
Essex Business School

Claudia Girardone
Summary
Essex Business School, part of the University of Essex, is a renowned institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and research in business and management. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across five key subject areas: Accounting, Business and Management, Marketing, Finance and Banking, and Entrepreneurship. Many of the School's programmes are professionally accredited, enabling students to gain exemptions from certain professional exams and giving them a head start in their careers.
The School has a strong research focus, with expertise in areas such as sustainability, corporate governance, emerging markets, and financial econometrics. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 100% of its business and management research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Essex Business School is also home to several research centres, including the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI) and the Centre for Accountability and Global Development (CAGD).
A key feature of Essex Business School is its commitment to sustainability. The School’s Colchester Campus houses the UK's first zero-carbon business school building, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices. It also offers strong support for start-ups and SMEs, with facilities like the Knowledge Gateway and Business Incubation Centre, which help students turn business ideas into successful ventures.
The School's links with leading professional bodies, such as the AACSB and CIM, provide students with access to industry qualifications and career opportunities. Essex Business School also has a global outreach, with networks like the Latin American Network at Essex (LANX) facilitating international research collaboration.
History
Essex Business School is part of the University of Essex, which was established in 1964. It has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality education and research in various fields of business and management. The Business School was officially founded as part of the university's commitment to offering comprehensive and globally competitive academic programmes.
Over the years, Essex Business School has grown to become one of the prominent business schools in the UK, providing a wide range of courses that cover key areas such as Accounting, Business and Management, Marketing, Finance and Banking, and Entrepreneurship. Its courses are designed to prepare students for the global marketplace, with many programmes being professionally accredited, allowing graduates to fast-track their careers by exempting them from certain professional examinations.
In addition to its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Essex Business School is known for its strong research focus. The School has built an international reputation for research excellence, especially in areas such as sustainability, corporate governance, emerging markets, financial econometrics, and gender studies. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of the business and management research environment at Essex Business School was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, positioning the school among the top institutions in the UK in terms of research power.
A significant milestone for Essex Business School was the completion of the UK’s first zero-carbon business school building, located on the Colchester Campus. This landmark achievement reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability, both in its teaching and research. It is part of the University's broader environmental initiatives, which aim to create an eco-friendly and forward-thinking academic environment.
The Business School has also been actively involved in the development of start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly through its Knowledge Gateway and Business Incubation Centre. These facilities are designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, providing support to students and local businesses alike. The Essex Startups programme, based within the Knowledge Gateway, offers students the resources and guidance needed to turn business ideas into successful ventures. The Southend Campus also plays a key role in this initiative, focusing on practical business education with a special emphasis on start-ups and SMEs.
Research is at the heart of Essex Business School, and it is home to several research centres and groups that focus on key themes such as entrepreneurship, innovation, financial econometrics, and corporate responsibility. The Centres, including the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI) and the Centre for Accountability and Global Development (CAGD), encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the wider academic community.
Essex Business School’s commitment to real-world business applications is further reflected in its strong links with industry. The School maintains partnerships with several professional bodies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). These affiliations provide students with direct access to professional qualifications and a clearer path to career success.
In line with its global outreach, Essex Business School has established the Latin American Network at Essex (LANX), which brings together researchers focused on Latin American business and socio-economic issues. The School also offers consultancy services and collaborates with local businesses to enhance teaching and research through practical case studies and real-world scenarios.
Courses
Essex Business School offers a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the global business environment. The School offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, covering five broad subject areas: Accounting, Business and Management, Marketing, Finance and Banking, and Entrepreneurship. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills while providing a solid theoretical foundation in each of these key areas.
At the undergraduate level, the courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals. The Accounting programmes, for instance, focus on the principles of accounting, financial reporting, and management accounting. Students are introduced to key areas such as corporate governance, financial management, and taxation. In the Business and Management field, the courses cover key aspects of business strategy, organisational behaviour, human resources, and marketing. The Finance and Banking courses give students a strong grounding in financial markets, investment strategies, and risk management, preparing them for careers in banking, financial services, and beyond.
The Marketing courses focus on the development of strategic marketing skills, with a particular emphasis on consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and branding. Students are taught to apply marketing concepts to real-world challenges, developing their ability to create and implement marketing strategies. The Entrepreneurship courses are designed to foster innovation and creativity, with a focus on new venture creation, business development, and managing start-ups. These courses provide students with practical insights into the entrepreneurial process and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
At the postgraduate level, Essex Business School offers a range of specialised master's programmes that build on the knowledge gained at the undergraduate level. The MBA programme, for example, is designed for individuals with significant professional experience who are looking to enhance their leadership and management skills. The Finance and Accounting MSc programmes provide in-depth coverage of financial analysis, investment management, and financial markets. For students interested in entrepreneurship, the MSc in Entrepreneurship offers a deep dive into business creation, innovation, and new venture management.
The School also offers research opportunities, allowing students to pursue postgraduate research in a variety of business-related topics. These research opportunities are supported by the School's strong focus on academic excellence and its various research centres, such as the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI) and the Essex Finance Centre (EFiC).
Essex Business School places a strong emphasis on professional accreditation, and many of its courses are accredited by leading industry bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). These accreditations ensure that students are well-prepared for their careers and that their qualifications are recognised by employers globally.
Global MBA rankings
According to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of its business and management research environment was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it among the top institutions for research in the UK. The School is ranked 20th in the UK for research power in business and management, further demonstrating its strong academic presence.
Essex Business School has earned prestigious accreditations, including from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which places it among the top business schools worldwide.
Job integration rate
As of the Graduate Outcomes 2024 survey, 86% of University of Essex graduates are in employment or further study . For postgraduate graduates, this figure increases to 89%, with many securing highly skilled employment. Essex Business School's integration with the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park, along with its status as a University Enterprise Zone, provides students with opportunities to engage with start-ups and SMEs, further enhancing employability prospects.
General information
- Essex Business School | University of Essex
- Essex Business School | University Info | Maters Portal
- Essex Business School | Top Universities
- Essex Business School | University Info | Bachelors Portal
- Essex Business School : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopMBA
- Essex Business School | UNPRME
- Master of Business Administration (Essex MBA) | Shiksha
- University of Essex Business School | Building Design Partnership
- Business Management at University of Essex | UCAS
- Essex Business School at University of Essex | PostGrad
- Essex Business School | Case Studies | B&K Structures
- Essex Business School, Colchester: education costs | UniPage
- Essex Business School | CIPD
Explore the latest data on Business, Industry Leaders and Influencers, Organizations, Education, and Investors to stay informed and ahead.

Claudia Girardone