If you’re a business student at a crossroads in choosing MIM or MBA, you’re at the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore MIM VS MBA in detail.
MIM and MBA are both excellent course choices in the UK for business students. The courses look similar but serve different purposes. What’s better for you depends on various factors, including your age, experience, and career goals.
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MBA or Master’s in Business Administration is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after courses among international students, especially Indians.
The course has a higher ROI, an excellent alumni network, and greater value in the market. MBA has a higher fee range, and MBA candidates typically need 1-2 years of work experience.
MIM or Master’s in Management, much like an MBA, provides advanced level education about business management.
However, MIM is much cheaper than an MBA and does not require prior work experience.
Both courses have a standard set of requirements, including a relevant bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Additionally, you will require two or more years of experience for an MBA. If you want to understand how eligible you are for these courses, you can book a free call and ask our experts.
Below is an overview.
| Difference | MBA | MIM |
| Duration | 1-2 years | One year |
| Average Fee | £31,450 – £87,900 | £16,000 – £45,000 |
| Eligibility | Standard requirements* + Minimum two years of work experience | Standard requirements |
| English proficiency test scores | IELTS: 6.5+ TOEFL: 90+ | IELTS: 6.5+ TOEFL: 93-100 |
| Nature of the course | Practical and experiential learning | Theoretical |
| Career Prospects | Senior-level positions | Entry-level positions |
MIM Vs MBA: What is MIM?
A Master’s in Management degree is an excellent alternative to a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). MIM covers all the business fundamentals, and you also get a chance to learn from business leaders.
This course could be perfect if you have little to no work experience.
What can you expect to learn?
MIM programs cover all modules related to business management, such as Marketing, Statistics, Operations, Organisational Behaviour, and Accounting. Usually, these topics are covered as foundational programs.
Once you’ve completed the foundational courses, you learn all the core subjects, such as Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management, and Human Resources Management.
These subjects provide a deeper understanding and are explored well under your one-year course.
You also have elective subjects which you can select based on your career goals. You may choose from subjects like Entrepreneurship, International Business, and Sustainability.
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Pros and Cons of Studying MIM
| PROS | CONS |
| An excellent alternative to MBA | Lower recognition compared to MBA |
| Shorter duration (one year) | It does not cover all business modules as vastly as MBA |
| Cost-effective, the fee is almost 50% less than MBA | The alum network is smaller since the course is relatively new |
| Plenty of networking opportunities | Most jobs prospects are entry-level |
Career Prospects and MIM Salary in UK
MIM is equally competitive as MBA, but since MIM candidates usually do not have any work experience, it’s hard to land roles in senior positions.
However, considering your grades and skillset, you can be guaranteed to land an entry-level position with a good salary post-graduation.
Typically, as a MIM graduate, you can land the following positions:
- Business Development Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Digital Media Manager
- Project Manager
- Financial Services Analyst
- Graduate Research Analyst
- Associate Consultant
- Business Analyst
The average MIM salary in UK for graduates ranges from 42,500 GBP – 100,000 GBP per year. But, of course, these factors can vary depending on your location, university and skills.
Our experts can help you understand these factors better, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to know more.
Top recruiters for MIM graduates:
- BCG
- BNP Paribas
- Mckinsey
- Loreal
- KPMG
As a MIM graduate, you have an excellent potential for career growth. You can definitely expect to land good positions as your career escalates and surely get a good return on investment.
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Top 5 universities for MIM in UK
Most top universities in the UK do offer MIM. Although, it’s best to check the syllabus before you apply.
Book a free conversation with our experts for a full list of universities and eligibility requirements. Find universities you’re most compatible with!
- London Business School
- Imperial College London (Imperial College Business School)
- University of Warwick (Warwick Business School)
- Durham University (Durham University Business School)
- University of Birmingham
MIM VS MBA: What is MBA?
MBA has maintained a reputation for being one of the best programs for International students in the UK. Not only does it extensively cover all aspects of business and beyond, but it also promises excellent career prospects and growth.
MBA program has remained relevant for decades and has a large network of star-studded alum lists, including former presidents, Nobel prize winners, successful CEOs and triumphant entrepreneurs.
What can you expect to learn?
An MBA or Master’s in Business Administration degree ensures you learn theoretical and practical knowledge about management. Starting right from Marketing to Finance and Human resources, an MBA is an all-encompassing degree that enables you to gain advanced knowledge about these subjects and develop soft skills.
MBA also extensively covers leadership and entrepreneurship, economics, logistics, supply chain management, business strategy, team management, business ethics and more.
MBA in the UK provides numerous opportunities to learn experientially through internships, projects and case studies.
Chat with us if you want to know more about the MBA course structure.
Pros and Cons of Studying MBA
| PROS | CONS |
| Broad and in-depth knowledge of all subjects | Cost is comparatively higher |
| Higher salaries and career growth | Highly competitive course to get into top universities |
| An extensive network of alums promotes networking opportunities | Some universities may have two-years of course duration |
| Chance to get senior-level positions right after graduation | You need two or more years of experience to get admitted |
| Practical learning and better exposure |
Career Prospects and MBA Salary in UK
A Master’s in Business Analytics poses an excellent career. The average MBA salary in UK starts from 50,000 GBP and can easily surpass 200,000 GBP, depending on your company, location, and skills.
As an MBA graduate, you can land the following positions:
- Management Consultant
- Investment Banker
- Finance Manager
- Operations Manager
- Finance Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Manager- People Consulting
- Client Success Specialist
- Field Marketing Manager
MBA graduates usually possess a strong sense of leadership qualities, are team players and are experts in decision-making. Employers value these qualities and are always on the lookout for MBA graduates.
Some of the top recruiters for MBA graduates are,
- HSBC.
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- McKinsey.
- International Business Machines (IBM) Corp.
- Hamleys.
- Accenture.
- Microsoft.
- P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Top 5 universities for MBA in UK
Studying MBA at top universities has its own privileges, especially when it comes to landing a job.
Talk to our experts if you’re curious about what universities you’re suitable for based on your grades!
You will also get a complete list of universities in the UK that are great for an MBA.
Below is a list of our top 5.
- Coventry University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of East London
- University of Manchester
MIM VS MBA: Which is Better?
In a nutshell, MIM is better for students with no work experience. This course will give you a decent career launch, and you can easily land a well-paying entry-level job right after graduation. However, the course is primarily theoretical in nature.
MBA is an extensive course that requires a lot more coursework and time. To be eligible for MBA, you mandatorily need two or more years of experience.
An MBA degree can land senior positions right after graduation and offer better pay and career advancement.
The best program depends on your requirements and factors such as age and career goals. Though both of these courses have much to offer themselves, it is incomplete without your efforts and skillset. At the end of the day, you can make a lot of difference by putting in consistent work!
So, consider all financial and academic factors and choose wisely!
An easier way to determine what’s best for you between MIM VS MBA is to talk to an expert who can understand your grades, interest, financial restrictions and point you in the right direction.
Leap’s Experts have helped thousands of students land programs and universities of their dreams. Book a FREE session with us today.
Tell us about yourself, and we’ll help you figure out the rest!
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Q. Are MIM and MBA the same?
A. Though MIM and MBA look identical in course structure, they serve different purposes. MIM stands for Master’s in Management, and MBA stands for Master’s in Business Administration. The eligibility for both courses also differs. While an MBA requires work experience, MIM accepts fresh graduates. Salaries differ as well.
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Q. Is MIM better than an MBA?
A. MIM is better for those who are just launching their careers. However, graduating with an MBA degree results in advanced-level positions and higher pay. The salaries for an MBA seem to be on a higher end than MIM. On the contrary, MIM has much more affordable fees. But at the end of the day, it depends on your skill set and preferences.
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Q. Can we do an MBA after MIM?
A. Yes. MBA candidates usually have work experience of two or more years. An ideal route would be to complete MIM, get a few years of experience and complete an MBA degree. However, it is not mandatory. A MIM degree can be fulfilling in itself.
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Q. Can you get placement in the UK after completing your MBA?
A. Not all universities in the UK have traditional placement services (unless specified). Still, they do have job fairs, career services and a large chain of alumni network to help you quickly find employment. Besides, MBA graduates are highly valued, and companies hire very often.
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Q. How much does it cost to do an MBA in the UK?
A. It costs ₹29.5 Lakhs to ₹48 Lakhs to get an MBA degree in the UK. MBA salary in the UK starts from ₹50L, so it has a great return on investment. The fee for an MBA course may depend on the university as well. The good news is that the UK is one of the most generous countries regarding scholarships. There are many fully funding scholarships that can bring down your costs!
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Q. Is GMAT required for MBA and MIM in the UK?
A. Most UK universities admit candidates without GMAT scores. Though, they expect you to have a GPA above 60% in your bachelor’s. English proficiency scores are another requirement. Additionally, you should verify if the university has specific course requirements, such as a preference for high school studies in statistics or math or a requirement for relevant bachelor’s courses.
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Q. What is the salary of a MIM graduate in the UK?
A. On average, MIM graduates can expect to earn 42,500 GBP to 100,000 GBP per year. But this can vary depending on the company, location and your skills. Your salary will multiply as you grow, and you can switch to other senior positions. MIM is a great start to your career, but it is up to you to upskill.
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Q. Do you need a student visa to study in UK?
A. Yes. You must apply for a UK student visa if you’re over 16 and wish to study in the UK. How long you can stay will depend on the duration of your course. You can apply for a student visa as soon as you receive an admission offer from the university. The UK Government accepts visa applications as early as 6 months before the start of the course.
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Q. Can I work part-time while pursuing an MBA in the UK?
A. Yes. As per the UK student visa policies, you can work part-time during your studies. The hours are restricted. You can work 20 and 40 hours a week during your semester breaks or holidays. Universities post many part-time job opportunities on their website so that you can find relevant opportunities from there. You can also find opportunities on LinkedIn, Indeed or other job-hunting platforms.
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Q. Can I pursue an MBA in the UK without work experience?
A. Typically, an MBA requires 2 years of work experience. Most universities make it mandatory for students to have work experience. However, there may be some universities that accept those who don’t have prior experience. If you’re planning to get into top-ranking universities, applying with 2 or more years of experience is best. As the competition is high in such universities, a lack of experience may lag you behind.
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Q. Do you need English proficiency scores to study MBA or MIM in the UK?
A. Yes. English proficiency scores in tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE are mandatory to study in the UK. All universities in the UK make it a part of their applications, with some exceptions. Since MBA and MIM are both advanced courses, it’s important to prove your English language skills. An IELTS score of 6.5 and above should be good for admissions, though it may vary depending on the university.
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