MBA courses
An MBA is a career accelerator for people who already have a career. It is expensive and it is worth it when the school's network, brand and placement record match your goal.
What you study
The Master of Business Administration is a general management degree for professionals with work experience. Core modules cover finance, strategy, marketing, operations and leadership, followed by electives, a consulting project and often an international study trip. Full-time MBAs take one year in the UK and two in the US.
Levels available
Why students choose it
- Salary uplift and career change in one programme
- Access to a lifelong alumni network
- Leadership and strategy training that employers pay for
- One-year formats in the UK, Ireland and Europe keep the cost down
- Executive formats let you keep working
Entry requirements
Full-time MBA,Bachelor's degree, 2 to 5 years of managerial or professional experience, IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, GMAT optional at most UK schools and required at top US and European schools.,Executive MBA,5 to 10 years of experience including management responsibility; usually part-time or modular.
Where it leads
General manager, Strategy consultant, Product lead, Operations director, Investment banking associate, Founder.
Typical graduate salary: UK post-MBA salaries commonly £45,000 to £80,000 depending on the school and sector. Indicative and taken from published national data.
Where to study it
United Kingdom
One-year MBAs at Aston, Loughborough, Exeter, Glasgow; triple-accredited options
Read moreUnited States
Two-year MBAs with internships and the biggest brands
Read moreCanada
Rotman, Ivey, Schulich; PGWP after graduation
Read moreFrance
INSEAD, HEC, ESSEC, one-year formats
Read moreIreland
UCD Smurfit, TCD; 2-year stay-back
Read moreQuestions students ask
Do I need work experience for an MBA?
Yes, normally at least two years. Programmes that accept fresh graduates are usually MSc Management degrees relabelled.
Is GMAT compulsory?
Not at most UK and many European schools. Top US schools and INSEAD, LBS and HEC still expect GMAT or GRE.
How long is an MBA?
One year in the UK, Ireland and much of Europe; two years in the US and Canada; 18 months to two years part-time for executive formats.
What accreditation should I look for?
AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Schools with all three (the triple crown) are in the top one percent worldwide.
Can I get a loan for an MBA?
Yes. MBAs at accredited schools are among the easiest programmes to finance through education loans.
Ready to start?
Tell us your results and your budget. A counsellor will come back with a shortlist you can get into and afford.