Birmingham is one of the UK's largest and most diverse cities, offering many places to study business.
Thanks to its respected universities and business schools, it attracts students from across the country and worldwide.
Let's explore the top business schools in Birmingham, why you should study there, and what it's like.
| Business School | Undergraduate | Postgraduate/MBA | Triple Accredited | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Business School | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ✅ | Russell Group, research-led, Edgbaston campus |
| Aston Business School | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ✅ | Employability focus, strong industry links |
| Birmingham City Business School | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ❌ | Central location, modern campus, practical focus |
| University College Birmingham (UCB) | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ❌ | Vocational style, small group teaching |
| Newman University | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ❌ | Foundation & top-up options, small class sizes |
| BPP University – Birmingham Centre | ✅ | ✅ MSc, MBA | ❌ | Private university, career-focused programmes |
Why Study Business in Birmingham?
So why should you consider studying business in Birmingham over business in London, for example?
For one, Birmingham is one of the UK's major business and financial hubs. A number of national and international companies are located here, offering students direct access to real-world business environments, professional networks, and placement opportunities.
Add this to the high-quality universities offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes, which includes globally recognised MBAs, MScs, and specialised management degrees.
Whether you're interested in marketing, finance, international business, or entrepreneurship, Birmingham has an option for you.
Students enjoy a great experience, too. Birmingham is more affordable than London and has a student population of over 80,000.
Top Reasons to Study Business in Birmingham
Birmingham Business School (University of Birmingham)
As part of the University of Birmingham, the Birmingham Business School is known for high-quality education and research.
Like a number of special business schools in the UK, it also holds the "Triple Crown" accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. It is also recognised globally for its excellence in business.
It's located on the Edgbaston campus and offers a dynamic environment for students interested in business studies.
Undergraduate Degrees
- BSc Business Management
- BSc Business Management with Year in Industry
- BSc Business Management with Marketing
- BSc International Business
- BSc Accounting and Finance
Postgraduate Degrees (MSc)
- MSc International Business
- MSc Management
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Financial Management
MBA Programmes
- Full-time MBA
- Online MBA
- Executive MBA
Usually, undergraduate programmes require AAB at A Level, while postgraduate programmes require a good Honours degree (2:1 or higher).
MBA programmes also look for work experience, including a minimum of three years of professional experience. However, five years of experience is preferred.
Birmingham Business School is one of the few UK institutions with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), a hallmark of global business school quality.
Want to know what you can do with a degree with a career in business from Birmingham Business School? Watch this video.
Aston Business School (Aston University)
Aston Business School is part of Aston University in Birmingham. It also holds the Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
Aston usually asks for AAB-ABB grades for undergraduate programmes. At least a 2:2 at undergraduate level is preferred for postgraduate programmes.
The business school is particularly popular for its strong industry links, research excellence, and employability focus, the same kind of advantages you can also enjoy by studying business in Manchester.
Undergraduate Degrees
- BSc Business and Management
- BSc International Business and Economics
- BSc Accounting and Finance
- BSc Marketing
- BSc Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Degrees (MSc)
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Investment Analysis
- MSc Entrepreneurship
- MSc Marketing Management
- MSc Human Resource Management and Business
MBA Programmes
- Full-time MBA
- Online MBA
- Executive MBA
Birmingham City Business School (Birmingham City University)
Birmingham City Business School is part of Birmingham City University. It's in the heart of Birmingham and has strong industry connections with an emphasis on practical learning.
BCBS is at the City Centre Campus, which features modern facilities, state-of-the-art lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and dedicated study areas. It's also well-integrated into Birmingham's business district, offering opportunities for networking and internships.
Undergraduate Degrees
- BA (Hons) Business
- BA (Hons) Business (Marketing)
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- BA (Hons) Business Economics
- BA (Hons) Business Management (Enterprise)
- BA (Hons) Business Accounting
- BA (Hons) Business Administration (Top-up)
- BSc (Hons) Business Finance
Postgraduate Degrees
- International MBA
- MSc Management and International Business
- MSc Management and Marketing
- MSc Management and Finance
- MSc Management and Entrepreneurship
- MSc Internal Audit Management and Consultancy
- MA International Human Resource Management
University College Birmingham – Business School
University College Birmingham (UCB) offers a range of business courses through the Department of Business and Enterprise.
Like the other business schools mentioned, UCB boasts strong industry links, courses accredited by professional bodies, and a teaching approach that focuses on real-world applications.
Undergraduate Degrees
- Business Enterprise BA (Hons) / FdA
- Business Management BA (Hons) / FdA
- Digital Marketing BA (Hons) / FdA
- Finance and Accounting BSc (Hons) / FdSc
- Marketing Management BA (Hons) / FdA
Postgraduate Degrees
- Enterprise Management MSc / PGDip
- International Business Management MSc
Newman University – Business Programmes
Through the Department of Business and Management, Newman University has a range of business programmes. With its student-centred approach, courses focus on developing practical skills and theoretical knowledge for modern business environments.
The university boasts small classes and a supportive learning environment that prepares students for success in various sectors.
Undergraduate Degrees:
- BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing
- BSc (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship
- BSc (Hons) Business Management
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- BSc (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management
- BSc (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance
- BSc (Hons) Business and Law
- BSc (Hons) Business Management (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Law (with Foundation Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business Management (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Law (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Marketing (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship (with Sandwich Year)
- BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top-Up Degree)
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-Up Degree)
Postgraduate Degrees:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MSc International Business Management
Newman University typically requires 112 UCAS points for undergraduate programmes and a 2:2 or equivalent for postgraduate courses.
BPP University – Birmingham Centre
BPP University is a private institution in the UK that offers professional and academic education for various disciplines, including business and management.
The Birmingham Study Centre offers a range of programmes for students who want to develop practical skills that employers are looking for.
If location is important to you, consider studying business in Edinburgh. Many of the courses mean you'll spend a lot of time in the heart of one of the UK's most beautiful cities.
Undergraduate Degrees:
- BSc (Hons) Applied Management
Postgraduate Degrees:
- MSc Management
- MSc Management with Data Analytics
- MSc Management with Digital Marketing
- MSc Management with Project Management
- MSc Engineering Management
- MSc Management with International Business Law
- MSc Management with Human Resources Management
BPP requires at least two A Levels for undergraduate programmes or a 2:2 honours degree for postgraduate programmes.
Choosing the Right Business Programme
So now that you've seen the business schools, how do you choose the right programme?
Your Level
Firstly, you can quickly limit your choices by level. After all, there's no point considering postgraduate programmes if you don't have your undergraduate degree yet. 3 or 4 years is too far in the future to fully commit to those courses right now.
However, you should probably ignore all the undergraduate courses if you've already got your undergraduate degree. Even if you didn't complete an undergraduate degree in a course directly related to business studies, there are plenty of ways to prepare for and get accepted onto postgraduate business courses.
You will need to consider whether you choose to study an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or an MSc. An MBA usually requires business experience, so it is better for applicants who've already worked in business.
Full-time, Part-time, Online
How you study also matters. You might have to consider part-time or online study options
if you have other commitments.
Many flexible options are available to business school business students in Birmingham, so look into what each course offers before applying.
Accreditation and Industry Links
With many studying business programmes to get into specific business careers, accreditation and industry links for programmes are important.
Look for professional accreditations like AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS and strong industry connections. These look great on your CV and can open the door to internships.
If you're looking for top-ranked business schools, consider studying business at Oxford or Cambridge, two universities with stellar reputations.
Applying to Business Schools in Birmingham
Like universities around the UK, applications are relatively standardised.
Undergraduate applications will be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which gives applicants a limited number of university choices and a deadline in January.
For postgraduate programmes, you usually apply directly to the university or business school itself with:
- A bachelor’s degree (usually a 2:2 or above)
- A CV or resume (especially for MBA applicants)
- A personal statement or letter of motivation
- Academic and/or professional references
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS or equivalent)
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