Hertfordshire Business School

Hertfordshire Business School, established in 1965, is one of the largest and most progressive business schools in the United Kingdom. Located at the University of Hertfordshire’s £120 million campus in Hatfield, just 20 minutes from London, the school offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields such as business management, accounting, marketing, economics, human resources, and more. Its mission is to provide high-quality education that combines both academic theory and practical industry experience, preparing students for successful careers in a competitive job market.

The school has built a strong reputation for its vocationally relevant courses, which are informed by cutting-edge research and industry practices. Hertfordshire Business School was awarded the Times Higher Education "Entrepreneurial University of the Year" title in 2010, recognising its commitment to innovation and its efforts to develop future business leaders. The school also offers a flexible, part-time AMBA Accredited Executive MBA programme, designed to fit around working professionals’ schedules.

Research is a key focus at Hertfordshire Business School, with several specialist research groups addressing critical issues in areas such as global economy, sustainable business practices, and management strategy. The school’s research has been highly regarded, with 90% of its work judged as "internationally excellent" or "world-leading" in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

The Business School has strong ties with industry, offering opportunities for internships, work placements, and consultancy projects. It also provides an engaging learning environment, with state-of-the-art facilities, including the university’s online learning platform, "StudyNet," and a 24/7 Learning Resource Centre.

Hertfordshire Business School has a long and distinguished history, having been established in 1965. Over the decades, it has become one of the largest and most progressive business schools in the United Kingdom. Located at the University of Hertfordshire’s £120 million campus in Hatfield, the school has gained a reputation for offering contemporary, practice-led education, and for integrating industry experience into its programmes.

The Business School started with a clear vision of providing high-quality business education and meeting the needs of the changing global job market. Its courses have always been grounded in both academic theory and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers. In recognition of its efforts, Hertfordshire Business School was awarded the prestigious "Entrepreneurial University of the Year" title in 2010 by Times Higher Education (THE), reflecting its dedication to innovation and its significant contributions to developing future business leaders.

A key feature of Hertfordshire Business School has been its continuous focus on expanding and evolving its curriculum. From its early years, the school has offered a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas such as business management, accounting, marketing, economics, and human resources. This diversity in programmes allows the school to cater to a broad spectrum of student interests and career aspirations, as well as to adapt to the dynamic nature of the business world.

In recent years, the Business School has also placed a significant emphasis on research, and it is home to several specialist research units that focus on areas such as finance, management strategy, and sustainable business practices. These research groups have built an international reputation for addressing critical business challenges and providing innovative solutions, which further enhances the school's academic standing.

In 2010, Hertfordshire Business School opened a state-of-the-art £120 million campus in Hatfield, strategically located just 20 minutes from London. This new campus provided an even more conducive environment for learning, offering modern facilities such as dedicated suites for the MBA and DBA programmes, postgraduate research spaces, and high-tech teaching resources. The university also introduced its unique online learning platform, "StudyNet," to allow students to access course materials and assignments from anywhere in the world.

Throughout its history, Hertfordshire Business School has built strong connections with industries, both in the UK and internationally. These connections have led to various collaborations, internships, and job placements for students, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the demands of the modern job market. The Business School has a dedicated Business Research Unit and offers numerous executive education and professional development opportunities, making it a hub for both aspiring students and established professionals looking to further their careers.

Today, the Business School continues to offer high-quality education that is responsive to the evolving business landscape. It is committed to producing globally aware graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in competitive job markets. The school remains dedicated to its founding principles of delivering vocationally relevant education that draws on cutting-edge research and industry best practices.

Key milestones in the history of Hertfordshire Business School:

• 1965: Hertfordshire Business School was founded, with a mission to provide high-quality business education.
• 2010: The Business School was awarded the Times Higher Education "Entrepreneurial University of the Year" title for its innovative approach.
• 2010: A £120 million state-of-the-art campus in Hatfield was opened, offering world-class facilities for students.
• 2010s-Present: Hertfordshire Business School developed an international reputation for research, with a focus on sustainable business practices, the global economy, and management strategy.
• 2024: The school was named the Chartered Management Institute's (CMI) Higher Education Partner of the Year, recognising its commitment to providing outstanding learning opportunities.

Hertfordshire Business School offers a comprehensive range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive global business environment. The courses are informed by both academic research and industry practices, ensuring that students gain practical insights and a strong theoretical foundation.

At the undergraduate level, the school offers a variety of business-related programmes, including degrees in Business Management, Accounting, Economics, Human Resources, Marketing, and Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Management. These programmes cover key areas such as strategic management, marketing, financial management, and organisational behaviour, giving students the opportunity to specialise in their chosen field while also developing a broad understanding of business principles.

The school’s postgraduate offerings are equally diverse, with a strong emphasis on leadership, enterprise, and strategy. The Executive MBA programme is particularly notable for its flexibility, designed for professionals who wish to further their careers while balancing work and study commitments. Taught over ten weekends per year, the programme integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, with a focus on strategic management, leadership development, and corporate entrepreneurship. It is informed by the latest research and industry practices, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills to lead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

In addition to the Executive MBA, Hertfordshire Business School also offers a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and a Professional Doctorate in Management (DM). These programmes are aimed at individuals who wish to pursue advanced research in business and management while developing their professional expertise. The DBA programme focuses on the application of research to solve real-world business problems, while the DM programme provides a platform for senior managers to deepen their knowledge of management theory and practice.

The school’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded business education, combining academic study with opportunities for practical experience through internships, placements, and live projects. Students also have access to a range of support services, including career guidance, employability workshops, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

According to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, the university ranks in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact, with 78% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. 

In 2024, Hertfordshire Business School was named the Chartered Management Institute's (CMI) Higher Education Partner of the Year, highlighting its dedication to preparing students for successful careers.

According to the university's official data, over 96% of its graduates are employed or engaged in further study within six months of graduation. The university's employability initiatives include robust career support services, internships, and placements, all designed to enhance students' readiness for the job market. These efforts are reflected in the high employment rates of its graduates.

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