In the UK business field, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, Cass Business School, and Lancaster University are highly recognized and relatively easy to apply to. These schools are well differentiated in the business field based on their reputation and teaching quality. This article will detail the business programs and application requirements of these schools to help applicants better understand and secure admission opportunities. Understanding the business programs and application requirements of these schools will assist applicants in formulating suitable application strategies and increasing admission chances. For more questions, add CheersYou（清柚教育） advisor: qingyouge23 to get detailed information!
Universities in the UK business field can be divided into four tiers based on their gradient and level. The schools introduced below, though in the fourth tier, are still internationally highly recognized and relatively easier to apply to. Therefore, CheersYou（清柚教育） advisor suggests applying to the following schools concurrently as a backup plan.
Tier 1 Universities Analysis:
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Tier 2 Universities Analysis:
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Tier 3 Universities Analysis:
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T4: Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, Cass Business School, Lancaster University
Durham University
Durham University is a filming location for Harry Potter and, like Hogwarts, operates on a collegiate system with 16 colleges. It is one of only three remaining medieval collegiate universities in the UK, alongside Oxford and Cambridge, collectively known as "Doxbridge".
In traditional colleges, students are required to wear black gowns for formal dinners, opening ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, etc., hence they are also called "black gown colleges."
Durham University Business School holds triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, and partners with CFA. Some finance master's programs are CFA-accredited, covering over 70% of the CFA exam content. The school has numerous local corporate partnerships in the UK, which benefits business school students in finding job opportunities.
Application Advice:
Priority is given to students from the top 100 in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University ARWU ranking, with a recommended GPA of 85 or above. IELTS overall score no less than 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0. Students from 2+2 or 3+1 partnership programs are accepted.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh Business School is also one of the over 70 triple-accredited universities worldwide. Its business programs cover a wide range, with the MSc Finance program covering nearly 70% of CFA content, making it a good choice for those aiming to obtain CFA qualification.
The three main branches of the MSc Finance program:
- Corporate Finance
- Energy Finance and Markets
- Finance and Investment
The Finance program is also the one with the highest number of Chinese applicants and admissions. Applicants need to have an undergraduate background in economics, finance, business, or accounting, or be able to demonstrate relevant abilities and strong interest.
The University of Edinburgh's MSc Marketing performed outstandingly in this year's QS ranking, ranking fourth in the UK, just after IC, Manchester, and Warwick. Students interested in marketing can consider applying for this program.
Application Advice:
Preference is given to students from 211 universities, with a GPA requirement of 80-85 or above. IELTS overall score no less than 7.0, with no individual band below 6.0. Applications from non-211 university students are also accepted.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol boasts an excellent overall ranking, and its business school is named the School of Economics, Finance and Management. Though known as an "engineering powerhouse," it has been continuously improving its business programs in recent years, launching MSc Marketing and MSc Banking, Regulation, and Financial Stability in 2019, offering more options for business applicants.
Previous graduates of the business school have been working in many leading companies around the world, such as Lloyds TSB, L'Oréal, Deutsche Bank, LG Electronics, WHO-US, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Marks & Spencer, among others.
Application Advice:
Generally, only students from 211 universities or those ranked in the top 200 overall are admitted, with a GPA requirement of 80 or above. IELTS requirements vary by program; for example, Accounting and Finance and Economics require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with reading and listening no less than 7.0 and no band below 6.0; Management requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with no band below 6.5. *Except for management-related programs, other programs require a specific undergraduate background or mathematical ability.
Cass Business School
Cass Business School, part of City, University of London, holds triple accreditation, and its business program rankings surpass the university's overall ranking, consistently staying in the top five in the UK and top ten in Europe. The school comprises the departments of Management, Finance, and Actuarial Science and Insurance, enjoying a prestigious reputation in the business field.
Actuarial programs are a strong specialty of Cass Business School, with alumni widely distributed in the global insurance and finance industry and enjoying a high reputation. These include MSc in Actuarial Management and MSc Actuarial Science, which can grant exemptions from certain subjects of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) exams.
Exemptions from some subjects of the UK actuarial exams
The school is located near Moorgate in London's financial district, and renowned business figures frequently visit to teach part-time and give lectures. Students can access firsthand industry information during their studies, which is highly beneficial for finding internships and jobs.
Application Advice:
Admission requirements include a GPA of 85 or above, IELTS score of 7 or above with no band below 6; some programs require GMAT scores and work experience. There is no restriction on undergraduate university ranking, and it is very friendly to students from non-double-first-class universities.
Lancaster University
As one of the UK's renowned business schools, Lancaster University holds triple accreditation, and its Management School enjoys an outstanding reputation. Only two universities in the UK have been awarded the title of six-star business school, and Lancaster University Management School is one of them (the other is LBS).
Lancaster Business School's marketing master's programs are divided into two types: MSc Marketing, suitable for students without a professional background, and MSc Advanced Marketing Management, suitable for those with relevant study background or work experience.
Application Advice:
Preference is given to students from internal lists, while applications from non-double-first-class universities are also accepted. GPA requirement of 80 or above, IELTS overall score no less than 7.0 with no individual band below 6.0.
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