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Business Schools in UK

Last updated12th Jan 2026
7 mins read
6.25K views
Devi Mukherjee
Published by Devi Mukherjee

UK & Ireland Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students

The United Kingdom has long been regarded as the world's temple of education. Its legacy of world-class academics continues to this day, attracting students from across the globe for higher education.

There is no doubt that business schools in the UK are some of the finest, with distinguished faculty, excellent student societies, and a wide array of opportunities. It's no surprise that the UK remains a top study destination for International students seeking quality education and career advancement abroad.

List of Business Schools in the UK

The United Kingdom has maintained its status as a global educational hub. Several universities in the UK rank among the top 50 every year, making the academic environment one of the finest.

As a result, international students prefer business schools in the UK over other universities worldwide. Here are some of the top business schools in the UK:

Business Schools/Universities in the UKQS World University Ranking 2026
University of Birmingham#76
University of Buckinghamnot ranked
University of Chester#1201-1400
University of Edinburgh#34
University of Leeds#86
University of Manchester#35
University of Stirling#517
University of Plymouth#613

Here are the essential costs of studying in the UK:

ExpensesAverage Cost (In GBP)
AccommodationGBP 600 - 1,200 monthly
Tuition FeesGBP 14,000 - 55,000
Utility BillsGBP 80 - 140 Monthly
TravelGBP 54 - 103 Monthly
FoodGBP 150 - 350 Monthly
Books and StationeryGBP 35-55 Monthly
Immigration Health SurchargeGBP 776 (per year)

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham offers some of the best educational facilities in the UK. It is a top 100 public research university that offers students the opportunity to pursue a variety of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialised degrees.

The university was established in 1825 as the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery. Today, it houses more than 70,000 students and over 4,000 staff members.

QS World Ranking 2026#76
TypePublic Research University
Acceptance Rate13.54%
Student/Faculty Ratio33:1
LocationBirmingham, UK
Average Tuition Fees£23,180 to £39,060
Popular ProgrammesBusiness, Engineering, Computer Science, and more.

University of Buckingham

The University of Birmingham is one of the top choices for higher education among International students, with over 265 International students joining every session. Although this is a private university, it operates as a non-profit, imparting quality education and meaningful learning.

The university was originally one of the first six private universities to emerge in England. However, it is still relatively new, having been established in 1973 as a college. Moreover, in 1983, the college was granted university status through a royal charter.

QS World Ranking 2026Not ranked
TypeNon-profit Private University
Acceptance Rate18%
Student/Faculty Ratio10.5:1
LocationBuckingham, United Kingdom
Average Tuition Fees£15,150 to £22,144
Popular ProgrammesLaw, Business, Economics, Management, Computer Science, and more.

University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the most elite public universities in England, offering various degree programmes in medicine, engineering, social sciences, and Business. Hence, when searching for business schools in the UK, the University of Chester often ranks high for international students.

While the University of Chester was established 185 years ago, the Chester Business School and the Faculty of Business and Management opened a new campus in 2015. Moreover, to ensure that the student-to-faculty ratio remains balanced, there are about 1,737 staff members here.

QS World Ranking 2026#1201-1400
TypePublic University
Acceptance Rate25%
Student/Faculty Ratio19:1
LocationChester, UK
Average Tuition Fees£14,450 to £15,700
Popular ProgrammesMedicine, Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, and more.

University of Edinburgh

Also known as King James' College in its initial days, this university is by far the most prestigious business school in the UK. It offers various other degree programmes, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, such as in architecture and accounting.

Three global rankings, including QS Rankings, continuously rank the University of Edinburgh among the top 40. Today, its programmes offer students hands-on experience in their respective fields and in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject.

QS World Ranking 2026#34
TypePublic Research University
Acceptance Rate40%
Student/Faculty Ratio14:1
LocationEdinburgh, UK
Average Tuition Fees£28,000 to £45,410
Popular ProgrammesAccounting and Finance, Architecture, Business and Management Studies, and more.

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds, ranked 86 globally, is one of the leading universities in England. The Times also named it the University of the Year 2017. The institute offers many undergraduate and graduate degrees, and its research programmes are among the best.

The university is spread across a vast campus, with several massive libraries and swimming pools that regularly host swimming championships. Established in 1904, this institute has around 40,000 students enrolled today.

QS World Ranking 2026#86
TypePublic Research University
Acceptance Rate64-70%
Student/Faculty Ratio9:1
LocationLeeds, UK
Average Tuition Fees£22,850 to £39,250
Popular ProgrammesGeosciences, Arts and Humanities, Agricultural Sciences, and Business.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is considered one of the most sought-after universities in the UK. As one of the top business schools in the UK, it offers several degrees in courses like art, science, and law. Several rankings have continuously ranked the University of Manchester in the top 100 worldwide.

Furthermore, today, the university houses over 44,000 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, while some others are in doctoral programmes. In fact, this diversity of students allows for intercultural communication and bonding without discrimination.

QS World Ranking 2026#35
TypePublic Research University
Acceptance Rate40-50%
Student/Faculty Ratio13:1
LocationManchester, UK
Average Tuition Fees£33,100 to £48,000
Popular ProgrammesArt and Humanities, Computer Science, Law, Medicine and Business.

University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth offers many different courses to undergraduate and graduate students, including business, sciences, humanities, and architecture. Today, around 20,000 students study here, with the majority on the main campus in Plymouth and a minor chunk on the additional campuses.

Times Higher Education ranked this institute among the top modern universities worldwide. It is also considered the best green university in the United Kingdom. Students often enjoy a great campus life here, with innovative faculty, a well-designed curriculum, and a diverse crowd.

QS World Ranking 2026#613
TypePublic Research University
Acceptance Rate85%
Student/Faculty Ratio14:1
LocationPlymouth, UK
Average Tuition Fees£14,600 to £18,950
Popular ProgrammesArchitecture, Environmental Sciences, Arts, Business and Management.

University of Stirling

The University of Stirling was founded in 1967 as a public research university. As the years passed, the university expanded to include more diverse courses than the basic science and humanities curriculum. Today, the main campus in Stirling houses about 14,000 students enrolled in various courses, including business, nursing, management, and others.

Furthermore, it is considered one of the best places for international students due to the inclusivity and diversity of the campus crowd. There are many communities and student societies, alongside a great sports environment.

QS World Ranking 2026#517
TypeInterdisciplinary Research-intensive University
Acceptance Rate11-20%
Student/Faculty Ratio10:1
LocationStirling, UK
Average Tuition Fees£18,400 to £25,000
Popular ProgrammesHumanities, Management, Social Sciences, and Business Economics.

Business Schools in the UK have a reputation for being the most prestigious and finest in the world. As a result, many international students choose to pursue business degrees in the UK. Moreover, a course from here not only helps them become smarter in their field but also opens up new doors for their careers.

Take your career to the next level with a degree from the best Business Schools in the UK. AECC offers expert guidance to help you choose the right programme and navigate your academic journey. Start your global education adventure by contacting AECC today.

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Devi Mukherjee
Published by Devi Mukherjee

UK & Ireland Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students

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Devi Mukherjee has been advising students on study in the United Kingdom and Ireland for 20 years. She has worked through several significant shifts in UK immigration policy, including the move from Tier 4 to the Student visa, the introduction of the Graduate Route, and the changes to English language test requirements that have affected applicants considerably over the past three years.

Devi is particularly good at bridging the gap between what official guidance says and what it means in practice. UK Home Office guidance is written for a general international audience. Devi advises students working with specific academic certificates, bank statements and English language test scores, and the specifics matter. She knows where the complications arise and what to do about them.

Her articles on UK and Irish universities are written for students who are not simply asking whether they are eligible, but whether this is the right choice given their academic background, budget and what they want to do after graduation. That is a different question and it requires a different kind of answer. She holds an MSc in Physics and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.

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