business School (MBS) is the university’s business school. According to the Financial Times, Manchester’s MBA programme is among the best in the world, ranking 45th overall and 5th in the UK.

MBS provides 14 undergraduate programmes, 16 graduate programmes, and a full-time MBA programme that can be completed in as little as 12 months or as much as 18 months, all of which include practical, industry-relevant experience. Finance programmes are affiliated with the CFA Institute, and the MBA programme has earned accreditation from AACSB International, AMBA, and EQUIS.

Moreover, MBS provides a rare chance to earn an MBA from not one but two prestigious institutions. The Kelly-Manchester Global MBA is a hybrid programme that allows students to attend classes twice a year in one of eight different cities around the world and receive instruction from some of the greatest online MBA instructors in the world. Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the world’s leading institutions for management and business education, and it ranks second in the United Kingdom for the quality of its business research (REF, 2014).

Alliance Manchester Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Manchester, England
• Famous Courses- MBA, Business, Economics
• 6th in World University Rankings for operations, project and supply chain management in 2023
• 10th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 12th in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 24th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 27th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 51st in the European Business School Rankings for 2022
• 43rd for the Global MBA programme in 2022
• 83rd for Masters in Management in 2022

Hult International Business School

Hult is more than just a business school; it is a vibrant multicultural community where the brightest minds in business can learn from each other and build meaningful connections. Hult inverts the conventional educational model by providing students with real-world learning opportunities that immediately begin transforming their skill sets into those of excellent business professionals.

The education you receive at Hult International Business School is about much more than just getting a degree. Change is the focus of education. Today’s students highly seek skills that can improve one’s quality of life. Hult puts an emphasis on practical skills and mindsets rather than theoretical knowledge in order to effect positive change in students’ lives, whether that be in their professional lives, their workplaces, or the world at large.

Hult International Business School at a Glance-

• Location- London, England
• Famous Courses- MBA, Finance, Marketing
• International Fees- £35,600-64,000
• 28th for the Online MBA Programme by QS World University Rankings for 2023
• 41st in the Masters in Management by Financial Times Rankings for 2022
• 68th in the Executive MBA by Financial Times Rankings for 2022
• 37th for full-time MBA by The Economist Rankings for 2022
• 11th for Education Experience at the MBA programme by The Economist for 2022
• 2^nd for student and faculty diversity, The Economist, Full-Time Global MBA Ranking, 2022
• 2^nd for international students, Financial Times, Global Masters in Management Ranking, 2022
• 2^nd for a life-changing experience, Poets and Quants, Best Undergraduate Business Schools Ranking, 2021
• 11^th for education experience, The Economist, Full-Time Global MBA Ranking, 2022
• 13^th The Economist, Global Masters in Management Ranking, 2021

Lancaster University Management School

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), founded in 1964, is a rare institution holding AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditations. Practitioners and academics work together on the Lancaster faculty to give you the best possible education. According to the Financial Times’ annual list of the best business schools in Europe, Lancaster University’s Management School is among the top 50, and its MBA programme is among the best in the world. It is affiliated with Lancaster University, which has an excellent reputation worldwide.

Lancaster University Management School at a Glance-

• Location- Lancaster, England
• Famous Courses- MBA, Finance, Management
• 31st in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 54th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 51-60th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 63rd in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 46th in the Masters in Finance pre-experience for 2022
• 76th for the Global MBA in 2022
• 95th for the Executive MBA programme in 2022
• 10th in the UK and 54th in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

Cranfield School of Management

The fact that Cranfield School of Management has its own airport is only one of the many aspects for which it is renowned. This is a result of its previous status as an RAF installation. Hence, it comes as no surprise that people studying in Cranfield come from all over the globe and offer the best undergraduate business courses in the UK.

After graduating, more than half of Cranfield students find employment in the UK. This is a great incentive for international students who want to live permanently in the UK With 87% of its student body coming from outside the UK, this school is genuinely international and is only 90 minutes northwest of London.

Cranfield School of Management at a Glance-

• Location- Cranfield, England
• Famous Courses- Supply Chain Management, MBA, Management
• 15th in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 28th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 42nd in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 11th in World University Rankings for Masters in Supply Chain Management for 2023
• 35th in Executive Education for Open Programmes in 2022
• 97th for the Executive MBA in 2022
• 44th for the Masters in Finance pre-experience in 2022
• 56th in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

University of Edinburgh Business School

The Business School at the University of Edinburgh has a rich history of academic excellence. Accounting and finance, entrepreneurship and innovation, management science and business economics, marketing, organisational studies, and strategy and international business are only few of the undergraduate and graduate courses offered by the School of Business. The facilities include lecture halls, various syndicate rooms, an executive education suite, a café, and ample capacity for students and faculty.

University of Edinburgh Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Edinburgh, Scotland
• Famous Courses- Business, Edinburgh MBA
• 13th in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 18th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 27th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 35th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 69th for the Masters in Management in 2022
• 42nd for the Masters in Finance pre-experience in 2022
• 63rd in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

Durham University Business School

The Durham University Business School (DUBS) is a division of Durham University, a top-ten university in the United Kingdom. The Master of Business Administration programme at Durham University’s Business School can help you develop into a successful executive. After completing required courses in accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Management, among others, students can tailor their MBA to their interests by selecting from various electives in areas like entrepreneurship, consulting, and technology.

Durham University Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Durham, England
• Famous Courses- MBA, Online MBA
• 21st in World University Rankings for Masters in Supply Chain Management for 2023
• 33rd in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 51-60th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 55th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 7th for the Online MBA programme in 2022
• 95th for the Global MBA programme in 2022
• 87th for the Masters in Management in 2022
• 53rd for the Masters in Finance pre-experience in 2022
• 66th in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

Birmingham Business School

Founded in 1902 as the Faculty of Commerce, Birmingham Business School is the oldest business school in the United Kingdom. The AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the European Quality Improvement System all recognise it as a top-tier business school. Master’s degrees in management, marketing, and finance as well as advanced engineering management are all on the table at Birmingham Business School, along with a variety of concentrations within each of these areas.

Birmingham Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Birmingham, England
• Famous Courses- Birmingham MBA, Finance
• 39th in QS World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 74th in QS World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 91st in the European Business School Rankings by Financial Times Rankings for 2022
• 84th in QS World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 23rd in the UK and 76th globally by The Economist MBA Rankings in 2022

University of Exeter Business School

The University of Exeter’s Business School, known as Exeter Business School, was founded in 1998. The University of Exeter is a member of the illustrious Russell Group of research universities, and its business school is among the top 100 in the world. Exeter attracts students from all around the world to study accounting, business, finance, economics, and management. The MBA programme at Exeter is consistently ranked among the top MBA schools worldwide. Throughout the year, Exeter Business School hosts a number of employability events designed to provide you with marketable skills and guidance. 

You can greatly improve your chances of getting hired by targeting your education towards the knowledge and abilities sought after by today’s companies. From day one, you’ll have access to the services of a seasoned and committed Careers and Employability staff that will help you refine your professional abilities.

University of Exeter Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Exeter, England
• Famous Courses- MBA, Accounting, Economics
• 77th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 101-110th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 99th for the Masters in Management in 2022
• 50th for the Masters in Finance pre-experience in 2022
• 93rd in the European Business School Rankings for 2022

Adam Smith Business School

In addition to being recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the Glasgow MBA programme at the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow also holds accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Several times voted “Scottish University of the Year,” the University of Glasgow has gained international renown.

Adam Smith Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Glasgow, Scotland
• Famous Courses- Business, Accounting and Finance
• 44th in QS World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 95th in QS World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 101-110th in QS World University Rankings for Management for 2023
• 95th in the European Business School Rankings by Financial Times Rankings for 2022
• 35th in the UK and 99th globally by The Economist MBA Rankings in 2022

Imperial College Business School

Imperial College Business School is a part of Imperial College London, a global leader in science and technology. This business school in the UK drives global business and social transformation. They adhere to a business-technology confluence and an entrepreneurial attitude. They provide a combination of innovative thinking and insight with new technology that results in developing solutions to real-world issues. It also benefits businesses as well as helps in improving society.

The university usually attracts brilliant minds and helps in providing the environment to foster innovation and how to think entrepreneurially. It is the best business school in the UK for undergraduates. They finally result in ground-breaking ideas that also unlock many business opportunities. The university provides guaranteed lifelong professional development services and a global alumni network that will ensure its graduates have very long and successful careers in many different industries worldwide.

Imperial College Business School at a Glance-

• Location- London, England
• Famous Courses- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, MBA
• 3rd in World University Rankings for Masters in Marketing for 2023
• 5th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 10th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 13th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 3rd in Europe for THE World University Rankings for 2022
• 12th globally in THE World University Rankings for 2022
• 26th for the Executive MBA in 2022
• 32nd for full-time Global MBA in 2022
• 16th for Masters in Finance Pre-Experience in 2022
• 23rd for Masters in Management in 2022
• 2nd for Online Global MBA in 2022
• 19th in the European Business School Rankings for 2022 

City, University Of London: Bayes

The Bayes Business School is one of the leading global business schools in the UK and the City of London. They are known for their world-class business education, excellent research reputation, and deep engagement with practice. They support networks of curious professionals that have a beneficial influence on the industry and professions. The university aims to cultivate a persistent sense of curiosity rooted in knowledge and practice. 

They believe the best leaders are open to new information when making decisions. So, they do the same by giving an ear to the students and updating their views, and acting with determination.

City, University Of London: Bayes at a Glance-

• 25th in World University Rankings for Masters in Supply Chain Management for 2023
• 78th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 72nd in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 61-70th in World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics for 2023
• 29th in European Business School Rankings for 2022
• 54th for the Executive MBA programme for 2022
• 69th in the Global MBA programme in 2022
• 22nd for Masters in Finance Pre-experience for 2022
• 50th for Masters in Management in 2022

Henley Business School

The Henley Business School is a globally recognised business school in the UK and the UK’s oldest business school. The school is part of a global group with triple-accredited status from the leading UK, European, and US accrediting bodies: AMBA, EQUIS, and AASCB. 

It is a full-service business school that provides the best undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, MBA, executive education, and apprenticeship business education. The students who join the Henley Community will experience the best business schools in the United Kingdom and an applied learning approach, blending research and practice to bring business to life.

Henley Business School at a Glance-

• Location- Reading, England
• Famous Courses- Masters in Management, Masters in Finance
• 101-110th in World University Rankings for Masters in Finance for 2023
• 101-110th in World University Rankings for Masters in Management for 2023
• 35th in the European Business School Rankings of 2022
• 38th in the Masters in Finance pre-experience for 2022
• 65th for the Executive MBA programme for 2022
• 18th in the Executive Education for Open Programmes in 2022
• 28th in the Executive Education for Customised Programmes in 2022

Final Words

These schools offer excellent education, research facilities, and student network opportunities. The top business schools in the UK for 2023 have been chosen based on things like academic excellence, reputation, chances of getting a job, and how happy students are with the school.

These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge research, which gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. Also, they have a variety of courses, such as MBA, MSc, and PhD programmes, and they work with students from different backgrounds and interests.

These top business schools in the UK will give you the best education and opportunities, whether you want to improve your career prospects, learn new skills, or follow your passion for business. So, if you are considering pursuing a career in business, you should definitely consider these institutions and take the first step towards a successful and fulfilling future.

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