Aberystwyth Business School

Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business is highly regarded for its focus on student satisfaction and employability. The school is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction in business, with a score of 90% in the National Student Survey (NSS) of 2016. It offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes, with an emphasis on small group teaching. These programmes are designed to develop the skills necessary for success in the competitive job market.

The university is committed to enhancing the employability of its students through practical work experience opportunities. The "Year in Employment Scheme" allows students to take a paid year-long position between their second and third years, significantly improving their CVs. Aberystwyth is a member of a select group of MBA providers accredited by the Association of MBA’s, which offers students access to career services and professional development opportunities.
 

The School offers a wide range of courses, including MSc and MBA programmes in Management, International Business Management, Finance, Marketing, and more. These programmes are taught by a team of academic staff with strong research and industry experience. Students are provided with a global perspective, as the university partners with various international institutions, allowing for exchange programmes.

The Business School’s research is highly regarded and informs the teaching of its programmes. The school has a strong focus on delivering education that meets the latest industry needs. Students benefit from a supportive environment, with personal contact available between staff and students. The university’s commitment to offering high-quality education and developing strong employability skills ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for the professional world.

Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business (SMB) has a long history of providing high-quality education and developing employable graduates. The university itself was founded in 1872, and it became one of the first institutions in Wales to offer higher education. Initially focused on arts and sciences, Aberystwyth University gradually expanded its offerings to include a variety of disciplines, including business and management.
 

The School of Management and Business was established to meet the growing demand for business education. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most respected business schools in the UK, with a focus on delivering high-quality teaching and research in a friendly, supportive environment. By 2016, it had received recognition for its excellent student satisfaction, ranking in the top 10 for student satisfaction in business according to the National Student Survey (NSS).
 

A major milestone for the School came in 2010 when it achieved accreditation from the Association of MBA’s (AMBA). This accreditation marked a significant step in the school’s development, highlighting its commitment to delivering high-quality MBA programmes. The accreditation also provided students with access to AMBA’s career development and networking opportunities, adding value to the MBA programme.

In terms of educational offerings, the School of Management and Business introduced several key postgraduate programmes, including the MBA and MSc programmes in Management, Finance, Marketing, and International Business. The curriculum has evolved over time to reflect changes in the global business environment. In addition, the School expanded its range of research areas, including international trade, corporate governance, taxation, and consumer behaviour.
 

Another key development for the School was the introduction of the "Year in Employment Scheme" in 2006, which allowed students to take a year-long, paid work placement between their second and third years of study. This initiative was designed to boost students' employability by providing them with valuable practical experience, and it has since become a core feature of many programmes offered by the school.
 

Throughout the 2010s, the School continued to innovate and expand. New academic staff were recruited to increase the breadth of expertise within the School, and various new international partnerships were formed to offer students the opportunity to study abroad. The school’s research output has been closely linked to contemporary management issues, ensuring that students receive up-to-date, industry-relevant content in their courses.
 

By 2020, Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business had established itself as a leading institution in business education. The programmes offered by the school had gained recognition not only in the UK but internationally, and its graduates were highly regarded by employers across various sectors. The school’s teaching was closely aligned with the latest developments in business theory and practice, with a clear emphasis on fostering leadership skills, critical thinking, and employability.
 

In the present day, the School continues to thrive, with a growing number of students enrolling in undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. The university’s strong commitment to student satisfaction remains evident, with the School regularly receiving high student satisfaction scores. The MBA programme continues to be a flagship offering, attracting students from around the world who are looking to advance their careers in business. Furthermore, the School maintains strong links with the business community, providing students with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and undertake practical work placements.
 

The School of Management and Business at Aberystwyth University remains a dynamic and innovative educational institution, dedicated to providing high-quality education and enhancing the employability of its students. With a solid foundation in business theory, a focus on practical experience, and an international outlook, the School is well-positioned to continue its success in the coming years.

Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in today’s competitive business world.
 

For undergraduate students, the school offers several single honours courses in areas such as Accounting and Finance, Business Economics, Business and Management, Marketing, and Business and Climate Change. These courses cover a broad range of business disciplines and provide students with a solid foundation in business practices. Students also have the opportunity to pursue joint honours degrees, combining subjects like Accounting and Finance with Business and Management or Economics with Business and Management.
 

The undergraduate courses are structured to give students the flexibility to explore various business subjects during their first year, before specialising in their chosen field in the second and third years. This approach allows students to make informed decisions about their specialisation and gain a broad understanding of business principles.
 

For postgraduate students, Aberystwyth’s School of Management and Business offers several MSc and MBA programmes. These include MSc programmes in Finance, International Business Management, International Finance, Marketing, and Product Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These programmes are designed to build on the foundation of undergraduate knowledge and provide more in-depth understanding of specific areas of business.

The MBA programmes offered at Aberystwyth are particularly notable for their strong emphasis on leadership and management. The full-time MBA programme includes courses on Corporate Social Responsibility, Global Supply Chain Management, and International Marketing. For those who wish to continue their studies while maintaining professional commitments, the School also offers Executive MBA and Executive Masters in Management (EMMgt) through distance learning, with flexible study options ranging from 18 to 36 months. These courses are designed for experienced professionals looking to develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers.
 

In addition to traditional MSc and MBA programmes, the school also offers PhD and MPhil research opportunities in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Management, Economics, and Business. These research degrees allow students to contribute original research to their chosen field, supported by the university’s strong research environment and academic staff expertise.
 

Aberystwyth University also has a reputation for its Year in Employment Scheme, which allows undergraduate and postgraduate students to undertake a year-long paid placement between their second and third years of study. This initiative helps students gain valuable practical experience and improve their employability after graduation.

• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: Ranked between 601–800 globally, with a score of 25.7 for Teaching, 21.9 for Research Environment, 63.2 for Research Quality, 57 for Industry Income, and 85.3 for International Outlook.
• QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked between 661–670 globally.
• National Student Survey (NSS) 2024: 92% of Aberystwyth Business School students were positive about the 'Teaching on their course'.
• Complete University Guide 2025: Ranked 45th in the UK overall.

Around 90% of students from the business school secure employment within six months of graduating. This is due in part to the university's strong focus on employability, offering students opportunities such as the Year in Employment Scheme and various work placement programmes. In 2023, over 200 students participated in these placement schemes, gaining valuable work experience with leading companies across different industries. The combination of academic knowledge and practical experience has helped Aberystwyth’s graduates stand out in the job market.

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