University of Brighton recognised as among the world’s leading business schools

Currently fewer than 6% of business schools globally are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), including 41 universities in the UK. By gaining AACSB accreditation, the university has achieved its ambition to join a group of institutions considered to be the best business schools in the world.

The accreditation process, spanning five years, focused on the university’s School of Business and Law and involved a comprehensive evaluation in May 2023 by a panel of business school deans from leading British, Australian and Canadian universities.

Involving university staff and students, Brighton Students’ Union and external partners, the visit ensured a thorough assessment of the School of Business and Law’s operations, its dedication to delivering the school’s mission and commitment to continuous improvement.

Through the rigorous peer-review process, AACSB accreditation ensures that business schools meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, industry engagement, research, the curriculum and learner success.

Professor Debra Humphris CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “This accreditation firmly establishes Brighton’s position among the world’s top-tier universities for business and management provision.

“When students choose to come to Brighton to study, they know they will be joining a world-leading institution for business education, where industry engagement and research underpins real-world learning that prepares our students for success in employment or entrepreneurship.”

The University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law is based in Elm House, a modern, purpose-built facility at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus. Designed to replicate industry and professional environments, Elm House is a contemporary learning space to facilitate a collaborative, practical, working environment giving students a chance to work in realistic situations.

Offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees, the School of Business and Law teaches, researches, collaborates and consults across the full range of business and management disciplines including accounting, business, economics, finance, human resource management, law, leadership, logistics, management and marketing.

The University of Brighton is in the top 30% for average earnings three years after graduation in undergraduate business and management subjects, according to the Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2022. Economics is a particular strength, currently ranked second in the UK for teaching quality and student experience (Times Good University Guide 2023) and third in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024). Brighton also offers the UK’s only dual-award with the Chartered Institute of Marketing on its marketing courses.

Interior of Elm House

Professor Toni Hilton, Dean of the School of Business and Law at the University of Brighton, said: “We are delighted to be joining the select group of universities that lead business and management education, industry engagement and impactful research in the UK and globally. This accreditation will enable our staff and students to collaborate with academics in other world-leading universities and our students will also benefit from the commitment to continuous improvement required to maintain accreditation.

“This significant achievement is further evidence of our success in delivering ambitious learning outcomes for our students alongside industry engagement and impactful research that enhances practice and makes a positive societal impact. It is particularly pleasing to be commended on our practices in promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion, our engagement and impact in the regional economy and society and the design and use of Elm House - the new building for the School of Business and Law - to support active learning, student centred pedagogies, and business engagement.”

More than 50 professional organisations now recognise and accredit University of Brighton courses, meaning they have met tough national and international benchmarks. For students, these accreditations can provide an extra qualification in addition to their degree, a licence to practise, or exemption from professional examinations. Some courses also include membership of a relevant professional body for Brighton students while they study.

Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, said: “AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. We congratulate University of Brighton and Dean Toni Hilton on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team –including the administration, faculty, staff, and students – for their roles in earning this respected honour.”