Aberdeen Business School

Aberdeen Business School, part of Robert Gordon University (RGU), is located in Aberdeen, Scotland. The school is known for its business-focused education, providing a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development, and research degree programmes in areas like Accounting and Finance, International Marketing, Project Management, and Energy Management. It offers flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, and work-based study, catering to various student needs.
 

The school is accredited by AACSB International, a prestigious accreditation held by only 6% of global business schools. It has received several awards, including Business School of the Year 2020 and top rankings in Scotland for student satisfaction in Business and Management studies. Additionally, the school boasts strong industry links, with many courses offering placement opportunities in local, national, and international organisations, giving students real-world experience.
 

Aberdeen Business School fosters a learning environment focused on creativity and innovation, with students encouraged to develop business ideas and participate in entrepreneurship-related modules. Facilities include the Riverside Building, which features study pods, lecture theatres, and a TV and radio studio. The school also offers opportunities for study abroad in various regions, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

The school maintains close ties with industry professionals, offering masterclasses, business-led workshops, and guest lectures. Aberdeen Business School is also committed to graduate employability, ensuring students acquire the skills and experience needed to succeed in their careers. Its academic staff brings expertise from various business areas, including finance, management, procurement, and sustainability, contributing to the school’s diverse and comprehensive educational offerings.

Aberdeen Business School, part of Robert Gordon University (RGU), has its origins in the late 19th century. The university itself was founded in 1881 and grew over the years, eventually becoming one of the leading institutions in the region for higher education. 

The Business School, as we know it today, evolved from various earlier programmes that were designed to meet the growing demands of the local and national economy. In the early years, its focus was primarily on traditional business disciplines, catering to the educational needs of students who were preparing for careers in business and commerce.
 

In the 1990s, the school began to expand its offerings, introducing new courses to meet the changing demands of the business world. The curriculum became more diverse, with a greater emphasis on international business, management, and emerging areas like digital marketing and energy management. The shift towards these modern subjects was in response to the globalisation of business and the rapid advancements in technology.
 

In 2006, the school was awarded the AACSB International accreditation, a mark of distinction for business schools globally. This achievement placed Aberdeen Business School among the top 6% of business schools worldwide. The recognition reflected the high quality of education provided and underscored the school's commitment to continuous improvement. Over the next few years, the school maintained its strong focus on student satisfaction, consistently ranking highly for both teaching quality and overall student experience.
 

In 2020, Aberdeen Business School was named Business School of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, a testament to its role in providing a high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers. The school continued to build strong links with industries, offering placement opportunities in numerous sectors and developing partnerships with professional bodies. Many of its degree programmes received accreditation from organisations like the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Today, Aberdeen Business School continues to focus on innovation in business education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programmes. The school’s commitment to flexible learning options, including online and work-based learning, ensures that it meets the needs of a diverse student body. It remains dedicated to creating top-quality graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of modern business. The school’s strong industry connections, award-winning teaching, and research initiatives continue to make it a key player in the field of business education, with a clear focus on sustainability, energy transitions, and global business.

Aberdeen Business School offers a diverse range of courses designed to meet the needs of students seeking careers in business and management. The courses cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including core areas such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Human Resources, as well as more specialist fields like Energy Management, Sustainability, and International Business. The School offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development, and research degree programmes, giving students a variety of options for their academic and career goals.
 

The undergraduate courses include:
 

• Accounting and Finance: This course provides students with the skills to manage financial operations, accountancy, and financial analysis. Students learn about financial reporting, taxation, and management accounting.
• Strategic Risk Management: A course designed for those looking to understand and manage risks in businesses, including financial and operational risks. It covers risk assessment, management strategies, and the importance of business resilience.
• Human Resource Management: This course focuses on people management, including recruitment, employee development, and organisational behaviour. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), allowing students to gain professional recognition.
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management: This course explores the complexities of managing supply chains, from sourcing materials to delivering finished products. It also covers supplier relationships and logistics.
• International Marketing: Designed for those interested in global business and marketing, this course covers branding, digital marketing, and market research, focusing on strategies for international markets.
• Digital Marketing: This course focuses on the use of digital tools in marketing, including social media, online advertising, and search engine optimisation.
• Corporate Communications and Public Affairs: Students learn how to manage corporate communication strategies, including public relations, crisis management, and communication with stakeholders.
• International Hospitality, Events, and Tourism: This course combines elements of business management with a focus on the hospitality and tourism industries, including event management, hotel operations, and tourism marketing.
• Sustainability and Energy Transitions: This course focuses on the growing demand for sustainable business practices and how businesses can adapt to the energy transition towards more environmentally friendly models.
• Project Management: Students learn the skills needed to manage projects effectively, covering aspects such as project planning, resource management, and risk assessment.
• Energy Management: This course focuses on the principles of managing energy in organisations, with an emphasis on reducing costs, improving efficiency, and implementing sustainable energy solutions.
• Financial Management: This course is designed for students aiming to specialise in managing the financial aspects of a business, covering budgeting, financial analysis, and investment strategies.

Aberdeen Business School also offers flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, and online study modes, allowing students to tailor their education to their personal and professional circumstances.

• 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality in Accounting and Finance (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
• 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Business and Management (National Student Survey 2023)
• 1st in Scotland for Student Satisfaction in Business and Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Business School of the Year 2020 (THE Awards 2020)

Aberdeen Business School has a high job integration rate, with many of its graduates securing employment soon after completing their studies. The school offers various placement opportunities across its undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with many students securing paid placements during their studies. The university’s strong industry connections also help students secure jobs with major companies. According to the latest data, over 80% of students who take part in placements are offered permanent positions within the same company after graduation.

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