Derby Business School

Derby Business School, part of the University of Derby, is a recognised institution offering industry-aligned undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as business management, accounting, marketing, economics, international business, tourism, and event management. Located in a city known for enterprise and industrial innovation, the School integrates academic excellence with practical experience.

The School maintains strong connections with businesses of all sizes, including organisations like PwC, Rolls-Royce, JCB, Toyota, and Lloyds. Students benefit from work placements, live consultancy projects, guest lectures, and field trips, both locally and internationally. Programmes are developed in collaboration with employers and accredited by leading professional bodies including the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), offering students exemptions and dual qualifications.

Derby Business School has received the Small Business Charter award from the Chartered Association of Business Schools for its support to SMEs and development of entrepreneurial skills. It is also a full member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

The School hosts the Financial Markets Lab, providing real-time financial data access, and is investing in a new campus building – the Cavendish Building – which will serve as an international hub for business education.

Research at Derby Business School is nationally and globally recognised. The University was noted for ‘world-leading’ research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with academics ranked among the top 2% of the most cited globally.

Committed to building stronger links between academia and industry, Derby Business School plays a key role in regional economic growth, workforce development, and enterprise support, preparing graduates to thrive in diverse business environments.

Derby Business School is part of the University of Derby, a public university in the United Kingdom known for its focus on applied learning, industry engagement, and regional development. The Business School has evolved significantly over the years, building a strong reputation for offering industry-relevant degree programmes that are underpinned by academic excellence and practical experience.

Derby Business School was established as part of the University of Derby’s commitment to delivering business education aligned with the needs of a rapidly changing economy. Located in Derby, a city with a long history of enterprise and industrial innovation, the Business School has leveraged its geographical and economic context to strengthen its focus on employability, entrepreneurship, and business growth.

From its inception, the School set out to bridge the gap between academic theory and business practice by developing close partnerships with industry and the professional sector.

Over time, Derby Business School has expanded its academic portfolio to include a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in subjects such as accounting, business management, international business, economics and finance, marketing, event management, and tourism management. These programmes have been developed in consultation with industry and in alignment with national and international standards.

The School’s Business and Management degrees are dual-accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), offering students a second professional qualification and access to the CMI’s resources and network. The marketing programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), while the accounting and finance courses offer exemptions from qualifications of professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and AIA.

Economics programmes are accredited by bodies like the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, and the international business degree also carries accreditations from CMI and CIMA. In hospitality and tourism, the School is an accredited member of the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE).

A defining characteristic of Derby Business School has been its sustained engagement with the business community. The School has established partnerships with global companies such as PwC, Rolls-Royce, JCB, DHL, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Toyota, and IBM, along with SMEs and local organisations. These connections provide students with work placements, internships, guest lectures, live consultancy projects, and field trips across the UK and Europe.

The Business School is also active in supporting regional growth, entrepreneurship, and small businesses. It was awarded the Small Business Charter by the Chartered Association of Business Schools, recognising its high standard of support for local businesses and its focus on developing entrepreneurial skills among students.

Research plays a significant role in the School’s contribution to business and society. The University of Derby’s research has been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, particularly in education, with multiple case studies demonstrating real-world impact. Researchers at the School are ranked among the top 2% of most-cited researchers globally.

The School’s research themes span business, enterprise, social justice, and criminology, with projects addressing issues such as economic productivity, lean logistics, and environmental sustainability. The School also collaborates on projects funded by bodies like the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), including initiatives aimed at improving the UK’s economic performance.

The student experience at Derby Business School is enriched through applied learning. Students benefit from resources such as the Financial Markets Lab, which offers access to real-time financial data and trading simulations. Career guidance, CV preparation, and job search support are embedded into the curriculum and remain available to graduates for up to three years after completion.

Students are also supported through international placements, field trips, and academic mentoring. Alumni have gone on to careers in a wide range of sectors including finance, consultancy, marketing, project management, tourism, and HR at organisations like Barclays, PWC, Mott MacDonald, and more.

In recent years, the University has made significant investments in the infrastructure of Derby Business School. A new building, The Cavendish Building, is under construction to serve as an international centre of excellence in business education. This facility will provide state-of-the-art teaching environments to support the School’s growing reputation.

Derby Business School is a full member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), a global network dedicated to enhancing the quality of management education. The School is also affiliated with professional and academic bodies relevant to each of its discipline areas, ensuring quality assurance and recognition for its programmes.

The School plays a significant role in the economic and social development of Derby and the East Midlands region. It supports business growth through training, consultancy, research partnerships, and enterprise services. Businesses at different stages – from start-ups to corporates – benefit from tailored support, facilities, and collaborative opportunities offered through the Business Engagement Team.

Derby Business School offers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a variety of business disciplines. These courses are designed in close consultation with industry professionals and accredited by major professional bodies to ensure relevance to current market needs and standards.

At the undergraduate level, students can choose from degrees in Business Management, International Business Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Business Accounting and Finance, Economics, Economics and Finance, Event Management, Tourism Management, and programmes that combine different specialisations such as Business and Management with Finance or Marketing. The Business and Management programmes are dual-accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), allowing students to graduate with both a university degree and a professional CMI qualification. This includes access to CMI membership benefits, networking opportunities, and pathways towards Chartered Manager status.

The Marketing degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), which ensures that the curriculum meets the standards and priorities required by employers in the marketing sector. These accreditations offer students exemptions from certain professional examinations and prepare them for careers in the industry.

Students enrolled in the Accounting and Finance courses may be eligible for exemptions from professional accounting bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), CIMA, ICAEW, and AIA. The BSc (Hons) Business Accounting and Finance course provides up to 11 exemptions from CIMA, supporting faster progression towards professional qualifications.

The Economics and Finance programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), while the BA (Hons) Economics is accredited by CIMA, both offering additional credentials or exemptions. The BSc (Hons) International Business Management degree is also accredited by CIMA and CMI, enhancing its recognition and relevance.

Postgraduate programmes at Derby Business School include advanced studies in International Business, Marketing Management, Finance, and other areas aligned with global business practices. These courses are designed to deepen theoretical understanding while also providing opportunities for practical application through internships, research projects, and industry partnerships.

Courses in Event, Hospitality and Tourism Management are supported by the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism, which is accredited by THE-ICE (International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education), recognising the quality of teaching and curriculum.

Derby Business School, part of the University of Derby, holds a position within the 301–400 band globally for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the University of Derby is placed in the 401–450 range for Business and Management Studies.

Additionally, the University has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, recognising outstanding student experience and outcomes.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2021/22, 96% of University of Derby graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation . This figure reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for the workforce through practical experience and industry engagement.

Derby Business School integrates work-based learning into its curriculum, requiring second-year students to complete a minimum of 30 hours of integrated work experience . These placements allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their employability upon graduation.

The university's strong links with regional, national, and international employers provide students with opportunities for internships, placements, and live projects. Employers such as Rolls-Royce, PwC, and Toyota have collaborated with the university, offering students exposure to various industries.

Additionally, the University of Derby's Careers and Employment Service offers extensive support, including career coaching, CV workshops, and interview preparation, available to students during their studies and up to three years after graduation.

• Derby Business School | Colleges and departments | University of Derby
• New Derby Business School | University of Derby
• Derby Business School | Chartered Association of Business Schools
• MBA from University of Derby - Fees, Requirements | Shiksha 
• Derby Business School | Stride Treglown
• Derby Business School | Small Business Charter
• Derby Business School, University of Derby | INOMICS
• University of Derby : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities 
• Derby Business School at University of Derby | Postgrad 
• The University of Derby Business School Investment | Marlix Student Living
• University of Derby Business School| IFG Partner University
• University of Derby Business School | Midlands Engine