Study MBA in UK Without GMAT

Do you know that it is possible to study MBA in UK without GMAT? Most universities in the UK require GMAT/GRE scores for MBA applicants. The GMAT exam is known for its difficulty, with almost 75% of aspirants spending their time preparing for it.

There are a number of business schools in the UK that offer GMAT waivers for foreign students and emphasize other aspects such as relevant work experience, interviews, reference letters, and essays. Explore the options of pursuing an MBA in the UK without taking the GMAT through this article.

Top MBA Colleges in UK without GMAT

There are a number of business schools in the UK that do not have GMAT requirements. The table given below contains the list of the top universities that offer MBA in UK without GMAT, along with the duration of these programs:

Universities	Duration (in months)
University of Central Lancashire	24
University of Edinburgh	12
Cranfield University	12
Middlesex University	12
Birmingham City University	12-18
Durham University	12-18
University of Warwick	12

University of Central Lancashire

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers an MBA program through its Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise. This program is intended for those seeking managerial or professional careers in business. Having previous management experience is not essential for this course since a professional placement of six to ten months is provided in the second year.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for MBA at UCLan, Candidates must have a 2:2 degree in a relevant field or the equivalent professional experience. In addition to this, they need to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. There are two months of entry for MBA: January and September.

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University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh Business School is one of the top-ranked business schools in the UK and holds a triple accreditation crown (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB). It ranks 55th rank as per the QS Global MBA Rankings 2022. The admissions are offered on a rolling bassed for this one-year program. 

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates need to have a UG degree with a minimum of 60% marks, along with a professional work experience of at least three years. International students need to show proof of English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL scores. If a student does not meet the academic requirements, he or she may be required to submit a GMAT score. This score must be at least 600.

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Cranfield University

The Cranfield University School of Management provides a full-time MBA degree that is aimed at experienced professionals willing to improve their skills and learn theories and strategies that can be applied to real-life business environments. It is one of the most prestigious business schools in the United Kingdom.

Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must have a UG degree with at least 60 % marks and three years of work experience for this 12-month program. When it comes to English language requirements, students need to have a minimum IELTS score of 7 and a minimum TOEFL score of 100. Cranfield University offers the option of submitting a GMAT score (minimum 600), but it is not mandatory. 

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Middlesex University

The MBA program of Middlesex University is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and helps professionals to acquire skills required in all aspects of management. As part of this one-year program, you will attend lectures and workshops by eminent guest speakers. The program also involves a field-based consulting project. 

Eligibility Criteria

Among the eligibility requirements, applicants need to have a UG degree with at least 55% marks and two years of work experience. A minimum GMAT score of 550 is required only for those candidates who are unable to meet the above-mentioned requirements.

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Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University offers an MBA program through the Birmingham City Business School. It is one of the most renowned business schools in the UK. The MBA program at this school focuses on the international business arena. A GMAT score is not required for admission to Birmingham City Business School's MBA program 

Eligibility Criteria

An international student should hold a bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks, along with an academic letter of recommendation.  Moreover, an overall IELTS score of 6 or a PTE score of 64 is required. Further, previous work experience is recommended but not mandatory. 

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Durham University 

The MBA program at Durham University provides you with the best skills for success in business, including logical skills, effective communication skills, and global awareness. It ranks 8th in the United Kingdom, 19th in Europe, and 74th worldwide, as reported by the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2021.

Eligibility Criteria

As far as the entry requirements are concerned, students must have an upper second class UG degree or equivalent, at least three years of PG work experience,  a minimum IELTS score of 7, or a minimum TOEFL score of 102. A GMAT score (minimum 600) is required for applicants who fail to meet these requirements.

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University of Warwick

Students can enroll themselves in full-time, executive, or distance learning MBA programs at the Warwick Business School. The duration of the full-time MBA program at the University of Warwick is 12 months. Students are able to gain practical business insights with the help of this innovative program.

Eligibility Criteria

International students must have 60% in graduation, English language proficiency proof, an application essay, a minimum of 3 years of work experience, and an updated resume to apply for the Warwick Business School. In addition, the minimum IELTS score required is 7. Students who do not meet these requirements should provide a minimum GMAT score of 660.

Read More: University of Warwick

Why Study MBA in the UK?

In addition to offering top-notch MBA programs, the UK offers students exposure to international markets and the chance to network with peers from around the world. Here are some reasons why you should consider studying for your MBA in the UK:

• Most UK business schools allow students to customize their courses according to their requirements.
• In 2021, there are about ten universities in the UK listed in the FT business school rankings.
• The UK faces a shortage of skilled new managers. The UK economy needs 1.9 million skilled executives with new strategies.
• As of September 2018, over 55% of tier 2 skilled worker visas were issued to Indians. 
• With annual salaries of 133,000 GBP and 116,000 GBP, the MBA and executive MBA are the two most lucrative degrees in the UK.
• The best MBA universities in the UK have vibrant campuses with students from different nationalities.
• At top UK universities, MBA programs are available full-time, part-time, evening, and via distance learning.
• MBA schools in the United Kingdom offer career services instructors to help students prepare for interviews and also bring in industry leaders to motivate students.

Types of MBA Programs in the UK

Apart from the full-time MBA program, universities in the UK offer various other types of MBA programs. The other types of MBA programs in the UK have been explained below:

• Executive MBA: Professionals with five years or more experience are eligible for this program. Thus, business schools providing this program do not require GMAT scores.
• Accelerated MBA: In these fast-track MBA courses, GMAT scores are not needed for admission.
• Part-time MBA: A number of part-time MBA programs offer GMAT waivers or do not consider GMAT scores for admissions.

If you don't meet some of the above-mentioned criteria, universities like Durham University Business school might ask for your GMAT score instead. In these colleges, admissions are provided on a rolling basis, so you will get a larger window to apply and arrange the necessary documents.

Eligibility Requirements for MBA in UK Without GMAT

GMAT cut-off scores have traditionally been very important for admission to business schools around the world. However, with growing popularity, most business schools are becoming more flexible with their admission requirements. Below are the eligibility requirements for studying MBA in UK without GMAT:

• At least 60% marks in Bachelor’s degree
• English language proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5 or above)
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience
• 1-2 long essays during application
• Updated CV
• 1-2 Letters of Recommendation 

Cost of MBA in UK without GMAT

It is expensive to pursue an MBA abroad. Prior to starting their studies in the UK, students must pay for expenses such as their student visa, application fee, and flight tickets. After arriving in the country, they need to ensure that the tuition fee is paid in a timely manner. Additionally, they have to pay for the living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, etc. The following is the fee structure for top universities that offer MBA in UK without GMAT:

Business Schools	Annual MBA Fees (in GBP)
University of Central Lancashire	13,500
University of Edinburgh	34,200
Cranfield University	39,000
Middlesex University	18,000
Birmingham City University	15,400-17,000
Durham University	33,000
University of Warwick	43,950

Top Online MBA Programs Without GMAT

While online MBA programs were always in demand, their popularity has exploded since the pandemic. Several universities in the UK offer online MBA programs without the requirement of a GMAT score. Following is a list of top universities that provide online MBA programs without requiring GMAT scores:

• Imperial College Business School
• Alliance Manchester Business School
• Warwick Business School
• Oxford Brookes Business School
• Birmingham Business School
• Durham University Business School
• Robert Gordon University
• Bradford School of Management
• Aston Business School
• The Open University