Top online MBA programmes at European business schools

The recently released QS Online MBA Rankings 2023: Europe features 26 of the top business schools in Europe for online MBAs.  

The QS Online MBA Rankings are based on four indicators: faculty and teaching, employability, class profile and class experience. You can find out more about the methodology used to produce the rankings here. 

Read on to find out more about the top programmes setting the standard for exceptional online MBA provision worldwide.  

9. Birmingham Business School

Ranked ninth in the list this year, the online MBA programme at Birmingham Business School has scored quite highly for the class experience indicator. 

Aside from being a part of a range of MBAs offered from the oldest business school in the UK, this programme is recognised as the first 100 percent online MBA to be accredited by the Association of MBAs.  

With 67 percent international students from over 70 countries, the programme offers flexible start dates to prospective students (July, November, January, February, or April). 

The 180-credit programme is split between 12 modules worth 10 credits each, and a 60-credit final dissertation which is completed in the final six months of the programme. Elective module options include a diverse selection from critical integration in management, entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The duration of the programme is 30 months and would cost a total estimated cost of £24,284 (approx. US$30,736). 

=7. Oxford Brookes Business School 

Oxford Brookes Business School’s Global MBA programme is ranked joint seventh in Europe alongside Durham Business School.  

The flexible Global MBA at Oxford Brookes Business School offers students the option of attending the course fully online, on campus or to opt for a hybrid option. Students receive the chance to interact with fellow students and tutors through the virtual campus. They will also be offered the support of a dedicated academic advisor, who would help track individual development and create actions for future growth. 

From the total number of students currently enrolled, 45 percent are female, with an international student representation from over 65 different countries. A majority of the students who enrol for this 30-month long MBA have an average of six-10 years of work experience under their belt.  

Tuition is £18,600 for March 2024 starters and £18,950 (approx. US$23,980) for September 2024 and March 2025 intakes. ACCA members receive discounts on the tuition fees, and students also have the option to apply for global MBA scholarships and postgraduate loan schemes to fund their studies. 

=7. Durham University Business School 

Also ranked seventh, Durham University Business School’s Online MBA has achieved its highest score in the faculty and teaching indicator. This programme requires students to devote around 15 hours per week of individual study in addition to the contact hours. 

Tuition fee of the programme is £15,000 (approx. US$18,980) and students have the option to enrol for either the September or the April intake each year. During the programme, students will have access to a virtual learning platform which provides them a more immersive learning experience and allow access to learning resources. 

Online MBA students will complete five core modules (accounting, finance and economics, leading and managing people, marketing, operations and technology, strategic management), and have the option to select electives from six optional modules. 

Out of the total number of students enrolled on the programme, 39 percent are female, and 23 nationalities are represented. Launched in 1998, the programme spans for a duration of two years and boasts over 2,860 graduates.  

6. Vlerick Business School 

In sixth place in Europe this year is Vlerick Business School, the only Belgian school on the list. The school’s online MBA programme has a standard duration of 26 months which can be shortened to just over a year through a fast-track option or be completed within a maximum of five years if required. 

The programme is made up of 12 core courses, and has earned high scores in the faculty and teaching and class experience indicators while also being ranked joint third in Europe for class experience.  

The current class profile includes 32 percent of female students, with most students having an average of 12-15 years of work experience prior to enrolling.  

The total fee for the programme is €37,500 (approx. US$40,490) and students have the option to commence the online MBA either in January or September each year. 

5. Alliance Manchester Business School 

Alliance Manchester Business School’s Global Part-time MBA is placed fifth in the list this year. This MBA has earned the highest score for employability, for which it’s ranked third in Europe.  

The programme follows a hybrid teaching approach combined with both online classes and face-to-face workshops across five global centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai and Singapore. 

This Global MBA’s class profile is highly diverse, with international students coming from 68 different countries. Majority of the students have an average of 12 years' work experience and six years of managerial experience. 

The two-year flexible programme has tuition fees of £32,000 (approx. US$40,446) or £29,500 (approx. US$37,280) for the finance accelerated pathway. This Global MBA commences in January and July every year.  

4. Politecnico di Milano School of Management 

Polimi’s online Flex EMBA which has a standard duration of 18- 21 months is ranked fourth in Europe this year. The programme has achieved a perfect score for the faculty and teaching indicator while being ranked first in Europe.  

Flex EMBA’s teaching is enriched with smart learning resources such as D-Hub, the university's digital learning platform developed on Microsoft technology. This provides students a top-notch learning experience along with all necessary study materials. 

The course is taught in Italian and requires applicants to have at least six years of professional experience to be eligible. The programme commences in June each year and the fees are €40,000 for individuals (approx. US$43,250) and €43,000 for companies (approx. US$46,493).  

3. Imperial College Business School 

In second place once again is the Global Online MBA at Imperial College Business School, which received a perfect score for employability.  

The programme primarily utilises The Hub, a virtual learning platform from Imperial’s Edtech lab. Before starting, students must complete six pre-study modules. After commencement, students take six core modules and at least two from four flexcore modules.  

Following this, students will be offered the option to select four from a range of electives to specialise in. To truly put the ‘global’ in Global Online MBA, these optional electives would also include IB Global Electives and opportunity to take part in the Global Experience Week. 

The current Global Online MBA cohort comprises of a total of 159 students including international students from 50 nationalities. Most students possess an average of 12 years of work experience. This part-time programme offers durations of 21, 24, or 32 months, with fees for the September 2024 intake set at £50,500 (approx. US$63,971).

=1. Warwick Business School

WBS shares first place in Europe this year with IE Business School, achieving high scores in the employability, class profile and faculty and teaching indicators. This programme is also ranked first in Europe for the class profile indicator. 

The distance learning MBA cohort is diverse, with majority of the students having 12- 13 years of average work experience, students from around 69 nationalities and 36 percent female students.  

Programme fees if studying at Warwick campus will be £37,400 (approx. US$47,350) for the January intake and £39,450 (approx. US$49,940) for the June intake. If enrolled at the London campus, £42,900 (approx. US$54,300) for the January intake and £45,450 (approx. US$ 57,530) for the June intake. 

The Global MBA is primarily taught online but requires students to attend two residential weeks on campus and take one face-to-face elective at either the Warwick or London campuses enabling students to receive maximum programme benefits. The programme takes between two years to complete with an extendable option for five years.  

=1) IE Business School  

Ranked joint first in Europe, retaining the top spot for yet another year is IE Business School. IE Business School’s Global Online MBA programme has achieved near-perfect scores for employability and faculty and teaching indicators.  

Known for its diverse cohorts, the class profile for IE’s Global Online MBA is made up of students from over 50 nationalities with a majority of them having a minimum of three years of work experience.  

The programme is made up of three core online periods throughout which eight modules will be delivered. Students also have the option to opt for a blended learning approach and visit the campus in Madrid for three face-to-face weeks or take part in a Global Immersion Week (locations include Shanghai, Los Angeles and Mumbai).  

Teaching includes working in interactive small groups on real-world and industry-based case studies. The tuition fee for this part-time programme is €60,000 (approx. US$64,940) and the duration is either 17, 24 or 30 months. 

FAQs 

What is the best MBA programme in Europe?  

According to the QS Online MBA Rankings 2023: Europe, the Global Online MBA programme at IE Business School is ranked first in the list this year. For additional details about this programme, please visit this link.  

What is the average salary of an MBA graduate?  

The average salary of an MBA graduate in Europe can vary significantly depending on factors like the business school attended, the industry, and the specific country. MBA graduates in Europe typically command competitive salaries, often exceeding the national averages. It's essential to consider that salary statistics can fluctuate, and staying updated with the latest data and industry trends is recommended for the most accurate information.