Glasgow School for Business and Society

The Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) is the business school of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), established in 2002. Originally named Caledonian Business School, it offers a diverse range of programmes in business studies, law, and social sciences. The school has its main campus in Glasgow, Scotland, and an additional campus in London. GSBS focuses on producing well-rounded graduates who are prepared to take on leadership roles in the global business environment.

The school is home to three key research centres: the Moffat Centre, focusing on tourism and travel, the WiSE Centre for Economic Justice, researching women’s contributions to Scotland’s economy, and the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, exploring the links between social business and health. GSBS is structured into six departments: Economics and Law, Fashion, Marketing, Tourism, and Events, Finance, Accounting, and Risk, Management and HRM, Media and Journalism, and Social Sciences, offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic knowledge with practical skills.

GSBS has earned significant recognition, including EFMD accreditation for its BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) International Business programmes, affirming their high international standards. The school is committed to employability, corporate responsibility, and sustainability, with strong industry connections and a focus on social justice and global citizenship.

The Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) is the business school of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), established in 2002. Initially named the Caledonian Business School, the school was created with the aim of providing a broad range of business-related courses, including business studies, law, and social sciences. It serves as a hub for students seeking to pursue academic qualifications that prepare them for roles in the global business environment. The school operates primarily from its main campus in Glasgow, Scotland, while it also extends its reach through GCU London, providing additional educational opportunities in the capital.

GSBS has developed a strong foundation in research, with a focus on three interdisciplinary research centres. These centres reflect the school’s commitment to addressing global challenges and contributing to the academic discourse. The Moffat Centre, which focuses on tourism and travel research, aims to promote sustainable practices within these industries. The WiSE Centre for Economic Justice explores the contribution of women to Scotland’s economy, working towards economic equality and empowerment. Additionally, the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health investigates the connections between social business models and health improvement, reinforcing the school's commitment to social change.

The school is structured into six departments, each offering specialised academic programmes. These departments are: Economics and Law, Fashion, Marketing, Tourism, and Events, Finance, Accounting, and Risk, Management and HRM, Media and Journalism, and Social Sciences. Each department provides a combination of practical and theoretical education designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for their chosen careers. These programmes are continually updated to reflect the evolving demands of the global business and social environment.

Leadership at GSBS is provided by Dean John Lennon, who is supported by three associate deans: Dawn Anderson (international), John Harris (research), and Samantha MacLean (learning, teaching, and quality). Their collective expertise and leadership have been crucial in shaping the school’s strategic direction. Under their guidance, GSBS has maintained its status as a prominent institution for higher education and business studies, known for fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.

In terms of accreditation, GSBS has achieved significant recognition. In 2024, the school secured a prestigious five-year reaccreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) for its flagship BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) International Business programmes. This reaccreditation, which is granted for the maximum term, highlights the high international quality of these programmes and the school’s continued commitment to excellence in management education.

GSBS has always placed a strong emphasis on employability. The school has established numerous links with industry leaders and professional bodies, both in the UK and internationally. These connections enable students to gain practical experience and better prepare for the workforce. The school’s focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability is another key differentiator. GSBS addresses the global challenges faced by businesses today and is committed to delivering social benefits to both local and global communities. Its programmes are designed to develop leaders who are equipped to handle the complexities of the modern business world.

The school is a pioneer in embedding social responsibility into its curriculum, research, and public engagement activities. It was the first UK university to become a member of the United Nations Global Compact, and its initiatives include ASHOKA U, PRME, WRAP, and Business in the Community. These affiliations reinforce GSBS’s commitment to advancing sustainability and social justice through education and research.

Research excellence is another core component of GSBS’s identity. The school’s research initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on issues such as inclusive societies, social justice, and community development. These themes are central to the school’s research agenda and are embedded in its educational offerings. The school aims to provide students with the tools to become leaders in social business, public policy, and economic justice, addressing the challenges of globalisation.

The ethos of global citizenship is deeply integrated into the teaching and learning approach at GSBS. The school encourages students to adopt a responsible leadership mindset, recognising the interdependence of economies and societies across the globe. By promoting entrepreneurship and social innovation, GSBS aims to create a new generation of business leaders who are capable of making a positive impact on the world.

The Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across various disciplines. The school provides programmes in business studies, law, and social sciences, with a strong emphasis on employability and real-world experience.

At the undergraduate level, GSBS offers degrees in areas such as Business Management, International Business, Finance, Marketing, Fashion, Tourism, Law, Human Resource Management (HRM), and Social Sciences. These programmes are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen field while integrating relevant industry practices. For example, the Business Management and International Business degrees combine core business modules with international perspectives, preparing students for careers in global organisations.

The Law department offers courses that focus on professional practice, with specialisations in housing law, employment law, contract law, and sports law. Students can also gain practical experience through the GCU Law Clinic, which provides pro bono legal services under the supervision of qualified solicitors. This clinic is available to all LLB students who wish to gain hands-on experience in civil law matters.

For students interested in the creative industries, the Fashion, Marketing, Tourism, and Events department offers dynamic courses that incorporate contemporary industry trends and digital technologies. Programmes in Fashion and Marketing focus on the evolving needs of the global business environment, equipping students with essential skills in branding, communication, and consumer behaviour. The Tourism and Events programmes blend academic theory with real-world business experiences, preparing students for roles in the growing tourism and event management sectors.

The Finance, Accounting, and Risk department provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers accountancy, finance, investment, and risk management. The courses are closely aligned with professional standards and accrediting bodies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in the financial sector. The department maintains strong links with key players and employers within the industry, offering students opportunities to gain practical experience.

The Management and HRM department offers degrees that explore business operations, leadership, and people management. The courses cover key management concepts such as strategy, operations, and organisational behaviour, with a focus on applying theory to practice. Similarly, the Media and Journalism department provides students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the media and communications industries, including the use of digital tools and media platforms.

Finally, the Social Sciences department offers degrees in a variety of fields, including politics, history, sociology, and criminology. These courses provide students with a broad understanding of societal issues, preparing them for roles in policy-making, public service, and research.

At the postgraduate level, GSBS offers MBA, MSc, and PGCert programmes across several areas, including International Business, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Social Business. These advanced programmes are designed for those looking to further develop their careers, offering flexible learning options and opportunities for in-depth research.

GSBS also places significant importance on research-led learning, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in their fields. The school’s focus on applied research means that many courses include opportunities for students to engage in real-world research projects, working alongside academics and industry professionals.

The Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) is a well-regarded institution in the field of business education. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), the parent institution of GSBS, is ranked among the top universities in the UK in several areas. GCU is widely recognised for its strong emphasis on employability, research, and community engagement. 

The university is ranked highly for its focus on social responsibility, sustainability, and its impact on the community. In terms of overall rankings, GCU places within the Top 100 UK Universities in national league tables and has been commended for providing accessible higher education that meets the needs of both local and international students.

For business schools, GSBS benefits from the reputation of GCU’s overall commitment to quality education and industry connections. The school is well-regarded for its accredited programmes, including its BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) International Business courses, which have received reaccreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

In global rankings, GSBS is frequently mentioned for its research output and its impact on social innovation and public policy, particularly in the areas of social justice and inclusive societies. The school’s emphasis on applied research and its global citizenship initiatives make it a respected choice for students interested in these areas.

The Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS), as part of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), demonstrates strong employability outcomes for its graduates. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 91% of GCU graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after completing their studies. Notably, 83% of these employed graduates are in highly skilled occupations, surpassing the Scottish sector average of 81%.

At the undergraduate level, 70% of GCU graduates secure full-time employment within 15 months of graduation, which is 11% above the Scottish sector average. For postgraduate students, 65% achieve full-time employment within the same timeframe, 2% above the Scottish average.

• Glasgow School for Business and Society | Glasgow Caledonian University
• Glasgow School for Business and Society | Wikipedia 
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• Glasgow School for Business and Society | Masters Portal 
• Glasgow School for Business and Society | RePEc: Research Papers in Economics
• Glasgow School for Business and Society | University Info | Bachelor Portal 
• Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) | FindAPhD