Earning an MBA degree is a surefire way to boost your career and advance in the business world. However, not everyone has the flexibility or means to pursue a traditional full-time on-campus MBA. That’s where online MBA programs come in. The UK is home to some of the best business schools in the world, many of which now offer flexible online MBA options.
In this article, we’ll reveal to you the top universities in the UK providing online MBA degrees. We’ll discuss their program details, specializations available, costs, formats, and more.
What to Look for in an Online MBA Program
Before getting into specific program recommendations, it’s important to establish what criteria are most important when choosing an online MBA. Here are a few key factors to consider:
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Accreditation
Look for accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) or Equis. These internationally recognized seals of approval signify a program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, and more. Accreditation is especially important if you ever want to work abroad after your MBA.
Flexibility
Online MBAs should provide flexible scheduling that works around your existing commitments. Check if programs are fully online, have occasional campus residencies, or a hybrid structure. Consider if synchronous live sessions fit your schedule or if you prefer self-paced asynchronous learning.
Specializations
Most top online MBA programs allow you to focus your studies through concentrations in high-growth fields like analytics, fintech, healthcare management, and sustainability. Research specializations that align with your career aspirations.
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Tuition and Costs
Online MBAs tend to be less expensive than traditional full-time programs. Compare total estimated costs, which may also include technology and course materials. Inquire about scholarship opportunities as well.
Career Support
Robust career services are still important for online students and alumni. Look for networking events, resume reviews, mock interviews, job boards, and alumni mentorship programs to help further your career goals.
Reputation
Brand-name universities with top-ranked full-time MBAs are more likely to offer rigorous, well-regarded online options too. Consider the reputation and prestige of the institution overall.
Top 10 Online MBA Programs in the UK
With those factors in mind, here are some of the highly-rated online MBA programs from top universities across the UK:
1. London Business School Online MBA
Consistently ranked #1 in the UK and globally, the London Business School Online MBA stands out for its flexibility, network, and career support. Students can customize their degree pace and choose from Finance, Leadership, Strategy, and more. Course fees are £41,000 in total. Taught entirely online and async.
2. Warwick Business School Online MBA
Warwick is famous for rigorous yet student-centric academics. Their global Online MBA has concentrations in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Global Banking & Finance, and more. Cohorts foster community. The cost is £38,500, including two optional campus residencies. Accredited by AMBA.
3. Oxford Said Online MBA
From one of the most prestigious universities globally, the Oxford Said Online MBA equips leaders to solve society’s big problems. Customizable modules include a Management Consulting project. Fees total £41,000. The hybrid format incorporates live online sessions and a campus immersion week. AMBA accredited.
4. Manchester Online MBA
The University of Manchester’s flexible online program offers concentrations tailored for technology, healthcare, and other industries. Classes are delivered online, on campus, and blended. Scholarships available. Tuition is around £33,500 overall. Accredited by AMBA and EQUIS.
5. Edinburgh Online MBA
Edinburgh Business School’s accredited program focuses on innovation, sustainability, and responsible business. Specialize in areas like FinTech or Strategic Project Management. Taught fully online and asynchronously with an optional campus week. Tuition is roughly £31,000 total. Accredited by AMBA.
6. Birmingham Online MBA
Ranked a top UK business school for social responsibility, the Birmingham Online MBA emphasizes ethics and leadership. Modules include International Business Strategy. Taught hybrid style with some live online classes. Tuition is around £30,000 including optional residencies.
7. Cranfield Online MBA
Cranfield is known for its technology expertise. Their global Online MBA focuses on Digital Transformation. Specialize within Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence or Project Management. Mostly asynchronous format. Costs approximately £33,000 including immersive learning weeks.
8. Bristol Online MBA
Modules at Bristol cover Healthcare Innovation, Emerging Markets, and more. Asynchronous delivery is self-paced. Scholarships offered. Optional campus weeks incorporate career coaching and networking. Total costs around £30,000.
9. Aberdeen Online MBA
Designed for busy professionals, the flexible Aberdeen Online MBA incorporates custom concentrations in Energy, Finance, or International Business. Taught hybrid style with occasional immersive campus residencies. Total tuition £30,000.
10. Edinburgh Napier Online MBA
This affordable option from Edinburgh Napier offers specializations suited for the Sports, Events, Tourism or Fashion industries. Asynchronous classes keep costs low at £21,500 total. Part-time option available.
FAQs About Online MBA Programs in the UK
Can an online MBA be completed part-time?
Yes, most top UK online MBA programs offer both full-time and flexible part-time tracks that allow you to balance study with work commitments. Part-time options typically take 2-3 years of blended or fully online study.
What kinds of career support are provided?
Leading programs offer career coaching, mock interviews, alumni mentorship, networking events, and job boards/resources. Some have dedicated career consultants to help with resume/CV reviews, cover letters, and more.
Do online MBAs provide the same value as campus programs?
Accredited online MBAs from top universities are seen as equally rigorous with in-person options. While networking may take more effort virtually, online programs still provide robust career support and access to well-regarded alumni networks.
Are online classes live or self-paced?
Delivery formats vary but most top UK programs use a blended approach with some asynchronous self-paced study combined with optional synchronous live sessions or immersive on-campus components for community-building.
What kind of faculty teach online courses?
Instructors for accredited online MBAs generally hold doctorates, have real-world experience in addition to teaching credentials, and publish academic research regularly just like on-campus faculty.
Conclusion
Whether you want to boost your career, transition fields, or earn an MBA from an elite UK university, flexible online programs make it possible. By choosing one of the highly respected options on this list, you can gain a world-class business education from the comfort of your home or office at your own pace. The top online MBA programs assess the same skills as traditional MBAs and provide robust support services so you can succeed in your business career goals.
I hope this article has helped you identify the best online MBA program fit based on your unique needs. Please drop a comment if you have any other questions!
