Top Universities to Study Business in the UK as per QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
In today’s fast-paced global economy, a degree in Business and Management has become one of the most sought-after qualifications worldwide. Whether your goal is to launch a startup, lead a multinational corporation, or work in consulting, finance, or marketing, studying business equips you with the skills to succeed.
The United Kingdom has long been recognised as a hub for business education, home to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including London Business School, Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE. With London serving as a global financial capital and UK universities ranked among the world’s best, international students flock here to gain top-notch business education combined with practical exposure.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, UK universities dominate the global stage in Business & Management Studies, with several institutions ranking in the world’s top 10 and top 50.
Contact LCI Group to learn more about the top universities in the UK to study business courses!
Why Study Business in the UK?
1. Global Recognition
UK business schools such as London Business School, Oxford, and Cambridge consistently rank among the top globally, ensuring that your degree is highly respected worldwide.
2. London: The Global Business Hub
Studying business in the UK often means access to London, home to major financial institutions, multinational companies, and thriving start-up ecosystems. Students benefit from networking, internships, and exposure to real-world business practices.
3. Industry Integration
UK universities focus heavily on practical learning. Case studies, consulting projects, and partnerships with global corporations are integral parts of business education here.
4. Wide Range of Specialisations
From finance, accounting, and management to entrepreneurship, digital business, and international trade, UK universities offer diverse pathways to suit career goals.
5. Excellent Employability
Graduates from UK business schools are highly employable. Recruiters from consulting giants (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), investment banks (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan), and Fortune 500 companies frequently hire UK-trained graduates.
Career Scope for Business Graduates in the UK
A business degree opens doors to careers across multiple sectors. Popular career paths include:
- Consulting: Strategy, operations, and management consulting with leading firms.
- Finance & Banking: Roles in investment banking, asset management, fintech, and corporate finance.
- Marketing & Branding: Careers in digital marketing, advertising, brand strategy, and market research.
- Entrepreneurship: Building and scaling startups, often with university-incubated support.
- Human Resources & Leadership: Managing people and organisational development.
- Global Trade & Supply Chain: Roles in logistics, procurement, and international business.
According to UK job market reports, business graduates also enjoy competitive salaries and a high rate of employment within six months of graduation.
Top 15 UK Universities for Business & Management (QS 2025 Rankings)
Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, here are the 15 best universities in the UK for Business and Management, with insights into their strengths.
1. University of Cambridge
- Global Ranking: 5
- Overall Score: 90.5
- Employer Reputation: 94.7
- Cambridge Judge Business School is renowned globally for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry links. Known for innovation and entrepreneurship, Cambridge offers a wide range of business programmes, including MBAs, MScs, and executive education, while fostering ties with the Cambridge tech and startup ecosystem.
2. University of Oxford
- Global Ranking: 5
- Overall Score: 90.5
- Employer Reputation: 95.5
- Oxford’s Saïd Business School is a powerhouse in global management education. With a strong focus on leadership, sustainability, and global strategy, Oxford offers highly competitive MBA, EMBA, and undergraduate programmes. Graduates benefit from Oxford’s worldwide alumni network.
3. London Business School (LBS)
- Global Ranking: 7
- Overall Score: 90.2
- Employer Reputation: 85.8
- LBS is one of the world’s top standalone business schools, consistently ranked among the best for MBAs and finance programmes. Located in London, LBS offers unmatched networking opportunities with global corporations, startups, and financial institutions.
4. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Global Ranking: 12
- Overall Score: 86.5
- Employer Reputation: 81.8
- LSE is globally known for its focus on economics, finance, and social sciences. Its Department of Management integrates business with political, social, and economic perspectives, offering degrees highly relevant to global challenges.
5. University of Warwick
- Global Ranking: 35
- Overall Score: 79.3
- Employer Reputation: 73.2
- Warwick Business School (WBS) is a leader in management, finance, and innovation studies. Known for its world-class MBA and MSc Finance programmes, Warwick has a reputation for combining rigorous academics with industry engagement.
6. Imperial College London
- Global Ranking: 37
- Overall Score: 79.2
- Employer Reputation: 83.1
- Imperial College Business School excels at combining business education with technology and innovation. With strong programmes in finance, entrepreneurship, and analytics, Imperial prepares graduates for leadership in a tech-driven economy.
7. The University of Manchester
- Global Ranking: 45
- Overall Score: 78.3
- Employer Reputation: 76.2
- Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected. With a strong focus on research, it offers high-quality programmes in management, finance, HR, and operations, alongside global MBA opportunities.
8. Oxford Brookes University
- Global Ranking: 82
- Overall Score: 73.3
- Employer Reputation: 75.4
- Oxford Brookes Business School is particularly strong in undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes. Its global partnerships and focus on applied learning give students excellent employability prospects.
9. King’s College London (KCL)
- Global Ranking: 83
- Overall Score: 73.2
- Employer Reputation: 74.7
- King’s Business School, located in central London, offers strong programmes in digital innovation, management, and finance. Its research in international business and entrepreneurship is globally recognised.
10. Swansea University
- Global Ranking: 83
- Overall Score: 73.2
- Employer Reputation: 66.8
- Swansea’s School of Management has gained recognition for its strengths in business analytics, entrepreneurship, and finance. Its focus on employability and career readiness makes it an attractive choice for international students.
11. Aston University
- Global Ranking: 87
- Overall Score: 73
- Employer Reputation: 72.3
- Aston Business School is one of the few in the world with triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). It is known for employability-focused programmes and strong links with industry.
12. University College London (UCL)
- Global Ranking: 90
- Overall Score: 72.9
- Employer Reputation: 76.4
- UCL School of Management is based at Canary Wharf, London’s financial hub. It offers specialised degrees in management, entrepreneurship, and analytics, leveraging UCL’s reputation for innovation and research.
13. Lancaster University
- Global Ranking: 99
- Overall Score: 72.6
- Employer Reputation: 63.3
- Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is among the UK’s best, known for research-led teaching and strengths in marketing, finance, and international business. It consistently ranks high for student satisfaction.
14. University of Bath
- Global Ranking: 102
- Overall Score: 72.5
- Employer Reputation: 66.4
- Bath School of Management is renowned for its research in sustainability, operations, and strategic leadership. Its MSc programmes in Management and Finance are highly competitive internationally.
15. University of Leeds
- Global Ranking: 102
- Overall Score: 72.5
- Employer Reputation: 69.6
- Leeds University Business School offers a wide range of business and management programmes with a strong emphasis on employability and global connections. It is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
Study Business in the UK
The UK continues to cement its position as a global leader in business education. With universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LBS ranked among the top 10 worldwide, and institutions like Warwick, Imperial, and Manchester offering world-class programmes, the UK offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring business leaders.
A degree in Business & Management from a UK university is more than just academic learning—it’s access to powerful alumni networks, industry connections, and exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic business landscapes.
For international students, studying business in the UK means not just earning a qualification, but building a foundation for a successful global career.
Contact LCI Group today to learn more about the best universities in the UK for business courses and begin your application for the upcoming intakes!
FAQs
1. What is the duration of a business degree in the UK?
A. Undergraduate business degrees usually take 3 years, while some offer a 4-year sandwich course with a placement year. Master’s in Business (like MSc or MBA) typically lasts 1 year full-time.
2. How much does it cost to study business in the UK?
A. Tuition fees for international students range from £20,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on the university and programme. Elite business schools like London Business School may charge higher.
3. Are there scholarships for business students in the UK?
A. Yes, top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and Warwick offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. External options include the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and various MBA-specific awards.
4. What career opportunities do UK business graduates have?
A. UK business graduates find roles in finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and international trade. London, being a global financial hub, offers excellent networking and job opportunities.
5. Can international students work while studying business in the UK?
A. Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD holders).