Study Business in the UK
Choosing a business degree for your university studies can open doors to many career pathways. From marketing, finance and accounting to management, sales and human resources, business is a diverse field.
Read on to find out more about studying business in the UK, including some of the places you can study and the advantages of studying business in this region.
Business courses in the UK
Accounting
Accountants are a core part of any business. They provide strategic financial advice, prepare financial statements and manage a company’s finances. When studying accounting in the UK, you will learn technical skills that you can apply to any sector, such as general accountancy practices, budget management and financial analysis.
Business administration
Business administration covers a wide scope of work from strategic management, finance and tax to marketing, law and human resources. Studying business in the UK will set you up for success in this field. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and understanding of business strategies that you can apply in any setting.
Finance
A finance degree can set you up for a career in many fields. You can work as a stockbroker, auditor, company secretary or financial adviser for private companies, personal funds or consulting companies. All finance degrees in the UK will give you an understanding of how the economy works, how to approach tax and regulatory costs and business accounting frameworks.
Marketing
Marketing focuses on researching and understanding target customers, and then branding and promoting a business, individual or product based on that information. When studying marketing in the UK, you will learn how to create marketing plans and advertising campaigns, as well as learning technical design and social media skills. You will be able to apply this knowledge to all types of businesses - from small start-ups to established international brands.
Top universities to study business in the UK
Cardiff Business School (Wales)
Belonging to Cardiff University, Cardiff Business School is the world’s first-ever public value business school. In simple terms, this means that the institution is the first business school working to deliver social improvement as well as economic development. It is unique in the sense that it acknowledges the role of business and management in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. Located in the capital city of Wales, the university is home to students from more than 130 countries.
London Business School (England)
The London Business School is recognised as one of the top institutions in a range of business fields. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, it was named #3 in the world for Business and Management, #10 for Marketing and #12 for Accounting and Finance. The institution delivers postgraduate programmes only.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (England)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is ranked number 56 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Located in central London, LSE has one of the most diverse student communities in the world, with students from more than 140 countries studying there each year.
The University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
Located in the capital city of Scotland, The University of Edinburgh is ranked 15th in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is home to students from more than 150 countries.
The University of Manchester (England)
The University of Manchester is ranked 28th in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Located in the northwest of England, the University has the highest percentage of international students in the UK, with students from around 180 different countries represented on campus.
Of course, these are just a few of the outstanding institutions at which you can study business in the UK. Other popular providers among international students include Imperial College London, Queen’s University Belfast, The University of Oxford and Warwick Business School.
Benefits of studying business in the UK
The UK is a global business hub, full of opportunities for students and professionals alike. One of the largest economies in the world, it is also home to the world’s top financial city: London. The UK’s location and time zone also means it easily connects with the business world around the globe.
This is why many major corporations have their headquarters in the UK, including BP, Deloitte, HSBC, Shell and Unilever (which is responsible for brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Dove and Vaseline). Not only that, but UK business schools tend to have excellent relationships with local companies - big and small - giving you key industry insights, networks and connections.
Business schools in the UK (there are over 100 of them!) are academically respected around the world, which means that a business degree from the UK is recognised worldwide. As a result, the certification, training and skills you gain in the UK could expand your employability prospects around the world - including in your home country if you decide to return after graduation.
While studying your business in the UK, you can also gain experience through internships or casual work. On a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week if you’re studying full-time. There are also many pathways to continue living and working in the UK after you graduate, including graduate schemes.
Take the first step with PTE Academic
To kick-start your business career with a business degree from the UK, you’ll need to prove your English language skills - and PTE Academic can help you do exactly that.
Learn more about who accepts PTE, which scores are required for UK visas and the top reasons to study in the UK as an international student.
Author: Aaron Bell
