Head to head

University of Birmingham vs University of Edinburgh Business School

The University of Birmingham and University of Edinburgh Business School Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.

University of Birmingham versus University of Edinburgh Business School Master in Management, compared on ranking, tuition, salary, selectivity and class profile.
Metric University of Birmingham University of Edinburgh Business School
FT ranking 2025
QS ranking 2025 #84 #32
Tuition £30,330 for international students / £17,460 for UK & Ireland students (2026 entry) — a one-year, QS-ranked MSc Management at a Russell Group, triple-crown business school, open to graduates of any discipline £34,800 (international) · £24,800 (UK)
Median salary
Employment rate
GMAT range
Duration 1 year full-time / September intake 12 months
Class size
Average age
International
Female
Location Birmingham, UK Edinburgh, UK

The short version

  • On tuition, University of Birmingham is the more affordable option at £30,330 for international students / £17,460 for UK & Ireland students (2026 entry) — a one-year, QS-ranked MSc Management at a Russell Group, triple-crown business school, open to graduates of any discipline.

Rankings and salary are only part of the decision — fit with your target career, location, language, and cost of living usually matter more. Read each program in full before deciding.

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Frequently asked

Which is more affordable, University of Birmingham or University of Edinburgh Business School?
Tuition is £30,330 for international students / £17,460 for UK & Ireland students (2026 entry) — a one-year, QS-ranked MSc Management at a Russell Group, triple-crown business school, open to graduates of any discipline at University of Birmingham and £34,800 (international) · £24,800 (UK) at University of Edinburgh Business School. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Birmingham versus Edinburgh, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Do you need the GMAT for University of Birmingham or University of Edinburgh Business School?
University of Birmingham has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE; University of Edinburgh Business School has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE. Test policies change each cycle, so confirm the current requirement on each school's own admissions page before assuming you can skip it.
Should I choose University of Birmingham or University of Edinburgh Business School?
There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Birmingham, UK versus Edinburgh, UK), the language of instruction, and your budget. Read both full profiles, weigh fit over a handful of ranking places, and if you are still torn, our admissions guide walks through building a shortlist you can defend.