MBA in UK without Work Experience: Is it Worth it?
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MBA in UK without Work Experience: Is it Worth it?

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Aug 31, 2024 22:41 IST

MBA in UK without Work Experience: Most MBAs abroad, especially those offered by top universities, require some work experience. However, it is possible to do MBA without work experience. In this article, we have covered all the details of an MBA without work experience in UK.

MBA in UK without work experience

The requirement of work experience is a must in order to take admission in most of the prestigious Universities of the UK. In fact, most UK universities ask for a minimum of two to three years of work experience. However, there are some exceptions and this requirement can be waived under certain circumstances - depending on the university that you are applying for.

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Why Study MBA in UK?

Studying for an MBA in the UK offers several advantages and benefits. Here are some reasons why you might consider pursuing an MBA in the UK:

  • High-quality education: Universities in the UK that provide MBA programmes uphold a high standard of instruction and offer a blend of solid leadership abilities and practical knowledge. Because of their comprehensive understanding of the theory and real-world applications of the subject, recruiters frequently favour MBA graduates from the UK.
  • Global recognition: A UK MBA is widely recognised and can improve your professional opportunities both domestically and abroad. Your chances of earning more money and your access to a wide range of employment choices may both rise as a result.
  • 1-year MBA: In the UK, many MBA programmes can be finished in a single year, allowing you to graduate more quickly and save money and time. As a result, you can start using your newly gained abilities in the workforce sooner.
  • Industry links: Universities in the UK frequently have strong connections with business, which opens doors to networking, internships, and job placements. This can help you develop a strong professional network and expose you to useful real-world business challenges.
  • Practical learning: Case studies and real-world projects are frequently used to emphasise practical learning in MBA programmes in the UK. This method aids in the development of valuable business skills in pupils as well as a deeper comprehension of the material.
  • Scholarships: Although pursuing an MBA can be expensive, there are several scholarships in the UK available to help gifted and deserving students. These scholarships make earning an MBA more affordable for students by covering living expenses, tuition fees, or both.
  • Career choices: The abilities acquired during an MBA can be put to use in many different contexts, not only in the corporate sector. The program's knowledge and skills can be applied to a variety of businesses and sectors, giving participants flexibility in their future choices.

Why work experience is desirable?

  • If a student has work experience, then it’s easier for him to understand the lessons taught in the MBA class.

    Work experience is a great personal asset that can help students understand the lessons taught in the MBA class. Students who have work experience are also more likely to graduate since they are able to apply what they learned and help their peers. Many companies now offer work-experience programs, which can provide students with valuable insights into their own skills and interests in order to prepare them for the workforce.

  • While giving presentations or during case studies, a student can give more productive thoughts 

  • In the class, a student can give more and more examples and express his/her views, which eventually helps him/her gain expertise in the subject. 

Also, the MBA program makes the student understand the importance and value of teamwork. MBA students are often placed in teams to complete tasks, which helps them recognize the importance of teamwork. This course teaches students the steps to making a successful team and how to create a productive brainstorming session. So, if the student is coming with good work experience, then it is easier for him to understand management concepts. Hence, work experience provides students with an edge in the MBA College, and helps them learn and participate more in the task assigned during the MBA class and curriculum. 

Most students, who dream to go to the UK for MBA do not have any work experience, and thus some of the consultants assure them admission on the basis of fake work experience. Once they land there then things get worse for them as they find themselves not able to cope with the curriculum and the pedagogy of the UK Universities. However, there are students who wish to gain entry into the country just to settle down/work there. So, they don’t mind showing fake work experience also, which should be avoided. 

 

Eligibility for an MBA in the UK

There are a couple of points that any fresh graduate must keep in mind before applying to any UK University which is common for most of the universities at large but may vary depending upon the circumstance and situation: 

  • 3 years of work experience (minimum) is mandatory to study MBA in the UK.  

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree as recognized by the UK Education Department. 

  • GMAT scores are accepted at large than GRE scores in the UK for MBA admission. 

  • IELTS score with 6.0 - 6.5 band to prove the English language. Indian students can also submit TOEFL scores. 

MBA programs have become increasingly competitive in recent years. The goal of an MBA is to prepare students for the workforce and provide them with the skills they need to be successful. So, choosing the MBAs and schools that offer these programs is a pretty difficult affair, especially for students without any work experience. On one hand, you go with fake work experience certificates in top universities but lose on real learning there or you go for universities, which do not require work experience as such but then struggle for placements, especially in the UK. 

However, you can always go for M.Sc. in Management courses in the UK. They are very similar to MBA and require no prior work experience 

Check: MBA in London for Indian Students

Can I Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience?

 Whether you can study an MBA in the United Kingdom without work experience or not depends upon the university you're targetting as well as on the MBA course you're planning to pursue. There are a few institutions which have MBA courses, especially for students who are fresh graduates bearing little to no experience. But generally speaking, most UK's traditional MBA courses and in other countries expect you to possess a bit of work experience. If you're looking out for an MBA programme which is meant for graduates with no work experience, we recommend you to reach out to your filtered universities and ask if they would accept your candidature. Some universities may also permit you to obtain some work experience before you apply to their MBA courses.

Top Universities in UK Offering MBA without Work Experience 

Few Students who are serious about studies choose a different path. Rather than going to universities, which require minimum work experience with a fake certificate, they prefer choosing institutes, which do not require work experience as a prerequisite. Check out the list of MBA universities in UK offering admission without work experience along with their tuition fees.

MBA at UK Universities (without work ex) 

Requirements for Admission 

MBA First Year Tuition Fees

IELTS (6.5)/ TOEFL score (88 overall)/Pearson PTE (61 overall) 60% in Bachelors 

₹20.75 L

IELTS: 6.0 or more good honours degree

₹18.37 L

IELTS: 6.0 or more / TOEFL score 60% in Bachelors 

₹18.09 L

IELTS: 6.5 55.5% or 60% in Bachelors 

₹18.91 L

IELTS: 6.5 or 70% in class XII   

55.5% or 60% in Bachelors 

₹18.1 L

IELTS: 6.0 57% to 60% in Bachelors 

₹19.45 L

IELTS: 6.5 or above Bachelor's degree 

₹19.99 L

These institutes have designed their curriculum accordingly, and thus it is easier for the students to follow the curriculum. However, these universities do not provide strong placement assistance and most of these students come back to India to join their family businesses or take up a job. However, there are a few students who choose to stay back and decide to work on a part-time basis so as to get rid of the education loans quickly. 

Check Exam-Related Info:

MBA Placements – With or Without Work Experience 

Working in the UK is a dream for many people. With the opportunities and favourable conditions, it offers its students, UK universities are turning into the best places to study. But what if you pursue a degree but don't have enough work experience? That's where paid work experience comes in. Applicants studying in any of the UK universities can look forward to paid work experience while pursuing an MBA. After completing the MBA course, applicants can either pursue a full-time job with the same company or they can network and look for opportunities at various job fairs through their universities. The following points must be taken care of while applying for MBA in the UK with a placement expectation after completion:

  • There is no placement offered to MBA students directly after postgraduation. 

  • Applicants can only apply for internships through their respective university’s career support portals.  

  • These are also called pre-placement opportunities that are offered to students as a mandatory exercise before completing MBA from the UK. 

  • Internships are mostly paid for MBA-pursuing students and they can earn up to Â£6,800 monthly and Â£1,700 weekly. 

  • After post-graduating, MBA applicants will have to look for placements through the career portals of their universities or other websites. 

  • The following job roles and average salaries can be expected after getting an MBA degree from the UK: 

UK MBA Job Roles 

Salary Range (annual) 

Chief Executive Officer

£54,000-£155,000

Operations Manager

£29,000-£101,000

Senior Product Manager

£59,000-£105,000

Management Consultant

£42,000-£116,000

Marketing Manager

£27,000-£61,000

HR Manager

£28,000-£56,000

Finance Director

£50,000-£115,000

Project Manager

£32,000-£78,000

Finance Manager

£36,000-£70,000

Business Development Manager

£27,000-£71,000

Source: payscale

There is a myriad of opportunities available for those who are willing to put in the work and make it happen. Applicants through internship opportunities, applicants anyway get work experience even if they had none in the past. The pre-placements or internships are offered by a lot of universities and they expect their MBA-pursuing candidates to go for them for the experience. This way applicants will not require to fake their work experience.

Read more:

MBA in UK without Work Experience FAQs

Q. Is it worth studying MBA in the UK?

A. It may be worthwhile to get an MBA in the UK for a number of reasons. First off, colleges in the UK enjoy a good reputation abroad for offering high-quality instruction that is valued and acknowledged by companies everywhere. Second, obtaining an MBA in the UK may present good networking possibilities and contacts to the sector, both of which can be helpful for professional progression. Furthermore, practical learning is frequently prioritised in UK MBA programmes, giving students the tools they need to tackle complex business situations. The job market in the UK is also healthy, and many global corporations provide MBA graduates with professional options.

Q. Is it possible to study an MBA in the UK without work experience?

A. In the UK, it is possible to pursue an MBA without prior work experience. There are MBA programmes available in the UK that are specially created for recent graduates without any prior work experience. These programmes often have prerequisites, such as an IELTS minimum score and a minimum second-class honours degree. There are solutions accessible for those without work experience, even though it can be helpful for connecting with the modules studied and job chances.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for MBA in the UK without work experience?

A. The eligibility criteria for studying an MBA in the UK without work experience can vary depending on the specific university and program. However, some general criteria that may apply include:

  • Academic qualifications: B-schools in the UK require a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The specific grade requirements may vary.
  • English language proficiency: Non-native English speakers are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in English through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Application documents: Application documents such as an SOP, LORs, admission essays, etc. are usually required.
  • Exams: While work experience may not be required, some universities may still require applicants to take entrance exams such as the GMAT or GRE.

Q. Which are the top universities in the UK for MBA without work experience?

A. Here are some universities in the UK that offer MBA programs without work experience requirements:

  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Coventry University
  • University of East London
  • Glyndwr University
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • University of Northampton
  • Bangor University
  • University of Bedfordshire
  • Cardiff University
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other universities in the UK that offer MBA programs without work experience requirements.

Q. Does an MBA without work experience in the UK have low quality?

A. Universities that offer MBA programmes without a requirement for prior job experience may have tailored their curricula to students who lack that experience. While offering possibilities for students to develop practical skills through internships or other experiential learning activities, these programmes may place a greater emphasis on theoretical notions. To be sure the particular MBA programme they are choosing will help them achieve their educational and professional goals, prospective students must conduct extensive research on it and analyse its curriculum, faculty, reputation, and alumni network.

Q. Which universities accept admission for an MBA in UK with 1 year of experience?

A. The UK offers a variety of universities that accept MBA applicants with one year of work experience. While some may prefer candidates with more experience, many institutions recognize the value of a diverse student body and are willing to consider applicants with limited work experience. Below is the list of UK universities that accept candidates with 1 year of experience for their MBA programs.

  • University of Warwick
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Bath
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Nottingham

However, this list is not exhaustive, and there may be more such universities in the UK that accept freshers or very less experience for their MBA courses. For more detailed information, reach out to Shiksha's expert counsellors today.  

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   Does the University of Essex require IELTS?

A:

International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:

English Language Test

 Score

IELTS

Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section

The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:

English Language Test

 Score

TOEFL iBT

Overall score of 72 to 114

PTE

Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section

Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?

A:

With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.

Q:   How much IELTS score is required for Hertfordshire University?

A:

International students coming from diverse backgrounds must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo at Hertfordshire University. The university demands an IELTS score of 6 from the students. Along with the IELTS scores, students can refer to the table below for all the required English proficiency score:

English language test

Minimum Score required UG

Minimum Score required PG

IELTS

6 or above

6 or above

PTE

59 or above

58 or above

Duolingo

105 or above

120 or above

Q:   What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?

A:

University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.

  • Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
  1. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
  2. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
  3. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
  4. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
  5. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
  6. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
  7. #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
  • Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
  • Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD    is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
  • High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.

Q:   What is the ranking of NTU UK in terms of employability?

A:

According to Uni Compare rankings 2024, NTU has been placed at #1 in the UK for employability. In addition to this, as per the details available on the web, some of the top companies where NTU UK alumni work are Deloitte, Microsoft, Tesco, Turner & Townsend, The Access Group, etc. Some of the industries where the alumni work are Operations, Business Development, Arts and Design, Sales, Marketing, IT, Engineering, Finance, Media & Communication, etc.

About the Author
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Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Neha
UK Expertise

Neha Nain Kuntal, a highly qualified professional, holds an MBA in International Business and Marketing, a Master’s in Commerce, a PG Diploma in International Business Operations, and a Bachelor’s in Education. With... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(41)

9078771
Abhiraj Verma

2 years ago

Which of the above universities are best overall and which ones would you would recommend to go to?

Reply to Abhiraj Verma

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

All the universities have their own advantages and disadvantages. There are multiple factors that should be a part of your consideration: placements, location, cost, accommodation, networking opportunities, etc. You can refer to this link for additional information: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/

...Read more

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prachi gupta

3 years ago

Hello, I have enrolled for MSc in Marketing from Northumbria. I have 6-months of experience and has done certain internships related to digital marketing. Would this be significant to have a decent job in UK. How can I get a sponsored job?

Reply to prachi gupta

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Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Prachi, you need to do networking while studying and doing internships or on job training to get a job in your area of study.

b

bhavya gajula

3 years ago

I have 1.5 year full time experiences and 1.5 years contract experience. I am eligible for MBA in UK

Reply to bhavya gajula

P

Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Bhavya, universities prefer candidates with relevant work experience. Please refer to the below URL and check out the eligibility criteria for MBA in UK: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/uk/mba-colleges-dc

I

Ishan Mehta

3 years ago

Hi I graduated in 2018 and Till date I have more than 2.5 years of work experience. But the university requires at least 3 years of work ex. I will be completing my 3 years before admission but at the time of applying it won’t be 3 years. Will the university consider my application in this case?

Reply to Ishan Mehta

P

Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Ishan, if the university has asked for 3-years work experience then you need to have it at the time of submitting the application.

Hi, Given that I don't have any work experience (still in last sem) and hail from a middle-class family, would doing MBA from a UK college such as Coventry (which is not as highly ranked in the world), be worth it? I just need an honest opinion about how this course would affect me in the long run.

Reply to aviral srivastava

S

Sachin Panwar

3 years ago

Hello aviral I am also planning to do my MBA in global financial services from CU London just wanted to connect with you can I get your IG