Statement of Purpose (SOP) for MBA in UK : Samples for Top Business Schools

International students have always preferred studying in the United Kingdom because it provides a fast-track education with maximum practical exposure. In the last decade, pursuing an MBA in UK has gained popularity, and international students, especially from India, are flocking to the UK to pursue an MBA degree from top universities.

A lot of international students are flocking to pursue an MBA and other courses in the United Kingdom. The country offers fast-track study programs with good opportunities for hands-on experience and exposure. The UK is one of the favourite destinations for MBA aspirants. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the UK has manifold advantages. Mainly, Indian students are going to the UK to pursue their MBA program at UK universities. These universities require the applicants to submit a well-crafted SOP for an MBA in the UK. Therefore, we will discuss how to write an SOP for UK MBA.

The prestigious Business Schools of the UK demand a Statement of Motivation or an essay in their application for MBA courses. There are some universities which require an SOP for MBA in the UK. In this article, we will go through the guidelines and conditions for applying for an MBA in renowned UK universities.

London Business School (LBS)

LBS has been ranked #5 by QS University rankings in its 2025 MBA school rankings. London Business School requires applicants to submit two essays as part of their MBA application:

Essay 1: What are your post-MBA goals, and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?

To answer this question, you must discuss your career goals, professional experience, and why you have selected LBS. You should mention short-term and long-term goals. Talk about your work experience, roles assumed, achievements, and leadership experiences. Finally, discuss how LBS’s curriculum, global exposure, specific clubs, electives, and network align with your goals.

Essay 2: What Makes You Unique (200 words)?

To answer this question, you need to discuss qualities and experiences that set you apart. You may talk about your cultural background, challenges that you overcame, or unusual career paths. Discuss how your uniqueness will contribute to the LBS cohort.

Optional Essay (500 words)

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?

Even though it is an optional essay, you should try to answer it. This is an opportunity for you to explain any gaps in the academic or professional journey or low academic scores (if any). You can also discuss your accomplishments and achievements that you have not covered anywhere else.

University of Cambridge

As per the QS 2025 Global MBA of Rankings, Cambridge’s Judge Business School has been ranked among the best in the world. The student is required to write a statement of purpose and answer a few questions. Here are the main essay questions on the Cambridge MBA application:

Essay 1: Please provide details of your post-MBA career plans (500 words).

To answer this question, you should discuss your short- and long-term career objectives. How will the Cambridge MBA help you to achieve these? What skills/characteristics do you already have, and what preparation are you doing now?

Essay 2: Tell us about a time when you made a professional mistake.

For this prompt, you need to discuss the situation, what your role was and what mistake you committed. What did you learn from your mistake?

Essay 3: Describe a time when you worked with a team to achieve a common goal.

Here, you must project your effective team skills. Discuss what the work/ project at hand was, what your role was in it, what the challenge was and how you overcame it to attain your common goal.

Essay 4: How will you contribute to the diversity of the Cambridge MBA cohort?

For this prompt, do not stick with geographical diversity, but talk about your values, experiences, unique background, and perspectives that will allow you to contribute to the Cambridge MBA cohort.

Read: How to write a Leadership Essay?

University of Oxford

With a QS ranking of #19 (2025), Oxford’s Said Business School is another competitive business school. For its full-time MBA program, the application requires a supporting statement to this essay prompt: “Tell us something that is not covered in your application that you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you.” (250 words) This prompt allows the students to discuss their unique experiences, projecting their personality, values, strengths, and other aspects that have not been covered in the application.

Apart from this, there is a goals essay where you should talk about your post-MBA short and long-term goals and how the Oxford MBA will help you achieve the same.

For re-applicants, there is an additional essay: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (250 words)

Moreover, the admissions committee is looking for good communication, analytical and leadership skills. You must show that you will be a good fit for the Oxford MBA.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics offers the TRIUM Global Executive MBA program, which has been ranked number one worldwide by QS TOP MBA. It is a joint EMBA program that prepares senior leaders at the top level across all industries to thrive in today’s challenging and complex business environment. Applicants must submit multiple essays:

Essay 1: Career goals and motivations for pursuing the TRIUM EMBA—Here you will discuss your post-MBA career goals, both short-term and long-term.

Essay 2: Why TRIUM? – Here, you need to discuss how TRIUM will help you attain your future career goals.

Essay 3: Leadership experience and global exposure: This requires you to talk about your leadership experience, and also if there has been any global exposure.

Essay 4: Personal values and impact – Through this essay, you can project what you bring to the cohort.

University of Warwick

University of Warwick has been ranked #15 in Europe by QS 2025 ranking. The University of Warwick offers a full-time, part-time, and executive degree in MBA. During the application process, the university asks for a personal statement of 1-2 pages. There are no questions provided.  

Read: How to write a Career Progression Essay?

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester offers a full-time MBA program through the Alliance Manchester Business School and requires an application essay. It is ranked #47 globally by QS 2025 Ranking. During the application process, the university asks for a personal statement of 1-2 pages. There are no questions provided.  

Imperial College London

Ranked #30 globally by the QS 2025 rankings, Imperial College London is famous for its business-related programs. For the full-time MBA program application, you need to submit a personal statement (Describe your greatest achievement and how it has shaped you), a career goals essay (What are your short and long-term career goals, and how will the Imperial MBA help you achieve them?) and an optional essay.

This was all about SOP for MBA in UK. For assistance in your study abroad journey, reach out for Shiksha's Counselling Services for free. 

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