Collegedunia Team Content Curator
Content Curator
Choosing between an MBA at Durham Business School (Durham University) and Saïd Business School (University of Oxford) involves key considerations. Saïd Business School offers a prestigious program with a global perspective, leveraging its connection with the University of Oxford. Durham Business School provides a comprehensive program with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and technology. Your decision should align with your career goals, preferred campus atmosphere, and learning style. Saïd Business School excels in its reputation and Oxford's resources, while Durham Business School offers a well-rounded education and strengths in specific areas. Assess these factors to select the program that aligns best with your professional aspirations and desired MBA experience.
| Durham University Business School | Said Business School | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 86 Financial Times 2025 # 74 Financial Times 2021 # 62 Financial Times 2020 | # 26 Financial Times 2025 # 17 Financial Times 2021 # 21 Financial Times 2020 |
| Programs | UG Programs -4 PG Programs -3 | PG Programs -12 Doctorate Programs -2 |
| Cost to Study | Hostel + Meal - 10569 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 41250 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 17723 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 10 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 121 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 126 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 1 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 2 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 5 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| application | #594 Applicants # 59 Admissions # 10 % Acceptance Rate | #5183 Applicants # 311 Admissions # 6 % Acceptance Rate |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 102/120 | IELTS - 7.5/9TOEFL - 110/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -106080 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 13, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline Intake) Feb 19, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline Intake) Apr 16, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline Intake) Jun 11, 2026 (Round 4 Application Deadline Intake) | Sep 1, 2025 (Stage 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Oct 1, 2025 (Stage 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Oct 17, 2025 (Stage 1 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Nov 3, 2025 (Stage 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Nov 14, 2025 (Stage 2 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Dec 12, 2025 (Stage 3 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jan 7, 2026 (Stage 4 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Mar 6, 2026 (Stage 4 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Mar 16, 2026 (Stage 5 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Apr 24, 2026 (Stage 5 Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
Durham University’s Business School and the University of Oxford’s Said Business School are prominent in the field of business education in the United Kingdom. Students planning to do an MBA in the UK need to keep the following facts in mind while selecting between the two schools:
- Although Said has a much better global ranking of #21 compared to Durham’s #62 according to Financial Times, Durham has a slightly better employment rate and salary increase for MBA graduates.
- Both schools have a standard 12-month MBA, but Durham also has a 15-month option if you are looking to gain more experience.
- Said offers a higher amount in scholarships to help students fund their education.
- Durham graduates have three possible specialist pathways - Entrepreneurship, Consultancy and Technology.
- Apart from the regular electives, Said students have the opportunity to do international electives, which will be taught in other cities like Johannesburg, London and New York City.
- The main attractions of the Durham MBA program include the Boardroom Exercise, the Charity Consultancy Project, the Strategic Business Project, and the International Business in Context.
- Said students can get to be a part of GOTO, participate in an Entrepreneurship Project and a Strategic Consulting Project, and do co-curricular lab activities.
- Durham has the triple accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS while Said only has EQUIS. However, Said has an Athena Swan Bronze Award and is a member of the Global Network for Advanced Management.
Durham has a lot of advantages in career preparations, but the program at Said is more holistic and has better recognition globally. In fact, Durham is a good option if you are planning on staying in the UK after graduation, as the placements are more central to the business scenario in the UK, while Said is a better option if you are looking for an internationally immersive course that prepares you to excel in a global setting.
