
Bournemouth University Business School

Professor Lois Farquharson
Summary
Bournemouth University Business School (BUBS) is a leading institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and responsible business education. Established as part of Bournemouth University, the Business School offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programmes, including BA (Hons) Business Studies, BA (Hons) Global Business Management, and the MBA. These courses are designed to equip students with essential skills in business management while embedding ethics, responsibility, and sustainability across the curriculum.
BUBS is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a recognition held by fewer than 6% of the world’s business schools. The school also holds accreditations from leading professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and the Institute of Hospitality. These accreditations enhance the employability of its graduates by offering opportunities for professional qualifications in addition to academic degrees.
The Business School is renowned for its world-leading research, particularly in tourism, where it was rated joint first in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Research projects cover a variety of global business issues, including economic modelling, small business support, and international trade.
BUBS fosters strong industry connections through its partnerships with organisations like CIM and CMI and provides students with opportunities for international study, such as its collaboration with the British University Vietnam. The Business School’s focus on collaboration, ethical business practices, and global perspectives ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the business world.
History
Bournemouth University Business School (BUBS) is a prominent institution within Bournemouth University, renowned for its focus on delivering high-quality education and research that blends theory and practice. It is committed to fostering responsible and ethical business practices that align with modern global standards. The Business School is known for its dedication to producing well-rounded graduates who are prepared for the ever-evolving business environment.
Bournemouth University itself was established in 1992, but its roots date back to 1976 when it was initially formed as a polytechnic. The university has always aimed to integrate academic excellence with professional relevance, and this vision was clearly reflected in the creation of the Business School. The School was established to address the growing need for a business-focused academic institution that could provide students with the skills needed to thrive in both local and global business markets.
As part of the university’s broader mission, BUBS sought to connect education, research, and professional practice, providing students with not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical tools needed to succeed in business. This approach has remained a defining characteristic of the Business School.
Bournemouth University Business School has achieved significant recognition over the years, including gaining the prestigious AACSB accreditation. This accreditation is awarded to fewer than 6% of the world’s business schools and is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and business practice. AACSB’s recognition reflects the Business School’s ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of education and to prepare students for the challenges of the business world.
In addition to AACSB accreditation, the Business School has gained various other accreditations and memberships that reinforce its reputation in the academic and professional world. Notably, it is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Institute of Hospitality, and the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE). These accreditations ensure that the Business School’s courses meet the highest standards and align with the needs of the business sector.
The Business School offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development courses. These include BA (Hons) Business Studies, BA (Hons) Global Business Management, and the Master of Business Administration (MBA), among others. These programmes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business and management, while also emphasising responsibility, ethics, and sustainability in business practices.
The school’s curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest trends and challenges in the business world, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant skills that meet the demands of the modern workforce. The strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical business practices, and global citizenship has been central to the school’s ethos.
Bournemouth University Business School is also home to world-leading research. It is involved in a variety of research centres that deliver valuable insights into global business challenges. These centres focus on areas such as economic modelling, tourism, small and medium-sized business development, and international trade.
One of the notable research strengths of the Business School is in the area of tourism, where its research was rated joint first in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. This research has contributed significantly to the understanding of global tourism issues and has positioned the Business School as a leader in the field. The school is home to leading journals such as Tourism Management, International Journal of Tourism Research, and Tourism Economics, which publish cutting-edge research on tourism and leisure management.
In its pursuit to offer a global perspective to its students, Bournemouth University Business School has formed partnerships with educational institutions worldwide. One such partnership is with the British University Vietnam (BUV), where students can study degrees such as BA (Hons) Tourism Management and BA (Hons) Events Management at BUV’s campus in Hanoi. This collaboration extends the reach of the Business School’s influence and provides students with the opportunity to engage with international business contexts.
As part of its global and professional approach, the Business School has established strong connections with industry bodies. Its partnerships with organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) provide students with the opportunity to gain professional qualifications in addition to their academic degrees. This strengthens their employability prospects and accelerates their career paths.
The Business School is also a founding member of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) and has received the Small Business Charter Award, recognising its significant contributions to supporting small businesses and student entrepreneurship.
In recent years, Bournemouth University Business School has continued to build on its strong reputation. It was ranked 2nd in the UK for Hospitality & Tourism Management in the 2024 Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects. Additionally, the Business School was ranked 17th in the world for Hospitality & Leisure Management in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. These rankings reflect the school’s excellence in these areas and its global standing.
The school’s AACSB accreditation, achieved by fewer than 6% of the world’s business schools, highlights its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in education, research, and professional practice.
Courses
Bournemouth University Business School offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business management. The courses are structured to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for a variety of careers in business, management, and related fields.
The Business School offers several undergraduate programmes, each designed to meet the needs of students seeking a career in business. The BA (Hons) Business Studies is a flexible degree that allows students to explore a variety of business disciplines, including management, marketing, and finance. Students are encouraged to develop a strong understanding of business theory while also gaining practical skills applicable in real-world situations. The BA (Hons) Global Business Management provides a more focused approach, preparing students to work in a global business environment. This course explores international business strategies, global trade, and cross-cultural management, offering students a solid foundation for a career in multinational corporations.
Additionally, the Business School offers a BA (Hons) Tourism Management and BA (Hons) Events Management, both of which are highly regarded for their industry relevance. These courses prepare students for careers in the fast-growing tourism and events sectors, covering topics such as strategic management, marketing, sustainability, and tourism policy.
The postgraduate courses at Bournemouth University Business School include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), a highly respected qualification designed for professionals who wish to advance their careers in business leadership. The MBA programme emphasises leadership development, strategic management, and global business perspectives. The MSc International Business offers students a deeper understanding of global business practices, focusing on areas such as international marketing, global supply chains, and cross-border management. These postgraduate courses are aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in competitive business environments.
In addition to traditional degree programmes, the Business School also offers professional development courses that provide students with the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications. These include courses accredited by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students studying the Business School’s accredited courses benefit from additional professional qualifications, which enhance their employability and career prospects.
Global MBA rankings
Bournemouth University Business School has consistently demonstrated its strong standing in national and international rankings, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality education and research.
The Business School is particularly well-regarded for its courses in Hospitality and Tourism Management. According to the Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Subjects for 2024, Bournemouth University ranks 2nd in the UK for Hospitality & Tourism Management.
In addition, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 placed Bournemouth University 17th in the world for Hospitality & Leisure Management, further confirming the global reputation of its programmes in these areas.
Bournemouth University Business School holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation, an achievement that fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide hold.
In addition to its strong performance in Hospitality and Tourism Management, the Business School also enjoys international recognition across various business disciplines. The Business School’s CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) and CMI (Chartered Management Institute) accreditations further enhance its reputation.
Job integration rate
According to the Graduate Outcomes 2021/22 survey, 88.7% of all Bournemouth University first-degree graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The Business School enhances employability through initiatives such as the Business School Employability Programme, which offers workshops, events, and awards aimed at developing professional skills and connecting students with industry professionals.
General information
- The Bournemouth University Business School | Bournemouth University
- Bournemouth University Business School | LinkedIn
- Bournemouth University, The Business School | Chartered Association of Business Schools
- Bournemouth University Business School | Masters Portal
- The Business School, Bournemouth University | UN Global Compact
- Bournemouth University Business School | Principles for Responsible Management Education
- Bournemouth University | AACSB Accredited
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Professor Lois Farquharson