Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Feb 17, 2023 02:54 PM IST

Did you know that you can study MBA in UK without work experience? Several b-schools are offering students with limited to no work experience the opportunity to apply for an MBA programme.

Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience

MBA in UK is an internationally recognised post-graduate degree programme that prepares students for various roles in the business world. In addition to a holistic business curriculum, UK universities offer a platform to develop managerial skills, build a professional community, and expedite career trajectory to a six-figure income.

MBA programmes are typically designed for candidates who are already employed and want to improve their management abilities in order to advance or switch their careers or start their own venture. Since work experience serves as a baseline upon which the competencies and expertise of an MBA degree are built, the majority of universities need candidates to have field-relevant work experience.

Most MBA schools typically need at least two years of experience as one of the fundamental requirements for admission. Work experience normally refers to a job that you have after completing your undergraduate degree. Some institutions, however, also count it in addition to internships, volunteer work, and pre-graduation work as experience. Other than this, to get into an MBA in UK without work experience, you will need an exceptional profile.

Planning to pursue an MBA in UK without work experience? Or, want to know How to Score a Perfect 800 on GMAT to boost your acceptance rate? Ask our study abroad experts!

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Study MBA in UK Without Work Experience - Highlights 

Before we dig deep into our topic study MBA in UK without work experience, here is a short overview table for international students and aspirants that will brief them about the same:

Course Name 

MBA 

Duration 

12-24 months 

Top Specialisations in UK

International Business, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Finance & Accounting, Marketing, etc. 

Academic Requirements

ELP scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, etc), GMAT scores (if asked), Bachelor’s academic report, class 12 academic report, etc. 

Work Experience

Not Required

Selection Process

Merit/Entrance Test

Minimum Percentage in Bachelor’s 

Usually 60% or above 

Average Fees

GBP 25,000-40,000

MBA in UK Average Salary

GBP 45,000

Why is Work Experience Required for MBA Programmes?

An MBA sharpens your skills rather than building them from the ground up. That is why it is critical to have some knowledge about the field you are interested in and get some relevant experience. MBA programmes are intended to be hands-on, practical learning experiences in which students draw on their prior work knowledge.

Without real-world experience, class discussions would be much more theoretical, with fewer opportunities for students to learn from each other's failures and accomplishments. Work experience also helps you advance in your post-MBA career, which involves both educational credentials and real-world experience.

Work experience is required for MBA programmes at major UK universities such as Cambridge Judge Business School, Said Business School, Imperial College Business School, and many others.

The reason behind it is that students with practical experience can grasp the MBA course curriculum more readily when compared to students with no previous work experience.

Can I Pursue an MBA in UK Without Work Experience?

There is no doubt that work experience plays an important role in MBA applications. Although it is a good indicator of success, it is not the only one. Your application may be able to compensate for a lack of professional work experience if it stands out in other ways, such as an extraordinary Grade Point Average (GPA), a high GMAT score, or self-taught data analytics skills.

Extracurricular activities, hobbies, and community service activities can all help to boost your MBA application. Particularly if you can provide evidence of leadership skills.

Similar to professional experience, the type of any prior experience does not matter nearly as much as how you approached it and what you learned from it. The admissions committee (AdCom) is more concerned with showing initiative and a desire to make a difference than they are with a certain designation.

It is possible to pursue an MBA in the UK with limited or no work experience. For example, early career MBA programmes give you the know-how and skills you need for a successful entry into the business world. It is possible to pursue an MBA in UK without having any prior professional experience and has its own benefits. Many of them include:

  • It is an opportunity to start your career sooner and with better pay.

  • You will have all the necessary knowledge and abilities to handle work-related issues.

  • You become acquainted with the details of business at a young age.

  • You have the option of choosing entry-level positions in reputable businesses.

  • You are more equipped to pursue and advance your interests and abilities.

What Specialisations are Available for an MBA in UK Without Work Experience?

Without prior work experience, the General MBA is preferred by many individuals studying for an MBA in UK. The benefit is that you are exposed to all business departments. With limited to no work experience, you might not be certain of the speciality field in which you would like to advance your career. To help you make an informed decision, here are the popular MBA specialisations:

  • MBA in Finance

  • MBA in Marketing

  • MBA in Operations

  • MBA in International Business

  • MBA in Human Resources

  • MBA in Hotel Management

  • MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Eligibility for MBA in UK Without Work Experience

An existing degree in management or business is a no requirement to qualify for an MBA in UK. Some colleges in UK offer MBA Without GMAT by placing emphasis on other important aspects of an MBA application. The following are the prerequisites for admission to MBA programmes in UK universities without having any prior work experience:

  • A Bachelor's Degree: A standard criterion for many MBA universities in UK is an undergraduate degree in any field with not less than 60% in any subject. A stellar performance at the undergraduate level may interest AdCom in your resume since you are applying with no work experience.

  • GRE/ GMAT Score: A high GRE score or GMAT score is required for MBA admission at several UK universities. Especially, if you have no work experience, a good GMAT (above 700) or GRE score (above 320) may compensate for the minimum professional experience requirement.

  • IELTS/ TOEFL Score: You must hold a valid IELTS score or TOEFL score to demonstrate your English language proficiency. A good IELTS band of 7 (or above) or a good TOEFL score of above 100 may compensate for the minimum professional experience requirement.

  • SOP and LORs: With your MBA application, you will need to attach a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR). It is essential to submit a well-written SOP and LORs to be considered for admission to a reputable university.

  • A Remarkable Resume: As you are someone who is applying without work experience, your curriculum vitae (CV) should stand out from the competition. Do list all of your earlier accomplishments, including any field-related awards you have received or any social work you have done.

What is the Duration of MBA in UK Without Work Experience?

Most MBA programmes in the UK without work experience last 1-2 years, and the modules taught differ by specialisation and university. However, the primary goal of these programmes is to build a grasp of the fundamental concepts of business and how they apply in various business environments. Students learn a variety of business activities such as strategic marketing, sustainable operations, accounting and finance, and so on. Along with classroom sessions, most MBA colleges in the UK include workshops, corporate visits, interactions with industry executives, visits to business incubators, and other activities in their curriculum.

With the changing business environment, most colleges in the UK now offer MBA students workshops on personal brand promotion, risk management, business creation, and big data for small enterprises. There will also be activities to improve adaptable thinking, networking, and team management.

Admission Process for MBA in UK Without Work Experience

There is a great deal of scrutiny when it comes to selecting students for MBA programs at UK universities who have no work experience. Therefore, each applicant's profile will be carefully reviewed before an admission decision is made.

  • Step 1: Select a university that offers an MBA without work experience.
  • Step 2: Ensure that you meet their MBA programme's eligibility requirements.
  • Step 3: Look for their selection process criteria or whether they have any MBA essay requirements.
  • Step 4: Before starting the application process, gather all documents like academic transcripts, LORs, and SOPs, along with additional papers like your portfolio, GRE/GMAT score reports and IELTS/TOEFL score reports.
  • Step 5: Complete the application, attach all required paperwork, and pay the application fee.
  • Step 6: If you get selected, you will receive a conditional/unconditional offer letter from the university will at the email address you provided.
  • Step 7: Now you may reserve your seat by paying the fees.
  • Step 8: You can apply for a UK student visa.

Popular Universities for MBA in UK Without Work Experience

Without prior work experience, the United Kingdom offers numerous top MBA programmes as well as MBA specialisations. As opposed to MBA in US, MBA in UK is only for one year. We have listed some popular MBA universities in UK that require no prior work experience:

University Name

Course Duration

MBA Fees/ Year (in GBP)

Anglia Ruskin University

12 months

17,200

Coventry University

12 months

20,100

Glyndwr University

12 months

13,000

Leeds Beckett University

18 Months

15,000

Staffordshire University

13 Months

15,500

Swansea University

12 months

20,000

Teesside University

12 months

14,300

University of Bedfordshire

15 Months

14,500 - 16,325

University of Central Lancashire

24 months

14,500

University of Derby

12 months

15,450

University of East London

12-24 months

16,200 - 3000

University of Greenwich

24 months

18,500

University of Northampton

12 months

16,000

University of Sunderland

12 months

15,000

University of Westminster

12 months

19,000

To conclude, earning an MBA in UK without any work experience is tough but not unachievable. You should truly concentrate on developing your profile rather than worrying about your academic performance. Your test scores and the reliability of your LORs and SOPs should positively reflect your leadership skills and credentials.

Placements after MBA in UK with or without Work Experience 

Applicants pursuing an MBA degree at any UK university can expect a paid internship. After completing the MBA programme, applicants can either pursue a full-time job at a company or network and search for jobs through their institutions at various job fairs. When applying for an MBA programme in the UK to land a job after graduation, keep the following considerations in mind:

  • MBA students are not placed immediately after their MBA completion or graduation.

  • Applicants can only apply for internships through the career support portals of their respective universities.

  • These are also known as pre-placement opportunities, and they are provided to students as a required activity before earning an MBA from the UK.

  • Internships are generally compensated for MBA students, who can earn up to GBP 6,800 per month and GBP 1,700 per week.

  • Following graduation, MBA candidates must seek employment through their universities' recruitment portals or other websites.

  • Following an MBA degree from the UK, the following employment roles and typical salaries might be expected:

Top MBA Job Prospects in the UK

Average Estimated Annual Salary Range (in GBP)

Marketing Manager

27,000-61,000

Business Development Manager

27,000-71,000

HR Manager

28,000-56,000

Operations Manager

29,000-101,000

Project Manager

32,000-78,000

Finance Manager

36,000-70,000

Management Consultant

42,000-116,000

Finance Director

50,000-115,000

Senior Product Manager

59,000-105,000

Need detailed information on pursuing an MBA in UK without work experience? Let us know at abroad@collegedekho.com. and ask us anything from writing your SOP for your MBA to the admission process.

Need Help With Writing Your SOPs, LORs, or MBA Essays?

FAQs

How much work experience is required to pursue an MBA in UK?

To pursue an MBA in UK, a minimum of two to three years of work experience is required. Although work experience can help you get into a top MBA programme, it is not a sole determining factor of an MBA application. Several renowned UK universities offer MBA programmes to international students without having any prior work experience.

Can I pursue an MBA in USA without work experience?

Yes, you can pursue an MBA in USA without work experience. If you have completed a three-year bachelor's degree, such as BMS, a BCom, or BBA, you are eligible to apply for the MBA in the United States. The majority of US universities accept applicants with no prior work experience.

Is pursuing an MBA in UK worth it?

Definitely, pursuing an MBA in UK is worth it. MBA programmes in the UK provide exceptional ROI and provide graduates with an advantage in the real-world market. MBA in UK is chosen by more than 25% of international students, including those from the European Union (EU) and other countries.

Can I pursue MBA at Oxford university without work experience?

No, you cannot pursue MBA at Oxford university without work experience. Excluding internships, applicants must have at least two years of post-graduation full-time work experience to pursue an MBA at Oxford. The average work experience required by the university for the current class is five years.

Is an existing degree in management required to apply for an MBA in UK?

No, an existing degree in management is not required to apply for an MBA in UK. Students in any field can apply to MBA colleges in UK. If you have an excellent academic record, leadership skills, well-written SOPs and LORs, considerable standardised test scores, etc. you can apply for an MBA in UK without work experience.

Which is the best specialisation to pursue an MBA in UK?

To pursue an MBA in UK, the following are some of the best specialisations you can choose from:

  • MBA in Environmental Management & Sustainability

  • MBA in Accounting

  • MBA in Consulting

  • MBA in Operations Management

  • MBA in Entrepreneurship

  • MBA in Human Resources

  • MBA in Finance

  • MBA in Business Strategy

  • MBA in Marketing

  • MBA in General Management

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