Top 20 Universities in UK which accepts IELTS Score for MBA

If you ask someone who wishes to pursue an MBA abroad what exams they’re preparing for, the most common answer would be GMAT. They don’t really mention IELTS. But your IELTS score is just as important as your GMAT score. Coming from a non-English speaking country, you need a credible way to prove your proficiency in English, and IELTS does just that. So acing your IELTS is just as crucial as acing your GMAT.

So with that out of the way, let’s have a look at the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom that accept your IELTS score.

1. University of Edinburgh Business School

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.0

Nestled in the heart of Scotland's capital, the University of Edinburgh Business School offers a truly transformative MBA experience. Ranked 20th globally by QS in 2020, this school is a powerhouse of innovation and academic excellence.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• MBA with International Exchange (12 months)
• Executive MBA (27 months, part-time)

What Makes It Special:

• Triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
• 88% of graduates employed within 3 months
• Diverse cohort with students from over 60 nationalities

Fun Fact: The school's MBA program includes a unique 'Trek' week, where students visit major financial centers like London or New York, providing invaluable exposure to global business practices.

2. University of Bath

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.5

Located in the historic city of Bath, this university offers a blend of rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge business education. Their MBA program is ranked in the top 150 globally by QS.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (22 months, part-time)

What Makes It Special:

• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
• Flexible curriculum with a wide range of electives
• Strong focus on sustainable business practices

Unique Feature: If you fall slightly short of the IELTS requirement, Bath offers pre-sessional English courses. It's either 5 weeks (for those with IELTS 6.5) or 10 weeks (for those with IELTS 6.0).

3. Cass Business School, City University of London

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in writing

Situated in the heart of London's financial district, Cass Business School (recently renamed as Bayes Business School) offers unparalleled access to the global business hub.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months)
• Modular Executive MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 6th in the UK and top 50 globally (Financial Times, 2020)
• £10 million Cass Entrepreneurship Fund for high-potential startups
• Only global business school with a dedicated Mergers & Acquisitions Research Centre

Did You Know?: Cass MBA students participate in international electives, studying business practices in countries like China, Silicon Valley, or Dubai.

4. Durham University Business School

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.0

Durham University, with its stunning cathedral and castle, offers more than just picturesque views. Its business school is renowned for combining academic rigor with practical business applications.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 or 15 months)
• Online MBA (24 months)
• Executive MBA (18 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)
• Strong focus on responsible and ethical leadership
• Unique 'boardroom experience' module

Interesting Tidbit: Durham's MBA includes a consultancy project where students work with real companies to solve actual business challenges.

5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.5

Consistently ranked among the top business schools globally, Warwick Business School offers a transformative MBA experience with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months)
• Distance Learning MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 1st in the UK and 2nd globally for online MBAs (QS, 2021)
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities including a 360-degree lecture theatre
• Strong focus on behavioral science in business

Cool Feature: Warwick's 'MBA in a Day' event allows prospective students to experience a condensed version of their MBA program.

Check out: IELTS Exam preparation tips!

6. Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester

IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, with no section below 6.0

With a slightly lower IELTS requirement, Manchester's business school offers a more accessible entry point without compromising on quality. It's ranked 48th globally by QS in 2020.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (18 months)
• Global Part-time MBA (24 months)
• Kelley-Manchester Global MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Three consultancy projects included in the full-time MBA
• Global centers in six cities across four continents
• Strong focus on 'learning by doing' with live client projects

Unique Opportunity: The school offers a dual-degree option with the Kelley School of Business in the USA, providing a truly global MBA experience.

7. Imperial College Business School

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.5

Known for its focus on innovation and technology, Imperial College Business School offers an MBA that's perfectly suited for the digital age.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Global Online MBA (24 months)
• Weekend MBA (21 months)
• Executive MBA (23 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 9th globally (QS, 2020)
• Strong emphasis on STEM and innovation
• Home to the Data Observatory, Europe's largest interactive data visualization space

Innovative Approach: Imperial's MBA includes an 'Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design' project where students develop a business idea from concept to pitch.

8. London Business School

IELTS Requirement: The London Business School (LBS) requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall

Consistently ranked as one of the top business schools globally, LBS offers a truly world-class MBA experience.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (15-21 months)
• Executive MBA (20 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 6th globally (QS, 2020)
• Extremely diverse cohort with over 60 nationalities represented
• Flexible exit points (15, 18, or 21 months) for the full-time MBA

Interesting Fact: LBS doesn't specify a minimum IELTS score. However, they expect a very high level of English proficiency given the program's rigor.

9. Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

IELTS Requirement: 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0

Part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge, Judge Business School offers an intensive, transformative MBA experience.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (20 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 15th globally (QS, 2020)
• Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
• Access to the broader University of Cambridge ecosystem

Unique Feature: Cambridge's MBA includes a 'Global Consulting Project' where students work on international business problems for real clients.

10. Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

IELTS Requirement: 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0

Oxford's business school combines centuries-old academic tradition with cutting-edge business education.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (22 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 16th globally (QS, 2020)
• Integration of humanities into the MBA curriculum
• Strong focus on responsible leadership and social impact

Interesting Approach: Oxford's '1+1 MBA' program allows students to pair their one-year MBA with one of Oxford's specialist Master's degrees, creating a powerful combination of skills.

11. Cranfield School of Management

IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5

Located in Bedfordshire, Cranfield is the UK's only wholly postgraduate university focused on science, engineering, technology, and management.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months, part-time)
• MBA Defence (24 months, part-time)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked 51st in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on leadership development
• Close ties with industry, including a dedicated aerospace MBA

Unique Feature: Cranfield's MBA includes a compulsory international business assignment, giving students hands-on global experience.

12. Strathclyde Business School

Based in Glasgow, Strathclyde Business School is part of the University of Strathclyde, known for its strong focus on useful learning.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Part-time MBA (24 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 101-110 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB)
• Strong emphasis on strategy and innovation

Interesting Fact: Strathclyde's MBA program includes a 'Strategy in Practice' module where students work with real companies on live strategic issues.

13. Lancaster University Management School

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.0

Lancaster University Management School is consistently ranked among the UK's top business schools, known for its research-led teaching approach.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months, part-time)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 121-130 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on sustainability and responsible leadership
• Offers a unique 'Mindful Manager' module

Unique Approach: Lancaster's MBA includes three live consultancy projects, giving students real-world experience across different sectors.

14. Kingston Business School

Part of Kingston University London, Kingston Business School offers a practical, career-focused MBA program.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Part-time MBA (24 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 131-140 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
• Offers a 2-year MBA with an integrated placement year

Interesting Feature: Kingston's MBA includes a 'Strategy Implementation in Practice' module where students work on real business challenges with partner organizations.

15. Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow

Named after the father of economics, the Adam Smith Business School is part of the University of Glasgow, one of Scotland's ancient universities.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 151-200 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on responsible and sustainable business
• Excellent placement record with alumni in major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs

Unique Aspect: The program includes a 'Business in Scotland' module, providing insights into Scotland's unique business environment and economy.

16. University of Liverpool – Management School

Part of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities, Liverpool's Management School offers a globally-focused MBA program.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Part-time MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 131-140 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on digital business and analytics
• Offers specializations in football industries and thoroughbred horseracing industries

Interesting Fact: Liverpool's MBA includes a 'Leadership Journey' module, focusing on personal and professional development throughout the program.

17. Brunel Business School, London

IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

Located in London, Brunel Business School is known for its innovative approach to business education and strong industry links.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Part-time MBA (24 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 141-150 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Offers specializations in Aviation Management and Healthcare Management
• Strong focus on applied learning and industry engagement

Unique Feature: Brunel's MBA includes a Business Intelligence module, focusing on data-driven decision-making in business.

18. Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU)

IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Based in Aberdeen, Scotland's oil capital, RGU's MBA program has a strong focus on the energy sector and international business.

Program Offerings:

• MBA (online, flexible duration)
• MBA Oil and Gas Management (online, flexible duration)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 151-200 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Fully online delivery, offering great flexibility
• Strong focus on the energy sector and sustainability

Interesting Approach: RGU's online MBA includes interactive case studies and simulations, bringing real-world business scenarios to life in a virtual environment.

19. Leeds University Business School

IELTS Requirement: 6.5 overall, with no section below 6.0

Part of the University of Leeds, a member of the Russell Group, Leeds University Business School offers a globally-recognized MBA program.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24 months, part-time)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 151-200 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on technology and innovation in business
• Offers a unique 'Board Level Challenges' module

Unique Feature: Leeds' MBA includes two major challenges: the New Venture Challenge and the Consulting Challenge, providing hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and consulting.

20. Nottingham University Business School

IELTS Requirement: 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each element

Part of the University of Nottingham, a member of the Russell Group, Nottingham University Business School offers a globally-focused MBA program.

Program Offerings:

• Full-time MBA (12 months)
• Executive MBA (24-48 months)
• Executive MBA Healthcare (24-48 months)

What Makes It Special:

• Ranked between 151-200 in the QS 2020 Global MBA rankings
• Strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility
• Offers a specialized Healthcare MBA

Interesting Aspect: Nottingham's MBA includes a 'Business Practice Week' where students work on live projects with partner organizations, applying their learning to real business challenges.

So Which University Are You Selecting For Your MBA in UK?

Each of these universities offers unique strengths and specializations, catering to different career goals and interests. While they may not be as globally recognized as the top 10, they still provide excellent MBA education and often at a more accessible price point. The slightly lower IELTS requirements for some of these schools also make them attractive options for international students who are still working on their English language skills.

Remember, when choosing an MBA program, it's important to consider factors beyond rankings and IELTS requirements. Look at the curriculum, specializations offered, career support, alumni network, and location. Also, consider reaching out to current students or alumni to get a better sense of the program experience.

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