Top 10 MBA Streams in the World for 2024 Intake
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Choosing amongst the top MBA specializations in the world can be a difficult process for students, as Indian students do not know how different the course structure will be at a foreign university. It is very important for you to consider your career goals and professional development before choosing the best MBA course in the world. Read the article to get informed regarding the top MBA courses in the world, top MBA programmes, admission requirements, etc.
Planning to apply for an MBA abroad and confused about which stream to choose? There are several MBA specialisations to choose from. Each country abroad has its top B-schools which offer a limited set of MBA specialisations or streams. Applicants based on their preference can choose the college based on the availability of specialisation and apply. We have made a list of some of the most popular MBA specialisations that are opted widely across the globe by international students which will help applicants make a decision for the same.
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Human Resource (MBA-HR)
- MBA in Operations (MBA Ops)
- MBA in International Business (MBA-IB)
- MBA in Information Technology (MBA IT)
- MBA in Supply Chain Management (MBA SCM)
- MBA in Healthcare Management
- MBA in Data Analytics
- MBA in Oil & Gas Management
The points given below provide an overview of the best MBA courses in the world. Before deciding which MBA specialization to choose, it is crucial for students to self-introspect and understand their interests.
1) Finance
MBA in finance prepares you in various subjects like budgeting, costing, International Finance, Capital Management etc. After studying these subjects the student becomes specialized in financial management which enables working in the finance department of organizations.
Check out the Universities abroad offering MBA in Finance.
2) Marketing
MBA in marketing is a dynamic, competitive subject that helps a student understand consumer behaviour, marketing, advertising and other important fields. The prospective student needs to have excellent communication skills, and an undying zeal to excel in marketing and resource mobilization skills.
Check out: Universities abroad for MBA in Marketing
3) Human Resource
This specialization includes diversity, labour markets and emerging economics, mergers and acquisitions and international leadership. If you have good communication skills, are social, have a good personality, and are dependable as well as confident, then MBA in Human Resources is for you.
Check out: Universities abroad for MBA in Human Resources
4) Operations
This stream helps you understand production management or shop floor management. You learn how process flows are maintained, and develop vendor and inter-departmental relationships. Most students who have done their graduation in engineering go for an MBA in Operations as it gives them an edge over others in product development design and process optimization.
Check: Universities abroad for MBA in Operations
5) International Business
MBA in International Business provides an in-depth understanding of organizational competencies required by the students for international operations, including specialized functions such as international marketing, import-export laws, finance etc. This degree is not like other MBA degrees where you study a general subject first and then select a specialization. From the first day, the focus of all subjects is on international business.
Check: Universities abroad for MBA in International Business
6) Information Technology
MBA in IT is designed to educate and develop potential managers who effectively manage the planning, design, implementation, selection, usage and administration of information and communications technologies. Some prior knowledge about the IT industry is required to pursue this specialization. IT graduates play essential roles in designing and implementing hardware and software solutions for business problems.
7) Supply Chain Management
This specialization includes inventory management, warehousing and transportation of various materials as required by a client or a company. Supply chain Management specialization can be done by graduates of any stream.
Check: Universities abroad for MBA in SCM
8) Health Care Management
MBA in healthcare covers core business skills and practices in the healthcare industry. It focuses on the particular issues managers may encounter in managerial roles such as hospital administrators, insurance-company executives, medical practice managers etc.
9) Data Analytics
MBA in Data Analytics provides convergence of management and data analysis. It aims at teaching the students the skills to utilize the available data to make prudent business decisions. Data mining, business intelligence, predictive analysis, etc. are some of the courses that are covered under MBA in Data Analytics.
Check: MBA in Data Analytics
10) Oil and Gas Management
MBA in Oil and Gas Management is focused on the oil and gas industry where students are taught to utilize their management knowledge in the petroleum industry. Some of the courses that form a part of the MBA in Oil and Gas Management include energy management, risk management, environmental issues and their management, energy economics, etc.
How to Choose the Best MBA Streams for Stuying?
By now, students must have an idea of the best MBA streams that are offered across top MBA colleges. In this section of the article, let us look at the factors that can influence your selection of your MBA specialization:
- Job Prospects: The most important factor that decides influences your decision to opt for a particular MBA specialization is the job prospect. It is critical to go through the previous placement reports of MBA colleges and identify which job sectors offer good placements.
- Interest: You must look at your likes and dislikes for a particular MBA specialization as well. If you do not enjoy your course, it is likely that you might not commit to it in the long term. Hence, it is very important to look at your interests as well.
- Seek Guidance from Professors: Your professors should be your first point of contact when it comes to the selection of your MBA specialization. It is vital that you take their expert opinion on the best MBA courses in demand in the world.
Best MBA Programs in the World
Now that we have covered the best MBA streams, it is equally important to know about the best MBA programs in the world. The table given below provides the top MBA programs in the world as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Business & Management Studies):
| Best MBA Colleges in the World |
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Business & Management Studies) |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| University of Pennsylvania | 2 |
| 3 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 5 |
|
| 6 |
|
| Columbia Business School |
7 |
| IE Business School |
8 |
| 9 |
|
| 10 |
The above-mentioned MBA colleges offer some of the best MBA streams, which include Finance, Operations, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, etc.
Admission Requirements for the Best MBA Courses in the World
Admission requirements for the best MBA courses in the World vary from university to university. An overview of the same has been provided in the points below:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- English-language proficiency scores of IELTS or TOEFL or Duolingo
- A valid GMAT or GRE score
- Letters of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- Essays
- Resume
- Work Experience (the requirements vary from university to university)
Now that you are aware of the best MBA streams and the best MBA programs in the world, you must conduct your own research as well before coming to a conclusion. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Best MBA Streams FAQs
Q. Which are the best MBA courses in demand in the world?
A. Some of the best MBA courses in demand in the world are General Management (offered by most of the MBA colleges), International Business Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics, Engineering Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Oil and Gas Management, Finance, etc. These MBA courses have a high demand in the current economic scenario. However, a lot depends on the location where a student wants to work as the local job market influences the demand of a course to a large extent. It is advised that students research the local economic conditions as well.
Q. Which are the best MBA colleges in the world?
A. Some of the best MBA colleges in the world include University of Oxford (United Kingdom), Harvard University (United States), Stanford University (United States), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (United States), University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), Tsinghua University (China), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), etc. Different ranking indices use different parameters to rank MBA colleges around the world. Hence, it is important to understand that what may be best for one student might not suit the other student. It is always advisable to check the following parameters before making a final decision:
- Employment outcomes
- MBA specializations offered
- Top recruiters
- Course curriculum
- Placement support
- Local economy
Q. What are the admission requirements for the top MBA programs in the world?
A. Though admission requirements for the top MBA programs in the world vary as per the university or college requirements, an overview of the same can be obtained:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- English-language proficiency scores of IELTS or TOEFL
- A valid GMAT or GRE score
- Letters of Recommendations (usually 2-3)
- Statement of Purpose (500 – 1,500 words)
- Essays (2 – 4 Questions)
- Resume
- Work Experience (Varies as per the university requirements – mostly 3-5 years)
Students are advised to check the exact admission requirements for different universities and colleges and follow them strictly. Do not deviate from what has been expected from you.
Q. What factors can help me choose the top MBA specialization in the world?
A. Some of the most important factors that influence your decision to choose the top MBA specialization in the world are given below:
- Personal Interest: Make sure that you self-introspect and choose a specialization that aligns with your personal interests and career aspirations. If you drag your feet to the class in the morning, it is time that you self-introspect.
- Placement: Make sure that you analyse the current and the future job market trends. Do not randomly choose any MBA specialization. You need to strike a good balance between your personal interests and placements.
- Curriculum: You must review the course content and curriculum and see if it matches your career goals and the skills you need to survive in the job market.
- Networking opportunities: Most MBA colleges abroad help with placement assistance through their career centres. You must be sure of their services and support.
Q. How do I improve my chances of getting accepted to the best MBA courses in the world?
A. Here are some tips to improve your selected chances for the best MBA courses in the world:
- GMAT or GRE Scores: Work hard to score well on the GMAT and/or the GRE exams.
- Strong Academic Background: If you are in your undergraduate studies right now, it is advisable that you focus on your grades as well.
- Work Experience: You must gain relevant work experience to meet the admission requirements of the best MBA courses in the world.
- Strong Application Documents: Work hard to prepare very strong application documents such as a statement of purpose, essays, etc.
- Start Your Study Abroad Process Early: Do not wait until the end else, you have the risk of missing the deadlines.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
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: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
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?
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?
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 |
|---|---|---|
6 or above | 6 or above | |
59 or above | 58 or above | |
105 or above | 120 or above |
Q: How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?
After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.
Q: What are the entry requirements for Bedfordshire University?
International students can check below the University of Bedfordshire entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
· 2 A level passes (minimum C and D)
· Year 12 60% overall
· 70% English to waive IELTS
· Must meet the English language requirements
· A recognised Foundation degree
· Submit additional test scores for ACT/SAT (if applicable)
· Additional course requirements if any
Graduate Admission Requirements
· Bachelor's degree (55% or more)
· UK Bachelor's degree with Honours
· Additional course requirements if any
· Must meet the English language requirements
· Submit additional test scores for GMAT/ GRE (if applicable)
Q: What is Hult International Business School - UK famous for?
Hult International Business School, UK, is famous for its global perspective and multicultural environment. The school is known for its focus on practical education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programs across multiple campuses located in prominent cities around the world, including Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. It is also recognised for its diverse student body, with over 128 nationalities represented among its students. The school has received positive reviews for its competent faculty, practical approach to business education, and the opportunity for students to interact with a wide network of contacts
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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.