When pursuing an MBA in the UK, there are many prestigious universities to choose from, and the typical duration for a full-time MBA program is one year. However, part-time, online, or executive MBA programs can extend to two years or longer depending on the mode of study and the university's structure.
Here’s a list of some top universities offering MBA programs in the UK, the duration of the course, and typical subjects covered:
1. University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Operations Management
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Organisational Behaviour
- Entrepreneurship
Elective Subjects:
- Corporate Valuation
- Digital Transformation
- Negotiation
- Social Impact Investment
- Technology and Innovation Strategy
2. University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Core Subjects:
- Marketing
- Corporate Finance
- Organisational Behaviour
- Accounting
- Strategy
- Operations Management
- Business Economics
Elective Subjects:
- Entrepreneurship
- Digital Business
- Healthcare Management
- Private Equity
- Energy and Environment
- Big Data in Marketing
3. London Business School (LBS)
Program Duration: 15–21 months (full-time)
Core Subjects:
- Financial Accounting and Analysis
- Economics for Managers
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Corporate Finance
- Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Elective Subjects:
- Asset Management
- Global Business
- Data Analytics
- Technology and Innovation Management
- Family Business Management
- Real Estate Finance
4. Imperial College Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategy and Innovation
- Accounting and Corporate Reporting Analysis
- Organisational Behaviour
- Marketing
- Economics
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
Elective Subjects:
- FinTech
- Climate Change and Business Strategy
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Digital Transformation
- Leadership Skills Development
5. Warwick Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2–3 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Leadership
- Innovation and Creativity in Organisations
- Marketing
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Global Business Environment
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Elective Subjects:
- Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
- Big Data and Marketing Technology
- Negotiation Skills
- International Business
- Corporate Governance
6. University of Manchester – Alliance Manchester Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategy and Competition
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Corporate Finance
- Business Accounting and Economics
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Leading and Managing in a Global Environment
- Responsible Business
Elective Subjects:
- Digital Business and Analytics
- International Business Strategy
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Managing Disruptive Technologies
- Investment Management
7. University of Edinburgh Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategic Leadership
- Marketing
- Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Operations Improvement
- Business Economics
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Organisational Behaviour and Performance
Elective Subjects:
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- International Marketing
- Brand Management
- Managing Technology
8. University of Strathclyde Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Leadership for Change and Innovation
- Corporate Finance and Accounting
- Strategic Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Business Economics
- Entrepreneurship
Elective Subjects:
- Digital Strategy and Transformation
- Project Management
- International Business
- Business Consulting
- Managing Technological Change
9. Durham University Business School
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategic Management
- Financial and Management Accounting
- Economics for Managers
- Marketing
- Organisational Behaviour
- Leadership Development
Elective Subjects:
- Business Analytics and Big Data
- Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
- Global Markets and Institutions
- International Business in Emerging Markets
- Innovation and Technology Management
10. City, University of London – Bayes Business School (formerly Cass)
Program Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Core Subjects:
- Strategic Leadership
- Corporate Finance and Accounting
- Marketing Strategy
- Operations and Technology Management
- Organisational Behaviour
- Business Analytics
Elective Subjects:
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- FinTech and Blockchain Technology
- Global Real Estate
- Digital Marketing
- Energy and Commodities Markets
Common MBA Program Structure
Core Modules: These are foundational courses that cover essential business disciplines like:
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Operations Management
- Strategy
- Leadership
Elective Modules: Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas like:
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Technology and Innovation
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Sustainability
Capstone Project or Dissertation: Many MBA programs require students to complete a capstone project, which applies the knowledge gained to a real-world business problem. This might involve working with a company on a consulting project or conducting in-depth research on a particular industry or issue.
Typical MBA Duration
- Full-Time MBA: Typically 1 year in most UK universities, but some programs (e.g., London Business School) offer flexibility to extend to 15-21 months.
- Part-Time MBA: Usually takes 2 to 3 years, depending on the intensity and structure of the program.
- Executive MBA (EMBA): Designed for working professionals, and the duration is generally 2 years.
Application Requirements
Common admission requirements for MBA programs in the UK:
- Bachelor’s Degree: From a recognized institution.
- Work Experience: Usually 3–5 years of professional experience is required, but it varies.
- GMAT/GRE Scores: Many top schools require a competitive GMAT or GRE score.
- English Language Proficiency: For non-native speakers, an IELTS or TOEFL score is typically required.
- Personal Statement/Essay: Outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing an MBA.
- References: Professional or academic references.
- Interview: Some schools require an interview as part of the admission process.
Conclusion:
The UK offers a diverse range of MBA programs with varying specializations and durations, mostly around 1 year for full-time students. You can specialize in fields like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or technology, and courses typically combine core business knowledge with hands-on experience and electives tailored to your career goals