Considering British educational institutions occupy three of the top 10 positions in the latest World University Rankings, it’s little wonder that rising numbers of foreign students are hotfooting it to the UK in a bid to obtain their MBA.
Conducted by Times Higher Education, the World University Rankings judges each institution on its teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook, providing valuable information for students, academics, university leaders, industry and governments.
Add in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent announcement that the cap on student numbers will be removed by 2015, and it’s clear to see that, given their already blossoming status, universities in the UK are set to expand exponentially in the next two to three years.
Regardless of where you choose to study, though, embarking on an MBA is a life affirming decision, with the Association of MBAs (AMBA) stating that those returning to employment after completing their MBA enjoy a significant wage increase and an average salary of over £80,000.
However, aside from a reputable university and a potential pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, what you really want as a student heading to the UK from abroad is the lowdown on the city that will cater to YOUR unique needs as you begin to get your teeth stuck into coursework.
Whether you’re a discerning culture vulture, a retiring wallflower or a bona fide party animal, check out our list of some of the most popular places in Britain to study for your MBA, designed to help YOU make an informed decision …
Cambridge
Boasting two universities and almost 30,000 students, Cambridge is situated around 50 miles north of London and is one of the most picturesque cities in England. Peppered with an assortment of historic and contemporary buildings, the city also has more pubs, clubs, restaurants and coffee shops than you can shake a stick at – the perfect tonic for helping you relax after a long day studying.
Chelmsford
Known as the “birthplace of radio” after Guglielmo Marconi opened the world’s first “wireless” factory in the city, Chelmsford enjoys some of the warmest summers in the UK and is the proud home of Anglia Ruskin University. Students here can take a stroll around Chelmsford Cathedral, Tropical Wings Zoo, or let their hair down in one of the city centre’s many pubs and nightclubs.
St Andrews
Home to the University of St Andrews, the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, this thriving golf town was where Prince William obtained his degree and where he met his future wife, Kate Middleton. Students here can enjoy a visit to the tower of Holy Trinity and St Andrews Castle – or sit back with a drink in one of the town’s many lively bars.
London
With 45 universities and colleges, a population of over eight million people and more than 300 languages spoken throughout the city, London is a veritable melting pot of cultures. Accounting for 12.5 per cent of the UK population, it is also home to four World Heritage Sites, 40 West End theatres, the oldest underground railway network in the world AND the royal family.
Oxford
One of the fastest growing cities in the UK, Oxford is known as the “city of dreaming spires”, famous for the splendid architecture of its university buildings. The city also houses the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford. Students here can breathe in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin or take a shopping trip at the historic Covered Market.
