Trying to decide between Imperial and Durham MBA, how big is the difference in job outcomes?

Question

Looking at both Imperial and Durham for MBA next year, and I’m a bit stuck. I have around 4 years of experience in finance, and my goal is to switch into either consulting or product/strategy roles at a tech firm in the UK after graduation.
Imperial looks stronger on paper,  global brand, based in London,  but the cost is almost double compared to Durham. On the other hand, Durham’s MBA is much more affordable, and I’ve heard they’re generous with scholarships.
I’m just not sure how big the gap really is when it comes to placements, especially for international students. Does choosing Imperial actually give you better access to companies in London, or is it not worth the extra money if your profile is solid?
Also wondering if it’s harder to get a job with visa sponsorship after Durham MBA, since it’s not based in London.

Mansih K · Accepted Answer

Saving nearly half the cost sounds great ,  until trying to job-hunt from outside London.

Durham&rsquo;s MBA gives solid academic value and scholarships, but students often need to travel to London themselves for interviews and networking. That adds time and cost.
Imperial students are closer to the action &mdash; more company visits, more recruiter meetings, and more chances to build connections during the year.
For roles in tech or product strategy, Imperial has stronger ties with firms like Salesforce, Google UK, and smaller London-based startups.
Durham graduates do get into consulting, but usually through personal networking rather than official campus recruiting routes.
Visa sponsorship is challenging no matter the school, but being in London helps with fast applications and interviews, especially for international students.

The difference shows up more after graduation than during the program.
For more details you can read these blogs on "Imperial MBA " , "Durham MBA "

B.K Sharma · Answer

Imperial MBA offers noticeably stronger job outcomes than Durham, especially for international students aiming for consulting or strategy roles in the UK. Location is a big part of it ,  being based in London means easier access to career fairs, employer visits, and short-term projects during the program.
Imperial also brings more big companies to campus. Many students get into firms like Amazon, Strategy&, and Accenture, and the school has a decent record for product roles at tech firms.
Durham also sees success, especially for those with solid work experience, but graduates are more likely to get roles outside of London or in smaller firms. Getting visa-sponsored jobs from Durham is possible, but requires more effort since fewer recruiters actively come to campus.
On average, Imperial MBA grads report a salary of around &pound;63,000 after graduation, while Durham MBA grads earn closer to &pound;45,000 &mdash; which reflects the difference in access and recruiter network.