The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023

Each year, the world of business education eagerly awaits the release of The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking. This esteemed ranking of the top MiM programs highlights the leading MiM programs, revealing the nations, institutions, and courses that are molding the next generation of international business leaders.

For your convenience, we have analyzed the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023. These are this year’s top 10 Master in Management (MiM) programs worldwide.

1. HEC Paris
2. University of St. Gallen
3. London Business School
4. ESCP Business School
5. ESSEC Business School
6. Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management
7. EMLyon Business School
8. ESADE Business School
8. SDA Bocconi/Università Bocconi
10. Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

What is The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking?

The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking is one of the most reputable and comprehensive benchmarks of MiM rankings. Since its debut in 2004, it has consistently spotlighted top-tier MiM programs worldwide, holding substantial influence in academic and industry circles. For this year’s 19th edition, 142 MiM programs took part in the ranking process. That’s an increase of seven programs from the previous year. 

MiM programs offer an attractive alternative to MBA degrees. They predominantly cater to candidates who have limited or no work experience, allowing fresh graduates to seamlessly transition from their bachelor’s studies into a master’s program.

The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking’s Methodology

The Financial Times MiM Ranking’s methodology employs two main data sources: feedback from the alumni community and detailed statistics from the business schools themselves. The data is weighted across multiple areas to arrive at the final ranking.

Financial

Financial elements are pivotal when analyzing MiM programs, given that they reflect the program’s return on investment. Parameters such as median salaries three years post-graduation (16%), subsequent salary increments (10%), and overall value for money (6%) are factored in this category.

Diversity

Diversity in MiM programs enhances the educational experience. Thus, it is another key factor taken into account by The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking places emphasis on diversity by evaluating factors such as the percentage of female faculty members (5%), female students (5%), women on the school’s advisory board (1%), as well as international students (5%) and international faculty (5%).

Career Advancement

The trajectory of alumni careers after their MiM is closely scrutinized. Career progress is gauged by seniority and company changes experienced by students post-graduation (6%). Alumni also offer their perspectives on their institution’s career services (4%) and how effectively their post-graduation aspirations have been met (5%).

International Exposure

Each program’s international exposure is also taken into account and evaluated based on the program’s international mobility options (6%) and international course experiences (6%).

Other

The percentage of faculty members with a doctorate also factors into the rankings (4%). There are also categories dedicated to environmental responsibility, such as the program’s carbon footprint ranking (4%) or ESG and net zero teaching ranking (3%).

Our Analysis Of The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023

The 2023 FT MiM rankings see some continuing trends from 2022 and 2021.

The Continued Dominance of European Business Schools

In the 2023 FT MiM Ranking, the dominant presence of European business schools continues to be evident. HEC Paris has surged to the forefront, moving the University of St.Gallen down to second place. The London Business School completes the top three podium, having climbed up four positions from last year’s seventh place. 

Besides France, Switzerland, and the UK, other European countries such as Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the Netherlands have multiple schools represented.

The Continued Rise of Asian Business Schools

A country that has made remarkable progress in this year’s rankings is China. Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management has broken into the coveted top ten, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Antai follows closely in the twelfth position.

Remargarbley graduates from Tsinghua saw the highest salary percentage increase at 93.6%, and they came in 6th for career progress.  

But China is not the only Eastern country making waves. India’s presence has also grown substantially. Both SP Jain Institute of Management & Research and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad made it to the top 50.

Limited US Representation in the Ranking

A noticeable aspect of the FT Masters in Management Ranking is the limited presence of US business schools. Firstly, to be eligible for the ranking, MiM programs must be full-time, cohort-based, and accredited by AACSB or EQUIS. The FT also requires at least a 20% response rate from alumni, with a minimum of 20 completed surveys. Additionally, the ranking specifically targets Masters in Management degrees for students with little or no prior work experience.

Many US programs have accreditation, but some might find the other requirements limiting.

Using The Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking To Find Your Dream Program

Business school rankings like the FT Masters in Management Ranking 2023 can help streamline your choices. However, always keep your career goals in mind. What do you want from a MiM? 

As you plan your management career, use this ranking as a helpful tool, but also be sure to connect with students and alumni ambassadors for more personal insights on the MiM programs you are interested in.