Study Business in the UK

Where can I study business?

More than 120 universities in the UK offer business courses, including one of the best in the world. London Business School is currently ranked seventh1 in the global university rankings, with the University of Oxford, Imperial College Business School, Warwick Business School and Alliance Manchester Business School all in the top 50. But wherever you choose to study, a UK business degree will open doors worldwide and give you the best possible preparation for a global career. 

What is the application process?

Most International Baccalaureate applications require between 35 and 38 points, with either AAA or AAB A-level grades. Courses typically request an existing humanities or social sciences degree and a 7.0 overall IELTS score, with no lower than 6.5 in any individual component. 

How long does it take to graduate?

Many MBAs in the UK can be completed in just one academic year of full-time study, though many more extended part-time study options are also available.

Most business-related degrees take three years to complete at an undergraduate level, with some running over four years to provide a year’s professional placement. 

What is the course structure?

While different business schools set their programme content, most business and management courses in the UK will follow a shared approach at first. This allows you to cover core skills such as market knowledge, staff management, strategy and finance before specialising in areas you are passionate about. The challenge-based nature of teaching favoured in the UK helps ensure everything you learn has relevance to real-world situations, so you’re ready to move forward more quickly within your chosen field. 

Why is the UK a good choice for business?

The flexible, modular nature of UK business degrees and their short duration means you can access some of the best teaching possible and get out into business much sooner. You’ll also graduate with transferable skills that can be applied anywhere, giving you excellent value for money. It’s why 127,0002 business and administration students choose the UK every year. 

What is the business climate like in the UK?

Thanks to its location and time zone, the UK has become a global business hub and is home to the world’s top financial city – London. It’s also the seventh best country to start a business, with 660,000 new companies registering in the UK annually.

Because the UK attracts businesses worldwide, it continues to be a leading exporter of ideas and technology with a highly diverse multicultural talent pool. Whether you’re looking for a job or a place to start your own business, the UK is one of the best locations. 

Are there any scholarships for business?

Many universities offer international scholarships for business students, including the University of Westminster, Bristol University and the world’s oldest international scholarship programme – Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford – which dates back to 1902. 

What are my work options after I graduate?

A UK business degree will help you enter a wide range of business and management careers after you graduate, from banking or advertising to general management and consultancy.

The average starting salary for UK business graduates is £22,000, with many opportunities leading to positions that can pay well above £100,000 a year. Of course, if you plan on starting your own business, you’ll graduate well-equipped for that journey too.

International students can apply to stay and work in the UK for two years through the new Graduate Route.