Adam Smith Business School

Adam Smith Business School is the University of Glasgow’s dedicated centre for business, economics, and finance education. Named after Adam Smith, the renowned economist and former Professor of Moral Philosophy at the university, the School upholds his legacy through world-class teaching, impactful research, and global engagement. The School was formally established in 1986, though its origins trace back to 1925 with the creation of the first Chair of Accountancy, and expanded through collaborations like the Scottish Business School initiative in the 1970s.

Today, the School offers a broad portfolio of academic programmes: four undergraduate and 35 postgraduate degrees, including PhDs. It is one of the few institutions worldwide with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. The School ranks 88th in Europe in the Financial Times 2024 rankings and holds top placements in QS and UK league tables, including 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide, 2025).

The School is structured around 11 research clusters, covering areas such as accounting, finance, macroeconomics, marketing, and human resource management. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021), 94% of its research was assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Adam Smith Business School is committed to sustainability, gender equality (Athena Swan Bronze Award), and responsible business education (PRME signatory). Its strategic vision, ASBS 2030, aims to position the School as a globally valued institution known for life-changing research and societal impact. The current Head, Professor Graeme Roy, is a distinguished economist and policy leader.

The Adam Smith Business School, part of the University of Glasgow, traces its academic roots back to the legacy of Adam Smith (1723–1790), widely regarded as the father of modern economics and a former Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University. The school formally bears his name and continues to build upon his intellectual foundation, especially in economics, finance, and management.

The origins of structured business education at the University of Glasgow began in the early 20th century. In 1925, the first Chair of Accountancy was established within the Faculty of Law. This marked a formal recognition of the importance of financial studies in academia. The Bachelor of Accounting and Master of Accounting degrees were introduced in 1968, expanding the educational offerings in this domain.

In 1971, the Scottish Business School (SBS) was formed as a collaborative effort among the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Strathclyde. The SBS initiative launched a part-time MBA programme at the University of Glasgow in 1976. This development reflected a growing demand for advanced business education and practical managerial skills. In 1978, the Department of Management Studies was created, with Andrew Thomson appointed as Professor of Business Policy.

The Adam Smith Business School, as a distinct entity, was officially established in 1986. Over the years, it evolved through academic restructuring and the consolidation of various departments and subject areas such as economics, accounting and finance, and management. Its research and teaching focus grew to include international finance, macroeconomics, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resource management, and political economy.

The school expanded significantly in the 21st century, both in academic scope and global reputation. As of 2024, it offers four undergraduate programmes and 35 postgraduate degrees, including doctoral options. The school is one of the few institutions worldwide to hold triple accreditation from the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS bodies—placing it within the top 1% of business schools globally.

In 2023, to mark the 300th anniversary of Adam Smith’s birth, students from the school designed an official school tartan, which is now listed in the Scottish Register of Tartans. This symbolic initiative reflects the school's historical significance and its engagement with cultural heritage.

Research has remained a central pillar of the school’s activities, with 94% of its output rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The school organises its research into 11 thematic clusters, including accounting, finance, macroeconomics, international business, and human resource management, among others.

By 2024, the school had been ranked 88th in Europe by the Financial Times and achieved subject-specific placements such as 62nd in the world for Masters in Finance and 97th for its MBA programme. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses also feature prominently in QS and UK national league tables.

The Adam Smith Business School is guided by a vision statement, ASBS 2030, which outlines its commitment to global relevance, responsible governance, sustainable innovation, and strategic use of resources. The School’s values of engagement, enlightenment, and entrepreneurship shape its approach to education and research. It is committed to gender equality, as evidenced by its Bronze Athena Swan award, and sustainability, through adherence to the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).

The current Head of School, Professor Graeme Roy, is a prominent figure in both academia and public policy. His leadership roles include Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and Assistant Vice Principal of the University. He brings with him a background in economic forecasting, civil service, and academic research.

Adam Smith Business School offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the disciplines of Accounting & Finance, Economics, and Management. The courses are designed to combine academic knowledge with real-world application, supporting students in developing analytical, strategic, and research skills required in business and policy-making environments.

At the undergraduate level, the School offers four main degree programmes. These include Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics, and combinations of these subjects with other disciplines. The Accounting and Finance programme is consistently ranked among the top in the UK. Students on undergraduate courses benefit from a strong emphasis on quantitative skills, theoretical foundations, and exposure to contemporary economic and business challenges.

The postgraduate portfolio includes over 35 taught and research degrees. In Accounting & Finance, postgraduate offerings include MSc degrees in International Accounting and Financial Management, and Corporate Governance & Accountability. In Economics, students can pursue MSc degrees such as Economics, Economic Development, and Data Analytics for Economics and Finance. These courses are designed for students aiming to work in the public or private sector, policy institutions, or pursue further research.

In the area of Management, the School offers several MSc programmes, including Management, International Business, Financial Technology, Business Analytics, and Strategic Marketing. The MBA programme is also offered and is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic leadership capabilities. This programme is accredited by AMBA and has international recognition.

Specialist programmes such as the Master of Global Business offer students international study opportunities, including time spent at partner institutions overseas. This course was ranked equal 5th in the world in the QS International Trade Rankings (2025).

The School also offers research degrees, including PhD opportunities across all subject areas. Students benefit from supervision by leading researchers and are part of an active academic community with access to specialist training and development resources.

Adam Smith Business School, part of the University of Glasgow, is recognised both nationally and internationally for the quality of its academic programmes and research. The School has earned a consistent presence in leading university rankings, highlighting its strengths in teaching, research, and graduate employability. The University of Glasgow itself ranks within the top 30 universities in the United Kingdom and the top 100 globally, which supports the strong reputation of the Business School.

In the Financial Times European Business Schools Rankings 2024, the School is ranked 88th in Europe. Its Masters in Finance programme is placed 62nd globally by the Financial Times (2024), and equal 92nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025). The School’s MBA programme also performs well, ranking 97th globally in the Financial Times (2025) and within the 151–200 band in the QS rankings for 2025.

Several other postgraduate courses are internationally ranked. The Masters in Business Analytics is ranked within the 61–70 band globally by QS (2025), and the Masters in Management is positioned within the 101–110 global range. The Masters in International Strategic Marketing ranks 51–60 globally in the QS Subject Rankings (2025). Notably, the Master of Global Business holds an equal 5th place globally in the QS International Trade Rankings (2025), reflecting the international scope of the programme.

At the undergraduate level, Adam Smith Business School performs strongly across UK league tables. According to the Complete University Guide 2025, it ranks 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance, 15th for Economics, and 22nd for Business and Management Studies. The Good University Guide 2025 places it 8th for Accounting and Finance, 14th for Economics, and 19th for Business Studies. In the Guardian University Rankings 2025, the School ranks 16th for Accounting and Finance, 31st for Economics, and 27th for Business and Management.

The School also performs well in global subject rankings. It is ranked 99th in the world for Business and Economics by the Times Higher Education World Rankings (2025). In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025), the School is placed 72nd globally for Accounting and Finance, equal 122nd for Economics and Econometrics, and equal 134th for Business and Management Studies.

According to the most recent data, 94.1% of postgraduate taught graduates from Adam Smith Business School were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023). The School’s connections with global employers, business networks, and public institutions contribute to high levels of job integration across sectors such as finance, consultancy, government, research, and international trade.

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