The UK is one of the best destinations for business education. It has globally ranked universities, internationally recognised qualifications, and strong links to industries from finance and technology to creative and social enterprise.
Whether considering an undergraduate degree, a master's, or an MBA, the UK has plenty of business schools that can meet your academic and professional goals.
Let's explore the business schools around the UK, from London and its global finance centre to Edinburgh's start-up culture to the research excellence of Oxford and Cambridge.
| Business School | Location | Programmes Offered | Triple Accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) | Entry Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Business School (LBS) | London | MBA, Executive MBA, Masters in Finance | ✅ | Postgraduate |
| Imperial College Business School | London | MBA, MSc, Executive Education | ✅ | Postgraduate |
| Bayes Business School | London | BSc, MSc, MBA | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| King’s Business School | London | BSc, MSc, Executive Education | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| UCL School of Management | London | BSc, MSc, MBA | ❌ | Undergraduate & PG |
| Alliance Manchester Business School | Manchester | BSc, MSc, MBA, Executive Education | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| MMU Business School | Manchester | BSc, MSc, MBA | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| University of Salford Business School | Manchester | BSc, MSc, MBA | ❌ | Undergraduate & PG |
| Aston Business School | Birmingham | BSc, MSc, MBA | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| University of Birmingham Business School | Birmingham | BSc, MSc, MBA | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | Edinburgh | BSc, MSc, MBA | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Business School | Edinburgh | BBA, MSc, MBA | ❌ | Undergraduate & PG |
| Cambridge Judge Business School | Cambridge | MBA, MFin, Executive MBA, MPhil | ❌ | Postgraduate only |
| Saïd Business School (Oxford) | Oxford | MBA, Executive MBA, MSc, UG (Economics & Mgmt) | ✅ | Undergraduate & PG |
| Oxford Brookes Business School | Oxford | BSc, MSc, MBA | ❌ | Undergraduate & PG |
Studying Business in London
For most students, especially international students, studying business in London is the natural choice. Aside from the mix of top-ranked business schools, London is also home to global corporations and a thriving start-up ecosystem.
Top Business Schools in London
- London Business School (LBS) – Globally ranked MBA and finance programmes with a strong international reputation.
- Imperial College Business School – Known for combining business education with science, tech, and innovation.
- Bayes Business School (City, University of London) – Offers highly regarded finance, actuarial science, and marketing programmes.
- King’s Business School (King’s College London) – Strong research output and a focus on leadership and management.
- UCL School of Management – Offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA options with a strong emphasis on analytics and leadership.
- ESCP Business School – A European institution with a London campus offering multi-country business programmes.
- Hult International Business School – Offers globally mobile programmes for internationally minded students.
- University of Westminster & Brunel Business School – Accessible and practical business education with strong professional links.
- Regent’s University London – Private institution offering flexible and creative business and marketing pathways.
Why Study in London?
London is at the heart of the UK's financial and business networks, and many business schools here partner with companies for internships, real-world projects, and mentoring schemes.
The city also offers a vibrant student lifestyle and plenty of professional and personal development opportunities.
The UK is home to more triple-accredited business schools than any other country in Europe, making it a global leader in business education.
Studying Business in Manchester
Manchester is one of the UK's fastest-growing economic centres, and studying business in Manchester is becoming much more popular, especially those who don't want to pay the high cost of living in London.
Manchester has a rich industrial heritage and a modern outlook driven by innovation, media, finance, and technology. It's like London because there are many fantastic academic and professional opportunities.
Top Business Schools in Manchester
Manchester is home to several universities offering respected business programmes:
- Alliance Manchester Business School (University of Manchester) – One of the UK’s top research-led business schools, offering globally ranked MBA and master’s programmes.
- Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMU) – Offers practical and career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with strong employer links.
- University of Salford Business School – Known for its digital business focus, entrepreneurship, and flexible study formats.
- University of Bolton – Institute of Management – Delivers business and management degrees focusing on industry relevance and employability.
- UA92 (University Academy 92) – Co-founded by Manchester United’s Class of ’92, offering accelerated and highly practical business degrees.
- BPP University Manchester – A private provider known for its professional qualifications and postgraduate business and law courses.
Why Study in Manchester?
Manchester offers academic excellence and a vibrant student culture at a lower cost than London.
Strong ties to industries like fintech, media, consulting, and start-ups also mean that there are plenty of internship and graduate job opportunities.
Studying Business in Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and a dynamic hub of commerce, industry, and education.
Home to a diverse population with strong ties to sectors like finance, professional services, logistics, and manufacturing, studying business in Birmingham is also a great choice.
Top Business Schools in Birmingham
Birmingham offers a wide range of institutions catering to different academic levels and career paths:
- University of Birmingham – Birmingham Business School - A member of the elite Russell Group, offering research-led undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including a triple-accredited MBA.
- Aston Business School (Aston University) - Known for its employability focus, integrated placement years, and professional accreditations.
- Birmingham City University – Business School - Offers practical, career-oriented courses with strong links to local and national employers.
- University College Birmingham (UCB) - Provides specialised business, marketing, and hospitality programmes with a strong vocational focus.
- Newman University - Offers a range of business-related undergraduate degrees with foundation and sandwich-year options.
- BPP University – Birmingham Study Centre - A professional education provider delivering MSc and MBA programmes for working professionals and career switchers.
Why Study in Birmingham?
Birmingham's cost of living is lower than London's, but it still provides access to a wide range of professional and networking opportunities.
Its large student population and business-friendly ecosystem allow students to benefit from practical learning, placements, and close industry engagement.
Birmingham's business schools offer everything from undergraduate business degrees to MBAs and executive education, so students are catered for at every stage of their academic and professional journey.
Business graduates from UK universities consistently rank among the highest-earning in Europe within five years of graduation.
Studying Business in Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland is rich in history and culture, but it's also a rising force in business, finance, and innovation.
Its strong ties to global employers, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, and thriving economy mean it offers an excellent environment for business education at every level, which is why many students choose to study business in Edinburgh.
Top Business Schools in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is home to several high-quality universities and business schools offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programmes:
- University of Edinburgh Business School - Part of a prestigious Russell Group university, it offers undergraduate degrees, MSc programmes, and a globally ranked MBA. Known for its academic research and triple accreditation.
- Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School - Offers a strong portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes, including flexible online and part-time options. Known for its global reach and specialisms in finance, management, and analytics.
- Edinburgh Napier University – Business School - Offers a broad spectrum of business degrees with a practical focus and strong industry links. Offers specialist MBAs in finance, marketing, and project management.
- Queen Margaret University – Business, Enterprise and Management - Delivers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees focusing on ethical and sustainable business practices.
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) - Offers niche business education focused on rural enterprise, agribusiness, and sustainable development alongside traditional business management modules.
Why Study in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh combines academic excellence with high standards of living. It also has a major financial services sector, a vibrant start-up scene, and excellent student support networks.
It regularly ranks amongst the best places to live and study in the UK, making it a fantastic choice for students in any discipline, not just business.
There are options for traditional management degrees, finance-focused MScs, and specialised MBAs.
Top Reasons to Study Business in Edinburgh
Studying Business in Oxford & Cambridge
When it comes to studying anything in the UK, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (collectively referred to as "Oxbridge" despite not being affiliated) are at the top of everybody's list.
Both institutions offer world-class research, global networks, and career-defining business programmes for students accepted into their courses.
Studying business in Oxford or Cambridge is an easy decision to make, but choosing one over the other is trickier.
Business Schools in Oxford
- Saïd Business School (University of Oxford) - Offers the highly selective Oxford MBA, Executive MBA, and specialist master’s degrees in Financial Economics and Major Programme Management. Undergraduate students can study Economics and Management through Oxford’s PPE-style framework. Saïd is triple-accredited and highly ranked globally.
- Oxford Brookes Business School - Offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional business programmes, with strong links to employers and practical learning.
- Oxford Business College - An independent institution offering accessible business diplomas and degrees with flexible entry routes.
- Oxford Media & Business School - Offers business-focused diplomas emphasising employability, communication, and real-world readiness.
Business Schools in Cambridge
- Judge Business School (University of Cambridge) - Provides a top-ranked one-year MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Finance, and several MPhil programmes. Known for its strength in entrepreneurship, innovation, and global leadership. Also offers short executive courses for working professionals.
Why Study in Oxford or Cambridge?
Either city offers world-renowned academic prestige, access to influential global alumni networks, and tight-knit communities of students and academics.
If you're looking for competitive, research-intensive environments, Oxford or Cambridge will have you covered.
There are also alternative routes within these cities that don't include the famed universities that we've mentioned.
Getting Extra Help with Business Studies
If you need help getting onto a programme or help with your studies once you're at one of these institutions, search for business tutors on the Superprof website.
There are tutors nationwide who can help you, and many offer the first session for free. You can even try a few before choosing the one right for you.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
